We are off to Alaska

At long last we are off on our cruise to Alaska. It has been a long wait, but before we went we just had to call in to see our gorgeous grandson, Cian . We explained that we would be away for some time, but I am not sure he understood., but needless to say we will miss him lots.

We stayed over night at the Chilworth Manor Hotel (Southampton) to acclimatise us to fine eating before we were up bright and early waiting for our taxi in the car park. As you can see we do not travel light. In fact, the first cab that arrived refused to take us and the luggage and insisted on ordering a bigger cab.

This is our cabin on the Arcadia before we started unpacking. It is plenty big enough and took all of our clothes, put away in wardrobes, draws under the sofa and all cases hidden under the bed, and so far the cabin still looks tidy. (However early days).

Just prior to our departure the cruise ship ‘Artemis’ sailed out on its final cruise under the P&O flag to a fanfare of fireworks and ships sirens . This ship was a favourite of many cruisers including Doreen and Wally Cumberland. Then it was our turn on the ‘Arcadia’ sailing out to the music of Rule Britannia and a noisy firework display.

On our first day Doreen has joined the Craft Class, which takes place every sea day and she is planning to make various bits and pieces, including an evening stole, a lariat, and a necklace.

After a hectic day of finding our way around the ship checking on various activities (and of course eating at every opportunity), we quickly changed for our first semi-formal dinner, where we met up with our fellow table companions, who we will be sitting with throughout the voyage, exchanging gossip and relating all our previous cruise experiences, a mixed group but I think we will gel in the weeks ahead. However, our meal was hastily brought to an end as we were asked to leave the restaurant as a medical emergency required a helicopter airlift of a passenger from the deck above .

Our second day we went to our first ever art class, having arrived late (over slept), and after a hectic 10 mins. We managed to catch up and have completed our first picture of Venice in watercolour. We both enjoyed the class and the teacher (Frank Halliday) was very complimentary although I suspect he was being polite !!!

This afternoon we are having an hour on our balcony in the warm sunshine. It is a most beautiful day, before having to dress in formal attire to go down to a cocktail party where we meet the Captain and Senior Officers. At this rate we will need a holiday when we get back home !!