Thursday 10th January. Travelling

Well, I finished work at 2.30pm, went home, got changed, called a taxi and that was it, I was off to join Peter on our next Amazonian Adventure.

I had a meticulously planned journey ahead.  It had to be, because the Marco Polo was spending a short day in Funchal, and leaving at 2pm.  Trying to keep within the very limits of my leave allowance and be on the ship in time meant that the only flight suitable left Heathrow at 06.40 am and flew direct to Funchal, to arrive at 10.25 am.

So.  A taxi from my house to Darlington Station (probably the biggest rip off of the whole journey at £25).   Train from Darlington to Kings Cross, Tube from Kings Cross to Hounslow West, Bus from Hounslow West to London Heathrow Central Travelodge,  rest (sort of, I got 3 hrs sleep).

Then (t 4.37 am),bus from the Travelodge to Heathrow Terminal 1, TAP flight from Heathrow to Funchal, where you land at an airport built out over the sea on stilts, and taxi from Funchal Airport to Funchal Seaport.  I booked it online before I left the UK, and there was a man waiting for me.  And at last the ship.

Highlights of the journey have to be watching the aircraft lights 3 minutes apart fly over the Travelodge, the Green Thai curry I ate at the Travelodge, the moment the woman on security pointed out that my fleece was on inside out, (Ooooops, but I did get dressed in the near dark and I’m not known for using mirrors).  And finally the point where I came out of customs at Funchal and there was a man stood with my name or a  iece of paper, like in the movies, waiting for me.  (Call me sad, but I sort of thought it was cool).

Funchal, Madeira

Driving along the coast of Madeira, I saw once again what a beautiful island this is, and I thought of a work colleague, Manj, who had always wanted to visit.   The taxi driver said I should make time one day to stay a little longer than cruise ship visits.  And I totally agree.  One day eh?

We got to the Port, and then there was Peter waiting for me, filming as usual. And there was the Marco Polo, and all the anxiety about missing the boat was gone. So now I’m on board. I’ve had a couple of meals, had a nap, said hi to all the old “gang” and feel quite at home. The cabin is a little snug, but we’ve managed to get everything in OK, the sea is as flat as a pancake, so very little movement on ship, and everything is good in my world. We’re probably gonna go out and get a drink now, and maybe see the cabaret later. Here’s to the start of my holiday.

 Funchal, Madeira 2011.
 Funchal, Madeira 2012
New Years Eve Fireworks, Funchal Madeira 31 Dec 2013
B&B in Funchal, Madeira 2014
http://gettingaboutabit-cruising.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/day-8-sunday-12th-january-marco-polo-at.html

New Year, New Cruise - The Amazon

After a flurry of activity and raised stress levels, we finally got everything packed.  5 suitcases. Count them...  5 suitcases, and a couple of rucksacks.  Where did we get all this stuff?  And why do we need so much.

Well there isn't a launderette on the Marco Polo for a start, and laundry costs are not cheap.  Amongst other things, every single t-shirt has been packed.  That'll be a lot of washing when we get home, I can promise you!  Then there's the soap powder for hand washing, the medicine cabinet and first aid box, deet and sunscreen, coffee and tea stuff, enough toiletries for 6 weeks, make up, jewellery, posh shoes, casual shoes, posh frocks, casual clothes, swimming costumes, beach mat, snorkels, goggles and sun hat.  And then, somewhat belligerently,  I had to let Peter pack some of his clothes as well!

Actually, our clothes didn't take up much room, but the electronic stuff, like cameras and laptops, and all Peter's art gear took up two full cases as well as his rucksack.  So we are not really that bad.

And Peter drove off at 8 this morning.  He had a good drive down, got on the ship without any trouble, and checked into our cabin, which he has sent me pictures of.

Hmmmmmmmm............  The only trouble with packing all that stuff will be the unpacking.  And where on earth it is gonna go?  This cabin is a lot "snugger" than many we've been given in the past.

Ho Hum.  Looks like Peter is gonna have to learn to be a lot neater.  (As if!).

Count down for me is seven days.  I'll leave the house to the house sitters, fly from Heathrow and join Peter in Madeira.  I get nervous now in case anything goes wrong and I miss the boat, as it were.  So now I'm keeping me fingers crossed..........

The Black Watch

This post is made up of extracts of previous posts with the idea of letting you know what it was like to be on board the Black Watch. Hopefully it will serve the purpose.

From October 2012

Staff
"I have to say that the friendliness of the the Filipino staff on the Fred Olsen ships can't be beaten,"

Food
In the Garden Cafe: "there have been several occasions where the evening meal really was excellent. I think I enjoyed the most tender steak I have ever eaten, as well as the tastiest sweet n sour meal in memory, courtesy of the chef on the Black Watch this trip."

In the Restaurant: It was a bit of a surprise to be honest. I think I was expecting a lot more formality, a slower meal, and maybe the family silver or something. But the system is very smooth and waiters were incredibly efficient. We selected our starter and main course (as did everyone else at the same time), and then hundreds of plated up starters appeared. The waiters knew exactly which table for what, and I was really amazed at how they simply spotted when people had finished one course, cleared the plates and appeared with the main course. It didn’t matter that tables were finishing at different speeds. It was actually a very pleasant meal, even finishing with a coffee. If I have any complaints, it would be that if Peter and I had served ourselves as per normal, we may have had fuller plates and more chips. 4 chips! 4 chips! Everyone could be heard making the same comment. They were nice chips though.

Entertainment
There is a show, twice every night (to cater for the two sittings). Sometimes there are theme nights, which the show will latch onto and where passengers are encouraged to participate. Sunday night was international night, with the show company putting on a display of international song and dance. To keep within theme passengers appeared in all sorts of colourful regalia just for fun, anything from the red white and blue of the Union Jack up to the blanket over the head type Arabs

What does it look like

Figurehead overlooking the pool deck.

The Garden Cafe where we ate most of our meals. 

Braemar Lounge

Marquee Pool and Jacuzzi's

The Gym

The Morning Light Pub

The Pool Deck - when the weather's good many passengers eat out here. 

Our cabin - very nice. 

Overall feel of the cruise
"The entertainment is designed for the clientele, and Fred Olsen ships specifically target a certain age, which is basically retired folk. There are ramps everywhere for the less able, and a fair number of the passengers use sticks, zimmerframes and wheelchairs."
"the pace of this particular ship is very genteel and relaxing. Because the ship did not feel busy, we thought it may be a good part empty, but apparently not, somehow there are 800 passengers on the cruise, but you can’t tell.