Vigo, Spain once again!

18th November 2009.

Greetings from the super Spanish city of Vigo, we were only here four days ago! Of course it is a different cruise so the passengers are all different; it’s only the crew going back to the same port so soon!

Thank you to all the readers of the blog who have posted me messages, it’s great to read them and fantastic to realise I have folks as far away as Australia and India following my travels! I am still finding it very strange going on to the P&O Cruises web page and seeing myself!

This morning we have full crew drills and as I have said before safety here at P&O Cruises is our number one priority. Every single week each and every one of the ship’s company takes part in crew drills. The scenarios of the drills vary, but the intent is always the same; the safety of the ship and all who sail in her.

Also this morning I have crew rounds to conduct. This takes place every week when all staff cabins are checked by Senior Officers. This works both ways, the reporting officer can make sure that the staff cabins are in a fit state, but also if anything is wrong with the cabin we can report it and get it fixed. We take care of all of our staff and don’t forget this is their home for up to 6 months at a time for some of them so it is very important both to us and for them. Do not worry, my cabin is checked each week as well and I would be told to get it in order if I had left it in a mess!!

I will try to get off later today for a couple of hours to do my usual hike up to the Castle, I need my creamy coffee and fresh croissant fix!

Tonight in the Theatre Royal we feature comedian Johnnie Casson. Johnnie is a first class stand up comic. His TV credits go way back to 1987 with ‘Summer Time Special’ and right up to date with ‘The Paul O’Grady Show’ this year. He has done just about everything you can do in the world of show biz including appearing at the world famous London Palladium a number of times. Our passengers are in for a great night!

I thought you might like a look at these stunning shots I took in Palma Majorca on 11th November.

Palma Cathedral founded in 1235 and finished in 1601!

Palma Cathedral from the Park de la Mar.
Palma Cathedral and the Aludaina Palace. The Palace was originally the residence of the Moorish rulers, but is now occupied by the Captain General of the Balearic Islands. La Longa (Exchange) proudly flying the flag of the Balearic Islands, the Spanish National flag and the European Union flag. La Lonja is considered to be one of the finest civic Gothic buildings in Spain.
Palma waterfront through the bow of Oriana.
Palma harbour with Bellver Castle dominating the skyline. The castle was built in the 14th Century and its dungeons were used for prisoners of the Inquisition and during the dictatorship of General Franco. This shot was taken from deck 12 on Oriana.

Bye for now

Nigel