7th and 8th January
We arrived in a not as snowy Southampton, but it was very icy on Thursday. Checked in to the hotel and then went to John Lewis for last minute shopping. We met many of our cruise friends staying at the hotel having travelled from all around the country, just to be sure to be at the docks when the Oriana arrived.
We arrived in a not as snowy Southampton, but it was very icy on Thursday. Checked in to the hotel and then went to John Lewis for last minute shopping. We met many of our cruise friends staying at the hotel having travelled from all around the country, just to be sure to be at the docks when the Oriana arrived.
Watched the Saga Ruby sail away from Southampton on its World Cruise accompanied by a spectacular firework display at 9.00pm, of which we had a grandstand view from our hotel window. Boy, it seemed to be a small ship and I certainly wouldn’t fancy going round the Bay of Biscay on that one.
Woke on Friday morning, looked out of our window and saw the Oriana safely in port waiting just for us. She certainly looked bigger than the Saga Ruby – thank goodness. After an argument with the taxi driver about the amount of luggage we were carrying, we left the hotel at 12.00 and were on board by 1.00pm, better than boarding times at Heathrow or Gatwick.
Woke on Friday morning, looked out of our window and saw the Oriana safely in port waiting just for us. She certainly looked bigger than the Saga Ruby – thank goodness. After an argument with the taxi driver about the amount of luggage we were carrying, we left the hotel at 12.00 and were on board by 1.00pm, better than boarding times at Heathrow or Gatwick.
After a quick lunch we were told our cabin was ready and went down to unpack our many cases, which all fitted in the space very nicely thank you. We were very pleased with the size of the cabin, much improved on our last trip on the Artemis.
It was then time for our first dinner on board and to meet our fellow dining companions for the cruise. We were lucky once again – we have a good table with very nice people. After dinner we went to look around the ship and get our bearings, before going to the welcome aboard show in the theatre.
Saturday, 9th January
Up early for our full English breakfast, after which Doreen went off to her first craft class, and of the three things to make she chose to do a necklace. Whilst having coffee in the Crows Nest there was a snow storm – some of the crew had never seen snow before and were out on deck having snowball fights. After an afternoon lazing around attending a lecture we had to prepare for our first formal evening. It was the Captains Cocktail Party (free drinks and nibbles). Tom, one of our dinner companions (an ex military) used his organization skills and Geoffrey managed to end up with three gin and tonics and a glass of champagne, before we went to dinner.
After dinner we went to the theatre and had Jade Adams, a lady singer entertain us with songs from Shirley Bassey, Barbara Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald and many others. She was very good. After this we went to Andersons Bar and sat and talked with some friends until 12.30am, when we staggered off to our cabin.
Sunday, 10th January
A quiet day at sea. Doreen crafting and Geoffrey walking the decks looking for land without success. Just for your information the sea is getting quite choppy and the ship is bouncing around quite a bit. Lots of people have disappeared from the decks and gone to their cabins. Let’s hope it doesn’t last for too long.
Just been to dinner, a few people missing, followed by a comedy show starring Gerry Graham, a new comedian to the P & O group. He was excellent.
Thought we would post this blog, just to let you know what is happening here. As you can guess – NOT A LOT. We will send another blog after our visit to the Azores in a few days time.
It was then time for our first dinner on board and to meet our fellow dining companions for the cruise. We were lucky once again – we have a good table with very nice people. After dinner we went to look around the ship and get our bearings, before going to the welcome aboard show in the theatre.
Saturday, 9th January
Up early for our full English breakfast, after which Doreen went off to her first craft class, and of the three things to make she chose to do a necklace. Whilst having coffee in the Crows Nest there was a snow storm – some of the crew had never seen snow before and were out on deck having snowball fights. After an afternoon lazing around attending a lecture we had to prepare for our first formal evening. It was the Captains Cocktail Party (free drinks and nibbles). Tom, one of our dinner companions (an ex military) used his organization skills and Geoffrey managed to end up with three gin and tonics and a glass of champagne, before we went to dinner.
After dinner we went to the theatre and had Jade Adams, a lady singer entertain us with songs from Shirley Bassey, Barbara Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald and many others. She was very good. After this we went to Andersons Bar and sat and talked with some friends until 12.30am, when we staggered off to our cabin.
Sunday, 10th January
A quiet day at sea. Doreen crafting and Geoffrey walking the decks looking for land without success. Just for your information the sea is getting quite choppy and the ship is bouncing around quite a bit. Lots of people have disappeared from the decks and gone to their cabins. Let’s hope it doesn’t last for too long.
Just been to dinner, a few people missing, followed by a comedy show starring Gerry Graham, a new comedian to the P & O group. He was excellent.
Thought we would post this blog, just to let you know what is happening here. As you can guess – NOT A LOT. We will send another blog after our visit to the Azores in a few days time.
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