We are now three hours behind the U.K. and thus it is far easier to get up at a respectable hour in the morning.  So, when Captain Sharples announced we would be passing a lone sailor rowing from somewhere in the Canaries to Antigua (I think), I decided to join all those lining the starboard side of Deck 3.  Sure enough, coming in sight, and then disappearing behind the swell, this lone oars-man, rowing at 2 knots was cheered on by those watching and waving, as Queen Victoria let rip on all whistles and sirens.

Then, the lights went out and the engines shut down!  We are still moving, but not as fast as the current following us.  It feels like we are adrift, and the ship’s stability is compromised. 

10.05 hrs

Soon, we were “dead in the water” for around maybe an hour and a half – it’s hard to tell.  This may be very inaccurate. What surprised me was the much increased movement on board the ship due to an only slight swell.  The ship’s being underway negates much of the effects of the sea.  This had never occurred to me previously.  Now, we are fully underway once again, and the Captain’s broadcasts every quarter of an hour have end all seems back to normal, the excitement (or alarm) is over.   And my back continues to annoy!

Today is cloudy, and a gentle cool breeze outside is most pleasant.  The boat deck is thronged with walkers getting their steps in.  Jen Jen, my masseuse is due to attack the still fragile areas of my back.  I can’t wait!  The Captain has just announced heavy showers as the cloud cover we are entering increases.

I attended the Spa for my second session of back massage.  I enjoyed the first lot even if any benefit was hard to discern.  However, second time round, the masseuse let rip on the areas of my back in need of attention.  When she finished, I was strongly advised to sign up for 50 minutes of “pain management.”  Another 200 bucks!   I wonder if I have a legitimate claim on my travel insurance. Probably not.  I turned up at the appointed hour for “pain management. ”  Ye gods,  it’s acupuncture!   Too late to protest.  21 needles were applied to all regions of my body for around half an hour.  Still, in the evening, continued difficulty and pain getting up from periods of sitting down.

Today was the penultimate sea day as we become ever closer ro Bridgetown, Barbados.  I believe it was very warm outside.

01.06. 14/1/26.

Following two sessions of treatment at the Spa, the rest of the day was pretty much routine.  The question is. Will Queen Victoria grind to a halt a second time tomorrow?  Impressively, once underway, Queen Victoria appears to have its mechanical issues worked out.  Tomorrow (or later today)  is another day. 

Many thanks for reading 

David, 01.12 14/1/26.