Thursday 7th December 2023
A dull, cloudy and wet start. Sea, quite small waves and ship still very stable.
Breakfast today in the Coral, definitely the best and most pleasant option. Everywhere busy today, no-one ashore, no-one on deck.
Coffee today in the Crowsnest, fine views of the somewhat troubled sea and the mist and rain.
Afternoon tea in the buffet followed by part one of our packing.
Skipped the Black Tie dinner tonight, so it’s off to the Quays, beef in black bean stir-fry tonight.
Wednesday 6th December 2023
Woke today to a bright morning sailing up the Tagus passing under the bridge with views of the Christ statue.
Early enough today to join the virtual queue for the Aqua Restaurant for breakfast. Not so keen on this restaurant, will stick to the Coral or maybe the Pearl in future.
By now the lovely sunny start had disappeared and was now overcast. Even so off ashore for a short walk and a search of the shops.
Along the front, through the riverfront square, Praça do Comércio, and under the arched entrance to the town, Arco da Rua Augusta, to wander through the town.
Despite our best efforts to buy a souvenir glazed tile of Lisbon we couldn’t find any proper glazed tiles, all just transfers, as usual.
However we did find a nice shop to get our pasteis de nata.
Back to the ship for coffee and to eat a couple of pasties.
Relax till afternoon snacks in the buffet.
Announcement from the bridge of possible rough seas and high winds on our way back to Southampton.
Sailaway after dark allowing good views of Christmas decoration in the square and of the well lit Columbus monument and the Belem Tower
This evenings dinner in the buffet, Indian themed, very good curries and all the trimmings, Indian meals always good on P&O, the chefs mostly being of Indian origin.
Tuesday 5th December 2023
Another rather disappointing day, overcast, breezy and not very warm.
Late again, breakfast in the buffet followed by coffee in Vista.
Relaxing day, no inclination to go ashore.
A little afternoon tea. Watched the aerial show in the dome, “Rise’ another acrobatic and juggling show based around birdlife.
Buffet dinner then back to cabin.
Monday 4th December 2023
Overcast and chill all day today. Buffet breakfast, coffee in Vista all as usual.
The special lunch for Caribbean level guests today. Interesting menu options and champers and wine, a good bonus.
Needed time to digest and recover the afternoon away.
Light supper before bed.
Sunday 3 December 2023
Bright and sunny this morning - on the other side of the ship!
Late again so it’s the buffet for breakfast, outside this morning in the sun, still too cool in the shade.
Off to the cinema today, another handy addition on this ship, four small but well appointed screens.
It’s Kenneth Brannah’s Poirot in “A Haunting in Venice”, Very, very loosely based on The Halloween party. But another excellent third offering in the series, full of shocks and surprises.
During the film we arrived and berthed in Cartagena. Docked very handily for a visit to the town.
Off we go for our first time ashore this cruise.
Not much open, being a Sunday, but luckily we found the Gelato shop sells Pistachio, perfect for a stroll in the sun. Lots of locals and tourists taking advantage to wander around the waterfront.
Back to the ship in time for tonight’s dinner in the Beach House, nachos and fahitas today, delicious.
Time to rest and Relax. Still getting the base beat but now getting well used to it even though it’s still an irritation.
Saturday 2nd December 2023
Late arrival into Barcelona today, Captain couldn’t catch up the time lost in Alicante.
Rushed this morning to get to the Coral restaurant for breakfast. Pretty quiet it being close to the end of breakfast service. Very nice breakfast, much more civilised and a better and reliable choice of dishes.
Today it’s nice and sunny, air temperature still not very good so it’s lovely in the sun and cool in the shade. Once again our cabin is on the shady side, the Captain obviously likes parking this way, perhaps we’ll try the port side for future cabins.
Time for some relaxation on deck on the sunny side of the ship, luckily there are plenty of chairs etc on this ship, especially while in port when lots of passengers are ashore, not us though!
Lunch today in the Olive Grove, delicious, this is a great option.
The afternoon spent enjoying a stroll round the promenade and a cuppa on our balcony as the sun eventually moved round to our side.
Back to the cabin to digest, watched “Amelia” on the TV, a biopic on the life of Amelia Earhart.
Friday 1st December 2023
Just backing into Alicante as we woke, bit late again today so it’s the buffet once more. Sunny start seems to be developing into an increasingly cloudy day.
Looks like town is quite a way off so the choice of a rather long walk or a very crowded shuttle bus don’t appeal so a day aboard feels the best option.
Morning coffee on deck overlooking the town just the start for a restful day.
Today a very nice opera cake available with our afternoon tea.
6pm’s sailaway delayed by a couple of missing crew!
Then the wind getting up to a strength the Captain felt too high for a safe sailaway and so we stayed waiting for lighter winds.
Dinner tonight in the Coral Restaurant, virtual queue not too long, seems quite a good system for getting a table without standing around waiting. Very nice dinner and it’s always nice to eat and be served at a proper table.
Eventually sailed over 3 hours late, soon after 9pm