The Caribbean part of our cruise aboard Independence of the Seas was now complete, but having departed our last port, we then had to return at full speed to Philipsburg, St Maarten for a "medical emergency" requiring someone to be put ashore. But now at last, we were back on course.... (left) Last Wednesday's Group Photo - pre-dinner drinks in "Boleros" on the Royal Promenade

Friday 9th - Friday 16th May 2014 8 Days at Sea - Crossing the Atlantic

Day One By the time I got up for my morning swim, we were still making 20 knots (but now in the right direction!) to get back on schedule after last night's 6-hour detour! They say, "Start out the way you mean to go on", so Andrew, Gerry & I affirmed our routine of morning liqueur coffees on the Royal Promenade, busier today, as passengers had nowhere to go ashore! What was unusual was the advancing of the clocks by an hour at 12noon rather than overnight. Just 4 more to go!

Liqueur Coffees on the Royal Promenade		Midships Atrium on the Royal Promenade		The Ice Show "Strings! A World Adventure on Ice" a second viewing of this spectacular show

Hilary & I did the dance class at 2pm (Swing & Fox-Trot), a little disappointing at only ½ an hour. But today was marked by winnings; Andrew winning $177 in the casino, Marilyn winning over $300 (although she then made the mistake of carrying-on playing!), then Carol winning $300 at Bingo.

		But it was the Movie Picture Quiz in the Schooner Bar that caused a stir when Gerry, Andrew, Claire, Peggy & I casually took part at the bar - and won with 29/30 and then had to shout at the top of our voices to be noticed because the "regulars" clustered around the piano thought they had won with 28! They were most indignant when I went up to collect our prizes (RCCL Pens - wow!) but after all, "It's the not the taking part that matters; it's the winning!" (left) The Schooner Bar - a bit small and crowded for the popular daily quizzes.

Today was also another opportunity to see the Ice Show, "Strings! A World Adventure on Ice"; lyrical, beautiful, exuberant and fun - even more enjoyable on a second viewing!

Saturday 10th May Transatlantic Day Two Highlight of my day was my 1½-hr "Cellutox AromaSpa Ocean Wrap". It was the first time I had done anything like this and while it was a weird experience at times, the effects were amazing - and lasted all week!

Chops Grille(deck 11) Appetizers >>		Petit Filet Mignon Entrées >>		Flaming Crème Brûée Desserts >>		Dinner in Chops Grille our Group

Tonight was the 2nd Formal Night on this cruise and an opportunity for us to get a Group Photo. Then for a change, we all had dinner in Chops Grille, one of two speciality restaurants on board but where the additional cover charge seemed a bit steep at $30 a head. The menu showed promise.... (Right) Our Group Portrait on the 2nd Formal Night

		However, the actual experience was only "OK". The food was less than remarkable and service was not even up to the standard of the main Dining Room on board. Consequently, we didn't bother to try the other alternative venue, Giovanni's Table, which was only $20! Giovanni's Main Menu >> Giovanni's Desserts Menu >> Tonight's show was Once Upon a Time, which reminded me of that dire musical from 1989 "Into The Woods". While imaginative and funny in parts, it was still just another compilation show, held together by a tenuous thread of Fairy Tales!

Sunday 11th May Transatlantic Day Three More winnings for Andrew! Not content with $200 in the morning, he won another $150 in the afternoon. Mind you, we never find out what he loses! (right) Towel Art - a regular feature in our cabins at night. Here we have an Anteater of all things!

For lunch, Andrew, Gerry & I decided to try Sorrento's Café on the Royal Promenade, where the name is more romantic than the setting but the pizzas and paninis were pretty good - and free!

Sorrento's Café The best Pizza & Paninis!		Joanna Marie featured Artiste in the Ice Show "Strings"		The Pyramid Lounge A nightly exclusive venue for "Diamond" Crown & Anchor Members Complimentary drinks and canapés from 5-7pm

I went on my own to the afternoon Matinee Show, Joanna Marie, the featured violist from the Ice Show, "Strings". I seldom enthuse about the shows on board ship these days but this one (she) was brilliant; pretty and charming, talented but modest, her show was a joy. She even brought her Mum (who taught her to play violin) up on stage to play a duet with her. Delightful!

		I like being Diamond! But for Andrew, Gerry & I, one of the "perks" of being Diamond members of the Crown & Anchor Club was the exclusive "Diamond Lounge" available every evening from 5-7pm. This had now become a staple element of our daily routine and it was proving to be a pleasant complimentary substitute for the "5 o'clock Martini Club". We should have got our "Diamond" lapel pins on our last Royal Caribbean voyage but we never did, so this time I asked our exclusive Concierge, the wonderfully named Ryno Strapp, to get them for us!

Somewhat strangely, tonight was the "Black & White Ball" but it wasn't a Formal Night, as is usually the case (that was tomorrow). Not surprisingly we didn't see many people in black & white!

Monday 12th May Transatlantic Day Four Half-way through our Transatlantic Crossing and there were some brief sightings of Humpback Whales today, which proved difficult to photograph! (right) Whale ahoy! A glimpse of one of a n umber of Humpback Whales seen today

The clocks went forward again at noon (3 more to go!), shortening the day by an hour and causing havoc with the appointments book in the "Future Sales Booking" office, where we eventually booked next year's "Iceland & The Fjords" cruise with sister company Celebrity Cruises. The price wasn't much different but the on-board credit was better!

Today, Andrew, Gerry & I had special preview invitations to the second Ice-Show, "Freeze Frame!", more modern in style than the first show but just as brilliant and with a Wow Finish!

"Freeze Frame!" A special invitation to the 2nd Ice Show				"Invitation to Dance" another of the big production shows

But tonight's evening Production Show in the main theatre was "Invitation to Dance", the choreography and dancing for which proved rather better than the singing! The two lead ballroom dancers were the couple who had been giving Hilary & me our dance lessons!

After dinner, I found the forward Helicopter Deck still open and experienced one of those moments of sheer bliss; under a curtain of stars and with a flat calm sea, there was no wind and no sound, just the gentle breeze from the motion of the ship gliding through the darkness. Just wonderful!

Tuesday 13th May Transatlantic Day Five

There wasn't much point in taking pictures in the dark last night but back on the Helicopter Deck in daylight the following morning, it was still just as calm and serene - just without the stars!

There were more winnings announced today, with Claire winning $200 at Bingo yesterday and Andrew winning another $100 in the casino!

The rest of the day continued warm and sunny, with just a slight swell, so I spent the day in and out of the sun, watching other people exerting themselves in various ways on the Sports Deck!

The Diamond Club Lounge and its private Sun Deck				The Wall Many do make it!		The Games Court

				Play video >>
Mini-Golf		The FloRider artificial surfing machine To see the video, press "Play Video >>" for the HD version (If your system won't play that, press the "YouTube logo" for a lo-res version)						Pool Volleyball Officers v Passengers

Headliner Showtime this evening was brilliant vocalist Peter Grant, perhaps not so well known unless (like Andrew & me) you already have his album "Traditional" at home! At just 27, he has a lovely relaxed voice and a remarkably "traditional" swing and jazz style.

The Best Laid (Table) Plans....
Up to now, everyone at the table had been taking turns to buy the wine at dinner, as per the agreed strategy put forward by our lovable "Cruise Dictator" but tonight it all went wrong when 3 people said they weren't bothered about having wine tonight! As everyone had already had their turn at paying the bill, Andrew had proposed that we deal with the last 4 nights by each cabin taking one more turn each (as we have 4 cabins altogether). But it was not to be and instead, Gerry & I stepped in to rescue us from threatening anarchy! Still, such are the hazards of large groups with differing tastes and wishes!

Wednesday 14th May
Transatlantic Day Six
Well north of the Azores now and it was much colder and cloudier this morning - and it was cold in the pool! The German woman who had been swimming at the same time as me every morning put her toe in the water and pronounced it, "Too Cold!". I managed 50 lengths but it was a bit brisk!

Wurlitzer Juke Box in Sorrentos Café		The Ice Show "Freeze Frame!" A second viewing and well worth it!

		Claire was on form and thrilled today, winning $600 on the slot-machines! In the afternoon, I enjoyed another viewing of the Ice Show, "Freeze Frame", this time with Carol and Marilyn who enjoyed it immensely. (Gerry's photo)

Unpleasant Shadows Cast in Labyrinth Sarah & Claire, being late-night disco divas, had been in "Labyrinth" the previous night and, unimpressed with the choice of suitable dance music, Sarah had complained to the DJ, pointing out that no-one was dancing. An unfortunate argument then ensued but, unwilling to allow Sarah the last word, when she tried to leave, the DJ followed her outside and proceeded to threaten to report her as "abusive". However, Sarah pre-empted him by going straight to Guest Relations and reporting him instead for harassing her!

That was bad enough but the following evening, Sarah found her on-board charge-card declined and when she investigated the problem at Guest Relations, discovered that she had been declared "persona non grata" without any reference to her! Evidently, the DJ had reported his own version of events from the previous evening! Needless to say, Sarah was livid (not to say embarrassed) and her mother Hilary then joined the fray, criticising Guest Relations for acting inappropriately and arbitrarily.

The actions of Guest Relations in this unpleasant affair were clearly insensitive and unduly heavy-handed. Needless to say, Sarah's status was restored but not before a nasty shadow had been cast over an otherwise good day and a great cruise.

		Tonight was the last Formal Night and at Dinner all the stops were pulled-out! I had the Creamed Wild Mushroom Pastry, the Double Duck Consommé and the Fisherman's Plate, including half a lobster tail. This was followed by a Grand Marnier Soufflé served exceptionally well by waiter Hilario, reminding me very much of Vistafjord in the 1980's. (left) Hilario & Omdish "on form" This evening's Dinner Menu >> and (right) Captain Martini!

Party Tricks from Assistant Waiter Omdish				Chefs' Congratulations! And a hullaballoo in the Dining Room!				Dressed-Up for the Show

Meanwhile, assistant waiter Omdish was in his element, performing little party tricks for us at the table before the traditional "hulaballoo", mercifully restained on this occasion, in which the head-chefs were presented on the stairs of the Dining Room for our applause.

Some of us then went to the last big show, "Center Stage", a tribute to blockbuster film music. Well staged and choreographed, the usual band was enlarged with guest artists who have appeared during the cruise; just as well, because the best bits were the sections without any singing! (right) Production show "Center Stage"; the best bits were the parts without any singing!

		Thursday 15th May Transatlantic Day Seven More northern latitudes now and it was too cold for any swimming today! No cooked breakfast either but I did manage 4½ times round the deck instead!

Today I joined the "exclusive" Galley Tour, arranged by Mary, our dining room Assistant Maitre D'. I was sceptical as to how "exclusive" it would be but in fact, there were only 30 of us in 2 groups!

David Anderson Executive Sous-Chef		Feeding Trough Heavy on the cream!		Fruit Animals for the buffets		Baking Breads & pastries

Our group was led by charismatic Executive Sous-Chef, David Anderson, and we were given an interesting little tour through the galleys on decks 5 & 6, which seemed surprisingly small and cramped, considering the number of passenger/meals they have to prepare and serve every day.

Hilary and I had planned to take advantage of the Cha Cha/Rumba Dance-class today but it was cancelled because of the Finals of the "Egg-Dropping Contest", of all things!

Ship's Officers v Guests - The Captain's Nautical Quiz Since our success on Day 1 of the crossing, we hadn't done any of the quizzes on board but today, "at a loose-end", Gerry & I took part in this nautical-theme quiz but, rather than joining a table to make up a team of 6, we chose to do it on our own as a team of 2. So it came as something of a shock when with 26/30 we discovered we had won, even beating the Officers' Team, who only had 25/30! (They surely hadn't tried very hard!) We then had to collect our prizes (medallions and a bottle of champagne) from none other than the Captain himself and Gerry, being too shy, left me to go up on my own! The Captain asked me what I did for a living and when I said I was a Management Surveyor, there was an audible groan from the audience - I wonder why?

Tonight being our penultimate night aboard, we invited the rest of our group to pre-dinner drinks in our suite, where it was time for our own, now "traditional", Captain's Quiz. Claire & Sarah won, with Andrew & Carol coming a close second and Peggy & Marilyn the runners-up!

At dinner afterwards, Claire & Sarah continued the celebratory mood by ordering the Whole Lobster from the "premium" side of the menu - an extra charge of $34 each! Me? I watched with interest, while I enjoyed Poached Salmon Cocktail, Cream of Mushroom and Roast Pork Loin! Tonight's Menu >>

Claire & Sarah win My Captain's Quiz!		Claire & Sarah order a Whole Lobster - each! Although Claire doesn't look sure quite what to do with hers!				Rock Britannia! The Parade/Show

Queen & Bobbies part of "Rock Britannia"		Stripping Grenadiers - pity they didn't do the "Full Monty" too! Tonight's irreverant but celebratory Parade/Show "Rock Britannia" on the Royal Promenade

After dinner, there was a themed Parade on the Royal Promenade called "Rock Britannia", a somewhat tongue-in-cheek celebration of British rock music put on by the Entertainment Team. It was all good fun but while the low point was a dreadful impersonation of HM The Queen, the high-point for most people was the stripping Grenadiers; it's just a pity they didn't go all the way!

Friday 16th May Transatlantic Day Eight - the last day!

We were now in the Western Approaches, crossing the top of the Bay of Biscay towards the English Channel, and although it was remarkably calm and sunny, it was too cold for swimming, so once again, it was another 4½ times round the deck instead!

"End-of-Cruisitis"
I have often observed that on the last day of a cruise, in addition to the depressing task of packing all your creased and dirty clothes to go home with, something on-board called "end-of-cruisitis" sets in. To prove my point, last night in the Main Dining Room, there was no Camembert Cheese for the Deep Fried Camembert on the menu and this morning in the Windjammer Café there were no fresh grapefruits available for breakfast - I suppose we must have eaten them all!

Studio B - Ice Rink Backstage Tour The last "exclusive" event from the Crown & Anchor Club proved an interesting insight into those Ice Shows, not least for the tiny backstage dressing area! The 60ft x 40ft ice-rink is actually dual-use, with a roll-back hard floor & retractable audience seating. Resurfacing the ice takes 3 days. (far right) Backstage at the Ice Rink - the hydraulic rising stage.

Ice-Polishing Machine		Backstage The tiny dressing area		Retractable Seating Enlarges the hard-floor area		Studio B Sound & Lighting Control Booth

There was also the matter of that bottle of Champagne that Gerry & I won yesterday, but with a $25 corkage-fee in the Restaurant, we weren't going to take it to dinner, so we opened it in our suite instead. Packing was a bit of a blur after that!

Meanwhile, taking advantage of the fine and sunny weather, Peggy & daughter Claire managed to find enough time for one last go in the jaccuzzi!

Peggy & Claire have one last go in the Jacuzzi (instead of doing their packing! - Claire's Photos)				A Special Cake in the Windjammer Café (Thanks again to Claire for the photo of the cake!)

At lunch in the Windjammer Café, the chefs had prepared a special "Thankyou for Cruising" cake for dessert. It was actually very nice but there was another "Thankyou" for us guys later when Carol & Marilyn presented us with Independence of the Seas t-shirts as a thankyou for booking them on this, their first cruise.

At dinner, having watched last night as Claire & Sarah enjoyed their Whole Lobsters, I decided to order one tonight. Instead of Asparagus though, mine came with 3 sprouts and 3 carrots. Considering the additional price of $34, it's a bit pricey and presentation lacks a certain finesse but the lobster itself was delicious!

More Lobster! For me this time!		"Olympus Rocks!" The last night Parade on the Promenade				Greek or Roman?

The final parade on the Royal Promenade at 10.30pm was entitled "Olympus Rocks!" and like last night's parade, it was an excuse for some heavy rock music. But with Greek, Roman & even Disney-style costumes, I guess you'd say it involved a certain "artistic licence" and was just a bit of fun!

		Saturday 17th May Southampton, UK - Disembarkation! I slept poorly and the ship arrived at first light on the anniversary of my Mum's death in Barbados in 1990, following our Caribbean cruise aboard Cunard's Vistafjord. It had been Mum & Dad's 2nd cruise.

Dawn in Southampton View from the balcony		Fred Olsen's Black Watch & Balmorral Both "sharing" the Queen Elizabeth II Terminal				P&O's Oceana At the Ocean Terminal

By the time I stepped outside at 6.00am, we were berthed alongside the City Cruise Terminal. There were 5 other ships in port today: Fred Olsen's Balmoral & Black Watch, P&O's Oceana & Aurora and an MSC ship.

Disembarkation was remarkably smooth; leaving the ship at 8.00am, by taxi Andrew & I were home by 9.45am. However, some of the others didn't fare so well; Carol got stopped by Customs for carrying too many cigarettes (!) and Gerry, Peggy & Claire also went by coach to London but said it was horrendous at Victoria Coach Station, with too many people with too many suitcases!

All in all though, aside from nearly losing half my luggage at the beginning, a very successful cruise, with good weather all the way on a very nice ship, the largest ship we've ever travelled on.

My photos of Independence of the Seas & all ports visited on this cruise can be found on my account at Captain Martini >>

Cruise Mileage: 4,941 nautical miles
Total Mileage to date: 181,508 n miles