Today is the second of four sea days between Funchal Madeira and Bridgetowm Barbados.  The captain announced an outside air temperature of 22°C, and I don’t intend opting for any of the indoor activities on offer.  Breakfast al fresco, while possible, was not quite warm enough this morning for that sense of arrival into warm weather.

I managed to sprain something in my lower back while getting up this morning, suddenly finding myself almost unable to walk.  Desperate measures then.  I signed up for various spa facilities (not really my scene!)  The deal includes two sessions of 75 minutes’ massage, and 14 days’ spa pass.  After the first session, I can walk again, with the sprain much less debilitating.  Was it worth it?  Probably.

Today concludes the first of five weeks of this winter cruise to the Caribbean.  For a second time, formal evening wear is required beyond six o’clock tonight in certain parts of the ship.  It’s strange.  This first week feels much much longer. Last Saturday, I was in a wintery Southampton contemplating a not so momentary escape from the icy blasts of northern Europe.

Introduction to Cunard’s Queen Victoria

Cruise enthusiasts are not going to be overly bothered about my unplanned misfortunes.  We all have them.  Of more interest and relevance is the ship itself.  Despite being just over eighteen years old, Queen Victoria comes across as far newer and well cared for.  It’s just a pity that the outside pool on Deck 9 looks like a crime scene with plastic tape confirming no entry as the pool is undergoing heavy maintenance. 

There are 13 decks. Deck A, then Decks 1 to 12, Grills (first class) passengers having exclusive use of Decks 11 and 12.  Maybe I can sweet-talk somebody into showing me around this exclusive territory.  Here are a few pictures to be going on with.

  More pictures and details to follow.

Many thanks for reading, David, 17.36 Lido Deck 9 starboard.