In January 2020, Cunard’s Queen Victoria set sail from Southampton, first port of call, Hamilton, Bermuda.  Nobody had heard of Covid at the time, when QV commenced its 79 night voyage to much of South America.   I remember a turbulent crossing, the weather never really warming up, and although dry, Bermuda was freezing!  I recall expressing frustration that the westbound crossing of the Atlantic Ocean was “disappointing” only to be reminded “what do you expect on the Atlantic in winter.”  Quite!  However, I have crossed before following a southerly course and after three days or so, been plunged into gorgeous sunshine for days on end!  Today, as I write (10.45 hrs, G.M.T. – 1) Bermuda is bathed in a modest 17°C, the same as Madeira yesterday.  I had expected three unremarkable sea days between Southampton and Madeira.  However, Day 3 (the second sea day)  was unexpectedly pleasant, although still cool on the open decks,  Nevertheless, despite my still dodgy left knee, and depleted energy, I did manage a couple of laps of the boat deck, giving myself an undeserved pat on the back!   Back home Storm Goretti was getting itself ready to batter Britain with disrupting easterly winds, damaging freezing temperatures and an abundance of the white stuff.  I expect indignant messages from home!  The prevailing north wind, although annoyingly cold, made for a smoother southerly voyage to Madeira, although we did bounce in the Bay of Biscay. 

Madeira was gorgeous all day, but still with a nip in the air whenever cloud obscured the sun.  Revisiting the Reid’s Palace Hotel was rather like taking another ride on the Orient Express.  Both are now run by Belmond.  Service was impeccable, the tea. sandwiches, scones and dainty cakes  beautifully presented, with more readily available if required, and of course, champagne as an optional indulgence at significant extra expense.  But, where were the chunky slices of the Madeira cake I remember from my first visit there in 1989?!  

We had been at sea three days.  Calling at such a lovely island, the largest of four, generated a small degree of regret as we set sail just after 5.30  pm before it had gone dark.  The night time backdrop of Funchal against a just discernible silhouette of the dramatic hillside behind is a sight to behold over and over again.

I awoke this morning. the sun shining through my stateroom picture window.  I had slept magnificently.  Today, Day 6, is the first of six sea days, of promised warmer weather and waves of no more than one and a half metres.  This is the Life!

Many thanks for reading, David, Lido Deck 9 starboard  11.35 hrs (G.M.T. -1)