| Mick was up there for the 5pm sailaway as we waited to see which would go first. All the signs were Hamburg but Sinfonia surprised us both then Hamburg crept out. We went at 6pm so I then went to the quiz once we were past the breakwater. We lost again but we had five to their six. Lauren was taking bookings for either the 10am or 10.30am bridge tour and would let us know. Everyone interested opted for the latter. I remember bridge visits were basically a state secret on Discovery but Rob O'Brien had been told about them and asked at reception. This was different and Lauren was doing the sign up at 9am on the day in Scott's Lounge. John chose not to join us for dinner so we had Jerry's parrot instead as it was pirate night. Compared to the one on Discovery, this was a bit disappointing, probably due to open seating. Jerry's parrot caused much amusement but was a bit deflated at times, once looking like he was slouching against the wall. Munchies and chatting with the photographer I discovered he started on Saga Rose then went onto Saga Ruby. Later, I noticed birds flying along our side so went on deck to try and photograph them but they didn't come out well with the darkness. It was pretty windy on the top deck so I went back in. By now, the confirmation for the bridge visit had been slipped under the door. |
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Our second sea day as we leisurely sailed to Leixões. It was a shame we were missing out Lisbon but It was still nice going to Portugal and I'd only been to our destination once. Instead of a lovely lie-on, I had to get up for the bridge visit. We queued in the corridors and the 10am group emerged a bit late. On Discovery, photography and video had been allowed but not in certain areas. Also, it wasn't the Captain conducting it, on ours at least, though he did pop in for a coffee. This time it was Captain Tomasz Kaminski, who was from near Gdansk and video was banned. He was very interesting to listen to and we ended up leaving after 11.15am. It was the Discovery Club booze up but I didn't get an invitation and it would have been my first one. *sob* I went for a wander on deck and lunch instead and it was Peter who told me about the party. Jerry, Bruce and Trevor then joined me at lunch. One thing I did find frustrating was trying to get fruit. On Discovery, it had been very easy but these were at the back, behind the desserts so your sleeve or arm could go in the food. Very unhygienic. Another niggle are the signs for the door. I had put mine to make up cabin before going to Scott's Lounge but when I returned, it had turned to Do Not Disturb so I had to wait even longer for Efram to do it. I tried the internet and was glad it only costs £21 since it failed to work. It would have one bar at times, disconnect after signing in, be unable to connect or lose the internet option for passengers entirely. I found out later if you have an iPad, you aren't actually disconnected so your minutes get used up. Thank goodness my laptop was! Since that was being a pain in the bum, I decided to have an afternoon nap to make up for my earlier than normal sea day start. Quiz and yet again our five team members lost to Carol's six. Eight of us decided to go to dinner afterwards and dined in the Explorer Club Restaurant for a change. I preferred the Discovery Restaurant. Had a much better atmosphere. A little snackette and some telly before giving up on trying the internet again and going to bed. |
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| Our penultimate port on the 1st May was Leixões so I was up at 6am just as the sun was coming up. We were first, docking by 7.30am and followed by Delphin. The only time I'd been there before, we were alongside the main cruise terminal but Delphin got that. Empress was due at 9am but Hamburg should have been here at 7am, yet neither was anywhere to be seen. They were all coming from Lisbon. |
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