Ponta Delgada is now cancelled.

Next and final port:  Southampton 4/10

Last night in the Royal Court Theatre after dinner, guests were entertained by yet another virtuoso pianist who again “wowed” his almost capacity audience.   No words can portray such unsurpassable musicianship and choice of programme, ‘though.  It was a fabulous show which passed very quickly, and of course, received a substantial standing ovation.  

I did overhear comment that the “orchestra” (session musicians who are excellent) overwhelmed or drowned out the pianist at times, and for once I did tend to agree.  Nevertheless, it still was a tremendous show which I would welcome seeing again.

If you have been following this blog from the start of the cruise, you may recall lone rower 42 yesr old Daragh MacLoughlin who sailed from La Gomera in the Canary Isles to Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua who we (on board m.v. Queen Victoria) overtook on our westbound crossing to Barbados.   

This morning, a live link up with Daragh MacLoughlin was relayed to a full Royal Court Theatre.  A web call had been arranged with Captain Jonathan Ward and Entertainment Director Ruth Sandell for a full house to experience. The insight into the preparation and arrangements for such a project, as well as a first hand account of the Daragh’s experience sailing three thousand miles across the Atlantic ocean was mind boggling.   80+ days supply of food, much of it dried.  That is the minimum amount allowed by Maritime Law. A water desalination unit for fresh water. No mention of the loo!  The conversation was live as if talking on the ‘phone. Technology allowed Daragh MacLoughlin to see the 100% percent standing ovation in the packed Royal Court Theatre at the end.  This is historic stuff. I was there!  Sorry, no pictures were allowed and I saw nobody sneeking a clandestine video!  However, the picture I took a few weeks ago has been trounced by an amazing shot taken by one of my cruising friends which I will publish as soon as I receive a copy.

I was invited to join David and Diana for a special afternoon tea in the Britannia Restaurant.  Because of my invitation to join ship’s officers for dinner tonight, I didn’t partake of too much to eat. plenty of tea ‘though!  Tonight is a Red and Gold themed Gala Night requiring the donning of a tuxedo and tie, preferably red, gold or both.  I went to purchase a red tie.  They had just one in stock which was sold long ago!  Good forward planning then!

We are heading for inclement weather.  The effects of storms in North America have had a knock on effect where we are heading, and it is deemed unsafe to call at Ponta Delgada which is a pity. A new course has been set to avoid the stormy weather as much as possible, but the last few days to Southampton may be unpleasant. 

I finish with a few interior shots.

Many thanks for reading,

David

18.00hrs  in his stateroom