Another gorgeous day, the last of six consecutive sea days from Funchal.

I have taken to starting the day with breakfast in the main restaurant.   This morning, I requested to sit alone at a window seat, my wish being granted to perfection.  Table 495 is right next to an aft facing window with stunning views of the ship’s frothing wake.  I chose to add freshly squeezed orange juice to my chosen courses.  Ideally this should have preceded the arrival of oatmeal, banana, yoghurt etc. But this morning, the orange juice concluded the breakfast rather than started it.

I think that I have decided to live with my back (and preexisting knee) condition, rather than invest heavily in a probably non existent quick fix.   I don’t doubt the benefits of the Spa treatments that I have enjoyed experiencing, ‘though acupuncture was far from my favourite!

However, I may need to rethink further shore excursions as sitting for anything above ten minutes leaves me unable to move for around 30 seconds, only being able to then move slowly before then being able to keep up.   I still have use of the Hydro Pool with its powerful water jets that hit exactly the right spot.

I watched part of Jennie Bond’s talk mainly on Prince William, but also elaborating on her stint on I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here.  Quite honestly, I would have preferred the acupuncture! 

I have been allowed to cancel two shore excursions, albeit my applying rather late in the day.  This is a great pity because I doubt that I shall be coming this way again.  However, i do intend making the most I can of each island.  I have one final (I hope) appointment at the Spa but they are going to have offer me some generous deals for me to continue.  I’m reluctant to go to the Medical Centre at the moment.

I ventured out to resume some deck walking. Ye gods, it’s 81°F out there!  It will presumably cool slightly later on in the day. 

Three from our restaurant table joined the ship passenger choir, a recent tradition in cruising. I feel compelled to attend their concert this afternoon in the Royal Court Theatre.  This follows a light-ish but healthy lunch, near a window seat which was already occupied, but is now clear.

At 2 pm, the ship choir which had been rehearsing hard gave their much anticipated concert of sea shanties.

The concert was a remarkable and enjoyable event.

I attended my interview at the Spar at 5 pm, after a brief period of sunbathing on Deck 10. Surprisingly I was not  press-ganged into signing up to anything that I was expecting might happen.  I was given to understand that my treatment was in fact effective even if it didn’t yet feel so.  Nevertheless, people told me that I was improving. Thus I felt reassured.  Hopefully, I am on the mend and can enjoy exploring the places we are about to call at.

Dinner and show in the Royal Court brought the curtain down on six magnificent sea days, a tremendously smooth crossing.

Tomorrow sees our first port of call, Bridgetown, Barbados.

Many thanks for reading. David, 00.51 in his stateroom.