A Right Royal Cruise with Walking Difficulties

[fabnfortysomething]

6 hours ago, Host Hattie said:

I guess it's too late to ask now but how was the cat during the crossing? Was the owner happy with the kennels ?

actually she kept us entertained with tales of her cat

 

There were 4 cats and a few more dogs in same area but obviously separarted by cages

She said some of the cats were intimidated by the dogs barking

She was allowed to visit daily but not allowed up on deck

-one dog owner left external door open and couldnt understand why he was shouted at to close it

She explained to him that whereas a dog would probably just run around on deck a cat would be more likely to jump over the railing into the sea!

 

She was not prepared to have cat transported back in hold of aeroplane as she heard too many horror stories of pets dying but as a one off relocation this ocean  crossing worked for her   

[fabnfortysomething]

Wednesday day 12

 

Overcast and windy day

I went down to 10am art class but felt very tired and retreated back to bed for a couple of hours

It wasn’t covid but this exhaustion feeling often happens to me during a cruise-body saying slow it down!

 

Feeling better after a nap I went to the 2pm art class where it was paint a hot air balloon floating over English countryside.

 

Tonight was second Gala night-roaring twenties

I had a black and gold dress with white feather headband which attracted several compliments from strangers

I felt return of fatigue so retired to bed early leaving 6 in Golden Lion pub

He came back to room 9pm and said our friends had joined him and were all dressed up-including N in gangster attire!

I summoned second wind and got dressed again and managed to last out the night .we  got some really good photos of us all which have since been shared on facebook  with them.

[Host Hattie]

Thanks for the cat information, we hear about dogs occasionally here so it's nice to hear about a cat.

[fabnfortysomething]

Thursday day 13

 

I had a lie in till 11 then sat on balcony watching other cargo ships in distance

 

I found 6 in Carinthia lounge listening to guitarist and then went on to 2pm art class

Amys popularity had spread and the morning class had 31 people which was maxed out

Afternoon was more manageable with 15  and subject was New York apartment building

 

I called in to hobby corner to say goodbye and then back to room to pack.

I overpacked slightly in that didn’t need 2 bulky sweatshirts and was due to be 32C in London tomorrow.

 

We spent our final night in Golden Lion and to bed

 

[Host Hattie]

Thanks again for taking us with you. Overall did you enjoy the experience?

[fabnfortysomething]

Friday day 14

 

6 had slept badly and had sore throat so took Covid test-positive

I was negative

What to do now

 

We had taxi booked 9.30 to take us back to Southampton hotel where would pick up car and spend couple more days with daughter and granddaughters-now off the cards.

 

I rang the pursers office to explain and they said they would disembark us later via crew exit with the other isolating passengers.

I rang the taxi company who agreed to still pick us up as they were fitted with plastic screens separating driver from passenger we were  to give them a ring once we had disembarked

 

We got a phone call that around 10.30 once all other passengers had disembarked housekeeping would come to our room with a wheelchair and escort us off

She originally suggested I leave with other passengers and rejoin him later but I said would prefer to stay with him!

 

Knock came on door and there are 3 crew members all in white boiler suits and masks

1 pushed wheelchair whilst I pushed rollator and our hand baggage whilst the other 2 sprayed disinfectant in our wake from back packs-surreal.

Down on deck 2 we joined a socially distanced queue of masked passengers who had tested positive and had been transferred to isolation cabins on deck 5

At least we got through the whole cruise .

 

Taxi took ages to find us but we eventually picked up our car and drove back to daughters near Heathrow.

We couldn’t stay obviously but needed to pick up his mobility scooter and other stuff we had left there.

It was indeed a baking hot day so we sweltered out in the garden whilst they talked to us from the open patio doors and offered us tea in disposable cups.

Both girls were having their naps so didn’t have trauma of having to explain why Grandma couldn’t cuddle!

 

The journey home took about 7 hours with heavy traffic typical of a Friday afternoon

Thank goodness for air conditioning

I was absolutely shattered having done all driving and took a few days to recover-in need of another cruise!

 

Testing daily I remained negative and he reported first negative result day 10

[Tonopah]

25 minutes ago, fabnfortysomething said:

Friday day 14

 

6 had slept badly and had sore throat so took Covid test-positive

I was negative

What to do now

 

 

So sorry to hear that 6 is ill. Sad ending to what sounded like an absolutely lovely voyage. Thank you for sharing and all my best wishes for a light bout with Covid and a quick recovery. 

[Host Hattie]

What a horrible end to your trip, I hope it hasn't put you off sailing again.

[fabnfortysomething]

Okay I can categorically state we will carry on cruising!

Hubby got away lightly-we have been dreading him catching Covid as he has a compromised immune system due to drug to treat arthritis

He has been able to resume that so arthritis flare up hopefully under control.

 

We are expecting our daughter son in law and of course Grandaughters this evening for a few days visit

Currently trying to childproof the house!!!

 

[Host Hattie]

That's very good news. Have a great time with your family.

[carlmm]

14 minutes ago, fabnfortysomething said:

Okay I can categorically state we will carry on cruising!

 

Thank you for your whole review and for this final verdict