Our last full day at sea

Controlled chaos as we packed

As we pulled away from the quayside in Vigo, Gabrielle tearfully declared that she wanted me to promise that we would do this again. It’s been a surprise to both of us how much we have enjoyed being on this ship and the excitement and exhilaration of the exotic places we have visited. As it comes to an end we can only reflect on a great time with so many highlights it’s almost impossible to remember them all. And that’s why we wrote this blog. 

As we headed into the open sea the mist came down and the wind whipped the spray off the tops of the whitecaps. It looked as if the weather was closing in, ready for our arrival in the Bay of Biscay. We clicked the heating up a notch and had our cold weather gear to hand. In the bath, the water slopped around alarmingly  as I searched for the soap that had made a bid for freedom. 

And so to the Glass House where we indulged in a final bottle of Miraval rosé. It’s a wonderful wine and not to be missed. After a great meal we then headed once more to the theatre for a last show by the Headliners where they were reprising their Applause song and dance. We left afterwards, tearfully proclaiming that we really must rewatch Les Mis. I think we were both in need of a good howl!

Predictably as we were heading for the UK the rain was honking down outside. 

We were woken to a bridge announcement of “Man overboard”, which brought us to consciousness fairly quickly, followed of course by “For exercise, for exercise, for exercise.” But the damage was done at the ungodly hour of 9:30am. The day dawned grey wet and bouncy but the good news was that we were a significant part of the way across the Bay of Biscay. The odd patch of watery sunshine broke through as if to say, “Gary Lineker will easily find another job.”

Gabrielle spent a significant amount of the morning arguing and planning how we would pack the bags. In the end we got the cases out and, well, we packed them. There was much muttering and mumbling about “If we’d followed my plan,” but in the final analysis, it all went in and the cases were ready to be collected by 6pm. 

At breakfast a couple asked us what time it was because they had no idea. Their room had had the clocks change card last night, in error, and I think they thought it was Thursday! As we are not much better and our bodies are deeply confused by about five changes in the past week or so, we basically wait for the Ting-ting to assure us when it’s midday. And, talking of which, today’s message from the bridge told us we had steamed 355 nautical miles since leaving Vigo at an average of 19.7 knots and now had 300 nautical miles to go before Southampton. On the entire grand voyage trip we will have covered 18,517 nautical miles. In this time we have consumed: 25.5 tonnes of potatoes, 145,000 eggs, 1.5 tonnes of baked beans, 7.5 tonnes of rice, 17,100 bottles of wine (not personally you understand) and 14,400 loo rolls. 

At lunch we wandered aimlessly, not really knowing what we wanted when all at once we spied macaroni cheese - two little pots, just made for us! They were only small so we grabbed them and headed off to a table, knowing this would be our final buffet meal. Not sorry really and although there are many things about the voyage I shall miss, there are many that I shan’t, particularly in the buffet restaurant: the lack of choice for people who don’t want meat and three veg for every meal; the ridiculous filtered water machine; the frantically overweight people staggering around with loaded plates; PG Tips for every variety of tea; and the ever present musak. Then there's the idiosyncratic internet, which was thrown into sharp relief yesterday in Vigo when we suddenly had 5G! On the other hand, I shall miss the smiling staff who are ever ready with a bright good morning or a comment on your attire; the view over the sea as you dine; and not having to cook, clear and wash up! Then there's gazing at the sea as we plough along, great wines, Headliners and of course, our lovely cabin.

In the next post, Gabrielle rounds up our whole voyage and looks forward to a life without Steevan.