Ray's cruise to the Caribbean and back

[Ray B]

So, I'll try to describe best I can our cruise on Aurora and send reports as and if we get wi fi.
We travelled down to Southampton Saturday and enjoyed a good journey down ,70 mph until we met congestion at Heathrow. Onto the M3 it started to rain with heavy misty type rain making driving miserable. After checking in to the hotel,Premier west Quay ,in the evening we went for a Spanish meal at La Regata Restaurant opposite Red Funnel terminal.
Very nice it was too.
We are now on the good ship Aurora and embarking was smooth, but it did look like most passengers were Caribbean and above. Going through security I took off everything metal, even holding up my trousers but the scanner started to bleep and I was taking for a pat down, then the hand held scanner which started to beep as he reached my ankles, both of them did and he couldn't unstand it, so he waved me by. The Caribbean and above did show with the loyalty lunch, the dedicated restaurant being full,we were show to another area and there was a buffet, so can not say if served meal was on offer. But the buffet served it purpose and the bubbly and wine flowed freely, leaving me a bit light headed, need to work on that.
The cabins were available and now in the process of unpacking the cases.
We are ready to go to pre dinner drinks in Andersons soon,. and then to dinner.

[oldbluefox]

We have a friend who has just got off Aurora. They missed out Gibraltar on the way back due to the weather and had a rather bumpy Force 10, so bad he nearly spilt his wine!!
I hope the weather calms down for you. I'll be interested to hear about life on the good ship Aurora..

[david63]

we went for a Spanish meal at La Regata Restaurant opposite Red Funnel terminal.

Is that the Tapas restaurant that has been there for quite a while? If it is I have very hazy memories of an excellent meal there.

[Ray B]

David,it is the very same, .
Try my best Foxy and any other Questions.


1

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Sunday night first dinner, I had wild mushroom panna cotta followed by Stone bass fillet ending with good old sticky toffee pudding. Green beans were part of the meal , Mrs b doesn't like beans so I had hers as well . The dinner and companions at our table of eight was enjoyable.
We decided to unpack cases and put away after dinner, that's when you realise how much you packed. By the time we finished it was getting late ,so turned in for the night
Monday started with light rain over the decks and a light wind but it was pleasant .The sun came out for the afternoon with the wind picking up slightly and was dry for deck games to commence, a game of quoits see me out first round.

We decided onthe theatre in the evening. A tribute band , Rats in the kitchen were playing hits from UB40, the group were very good let down a bit by the singer, who I think, had been ill that afternoon. Finished up at the Crows nest with a trio playing easy listening numbers.
Tuesday improved with a strong wind over the decks but warm enough to get the arms out ,quoits went well ,out second round. Had lunch in the Medina restaurant, Lasagna, bit filling but nice. No Ent's member turned up for quoits so took Mrs for a bit of retail therapy. As it was first posh night we went to cabin to get ready without pressure, only for my dress shirts not being returned from pressing, after a couple of phone calls they turned up with 15 minutes before Captains reception. The bubbly flowed well and Capt Love made his welcome speach.
I had Beef Wellington M/R and it was on the button .
Again to the theatre ,Marcia Lynnette celebrated the music that was Whitney Houston, another enjoyable performance and ending the night in Carmen's for the Black tie Ball.

Wednesday , warm enough to get into shorts as the day got hotter and the sea starting to calm down. Quoits,allways a good turn out by passengers, managed to get to semi final in the morning,, final the afternoon . Aurora gave us a smooth sail with a bit of a roll ,but nothing than than walking in a zig zag.
The Rats in the Kitchen were on again and gave a much improved performance. The Headliners put on a two hour comedy play in the afternoon, which by all accounts was very good from our table companions.
Aurora looks very smart and clean, I certainly have not found anything to report otherwise. One flower still on the table in the MDRs but not the cabins, it's nice to watch as it gradually opens a bit more each day.
The food at dinner has been very good and enjoyable, as I like beans,they are no problem, table companions agree with the quality too .
Our waiters,Mark 1and Mark 2 are very professional in serving and good fun too. Overall, standards of professionalism have improved tremendously with friendly staff throughout the ship.
In the Costa the cakes are not charged for, as I read that thay may have been chargable.
Maderia today, 23c light breeze.
We then have five days to Barbados.
First time we have been dropped outside the Ritz Hotel,I think that was the name,a couple of streets back from the front, it puts you bang in the centre of the town. After a nice stroll we stopped for a look in the Cathedral then on for a coffee a pastel de nata and people watch. Once refreshed a wander down the hill to the flower market..Now Merv may be able to answer this, the flower section seems to be smaller than we remembered and is this the case or is it seasonal?
After a coffee at the Golden Gate and having been a few times to Funchal it was on to the shuttle back to Aurora and the pool.
I can see the weather still persist in the UK, but it is mid to high 20s on deck. Caribbean here we come.

[Mervyn and Trish]

Re flower market, not noticed any change but it may be seasonal. Although Madeira does have flowers all year round there are a lot more in spring than autumn.

The Ritz is a very nice cafe/bar/restaurant that does an excellent cabaret show on Saturday nights. We've been a few times.

[Ray B]

Thanks for the reply Merv ,could be a seasonal thing.
PS, found the pub you told me about ,and indeed the drink was waiting for me from you. When you go back, just need to pay for it.

[Ray B]

Apparently we are not heading to Barbados as our first port of call, lucky I am not driving, it's Antigua so the Captain says. Easy mistake.

[Meg 50]

Thanks for the reply Merv ,could be a seasonal thing.
PS, found the pub you told me about ,and indeed the drink was waiting for me from you. When you go back, just need to pay for it.

strong drink was it?

perhaps that's why your Aurora cruise is posted under Azura?

[Onelife]

Enjoying reading your posts Ray…keep them coming and I could be persuaded to send you a box keefy's finest on your return

[Meg 50]

Thanks for the reply Merv ,could be a seasonal thing.
PS, found the pub you told me about ,and indeed the drink was waiting for me from you. When you go back, just need to pay for it.

strong drink was it?

perhaps that's why your Aurora cruise is posted under Azura?

thank you to whoever shifted it to Aurora!

[david63]

thank you to whoever shifted it to Aurora!

Twas I

[Mervyn and Trish]

Have you bumped into Garry in the laundry yet?

[towny44]

Have you bumped into Garry in the laundry yet?

If you dont know what he looks like, he will be the one advising all the women how to use the machines.

[Ray B]

Hope I've picked up where I left off.

Thursday 26 Oct
I did note earlier how nice Aurora was inside. The outside of the Hull was different, after three days at sea she was in a sorry state with rust , crew members were busy with their very long poles trying to wash off the rust with environmentally safe liquid and high pressure washes. Unfortunately they were unable to apply the paint due to it not meeting the environmental conditions in port.
So we will see what happens after author five days at sea.
So after dinner we again decided on the theatre where a comedy magician Mandy Muden was performing.
Her slap stick magical show was full of laughter, and interaction with members of the audience going on stage to assist was very clever. We ended the night in Carmen's at the back of the ship where Pulse were playing.
Getting back near midnight isn't so bad when the Clocks go back, this will be happening for a few nights to come.
Friday was nice out on the decks with a fresh breeze blowing and 24c occasionally being interrupted by a passing shower.
Our evening was going to Sindhu.
We ordered starters of spiced chicken and Ginger and mint tiger prawns, followed by Tandoori Half Chicken,Mixed Leaf Salad and Makhani Sauce
Pan-Seared Duck Breast Mustard Poha, Aubergine Fritters and Duck Jus.
Rounding it off with,
BLUEBERRY BHAPIA DOI
Yoghurt and Berry Mousse, Mixed Berry Jelly, Fruit Compote.
KHATTA MEETHA TEETA
Chilled Mango and Passion Fruit Parfait, Chill Glass. From menu A. Menu B starting on the 2nd Nov.

Saturday on deck was again breezy temps rising to 25c as Aurora sailed smoothly closer to our destination. In the theatre that night a couple of young men,The Tap Brothers, (not actually brothers)headlining with tap dance routines. As Mrs B wanted to see them we went along. While not exactly my cup of tea, they were very good dancers and got the Audience to interact with them, the lady next to me was very excited with their routines. With nothing on Carmen's,the only of venue was The Playhouse where Ben & Tyler did a classic recital 'Rhapsody in Blue.
Sunday, the half way point from Madia to Caribbean, the day started hot 27c at 4am. With little wind and smooth seas the decks soon became a sun worshipers paradise. Top tier Portunus lunch was today, ours will be Tuesday.
In the Curzon theatre were the Headliners with Fantasy ,a theme around two woman, Sue with a 70s retro club and Jenny who wants to own a Hip Hop club. Tom a disco fan introduces the two woman,but can he and Sue persuade Jenny that disco is best.
Book a cruise on Aurora to find out. Any how, after all that we didn't go to that, we decided to go the Carmen's lounge and see Mandy Muden again with her comedy magic show. And again she did not disappoint, as a Gentleman was leaving the lounge she noticed him, enquiring where he was going ,he kept on going, in a stronger commanding voice she ordered him to 'come back now'. As he was about to disappear through the door she raced after him shouting 'come back here' much to the laughter of the audience. Carrying on she then did mind reading with members of the audience, appearing to get it wrong , it all came together at the end of the show. Good time if you enjoy that, pretty well original magic show.
Tuesday day before Antiguar, took in the talented soprano saxophonist that is Julian Smith at the theatre and he did not disappoint. The smooth sounds emanated from his instrument for a enjoyable show .We end up at the Crows nest to finish the night. The days continue to get hotter reaching 30c on board today.
Antigua, 28c but I would guess it no 30 c.
We are on a three beach tour and it is great,the sea like Bath waterq,so warm and the rum punches ,well they are refreshing..

The cruise to the Caribbean was smooth sailing all the way once out of local UK waters.

[Ray B]

Towny, not met Garry ,we are at the bows just inside from the front pool bar,we are happy with this location. We can supply Garry with launshould he have nothing to do

[Ray B]

Enjoying reading your posts Ray…keep them coming and I could be persuaded to send you a box keefy's finest on your return

Thanks Keith, nice thought but just enjoy the post.

[Ray B]

Thanks to David, what ever the problem was.

[Ray B]

So we are now back in St John's and, having left the swim wears and snorkels in the cabin we made our way back ashore..As it's Independence day here a lot of places were closed.
We made our way to the English Harbour for a drink,only half way the short distance, the heavens opened.I can say Sarah was none to happy but once stepping into a glitter shop all was forgotten.
Going back to the beach trip today ,the beaches are stunning but devoid of fish when snorkeling. The complementary rum punch was nice,I had a Carib to back them up.
The girl escort was so bubbly, giving a small history and pointing the sites from the open sided bus, but mainly cracking up the volume and singing to the Caribbean music,I think they heard us coming a mile away. The vibes continues now in the bar..
Soon we will head back to the ship and tomorrow it is Guadeloupe.

[Onelife]

Good read Ray,

Your Sindhu meal has got me tucking into a packet of Bombay Mix… which sadly is the equivalent of a slap-up Indian meal in this household.

[CaroleF]

Thanks for the report Ray. Love hearing about Aurora and had so many wonderful cruises in the Caribbean. Once when we stopped in Antigua we met some friends of friends who took us out for the day firstly to their house overlooking English Harbour and then to lunch near the water which was great. At the time Antigua was suffering a real drought and they only had water for a certain number of days. A lovely island. Tortola was another of our favourites.

Carole

[Ray B]

Here are my latest ramblings

.
We had booked to go to Death in Paradise .
Our first stop on the tour was hoping that Harry's house was still there as they had just finished filming the series . A five minute treck from the coach amongst the trees that back on to the beach we came to the spot, contractors had just started to remove the house with the front part already taken down, but part of the back was still there. The setting on the beach was indeed fabulous. We had photos taken standing at the back door.
On to the village where they film the main scenes, the Honour Police station. Now filming has finished its a tourist attraction just how you see it on TV to the right of the church. Next time you watch ,I sat in Harry's chair . The inside all still there.

So on to Katherine's Bar. The deck bar on the beach is how you see it ,where we had a beer, her main bar always look a small place but is in fact a large restaurant .It was interesting to visit the places and will look forward to the series and seeing how well they frame scenes ,so you don't see the bits they don't want you to see.

After another enjoyable dinner in the MDR we finished the night in the Crows nest.
At last on this cruise we can now leave the unfinished bottle of wine at the table ,ready waiting for us the next night.

The next morning we docked at St Vincent. We had booked to take the ferry, a one hour trip to an island Bequia and a choice of three beaches ,it would have been another beach from paradise but the weather didn't play ball, overcast with a light shower. It became very exciting once on the ferry back. The wind and rain combined to give us a rough crossing back with the ferry bouncing about like a Cork. Everyone seem to enjoy it but it was very dangerous to leave your seat as we were thrown around, dont forget,the average age on this cruise must be 75 maybe more.Two people fell to the deck ,but thankfully no injuries other than their pride.
Safely back on board we had booked the Beach House. It did not disappoint, we had the buffalo chicken wings, Tiger Prawns and skewered sea food melody washed down with a bottle of Pinot. Sizzling bananas brought the meal to a close.
Very nice time had.
Saturday 4th
St Lucuia started with tropical rain sweeping down from the surrounding hills.
By mid morning it had stopped and the sun came out. With all the water laying about, it soon started to evaporate and the humidity rocketed. As we've been many times before we got off to walk around went to call into a bar we have used only to find it demolished and a new modern building being built there.A walk around the market saw Sarah buy a couple of tops for our 5 and 1 year grandchildren. This did mean Mrs B spending the beer money. Having only took enough for a few beers it ment a trip back to the cabin to replenish the beer money. We ended up in the 'pensioners bar'before returning to ship and the afternoon on the deck.
After dinner we went to the theatre where Tom Ball performed to a full house for his last performance before disembarking in Barbados.
And today we are in Barbados on the beach at the Harbour lights. Its hot max today 29c . Now having lunch in the Harbour lights,I picked the Mahi Mahi with chips and small salad while Sarah went for the Cheese burger and chips , Sarah drinking a banana baileys and coconut, I decided for Sex on the Drive, as you do. Tonight there is a BBQ on the deck and we hope to take in Dani Graham as she sings Dolly Parton.
Tomorrow we head for the Azores.

And after 5 days of normality, guess what,Clocks start going forward

[Ray B]

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As the afternoon progresses a big tropical storm approached, the rain was torrential, as I was still in swimwear I made my way with our belongings the shelter of the bar.
Ordering a Banks and a soft drink for Sarah while I dried and wait the hour out for the our taxi .
Luckily the taxi driver having seen how heavy the storm was arrived early for us, so early I had to sink the beer quickly .
As the storm raged outside, the deck BBQ carried on under the sliding roof of the mid ships Crystal pool. As the mechanism to open the roof is broken it has been shut all through the cruise.
Dani Graham gave a fair go at singing the songs of Dolly Parton at the back of the ship in Carmen's. At the Curzon theatre the Headliners gave a fast paced show taking us around the world with song and dance routines, a show not to miss if you like the Headliners.
We now settle in to five sea days to Ponta Delgado , leaving Barbados at 30c, how long can we take the sun across the pond.
Day 1 at sea and the sky is blue, temp 29c.

We had a lazy day on deck ,in and out of the pool to cool off and a very light rain shower.
[ ] Tonight is our third Black Tie night and I should think over 95% of passengers gave another good turn out. The formal night dance was on at Carmen's, but we went to see Harrison Treble thumping the life out of the grand piano in the theatre. Playing songs from Little Richard, Elton John ,Ray Charles and more, ending with Jerry Lee Lewis, and not setting the piano on fire and saying "follow that".
[ ] Day 2 ,and again the weather was great, temp 28c.
[ ] We decided on a quiet lunch, and went to the Glass House for the small plates, having decided on the six plates to share and ordering the drinks we settled in to a leisurely hour and a half. Behind us up a corner folk were enjoying the wine tasting talk.
[ ] As the hot afternoon passed we went back to the cabin and the balcony, which on this leg of the cruise was in the sun.
[ ] After dinner we took in the Irish comedian William Cauldfield. He was funny but his jokes were so clean they still had the laundry tags on them. Finishing the night at the Crows nest we realised we were a bit to close to the Aurora trio as the drummer thumped away on the bass drum..
[ ] The Myholiday app on board had crashed October 31 so we are not able to access bookings, accounts or anything. At reception we had a print out of our onboard spend and enquired if the app will be up again. The reply was it's now been sent to get sorted with the IT team at Southampton. Next cruise passengers, dont hold your breath.
[ ] We then went the a select restaurant to get up our restaurant bookings as foolishly we had relied on the app for our dates.
[ ] Sea day 3. Another hot day on deck at 27c. Half way to the Azores.
[ ] The Riviera pool has been drained since just after leaving the Caribbean, maybe because of the slow swell causing the pool to have big waves going over the ends,I don't know, but today they filled it. Very handy as we had to go to the Crystal pool for a swim, even tried the jacuzzi, first time for years. What do you do in it other than sit,soon got bored, it's not for me other than a few minutes .
[ ] For lunch today we went to Sindhu and the Tiffin lunch. We picked six dishes Sarah had a 0% alc glass of wine I had a bottle of Cobra.
[ ] As the afternooon progressed Sarah went for a facial in the spar, I told her it was a waste of money, as, how would they be able to improve perfection, smooth move by me there. Anyhow,on her return she said how much she had enjoyed the pampering and how relaxing it was. While in the spar Sarah booked to have her nails re done to see them to the end of the cruise in another colour.
[ ] In for another swim and then back to the cabin for a tea and coffee on the balcony and ready for dinner.
[ ] After another delightful meal, the piano player was at one end of the ship and the Headliners at the other, we decided on the Crows Nest where the Aurora Orchestra were playing music of the movies. The seats in there are so comfortable and after a few G&Ts it was time to retire to the cabin.
[ ] Sea day 4.The sky again was blue with high thin clouds ,temp 25c. We have about six hundred nautical miles to go.
[ ] And yet another lovely day on the decks. The temperature did rise to 26c A few days ago was 'build a ship on a ship' . The days of collecting the 1ltr water bottles to make something that may float are gone. The prize winner was a major construction job, with a ship getting on to nearly 3 ft long and over a foot high. I imagined someone brought the sticky tape etc,with them,it certainly was impressive.
[ ] Tonight is our fourth formal and the Portunus party in Carmen's.
[ ] The drinks flowed freely and,with still half a bottle of wine to finish at dinner plus a few more up a the Crows nest , I ended the night quite merry.
[ ] Final sea day to the Azores.
[ ] And another loverly day, 25c, we made it all the way across the pond keeping the sun with us.
[ ] Tonight we eat at Sindhu, and again it did not disappoint. Finishing the night at the 22.30 show in Carmen's where the Irish comedian performed his last show. .
[ ] Punta Delgado. Temp 21c.
[ ] The day started wet but by 07.30 the clouds started to clear out to sea ,an hour later there is a lot of sunshine. But being the Azores you are never far away from a shower or rain .
[ ] At 11.00 this morning the ship will fall silent for two minutes to remember the day the guns fell silent and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in past conflicts to protect us.

[Ray B]

Surprise, Surprise, the 'myholiday' app is back up and running. Well done the P&O I T team.
It's a lovely day here in the Azores with temps above 20c, a very nice day to walk around and make stops at bars the the passengers seem to pass. A quick pit stop at the park cafe in Antonio Borges Park containing trees from around the world.
Tonight we will be eating in the glass house, we were going on our own but met up with two fellow table companions whilst in the coffee shop then joined by two more,it now looks like all our table will now be joining us at the Glass House.
A new set of acts boarding today will entertain us to the finish of the cruise.
Hopefully we can entice the sun to follow us back to UK.

[CaroleF]

It sounds wonderful. Chilly and wet here near Southampton. Enjoying your reports Ray, thank you.

[cruisin_duo]

Enjoying your cruise review.