There is much to be said for being cocooned in a cruise ship with everything one could ever want (except a Bible!). Outside, the skies are beginning to clear, but the heady temperatures of Lisbon and Southampton have yet to materialise.  There is a 2 metre swell, but the movement of the ship is only slightly noticeable. 

Yesterday, I enjoyed two minor triumphs on my maiden visit to bingo!  I used to play regularly at Harpur Hill Club (which is no more) during my early days of living just outside Buxton.  I joined a quiz team in the Golden Lion, forward on Deck 2, which works well as a recreation of a British pub.  I learned that the national flower of Japan was the cherry blossom (which I would have guessed).  Our group was convinced that it was the chrysanthemum. 

Today, I was determined to resume walking, having had to take it easy for a couple of days.  However, waking up this morning was worse, with a persistent cough and loss of both voice and energy.  My beginners luck at bingo had expired. 

Our dinner table in the Britannia Restaurant has all but disbanded following the “defection” of three of the six opting for open sitting, and my joining friends for an earlier meal, allowing plenty of time for the second show, now retimed to a more realistic 10.15 pm.  

It was good to watch an evening performance throughout with company and finish up in the Commodore Club enjoying a decaff latte as the resident pianist serenaded the remainder of the evening away.

By the time I wake up tomorrow morning or should I say later this morning), we shall be docked in Funchal, Madeira. If up in time, I will have the opportunity to join friends for a trip around the island on public transport. But already. it’s twenty minutes to one.

I continue to have the time of my life on this fabulous new ship.

Many thanks for reading, David, 00.44 in the Artisans’ Foodhall, 14/5/24, after a brilliant evening.