Saturday April 13^th

At Sea

Packing day for over 2,450 guests on board, but not for us. Yay!

Alas, due to a miscalculation I needed to do laundry today, and felt quite guilty heading to the launderette, as I was sure it would be packed with people who didn’t want to go home with a load of dirty clothes. Miracle of miracles I was able to get a machine, and didn’t seem to be interrupting anyone’s washing plans.

It has actually been very boring in the launderette this trip. Minimal interesting gossip, and no fights. Quite honestly there has been more excitement around the toasters in the Kings Court at breakfast.

I needed to go to both craft classes today as Mary, the crafty lady, will be disembarking in Southampton and I needed her advice in order to finish my current project, so that kept me busy too. As it turned out I didn’t manage to finish the project, but at least I know what I am doing now, so hopefully I can do the rest unaided.

Today was Graham’s last talk, and it was as good as usual. After his talk we headed down to Connexions to attempt to redeem our prize from the stamps we have accumulated on our Activity Reward Card. Half the ship was there too, so we decided that we would wait until we disembark in New York to get our prize. Maybe we will have more stamps by then.

By the time we headed out for pre dinner drinks in the Commodore Club the corridor outside our cabin was totally filled with the suitcases of the disembarking passengers. I was so grateful that we didn’t have to get off; I’m not ready yet!

After dinner everyone on the table headed to the Queens Room for the “Homecoming Party Starring The Rewind Project”. The room was totally packed. Somehow Geoff and Heather were able to secure seats near the dance floor, the rest of us stood around hoping something would open up.

It was quite the party. Everyone was dancing and having a great time. Yes, there were more flags to wave, and there certainly was a very festive atmosphere as everyone celebrated our return to the UK after many days at sea for the full world cruise passengers.

However, the best part was I did indeed get Brian on to the dance floor, and we danced the night away, being among the last passengers to leave the party.

It has been a wonderful 20 days – great ports, a fabulous ship, and fun tablemates.

When we returned to our cabin, the corridors were empty once more, all of those suitcases now safely stored in the bowels of the ship, awaiting our arrival in Southampton.

We had sailed through the Bay of Biscay with hardly any movement of the ship. Hopefully the crossing will show some more action.

I placed our new flags in the glass, and collapsed exhausted into our wonderfully comfortable bed, excited about being in Southampton tomorrow.