Journeys End

Day 22

Today we have woken up to strong winds and a relatively rough sea - wind force 7.

The day started with coffee in bed followed by breakfast in the Horizon.

At some point today we have to pack and have our large bags outside our door at 6pm. We can put a smaller bag out between then and midnight if we wish.  However as the Entertainment Director has again said - the sea is frolicsome once more so that could be an interesting challenge.

I am currently all kitted out in my Arctic gear and sitting on deck 9 behind our cabin to give our steward some time to clean our cabin.  Steve has gone to a talk on the planets but as it is in the Curzon at the front of the ship, I am giving it a miss. However it’s extremely pleasant here and I feel absolutely fine. Although it’s very busy on deck - not!

We’ve been told that due to the high winds tomorrow, the pilot for us to dock in Southampton will come on board tonight around 6.30pm just off Ramsgate. Maybe we can wave to you all in Margate as we pass.

As the day has progressed, the wind has picked up to force 9.

Lunch was in the Horizon.  The day has been spent walking, reading, packing etc. but what we expected really.  It has all got very wobbly indeed but we are both fine and have finished the packing and got our cases out before 6pm.

And then - we couldn’t believe it, but we could see Margate clearly as we waited for the pilot to board. In all the years we, and Steve in particular, have been in Margate, we’ve never seen a cruise ship but ours sat waiting just off the coast.

Dinner was in Alexandria and was as enjoyable as ever. At the end of the meal all the kitchen staff were paraded through the restaurant to “Simply the best” so that we could show our appreciation. The restaurant staff followed. They have all done the most fantastic job and really are appreciated.  We had a lovely picture taken with our two waiters, Terence and Jackie who have both been magic.

Then we all went to the Curzon to see Owen James as Sting again and what a good show that was. And then, when you thought things couldn’t get any better, they did as he sang Roxanne, one of my most favourite songs ever. What an amazing way to finish what has been a stunning 3 weeks.

We finished with a nightcap of horlicks or

hot chocolate for most and wine for some. And then finally, finally we all had to say good night and goodbye as we are all leaving at different times tomorrow.

We’ve had such a wonderful time and made such good friends in Janet and Di and Donna and John and are so grateful to have shared this wonderful experience with them.