We had nothing planned today except to say goodbye to our tablemates. At breakfast, we sadly missed one couple—they’d already left for an early flight. The other couple was still there, as their flight was in the afternoon, so we enjoyed an extended farewell over a leisurely breakfast. I had an almost full English with bacon, egg, and sausage, which was very nice. Unfortunately, my piece of black pudding never materialised—a disappointment for my taste buds but probably a relief for my expanding waistline.
On the way out, Jane decided to introduce us to our new table. I think she was worried we’d arrive at lunch and accidentally break some unknown seating convention.
Back in the stateroom, it still hadn’t been made up; the staff were clearly busy with changeovers. We retired to the balcony to enjoy the morning sun. When the room remained unmade, we decided to get a coffee and headed to the Grills Lounge, where we spent a good hour chatting with fellow guests. Jane is never shy and will strike up a conversation with anyone who stands still long enough.
Lunch was our first at the new table for eight. It turns out the “table for eight” is actually a table for seven, as one guest—a solo traveller—is yet to join us. Lunch was delicious: tandoori lamb skewers as an appetiser and penne arrabbiata for the main, with a nice chilli kick.
After lunch, we moved to the Grills Upper Terrace. I snagged a sun lounger while Jane chose one under the canopy for shade. With the County Championship cricket on BBC Sounds R5SX, I settled down with my Kindle. There was no breeze, so the sun was strong and the heat intense—perfect for me. Around 2 p.m., the ice cream fairy arrived with a tray of scoops, and I couldn’t resist having at least one. By the time afternoon tea arrived, I was lying on my front and too relaxed to partake.
Jane managed to lose her Michael Kors prescription sunglasses—they’d been left behind in the Grills Lounge before lunch. She didn’t realise until 3 p.m. and initially couldn’t find them. After checking with the purser, they weren’t listed in lost property, but when Lucia returned to the lounge, she confirmed she had seen them and they were indeed with the purser—in the safe. Jane was massively relieved; not that they were expensive, but she can’t read in the sun without them.
At 5 p.m., the Commodore Club beckoned. I had a Doom Bar, while Jane had a Cool as a Cucumber to start, followed by a Mai Tai, which she took back to the room to finish on the balcony. I took advantage of the huge bath for a long soak — it was incredibly relaxing.
Dinner saw us meet more of our new tablemates, with only one remaining. I had my favourite main, tandoori lamb chops, which I love. The starter was rabbit ballotine, and dessert was an apple and apricot tart — possibly the best meal I’ve had on this cruise.