Yesterday Oceana was alongside in Gibraltar and became like a 'ghost ship' as everyone descended the three gangways and made their way into town. The temperature was a very pleasant 24 degrees and a cooling breeze all around the rock. Being the first port of call there is an air of excitement as the great white ship edges to the shore. Our Agent and Officials are marvellous and we have a very speedy clearance for passengers and crew - happy days!
The Cruise Terminal is bright and welcoming - I had a nice cup of coffee here on my return from town with friends - sounds daft when you can enjoy delicious coffee on board - but there is something nice about just chatting with friends over a cup of coffee on land.....
We are here.............
Arches on the old city walls are very attractive......spot the red MG coming through.....
Lots of interesting architecture to enjoy...........
The big guns are in town.......
Since all the main streets are now pedestrianised it makes for a very relaxing browse.
The shops are not all jewellery and perfume - this is a furniture restoration shop!
Shop till you drop - there is even a M&S, NEXT and BHS.............
The Rock of Gibraltar.
The harbour is always very busy with merchant shipping. Oceana backs out to sea.....
The is the airport - OCEANA had to wait until a light plane landed before leaving her berth.....
This is our Deck 15 forward paddling pool - a favourite of my niece Jill.........
A friendly wave from our Deck Staff - I was up the Mast - can you picture the scene?
As you can see lots of development going on - so much so that I could not find Morrisons Supermarket!
We are here.............
Arches on the old city walls are very attractive......spot the red MG coming through.....
Lots of interesting architecture to enjoy...........
The big guns are in town.......
Since all the main streets are now pedestrianised it makes for a very relaxing browse.
The shops are not all jewellery and perfume - this is a furniture restoration shop!
Shop till you drop - there is even a M&S, NEXT and BHS.............
The Rock of Gibraltar.
The harbour is always very busy with merchant shipping. Oceana backs out to sea.....
The is the airport - OCEANA had to wait until a light plane landed before leaving her berth.....
This is our Deck 15 forward paddling pool - a favourite of my niece Jill.........
A friendly wave from our Deck Staff - I was up the Mast - can you picture the scene?
As you can see lots of development going on - so much so that I could not find Morrisons Supermarket!Last evening was the Commodore's Welcome on Board Reception on the Atrium. I met Mark and Rita Swales whom I have not seen for 27 years - the last time we met I was at their wedding in Yorkshire! Mark and I worked together in London Hotels in my past life. They have three grown up children. It is just by chance that we have all met up on board Oceana and it is their first Cruise! Small world as they say.............
After dinner in the Adriatic Restaurant I was well entertained by Mr Mike Doyle in the Starlights Lounge - he stormed the audience and we all enjoyed a good laugh. Laughter is the best medicine. Jo my Passenger Services Manager was just pointing out to me this evening that there is a letter in the Portunus Club Magazine (summer 2010) mentioning my name from Christine McDowall in Ayr - Readers Letters page 3 - Happy Memories indeed Christine and thanks for writing to the Portunus Club - I am glad to know you are keeping up with my blog.
Must sign off now - we are in Cartagena today and let's hope this delightful summer weather stays with us for many days to come.
Best wishes
James.
Don't give up on your dreams, where there is passion and patience, you can't go wrong.
Posts
10 comments:
Hi James
Another brill blog from you, just keep them coming. In case you think we are in the pub at 11 am Ha Ha.,NO... we are hitching a ride on WIFI from a house across the road from the CS (naughty I know) but I will do what I got to do to read your blog Ha Ha... Loved the photos as usual great to see old Gib always a popular port of call for the shopping. I am picturing you at the top of the mast (I dont think) ha ha....
Look forward to your next blog.
Cheers
Mary K.
Hi James,Loved the photos as usual, we've been to Gibraltar so many times since our first cruise 22 years ago, but never seen the furniture restoration shop, will have to seek it out in two weeks time!!So glad to hear that Mike Doyle is back on the P & O circuit, maybe he'll be on Oriana cruise X013. The last timw we saw him was on home turf at Newcastle Emlyn, when we had a fantastic night in his company.Please give him our regards.
It would be nice if we met up in one of the ports in the Med, but doesnt look as if our paths cross, but we'll certainly give you a wave as you make your way back to your home port.
Take care.
Norma & Peris
Hi James
Brilliant as usual, great photos of Gib,i have been there a few times always a god run ashore.
I was looking at the photo's of Arcadia and Oceana i have to say that in my opinion Oceana has better looking lines to her, she looks nice and Sleek, whereas Arcadia looks more box shape.Still i dare say everyone has an opinion about the looks of the cruise ships in the P&O fleet, for me it is the sleek look that i like not the box shape.
Anyway more election hype on the TV, becoming boring cant wait for it all to end.
Regards to all on Oceana.
Geoff Witts Perth
Hello Mary K
Can't believe the lenghts you go to to keep up with the blog....well done to you. Hope the weather is being kind to you up in the north of Scotland. Must get myself a Kilt for New Year's Eve!!
Best wishes,
James.
Hi Norma,
I have passed on your message to Mike Doyle. It is always an occasion when two P&O Cruises Ships meet up in port - you can feel the magic - maybe one day. The Oriana is about to have it's dance floors well polished with AP!
I heard at my Dinner table the other evening that Sir Alex's son is a Manager of a FC!?
Best wishes
James.
Hi Geoff,
Oceana has great lines.....all the Ship's are beautiful in thier own way - the best ship is the one you are on!!
G'Day from Cartagena, it is so hot here you could be in OZ!
James.
Hi James
Just a wee quick message from the family to say a big thank you for your company at dinner.They really appreciated it.Hope to catch up one day soon myself untill then smooth seas and happy passengers.
Regards
Alan PS Mum loved the Sancerre
Hi Alan,
You are blessed with such a wonderful family - it was such fun to catch up after a long time - and you have twins in the family - I never knew!! To have three generations on the same cruise is quite something - an aspect of OCEANA that I am really enjoying. Your ears must have been 'red' that evening. Hope all is well at the shop and see you soon on P&O Cruises....
Best wishes to all the Clan,
James.
Hi James
The weather is no bad, today has been a nice sunny day, so we have been relaxing in the A. K. is a good place to come even although its a wee village it has 6 pubs in it so spoiled for choice.
Now James I would definitely love to see you in a Kilt, so it is a must for this Hogmonay OK... the question is will you be a true Scotsman with an bit of Irish rolled into one.
Cheers
Mary K.
HiJames - I cant agree with your comment more "the best ship is the one you are on" of course thats providing its one of the P&O fleet, our next is "Oriana" then Christmas & New Year "Artemis" and I really cant wait. Thanks for the great photos of Gibraltar and I just love the comments at the end of your blogs, so very true.
Ros
Post a Comment