*Written and posted some considerable time after the cruise ended…*
We were both awake fairly early, so as Paula was feeling a bit better, we were both down on deck 5 for an early drink and for me, a chocolate doughnut. We didn’t stay too late as it wasn’t too warm.
An email from the motorsport fraternity about the (UK) Goodwood Revival meeting in September started a flurry of emails, in an effort to secure a Saturday ticket for me (all sold out in April!) and a paddock pass.
After a losing trivia, we went to the last Pacific Circler’s meet, for a ‘tacky souvenir’ exchange. This was as expected, fun, though some gifts were more desirable than tacky!
Marie kindly presented Jo with a gift from the group’s donations, for doing such a fantastic job organising so many meets and she also gave me a gift, for doing the name tags. That was totally unexpected but a very nice thought.
After our final ukulele practice, we headed to the buffet and once again there was a totally unannounced speciality lunch. Oriental. Quite why they never announce these in the daily Princess Patter is one of the mysteries of the cruise.
The early show was another Ashley Carruthers concert and another good show.
Dinner was a little unusual as several of our group had opted for the ‘Chef’s Table’ dining experience, so we combined our two tables into one.
After a good dinner, back to the Vista lounge for the ever popular ‘Marriage Game show’. This was a good show as always and when cruise director Mark shines as ‘host’.
We stayed on for magician Tim Ellis then I managed to watch some of the Belgian GP replay, so quite a busy day.
August 30th – The very last sea day
A bit of a rough night – not from sickness this time, but the captain’s previously forecasted rough seas. Not as bad as some nights on previous cruises, but certainly a contrast, after 70 days of incredibly calm waters.
I headed off to deck 5 at about 6:20, trying to get through the book, but I won’t finish it. Fortified with an iced doughnut, I returned to the cabin about 8:30 and then for a very light breakfast.
No win at trivia an then on to seriously finish the packing – though I had to keep the Hawaiian shirt out for the ukulele concert. This went down very well once again and I had the opportunity to play the banjolele – though with one of the trickier numbers, I played very quietly! Gary kindly videoed the whole concert for us.
A late lunch - and no meat! Catfish, salmon and pasta. I am not a huge salmon fan but when it is available and I can just take a chunk, I do enjoy it. Those who are vegetarian but eat fish are very well catered for and the buffet food on this cruise has probably been the best we have ever had. Delicious.
Afternoon trivia was our worst score – ever. The questions supplied by passengers…
We skipped the Captain’s farewell party but dinner was ‘Continental’ – which was snails for Mal and French onion soup for us. There was a bonus extra of fresh fish and chips for our two tables! (Not very continental, but a nicetouch.) A little monkey was hidden in Roy’s cupboard as a final farewell to surprise him… He may well be glad to se the back of us, but I suspect he really enjoyed the attention.
The final theatre show was the ever popular ‘Crew Show’. The entertainment staff didn’t do much, but the crew did well as always.
So, NZ and home tomorrow – for a few days anyway.
our ship arrival time is 10am but our disembarkation time is 11:30am. A bit later than usual, but at least we have a daylight sail in which we'll no doubt enjoy.
