Sunday 9th April. Easter Sunday and first day on board

A lovely late start this morning, no rush.  Breakfast from Tesco Express was eaten in the car at the side of the road somewhere between Alton and Portsmouth.  I say breakfast, but really it was about 11.30, and I say at the side of the road, actually, it was on the verge, in a beautiful area of rolling green fields and trees, under a warm sun.  Very nice. 

Then on to Portsmouth.  We were taking it easy because we didn't want to get there too soon, they didn't really want us until 1pm, but we got there at 12.30.  But as before, the whole process was painless.  First our luggage was taken, and the shore staff checked we'd got our passports and covid pass.  Then we drove to the parking attendant just outside the terminal, who efficiently accepted our car expected, and drove it away to be parked.  We walked into the terminal, showed our passports and covid passes, answered the relevant health check questions, and then walked on board.  

As usual, the ship staff were on hand to escort us to our cabin.  Our steward took us into the salon to wash our hands before we could go any further on board, and I said, "Oh!  I need to get my hair cut!"  So Peter went on with the steward whilst I booked my haircut with the salon, we agreed I would come back in 15 mins.   

An hour or so later, I leave the salon with a lighter bank account and newly cut hair.  In the mean time Peter has unpacked!  How cool is that? 

The cabin is as well appointed as the one we had on the Spirit of Discovery last year, and we are very pleased with it.  There is only one little downer.  We are at the front of the ship, and our balcony does not directly overlook the sea as there is a swathe of metal which is part of the front of the ship in front of it, so we can't quite look down at the water.  A very small disappointment, but perfectly understandable that we would be allocated this cabin, and passengers who have parted with very large amounts of money should be allocated those with a better view.

It's now about 2.30pm, so we went upstairs to the Grill for lunch. It's a buffet service, with the chefs and staff serving. Ships tend to have an all afternoon open dining session on embarkation days, and because today is Sunday, today's menu included a Sunday roast, as well as fish and chips.  I didn't fancy either and went for a stir fry.  (Peter of course went for the roast).

Time now for a wander around the ship before the Lifeboat Drill.  We can see the whole port of Portsmouth from the top deck. 

The ship itself is just like the Spirit of Adventure ((pictures and posts here)- different decor but exactly the same layout

Pool on Deck 12  Lido Deck

Sun Loungers on front - Deck 13, nearly the very top

Tables at the rear of the ship, like a patio area of The Grill - Deck 12

Looking up the back of the ship from the Promenade Deck, Deck 6

Little Coffee Lounge area, back of the ship on Promenade Deck 6

Under the lifeboats on the Promenade, Deck 6

Part of the Library - Deck 7

The Atrium - looking down on Deck 5 from Deck 7

Time for Lifeboat Drill.  First we had to watch the safety training video regarding what to do in the event of fire, man overboard, how to put on a lifebelt etc, then, when the alarm sounded seven short whistles followed by one long, we all attended our muster stations.  We didn't have to put on our lifebelts or be led to our relevant lifeboats this time, but we will probably have another Lifeboat Drill in two weeks (it's the law), when I suspect we may have to go through those extra steps.
Lifeboat drill over, now Peter has to attend a meeting of the entertainment team. Peter is part of the Cruise Enrichment Program, so not entertainment staff per se, but still comes under the Cruise Director's wing. The Cruise Director Paul introduced himself, when through the relevant points, and then we all split up to talk to our respective points of contact. Peter will be running classes in the Coast to Coast restaurant which he was a little reserved about at first. But, after seeing where he will be working, he's quite happy that it will all go well. Bradley is the staff member that is going to look after us, and we know him from our days on CMV.  After going through the necessary work issues, we ended up talking for quite some time about previous cruises.  It's nice when we can connect like that, it makes for an easier working relationship.  Whilst we are chatting away the ship sets sail, but as the sea is quite flat and the ship sails so smooth, we don't notice. 
All that talking made for quite a dry mouth, so back to the cabin for a quick cuppa.  And since it's now about 6.30, sort our selves out to go eat.  Our preference is to avoid the restaurants and eat in the Grill, and we will probably do this for the whole of the cruise.  A quick wash and change and we were sitting down shortly after 7.  Even though the Grill is considered informal dining, it's a menu and waiter service.  As usual, the food was lovely (Brie tart for starters, saag aloo main course, crumble and custard for dessert), and we ended up chatting away like old friends to the people on the neighbouring table.  I don't think we've talked them into art classes though. 
So now I'm in the cabin typing this up.  Peter has been working away industriously cutting up overly large watercolour paper sheets, and preparing equipment for the classes tomorrow.  The ship has started to move about enough to remind us we are actually at sea,  apparently waves will be up to 2.5 metres tomorrow, so maybe will notice.  Hopefully I'll be fine and not feel sick.  Poor Peter has to manage by himself if I do, and it's not easy, first day on a new cruise. 
Tomorrow is a sea day and we have to be in the Coast to Coast restaurant ready for the onslaught starting at 9.  If the sea is bouncy, who knows? It might be quiet.  Let's see what our first sea day will bring.