So beginneth the FINAL WEEK of the first CUNARD cruise of 2026.

There’s a pronounced but still pleasant chill in the air as we steam forever north east to the Portuguese Islands of the Azores.  Queen Victoria  is definitely  swaying more as we progress towards Ponta Delgada where the weather for the coming week is “given” as appalling!  

I was reminded repeatedly during the early hours of my (probably) enlarged prostrate, and thus had a more disturbed night than usual!  I was wide awake when breakfast in bed was delivered to the (nice) lady next door. There was no disturbance from her T.V.  Just the repeated need of the bathroom!

Noon became 1 pm today as we moved to just two hours behind GMT.  There is still a convivial vibe on board.  Hopefully, today isn’t the last we can sun ourselves aft on Deck 9  This morning, I finished watching on my TV, a lecture I missed yesterday morning entitled the Cunard Queens, which I had started watching late last night, but couldn’t stay awake.  I was humbled by his clear delivery, knowledge and the amount of illustrated information imparted in the presumably 45 minutes allotted time. 

Being Sunday, I attended the Service at Sea.  The pianist,  let’s call him Liberace, is competent but even louder than I was as a kid!  Captain Ward  welcomed a respectably sized congregation and with Irish glee and pride, announced the first hymn, No 2 on the hymn sheet Jerusalem!  The piano didn’t block the woman behind me whose loud warbling would have shattered any nearby chandeliers!  There were the usual prayers some of which I remember from Mattins back in the day.  A cadet read Psalm 15 and appeared relieved when her ordeal was over.  Ruth (Entertainment Director) read from the Gospel according to Matthew. The whole act of  worship was over in less than half an hour.  I’m sure that Captain Ward was also relieved when the service (mandatory?) was over. 

I treated myself to  Britannia Restaurant lunch again today

After lunch. I ventured to a favourite spot aft outside on Deck 9, just in time for a music quiz which for once I knew a few of the answers. It looks as if this may be the last opportunity to sit out in the sun.  We are warned of long term inclement weather.  Seemingly our call at Ponta Delgada may be in doubt. 

My starboard-side seat by the window afforded magnificent panoramic sea views, which nine days from now, I will be longing for.  Despite lunch, I was tempted to go for afternoon tea.  I passed on sandwiches and pastries but succumbed to a couple of small delicious scones!

I stayed put in my seat in the Queens Room and watched a weird game of charades played out by some ships officers, immaculate in their white uniforms, worn in the tropics.  Audience participation was encouraged but didn’t appear forthcoming. I was unimpressed finding the whole thing hard to follow.

In some ways. although there is still a week to go, this Caribbean cruise is almost ending as it started. Tonight. there is a full moon

There was a full moon the day we set sail. 4/1/26.

I may well do some looking back during the last few days.

Many thanks for reading 

David  00.31hrs 2/2/26.