Back to Southampton - part 2

We passed through the Straits of Gibralter late yesterday afternoon, but unfortunately were only able to catch a glimpse of the Rock through all the showers and low cloud. However, at last the seas have not been too rough.

Pre-dinner last evening we found seats for a show by Phil Hitchcock, a magician and illusionist. As he began his act, we realised that we had seen him before on a previous cruise and although not in the "amazing" category, it was an entertaining enough hour.

Dinner itself was again good...my choice was not as rich as the previous two nights in that I opte for mushroom soup, some southern fried chicken and a creme brûlée for dessert.

Unfortunately, there was little time for the casino or another show afterwards as once again, our table was last to leave the restaurant...our little group is more than happy to socialise and chat for hours.

We have had a stunning sunrise this Sunday morning (picture attached) off the coast of Portugal, and the sea has remained a glassy calm all day. Quite a contrast to yesterday. We have amused ourselves thus far today by taking part in the morning trivia (didn't win), walking six laps of the promenade decks, attending a lecture given by a space scientist and then supporting our table companion, Jen, in a concert given by passengers who have taken up learning to play the ukulele. All great fun!

The food on board has always been of a very high standard, but I would say that the evening dinners in the second week have been slightly better, but only because they have been a little better presented. 

The buffet area is divided between the Horizon Court and the Cafe Caribe...they are both essentially the same thing, but at lunchtimes, the Cafe Caribe provides a differently themed lunch, eg. Indian, Chinese, Mexican or sushi. Pizza, hot dogs, burgers and ice cream are always available from the trident grill on the main sun deck...we have tried the hot dogs and have no complaints whatsoever!

The buffet closes at midnight, but there is also an International cafe which is open 24 hours and thus always available so satisfy any hunger pangs that strike in the early hours. It also serves speciality teas and coffees. Alongside this cafe is a wine and tapas bar which always seems to be well attended, although it is not really the sort of thing which appeals greatly to us. Lastly, my greatest culinary/beverage complaint concerns the standard of the coffee served throughout the ship. It is universally bad and has almost turned me into a tea drinker.

Although we have had little first hand experience, from talking to other passengers, the general consensus is that the entertainment has not been quite as good as it could have been. The resident musicians are all good, (although they may not all be to everyone's taste), and we certainly have had no reason to complain about the shows that we have seen.