B&Y All at Sea: 2016

Days 11 and 12, at Sea en-route Southampton

Friday 2nd December and Saturday 3rd December 2016

Today, Friday, decided to try out the Britannia restaurant for breakfast, OK but still not as good as the buffet even if there a waiters serving everything.

All ready to take advantage of weather and take a few turns round the promenade deck when the Captain closed all the outside decks for helicopter operations. Someone needed to be evacuated from the ship to a shoreside hospital in Spain. Helicopter hovered above rear deck to winch patient and partner aboard.

This afternoon we spent on the “behind the scenes” ship tour. Visited many areas of the ship not normally accessible by the passengers. Backstage in the theatre, the mooring deck, the medical centre, the fire control room, the engine control room, garbage disposal, food storage and preparation areas, the galley and the bridge. A vast amount of information given about so many aspects of running the ship and providing for the passengers, mind boggling. Expected a couple of hours duration but over four hours by the time we were ‘released’. No pictures allowed, security!

Formal dinner tonight, including the ‘march of the chefs’ and the famous baked alaska dessert, no longer flaming!

Then to the theatre for tonight's show with the singers and dancers, “Palladium Nights”.

Today, Saturday, not much on today, will need to start packing soon!

Nice sunny day, though definitely much cooler, and sea a bit choppy.

Morning trivia, no luck, running out of chances for more stamps, 16 so far, will need to redeem this afternoon. Bit of shopping and morning coffee.

Our Wake

Finished the day with a couple of trivia's one final win, in the wipeout trivia, a bottle of 'fizzy pop' as the prize.

Enjoyed all the quizzes we attended and met a great group of fellow quiz buffs. A couple from Scotland living in Portsmouth and a couple from St Albans! Small world.

Day 10, Lisbon, Portugal

Thursday, 1st December 2016

Berthed in Lisbon, not too far from centre of city.

After breakfast weather clearing up nicely, so went to the morning trivia, then got ready to go ashore.

There appears to be a lot of work being done at the port so we exited from a new ‘building/terminal’ and came out just by the railway station, quite a bit further along from the old exit. Took a new route into the town, went past the military museum and then up the hill through very narrow streets, up by the Roman? walls, up to the Cathedral. Lots of little shops and cafes some of which were closed due to a public holiday. A lot of the buildings have tiled fronts, in all sorts of colours and patterns, some of the buildings are very dilapidated.

Typical street scene.

Checked out a souvenir shop to purchase a new tea pot stand and called in to a café to buy one of the famous Lisbon ‘custard tarts’, very tasty.

Walked past the Cathedral but didn’t go in, but the road outside was very busy with trams going up and down the hill, one of which appears to be a tourist tram which we need to checkout for next time we come to Lisbon to see where it goes.

Trams and tiled buildings.

Then down again to the main street and the main seafront square with their large Christmas Tree, and time to return to the ship as it had started to rain, luckily it didn’t last long but we decided to call it a day for our shore excursion.

Back on board took advantage of a sunny spell to share a burger and hotdog out on the rear deck.

Time for some blogging, new plan to get the emails working, hopeful.
Sailaway down the river in the dark, very pretty, including the Christmas Tree! in the square.

Commercial Square and Triumphal Arch with Christmas Tree

Time for a picture quiz, two more stamps, on the way to a buffet dinner.

Day 9, Gibraltar

Wednesday 30th November 2016

Here we go again, another mild but overcast day with the treat of rain. Wondered about a walk into town, but delayed going until weather decides what it’s doing. So fitted in another quiz, just to keep our hand in, and gained another couple of stamps!

After morning coffee got all ready to venture out and the Captain decided that the ship movement was too much and halted shore access, so that was that!

Early afternoon sailaway, weather quite windy but not too rough. As usual in the Straits of Gibraltar on the look out for dolphins, not a one, but did spot a sun fish.

Sun Fish

Relaxing afternoon trying not to do too much.

Dinner, not formal this time, in the main restaurant. Nice bit of roast turkey with trimmings.

Theatre this evening presented a pair of acrobat/dancers with a show of balance, strength and aerial work.

Clocks back one hour tonight, back to UK time now.

Day 8, Cartagena, Spain

Tuesday 29th November 2016

Wow, there is some strange golden ball up in a blue sky.

So, to give the crowds time to clear, we had breakfast and quick quiz and got ready to venture ashore.

Cartagena

Started in the Naval Museum just along the harbour front from the ship’s berth. Very interesting collection, lots of model ships, bits of ship, weapons, navigational instruments, paintings and photos etc.

Naval Museum

Followed this up with a visit to the Roman Theatre and Museum. A well preserved, if somewhat, though sympathetically, restored, example of a Roman Theatre. Located right in the town centre, hidden for most of its history under various developments of commercial and residential buildings until “discovered” and brought back to life as a historical attraction.

Roman Theatre

Strolled back to the ship via the town nicely in time for afternoon tea.

After sailaway and another unsuccessful quiz we had a little dinner in the buffet’

The evenings entertainment was “La Danza” with the Cunard Singers and Dancers.

Day 7, Valencia, Spain

Monday 29th November 2016

Today berthed in Valencia, seems we have berthed in a new location about as far from the town as possible. Couldn't even see the skyline of all the architectural gems of the science and cultural part of town. Weather overcast with threat of rain. Thought we would delay deciding our plan for the day and start with a couple of quizzes and get some washing into the launderette. A good start, picked up a couple of stamps at each of the morning quizzes and the washing all clean and dry. While we were at it decided on a pub lunch in the Golden Lion. Weather still dubious, couple of showers and still cloudy so decided to forego the pleasure of a trip into town.

The afternoon just seemed to disappear, one unsuccessful quiz and not much else.

Sail away followed by dinner in the buffet, nice piece of sea trout for me and a Hawaiian pizza for Yvonne.

..........and so off to Cartagena.

Day 6, at Sea, en-route Valencia

Sunday 27th November 2016

Another day at sea so not much to do to disturb us. Weather quite pleasant if not really summery, well it is the end of November.

In the afternoon we we entertained by Martin Vishnik on the classical guitar, everything from Bach to Hendrix. Excellent, quite inspiring. Interesting that he taught in St Albans at one time.

Martin Vishnik

Today attended the Gold/Platinum cocktail party, on with the glad rags again! Announcement of the most travelled passengers, 916 nights on Cunard, some total, makes us real beginners.

Dodged the formal dinner and snuck up to the buffet for a delicious plate of pasta bolognaise.

Went to 7 o’clock trivia, invited to join another team, and won another two stamps in our passport, up to six now, equalling our last cruise.

Then off to the Theatre for tonight’s show, “Hollywood Nights” with the Cunard Singers and Dancers, such energy!

Back to our stateroom to watch the lightning lighting up the sky, no thunder or rain though. The ship seemed to divert to near Alicante for a brief stop in the bay, not sure why, perhaps to avoid the storm?

Day 5 - Tangiers, Morocco

Saturday 26th November 2016

Awoke this morning berthed in Tangiers. It’s wet here! very wet. Just occasionally brightening up. Easy morning waiting for our meeting time for our shore excursion.

Joined our tour group and boarded our coach, still wet. Tour out through town past palaces and mosques and so up to Cape Spartel and its lighthouse for a photo stop and to view the meeting of the Atlantic Ocean and the Straits of Gibraltar, still rather wet.

Cape Spartel Lighthouse.

Next to the Caves of Hercules, this consisted of a small part of a natural sea cave with an extensive man made extension formed by mining, it’s greatest claim to fame seems to be the silhouette illusion of the cave exit which looks like a man in his turban! Luckily it wasn’t wet in the cave coz it was very wet outside.

Get the idea?

Then back to town to commence the walking part of the tour, even more luckily it was really starting to brighten up and the rain had pretty much cleared.

The coach dropped us at the top of the hill just behind the Kasbah, this is the walled area of the town, originally a fortress but progressively taken over for palaces and habitation for the rich and influential. The less well off and the artisans all being left outside the walls in the Souk. This proved to be an absolute maze of very narrow “streets” containing a jumble of houses, almost meeting as the upper stories are often jettied out, and tiny workshops and shops.

The souk, with local in his onesie.

Afternoon tea at the Continental Hotel consisting of Mint Tea (I think they forgot the mint) with a couple of cakes, one a bit like a mincemeat parcel and one a sort of shortcake.

Most of our time in the town stayed dry, only a few light showers, could have been much worse.

Back to ship for a rest and to dry off.

Tonight chose to eat in the buffet, Indian theme dinner, quite delicious.

Day 4, at Sea

Friday 25th November 2016

Today in transition travelling down the coast of Portugal. Weather still not great, sea interestingly but not unpleasantly rough. General improvement all day, certainly not cold.

Another day of not doing too much at all.

This evening the Captain presented her officers at her welcome cocktail party.

Captain Inger Thorehauge……………….….. and her Officers

Then our second formal dinner in the main restaurant. We both started with soup, I followed up with Chateaubriand and Yvonne with Loin of Pork.

Day 3, La Corunna

Thursday 24th November 2016
Woke this morning, late again, still almost dark and wet. Followed by wet and then more wet.
Wondered if a trip to town was worth the risk of a soaking?

A wet view of La Corunna

Early afternoon weather cheered up so went for a walk through town. La Corunna is known as the Crystal City because of all the glazed balconies on the properties. Dull day didn’t help but it’s always spectacular. Also managed a call in to the supermarket before the rain returned and drove us back to the ship.

Municipal Square

This evenings dinner we took in the buffet, our first of the cruise, delicious American theme. Well it is Thanksgiving Day. Manhattan Clam Chowder, Coney Island Hot Dog with Chilli and Spare Ribs with Jack Daniels Sauce. etc. etc. some restraint needed!

Then to the Royal Court Theatre for tonight's show with the Cunard Singers accompanied by the Combined Cunard Orchestra (all 19 of them) with a selection of favourites from pop, film and musicals.

And so to supper and bed.

Day 2, at Sea

Wednesday 23rd November 2016

Clocks forward, so up late as just too dark. Lazy day, leisurely breakfast, stroll round the promenade deck, coffee in the Grand Lobby, a couple of quizzes, afternoon scones, quick wiz round the shops to start actually spending, I am now the proud owner of a red bow tie!

The weather today mostly overcast, some drizzle, mild.

Time to get ready for our first formal dinner of the cruise, tonight's menu, I started with Gumbo, Yvonne deep-fried Brie, both followed by rib-of-beef and then dessert.

Red Bow-Tie

After dinner watched the sequence dancing for a few minutes, not at all sure we could ever aspire to the Argentina Stroll or the Balmoral whatever, even if we were inclined. Then back to our stateroom to get on with our homework (blogging).

Day 1, Sailaway from Southampton

Tuesday 22nd November 2016

Super smooth, fast and efficient boarding process, start to finish 35 mins, door to coffee. That’s Cunard for you!

The ship all seems very familiar, just as it was when we left four weeks ago. Our stateroom very nice and well positioned with nice big balcony, only one problem, last night very rough passage into Southampton and part of our balcony screen torn away, must have been bad.

A new Master for us this trip, Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge, born Faroe Islands, lives in Denmark.

Enjoyed our day eating, drinking and checking out the ship. The weather today mostly sunny with scattered showers making for excellent rainbows, some doubles.

Boldly went to the main Restaurant this evening, nice two seat table, a more relaxing experience, even though others only a foot away don’t feel the need to maintain conversation as on larger tables. For those interested, we both started with the soup, Yvonne had steak and I had lamb, we both finished with strudel. After dinner strolled round the shops to see what we could use our onboard spend credit on.

Early to bed, must be the sea air....

Day minus 1, Southampton and Queen Elizabeth

Well here we go again, all ready and packed so off to Southampton for our cruise.

Itinerary for this trip to the sun,

Tuesday 22nd November, Southampton, Mayflower Terminal
Wednesday 23rd November, at Sea
Thursday 24th November, La Coruna, Spain
Friday 25th November, at Sea
Saturday 26th November, Tangiers, Morocco
Sunday 27th November, at Sea
Monday 28th November, Valencia, Spain.
Tuesday 29th November, Cartagena, Spain
Wednesday 30th November, Gibraltar
Thursday 1st December, Lisbon, Portugal
Friday 2nd December, at Sea
Saturday 3rd December, at Sea
Sunday 4th December, Southampton

Pre Cruise Intro–Queen Elizabeth to the Med

Only a few days to go till our next cruise, and nothing prepared yet.
Playing it with confidence that post-op recovery is so complete that no problems will occur, taking every precaution to avoid stress!
Hoping for some Mediterranean weather instead of Noweather November here in UK.

Perhaps even some whales and dolphins

Day 18 - Home Again

Mayflower Berth, Southampton

Monday 24thOctober 2016

That's it then, home again, soon ashore (apart from the shambolic Cunard procedure for getting the passengers off).

Time to look forward to our next cruise, only about four weeks.

Watch this space.

Day 16 and 17 at Sea heading for Southampton

Saturday 22nd October 2016

At sea passing Iberia.

Cruising up the coast of Portugal in continuing warm and sunny weather.

Another day of just enjoying the pleasures of just cruising.

Nice shot I just wanted to use

The evening's entertainment in the theatre was the Cunard singers and dancers with a tribute to the music of the movies.

Sunday 23d October 2016

At sea Bay of Biscay

Another day of waking up before dawn, no clock change till tonight.

Weather definitely gone off, force 9 or 10 winds, four metre seas and overcast skies with rain and drizzle, oh well that's it then.

Rough Seas

This afternoon time to collect our activity reward prizes, skilled (or lucky) enough to have gained 6 stamps this voyage!

Time for packing, the saddest job of the whole cruise.

Day 15 - Cadiz, Spain

Friday 21st October 2016

Trafalgar Day - serendipitously it's the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar today and we are in Cadiz, the port from which Admiral Villeneuve departed with the combined French and Spanish fleet only to encounter Nelson and the British fleet near Cape Trafalgar only a few miles south of here and we all know the outcome.

Took advantage of the quiet ship to catch up with washing, just one excitement after another.

Went ashore for a walk round the town, and it is a very nice town, one of our favourites, as suggested by the shore excursion team visited Tavira Tower, for great views over the town from the top.

View over Cadiz

Also the tower contains a camera obscura which gave even more fascinating views over the town and came with an informative commentary pointing out all the significant buildings, if only memory was a good as the information.

Back to ship to enjoy the continuing warm and sunny weather, amazing that the weather has continued to be so good for the whole cruise.

Queen Elizabeth

Day 13 and 14 - at Sea enroute to Cadiz

Wednesday 19th October 2016

First day without that darned alarm clock.

A day of not doing too much at all, very nice. Weather continues idyllic, warm sun, light wind and calm seas.

Boldly attended the Cunard World Club Party for our free drinks, only had to listen to the Cruise consultant sales pitch for a few minutes in payment. Most travelled passengers announced, apparently Mr & Mrs Robinson, and statistics on the huge number of combined days cruised by all the World Club members on board.

Skipped the formal dinner, just not ready for another yet, and later went to a spectacular performance in the theatre of strength, balance, acrobatic and aerial agility by a French duo.

Thursday 20th October 2016

Still at sea enroute Cadiz

Today the Captain gave a most interesting illustrated talk about running the ship and bridge procedures.

Remainder of the day spent quietly drifting along dolphin spotting.

Day 12 - Messina, Sicily, Italy

Tuesday 18th October 2016

Another early start so alarm clock needed yet again today.

Bus tour again today, easier when berthed alongside, away on time and soon whizzing along the motorway to Taormina.

On the way had long views of Etna, later covered by cloud (pity the tour guide didn't actually identify which peak it was), and the village used in the Godfather films.

Guided walk through Taormina, very smart historic little town with a population of 10,000, one of the few parts of the area around Messina not destroyed by the 1908 earthquake and tsunami or by the WW11 bombing.

At the end of the town was the Greco-Roman theatre, the highlight of the site. A spectacular location with wide views over the sea and toward Etna. Rather over reconstructed but obviously in frequent use for concerts etc. so needed some proper seating and access.

Strolled back through town visiting the shops and having one of our best ever gelato.

Back on board Queen Elizabeth time for sun.

The evening's entertainment in the theatre was the Cunard singers accompanied by the combined Cunard Orchestra (all 19 of them).

Day 11 - Sarande, Albania

Monday 17th October 2016

Alarm clock needed again today, this is getting to be a bad habit.

Today's stop is Sarande in Albania, this must be the most unusual port of call I could have imagined. Doesn't seem five minutes ago that I remember this being a closed country, no access to anyone from the outside world and no one from Albania allowed out!, and now we are calling in as an alternative to a call in Turkey due to their troubles.

Tender operations today to get everyone ashore, a slow job at the best of times. Still at least being on an organised tour we don't have to wait for the early rush to clear.

Once ashore joined our group's bus and set off for Butrint National Park. A tight fit for the bus through the narrow streets but soon out into the countryside, pleasant and hilly and lots of flooded fields.

Butrint contains the archaeological remains of the Greeks, Romans and Venetians, and probably a few more. Quite extensive and surprisingly well preserved ruins including a very smart Greco-Roman theatre where we were given a very interesting talk by the resident archaeologist.

Various other bits such as the Gymnasium, Basilica and several mosaics (these being covered up for protection)

Lots of cyclamen growing wild to rival those at Olympia, very pretty.

Back in Sarande went for a brief walk round the town before getting the tender back to the ship.

Since 1990 Albania has been bringing itself up to date and trying to develop tourism, lots of building going on and the new Mayor of Sarande has started work on increasing the 2 hours of water each day up to 24!

Albania is hoping to join the EU when they have complied with all the entry conditions.

Day 10 - Katakalon, Greece

Sunday 16th October 2016

Alarm clock needed today, a really early start because our tour meeting was set at 8:30. Not quite sure why so early but there you are.

Anyway off on our tour to Olympia to see the birthplace of the Ancient Olympic Games and where the Olympic flame is kindled every four years for the Modern Olympics Games (surprised to learn this "tradition" started by Adolf Hitler in 1936 and we still continue to this day) . Lots of ruins of temples to Greek Gods, Zeus etc. and the original stadium.

Numerous plinths commemorating the one recipient of the Olympic laurel wreath at each games, his main prize being the wreath (other prizes being no need to ever pay tax again!) and also some for the cheats on the other side of the path just so everyone knew who had cheated, with the name of his father and his place of birth.

One real pleasure of our tour of the site was the abundance of cyclamen growing wild among the fallen stones.

On returning to Katakalon popped back onboard Elizabeth for a coffee before venturing into the town to check out the shops and tavernas, no sale!

Clocks back tonight, thankfully as we have an another early start tomorrow in Albania.

Day 9 - Iraklion, Crete

Saturday 15th October 2016

Today berthed in Iraklion, on Crete quite near the main town, the port providing a shuttle bus to the port gate, we were in the commercial port and they don't allow pedestrians. Looked at the HOHO buses but elected to just walk into town, felt like a proper holiday place, full of tourists, shops full of clutter and a harbour full of fishing boats. Had our first Gelato of this holiday from an Italian in a Greek town.

All sorts of remains from the time of the Venetians including a fine fortress and city walls.

For our afternoon delight the locals were using an empty part of the port to roar round in their souped up cars, very noisily and without any obvious purpose.

After dinner this evening's entertainment were a four piece male harmony group called the Troubadours, which we had seen on a previous cruise and they were again very good.

Got back to our stateroom and found we had been personally invited by Captain Aseem Hashmi to a World Club Party (along with a couple of thousand others!)

Day 8 - Piraeus, Greece

Friday 14th October 2016

Happy Anniversary

Today berthed in Piraeus, the port for Athens. Decided not to go into Athens, just had a short walk around Piraeus, not a great spot, just a port city and mostly not very attractive.

Spent the rest of the day onboard the ship enjoying the sun.

Opened our sailaway bottle of Pol Aker before dinner and enjoyed a couple of glasses to celebrate our anniversary (getting quite a taste for champers).

This evening Lorraine Brown entertained us in the Theatre singing mostly 1970/80's hits.

Returned to our stateroom via the Queens Room and we were even more impressed by the passengers performing sequence dancing, now that would be a challenge.

The Ionian Sea

Thursday 13th October 2016

The Ionian Sea

After passing through the Messina Straits last night yet another day at sea again pretty much out of sight of anything. Again an easy day of relaxing in the sun.

Tonight boldly chose to attend another formal dinner, just for the lobster tail!, starting to get a bit of a habit, maybe not.

Checked out the dancing in The Queens Ballroom, perhaps that's our next challenge, or perhaps not!

An easier option is to do a jigsaw puzzle.

Day 6 - at Sea between Sardinia and Sicily

Wednesday 12th October 2016

At sea between Sardinia and Sicily

Proper transition day today, out of sight of anything pretty much all day, just a few small islands as Sicily approaches. An easy day of relaxing in the sun.

Tonight another excellent performance by Zack Winningham with a new selection of songs.

Day 5 - Palma de Mallorca

Tuesday 11th October 2016

Palma de Mallorca

This morning slowly entering the harbour of Palma de Mallorca, very busy spot, already five cruise ships and several ferries berthed. Slid in sideways between two ships, very neatly done. Not the best berth in the port, certainly well away from the centre of town. Restricted ourselves to a short walk from the ship, just far enough to see 'round the corner' and to get a good view of the exterior of the ship.

Enjoyed a nice swim in the pool while the ship was quiet, most having gone ashore into the town, despite a heavy shower of rain. Rain less troublesome to a swim than walking the streets of Palma, especially as one more cruise ship had arrived and by all reports the town was very busy and spaces on the shuttle bus in great demand!

Sun soon out again so back on deck to enjoy peace and quiet.

The evening entertainment in the theatre provided by the Cunard Singers and Dancers with a tribute to the London Palladium.

Day 4 - Gibraltar and the Mediterranean

Monday 10th October 2016

Gibraltar and the Mediterranean

Rather rude awakening this morning, the steward bringing our 'breakfast in bed' before we had a chance to wake gently. This was organised as the transit of the Straits of Gibraltar was rather early so figured we would watch from our balcony. Breakfast very good but sadly not even one dolphin to accompany us.

Another leisurely sea day, weather proper summer now, sea glassy. Only a few scattered dolphins today.

Day 3 - Passing Iberia

Sunday 9th October 2016

Passing Iberia

Last night passed Finnisterre, and today passed by Portugal and will reach Gibraltar tomorrow morning.

Weather continues to improve, very pleasant temperature and slight seas.

This evening it's the Captain's welcome party and the first formal dinner. Having promised ourselves we would attend we got dressed up accordingly.

Dodged actually joining the line to meet the Captain and slipped in the back way (along with quite a few others!). Glass of something and another chat with someone we will probably never see again, before the Captain gave his little welcome speach and introduced all the Senior Officers. Then into dinner, same table though now we are eight, only two others from our first dinner. One of our new table companions being an ex chief engineer of the Union Castle Shipping Line. He having a wealth of anecdotes to keep us all entertained, the dinner being good in choice and production, the whole dining experience passed very pleasantly without undue strain. After dinner went to the theatre for this evenings show, Vanity Fair, with the Cunard Singers and Dancers. And so to bed.

Day 2 - Bay of Biscay

Saturday 8th October 2016

Bay of Biscay

Today traversed the Bay of Biscay Early, weather brightening all day, sea just small waves, all very restful. Lazy day, just a couple of quizzes to ease us into the cruise. Enjoyed the sight of large pod of common Dolphins during morning coffee.

After dinner in the Lido Buffet, dropped back into old habits already, watched the evening entertainment in the theatre. This Evening a young fella from Indiana, Zack Winningham, singing Country and Blues numbers. Accompanying himself on Guitar, Piano, Ukulele and Harmonica, backed by the Cunard Orchestra. An excellent show.

Day 1 - Southampton and Queen Elizabeth

Friday 7th October 2016

Southampton and Queen Elizabeth

Early start today, arrived ocean terminal 09.45, previous cruise still disembarking.

Only a short wait, baggage collection opened, soon booking hall opened and very quickly booking and security completed and onto the ship about 11.10. Quite exceptional and made a pleasure of the process, unlike some previous experiences which have been frustrating and stressful. Congratulations to Cunard.

Enjoyed a pleasant day finding our way round spotting similarities and differences to Queen Victoria. managed to fit in coffee and food breaks as well as emergency drill and sailaway.

All too soon time to get ready for our dinner in the main restaurant, we had determined that we would dip a toe into the 'proper' world of dining and not just enjoy the delights of the buffet.

Experience proved much less of an ordeal than expected, very pleasant table companions, conversation flowed easily and food choices and presentation more than acceptable.

Seems a long day so retired to our stateroom for the remaining time before sleep.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Thursday 6th October 2016

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Today visited the dockyard. The plan was to 'do' the Mary Rose and then see what time and energy remained.

After the obligatory coffee went straight to the Mary Rose Museum, starting with the first exhibits then proceeding past the mid-deck of the actual ship we eventually reached the second set of exhibits on this level. Sounds easy doesn't it, actually took over two hours just to do a reasonably full viewing of just this part, in need of a break, so lunch called. The exceptional amount of 'stuff', with information and the superb presentation of the ship now clear of spraying equipment etc. was all absorbing and very tiring.