Cast off, the voyage has started as we make our way from the dock area to the open sea.
Some just like to sit in the spa, with little interest in our sailing, but that is their choice
A pleasant warm day with clear sky, but not all are interested in the passing scenery.
Even after all their years at sea the two master mariners above still enjoyed the beginning of a voyage.
We are now at sea as the land falls behind us . . .
I have dozens of photographs of sunrises and sunsets, and never get tired of the ocean view, and my limited attempt to capture the right moment.
White Night
White Night is an evening when everyone is encouraged to dress in white, but it is not compulsory.
Preparing for the White Night, which is a BBQ style experience.
The area around the pool becomes livelier as more and more passengers arrive to find a table with friends
Our wives in the spirit of White Night.
The Captain (standing near the man in a coloured shirt) made a point of visiting every table to greet the guests and make sure that they were happy.
The ships’ Master, Carl Smith, is from the Isle of Man (UK) and has been at sea for thirty years, not quite as long as my two friends.
BBQ meat on one set of coals and lobster on the other
You have your plate and this line of food is just one small area from which you can fill it, I went for the Asian dishes cooked to order (not shown).
I asked one of the cooks, who was Malay, to cook me a stir fry, and he asked how spicy would I like the dish, and so I told him to do it exactly as he liked it – so he made it as such, and it was great! Spiced just right . . .
We could go back to the food area as often as we liked, but I only went back for a small desert, and some cheese and biscuits – the choice of different dishes from around the world was mouthwatering.
The evening moves on, and the deck light come on because at the end of the meal the dancing will start.
The three of us first met in September 1960 – John (left) & Will (right) stayed at sea and commanded their own ships. I left the sea and joined an airline.
The crew march around with the flags of their own nation, while the passengers wave their napkins.
Speeches of appreciation from Captain Carl, after which the band strikes up for the dancing.
At least nobody fell in the pool – the seating, BBQ and dancing is all around the pool.
This is the last photo as Maureen & left to go to bed – a real sign of age, it was only 11.00 pm. . . .
But I was up early enough to watch the sun rise – again . . . .
silverfox175 