Time to leave Zeebrugge but with no reward for going there 20 times by ship - meanies!  Oskar and I headed to the Prom deck, such as it was, since there wasn't a forward one up top and were shocked at how damaged it already was.  We were supposed to sail at 4.30pm ship time but a passenger was late.  Blondie was below chatting and smoking.  The missing passenger finally turned up.  Isn't it time cruise lines just left the buggers?  Waiting for organised tours is one thing but everyone knows when the ship will sail so if they can't be arsed getting back in time then give them five mins and go.  It's just like those on tours who hold everyone up because they can't stop guzzling booze or stuffing their faces.  They're never sorry so sod them.  Anyway, the gangway was raised, nearly whacking Blondie on the head as it was swung but he ducked, and we pulled away from the quayside.  

We had decided to book Devinly Decadence, which was next to the Solarium.  It was pretty empty which was a surprise.  We hadn't realised there was a formal night and Captain's welcome at the same time.  Oh well.  Been to one, been to them all.  Oskar was a little disappointed as the Captain was Norwegian like him and he wanted to meet him.  Devinly Decadence was surprisingly good and all free.  It's a variation on the old surf and turf without lobster or steak.  It was various types of fish and meat.  Starters and dessert you got yourself.  While we were in there, a Code Alpha in cabin 9578 was announced and we hoped whoever it was would be okay.  Oskar had been keeping an eye on the AIS thanks to this $10 a day unlimited access for two devices Royal Caribbean's internet was.  He was looking for Britannia (which I didn't think we'd see) and Fram but we got both.  

Two couples came out onto the Prom deck and the women were moaning how cold it was.  Well it would be when you're not wearing anything sensible you stupid cows!  One of those refused to go near the rail because she was afraid of heights.  So am I but I was too scared to even book a cruise.  A ship visit showed there was nothing to fear and I've never looked back.  But getting back to the woman, how did she manage to board when the gangway is high up, you can see the ground and you board on the Prom deck?  I should have asked if she had a balcony cabin but didn't think of it and couldn't help wondering if she was just worried the booze would blow out of her hand if she went a bit closer.  We noticed more bits of ship falling apart.  You'd expect that from Fincatieri or STC France but not craftsmanship like Meyer Werft.  We had booked Spectra's Cabaret in Two70 for 9.45pm and popped into the theatre to take some photos on the way.  

What can I say about the much-hyped Spectra's Cabaret?  Sorry, Royal Caribbean, but it was absolutely shite and far, far too loud for the size of venue.  It's not the Albert Hall or Wembley Stadium so doesn't need to deafen you.  The singing and stuff was good but you can see this type of thing on many other cruise lines (even their own and Celebrity) so it's really nothing special.  We were just glad it was free.  Several people complained about it as we left.  Oskar had arranged to have a few drinks with some people so I took advantage of the cabin to catch up with a few things.  Ventura, my bambina the cutie Voyager and Celebrity Silhouette were heading up so I waited up for them.  It was raining which was no help.  Once I'd got them all, I went to bed.

Le Havre!  I hadn't been there as often as Zeebrugge but it was certainly adding up.  It was my ninth time and I'd only left the port three times.  This day we had considered walking into the town but as Oskar returned at 7.10am ships time after a great night plus we planned to be up all night to catch the ships behind us as we sailed back into Southampton, it was a lie in.  He's only young, bless him, and I know what it's like getting bladdered on a cruise and getting to bed (well, put to bed in my case and it was the far posher QE2 during a trip to Norway so no booze cruise for me!) when it was daylight so he had my understanding.  We were woken up by a Code Bravo in cabin 6301 at about 9.20am.  We finally got up just after 1pm, Oskar feeling much better after a sleep.  Janice had just finished the cabins so ours would have to wait.  

We went first to the Windjammer because we'd forgotten again we'd intended to go to Johnny Rockets, so amended that mistake straight after.  I had only been in once on Indy in 2012 and this was very different.  You had to queue, order and pay like McDonalds then were given a beeper to let you know when your order was ready.  No more bowls of fries and onion rings or singing waiters.  We had a milkshake afterwards and Oskar wasn't given his C&A Gold discount of one free.  In fact, during this trip a few of his Gold and one of my Diamond discounts weren't applied.  Oh for the book of vouchers!  You knew where you were with those.  Before we'd finished we ended up talking to this old lady who was moaning about her husband and wishing him all sorts of ill will and making plans to go on trips without him.  We don't know if she meant any of it but it made us laugh.  Back to the cabin and we had our windows cleaned.  We could see out of them now.  

We decided to speak to first go to the future cruise desk to get something clarified about the Harmony booking then see the Loyalty Manager about the discounts.  Online, they had us owing £300 for the deposit when it was an offer of £65 each and that was sorted quickly.  We hoped the Loyalty Manager would be as easy!  In front of us was a gentleman moaning away about various things he'd just misunderstood.  The poor lady couldn't get a word in so I interrupted and corrected him about a few things then he went away.  We tried to explain our discount problem but didn't understand her response of Oskar's being corrected on the bill.  Just bring back vouchers to hand over.  Ta muchly!  We had a drink in the Music Hall which was very quiet.  I asked for my final discount but only had the sign part of the bill.  I liked that room and hoped to get some better photos during the night when it was quiet  We sailed at 9pm ship time but stayed in the cabin.

Dinner in Le Grande, again at the stupid time of 9.45pm but was all that was left.  Despite it being the formal dining room, not many were dressed formally.  Everyone gets a third of a glass of champagne, which is a lovely touch.  I had a surprise when one of the head waiters came over, recognising me but thinking it was from Splendour.  It was on Vision but wouldn't have it.  It was nice seeing Dorota again and as she works so hard deserves the newer ship.  The glasses were beautiful but knives weird.  Oskar was convinced he had two steak knives since they had a pointy end but the waiter said they were normal despite looking nothing like mine.  He also had a very interesting non-regulation checked shirt on.  For the first time in my life I complained about the food.  One time on Vision, my steak wasn't cooked how I wanted it (I have a sensitive stomach so prefer well done which Royal Caribbean don't do) so Dorota took the plate back to the galley in a rage despite little me having ate most of it and not wanting to make a fuss.  However in this case I had to.  The Beef Wellington was the most revolting thing I've ever seen and would be more suited to being on the sole of the wellie than on a plate.  On other lines which still serve it, you are asked how you would like the meat cooked and it is always succulent, tender not like the scrag end of Tesco Value.  So another meal was recommended by our waiter which was decent beef and cooked properly.  So how come they can't for a classic dish?  10/10 for offering it on the menu but 1/10 for the end result.  

The rest of the dinner was sumptuous and no complaints and we left when we finished since, unlike a usual dining room, the waiters are never around to say goodbye to.  Since we decided to self-disembark, there was no hurry getting the cases out so I started to sort things out while Oskar met up with some people again before we explored the ship from 2am when HOPEFULLY people would be in bed.  No such luck.  Well this WAS a booze cruise after all and people just don't know when to piss off or stop yelling around the place.  In the Solarium, a drunken couple were trying to have sex despite an attendant being in there. The Music Hall was showing boxing so bugger all chance of decent pics empty but thankfully the vast majority of the ship was blissfully quiet.  This is why I prefer longer cruises these days.  Now I must point out the blue circular thing on one set of stairs is not the same photo three times.  If you watch it, it changes constantly and can make you feel a bit trippy.