An old lady made a long overdue return on the 15th August 2016. Monarch sailed up Southampton Water almost twenty-five years to the day since she arrived brand spanking new from the yard as Monarch of the Seas, the very first Royal Caribbean ship to dock in the port. Usually, Pullmantur go to Dover so this was a pleasant surprise. I discovered her imminent call while back in hospital due to complications following my August surgery. There was no way I would be able to get down for her arrival so John and Roz Kennedy picked us up for her 7.30pm departure. Mein Schiff 1 was scheduled to sail at 8pm. As usual things never go to plan and Monarch was delayed due to coaches until 11.15pm. Mein Schiff 1 had the same problem but left fifteen minutes late in a thunderstorm but at least it was dry. John and Roz dropped us home. Monarch eventually left at 11.40pm, the thunderstorm (now with rain) continuing. |