Cartagena

Oceana alongside in Cartagena on Wednesday 14th July 2010.



Good Day All,

Thank you for your messages and I know how much you appreciate the photographs. When we were in Cartagena I popped ashore - it was so easy as the OCEANA is berthed right in the centre of Cartagena. I have been here before but never ashore! It was a real treat and I spoke to some passengers who have been here at least three times and they still can't get to see everything.

Cartagena is Spain's major commercial port and naval base, it lies on the coast of Murcia, its great indented bay guarded by rocky promontories, each topped by a fort. Attractive promenades extend along the harbour, while to the north east is the famous beach and water sports area of Mar Menor.

No PVC double glazing here!

Don't forget to smell the roses along the way.....................................spot the single red rose...

You know I love my entrance doors.........

The War Memorial. Everywhere is so clean and beautifully maintained.

Interesting sculptures in the Promenade area.

Lots of Cafes to enjoy and all the big name shops are here...............perfect for wandering....

The Spanish National Flag flies proudly in the Square. Having won the football world cup and the Wimbledon tennis they are all felling very upbeat - and rightly so.

Oceana's sleek bow - where did you walk today?

The Commodore's Burgee - flying the flag for P&O Cruises.

A selection of the flag on Oceana's Bridge. Passengers often ask about the different flags that we fly when entering and leaving port.

Oceana's iconic buff funnel - modern and sleek - reflecting the fun - loving and glamorous OCEANA. The decks were packed for the sailaway with a live band playing on deck - I love those moments......check that blue sky!!

After signing off on the Bridge for departure I did my rounds of the open decks and called into see how the Youth Team were - from left to right - Louise, Chris, Emma and Elle - doing a superb job with our 300+ young people.

The Oceana is very popular for family cruises.

As with all our P&O Cruises ships - Oceana has endless pieces of original art work which were specially commissioned. They certainly add interest to the stairwells.

This very glamorous chandelier is hanging in the Monte Carlo Casino.

Oceana's Atrium is the focal point of the ship. Last evening I was dining in Marco Pierre White's Cafe Jardin, from where I could observe the glass lifts cascading down over four decks all filled with with people 'out for the evening'.

The Tiffany glass ceiling above the dance floor at the bottom of the Atrium. One thing you notice about Oceana is the vibrant colours used in the interior design of the vessel.

This has been another perfect day at sea. I have attended a Diamond Wedding Celebration Breakfast in the Captain's Lounge - the joy in a persons face when they open a card from The Queen is really something to see, I also hosted a table at the Portunus Gold Tier Luncheon. The Commodore was also very busy today as he had two weddings this afternoon! It is all going on - on board OCEANA.

Tomorrow we will be in Civitavecchia - the gateway to The Eternal City of Rome.

I hope your day is going well wherever you may be.

Bye for now,

James.

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that."

- J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone