Day 1: Friday 16th August 2024: Dover
A couple of weeks before the cruise from Dover we received a letter from Saga telling us that we had been upgraded (i.e. moved) to a different cabin on the same deck. From the Saga brochure this was a big leap in cabin grade. Quite a pleasant surprise as he new cabin would have a walking wardrobe, a larger refrigerator, a larger balcony and much more floor space.
Our taxi came at 10 am in the middle of the scheduled times. It was a VW minibus with one other passenger. There was lots of room for our cases and for us inside.
The driver’s phone was getting no signal and I had to direct him towards the M3. The signal came back and we settled down for a long drive to Dover. The M25 was very busy and as we came to the roadworks at the A3, the traffic all jammed up. I was facing backwards and missed just how close our driver was to the cars in front. We sat in the outside lane and cars and vans continued to undertake us!
Journey to Dover
The M20 was configured for trucks to be held before reaching the Dover. This meant the southbound carriageway was divided into two with the middle lane coned off. The northbound carriageway was similarly divided by concrete “temporary “blocks and had been turned into a carriageway for all the traffic. The sudden stop and start traffic continued on the M20. This was even more disconcerting because our driver was continually on the phone.
At the side of us, the truck lanes were empty, but as we neared Dover, we began to pass trucks. They had a speed restriction of 30 mph. Our part of the shared carriageway had a speed restriction of 50 mph. Once off the motorway we were in the outside lane passing a line of stopped trucks waiting to get into the port.
From my viewpoint in the back this Dutch BMW following us seem to believe that at any point they’d be able to pass – hence the tailgating. At the next roundabout the trucks were all being held and our taxi finally turned towards the port entrance.
Port of Dover
Once inside the port we were directed to stop by a line of porters. Our suitcases were taken and put on trolleys and the taxi then drove is about 50 yards for us to get out and enter the building.
We were showed to the check-in area. There we were at least 10 positions and only one was in use. Our check-in was very quick and we chatted to the lady looking after us. Everyone at the port from the porters to the greeters, to the people who guided us and to this lady were extremely friendly and helpful. Dover was a friendly place to depart from.
The walk to the ship was up and down long corridors in the covered walkways. Once inside the ship we were led to the grand dining room for lunch. I had scallops, a fabulous steak which was followed by a small bread and butter pudding.
We may have been on a table for two but the couples are another side of us chatted all through the meal. Then it was time to go to our cabin on the eighth deck.
Our cabin
The cabin was everything as promised in the brochure. Once our suitcases arrived, we unpacked and with all the extra hanging space and drawers we had lots of space for all our clothes.
This cabin had the same electrical outlets as the other cabins that we had been on previously.
The socket for the hair dryer was however European rather than UK.
At 4:15 pm we had the mandatory visit to our lifeboat station on deck five in the Living Room. We found it okay descending three decks but a lot of other passengers were really struggling. Once our cards had been scanned, we walked through the Living Room and then walked back up to deck eight.
Again some of the passengers around us were clearly having issues. On the deck seven, I had to ask one of the stair guides to intervene and help one lady in particular.
Views of Dover
Out on the top deck, I took these images of Dover Castle.
Beyond our quay, I watched earth moving trucks bringing material to dump almost into the dock. An excavator was taking this material and slowly extending it across the dock.
The ship that been bunkering Spirit of Discovery moved out into the middle of the harbour and then sailed away.
On the cliffs these pylons look like WW2 Chain Home radars.
There was an announcement that a passenger have been taken ill and would be leaving by ambulance. This meant that the ship would be delayed.
Evening on Spirit of Discovery
On the first evening we were assigned not only a restaurant but the time for dining. We were to be in the Grand Dining Room at 6:30 pm. After relaxing the Living Room we went to eat and was shown to a table for five. After my large lunch I ordered chicken preceded by a Boston salad.
One of our table companions told us about his experiences of being stalked and the lengths he had to go to to stop the stalking. I was pleased to hear that the Faroe Islands were open to visitors and enjoyed seeing videos of puffins around their burrows taken there.
Jenna Lee-James
We were a little early for the doors to be opened in the theatre at 9 pm. This evening’s performance was by Jenna Lee-James.
Between songs she talked about her career from her upbringing in Scotland to performing in London’s West End playing Scaramouche in cats, part of the company supporting Hugh Jackman and being in the original cast of “We will rock you “.
She was backed by the trio of musicians who play in the living room, the Spirit Trio. All in all an excellent performance.
The house band, Viva, had just joined the ship and this evening was their first performance. Then we were in the Britannia lounge in time for the resident bands rendition of Mustang Sally!
Spirit of Adventure had left Dover at about 7:30 pm with about 1,000 miles to our first port of Lisbon.
Day 2: Saturday 17 August 2024: At Sea
We had a very late start in the morning and we were in the grill for breakfast at 9 am. As it was Sunday, we picked up at the offered glass of fizz on the way through. My fried eggs weren’t definitely not easy over. As I was waiting for pancakes, I received a lecture on the dangers of eggs cooked like mine!
After getting changed for a walk we registered a credit card and cancelled our excursion in Lisbon. This was one of the three “free” ones available on this cruise. We had received a letter explaining that due to roadworks and the resulting traffic jams the tour would not be going over the X bridge. We had. Been doubtful about this tour as there had been an emphasis on “sightseeing” from the coach
We walked around the promenade deck. The ship was in the Channel Approaches and we could see ships on every side.
On one of the circuits I saw a porpoise leap out of the water and then moments later do it again. Sadly no pictures I’m afraid. Mixed up with the ships I could see a trawler so the waters we were passing through had enough fish to bother dipping their nets in.
Afternoon at sea
On the noon Captain’s update we were told that the ship would enter the Bay of Biscay at around 2 pm. To make up lost time the ship was running faster than planned. The booked speciality restaurants for the coming evenings. We tried for 7 pm or 7:30 pm meant meant that our bookings were days away. We had lunch in the Grill but the promised curry lunch had only Aloe Gobi that have been on the previous evening’s menu. So it was pizza and salad for me. Our lunch in the grill was a bit rocky as we were high up on the ship. The passenger next to us was suffering already from seasickness.
Later in the afternoon I watched passing ships and read on our balcony until it was time to go to the port talk for Porto. I spotted P&O Arvia going North way away on the port side.
While I watched the passing ships I tried to reset my email on my phone. I discovered that YouTube, my website and my website’s email were all blocked!
Port talk for Porto
The talk about Porto started off informative and we learned of the provided shuttle bus. The travel time from the port to the city would be at least 30 minutes.
Sadly, the presenter flashed up images with descriptions but very little information of the where the places that we shown actually were!. Or, even just as important their location to each other. The description of our booked complimentary tour(again sightseeing on the coach) convince us to return our tickets again. One of the bookable excursions was on a tuck. The reminder to wrap up well was accompanied by the glossing over of the a 30 minute transit to and from Porto on the duck duck! Definitely one to avoid.
The interesting places to visit were well covered and we then had an idea of where to go. The good news was how compact the city was when compared to Lisbon. But we gave up and left as the interminable descriptions of excursions rolled on.
Then we sat in the Living Room for a coffee and an IPA to relax after the talk. We had a chat with our neighbours around the coffee table. They do really enjoy the the spa facilities on board.
Evening
We stopped in the Living Room for a drink before we headed off to the Grand Dining Room for our evening meal at around 7 pm.
We were on a shared table for six. I tried the prawns and crushed avocado and salad and then another delicious steak. The recommended red wine was a Jam Shiraz, a wine we avoid at home. One of our table companions did have a taste and agreed it was not great. We stayed with Merlot for the rest of the meal. This was another good table for conversations as we were sharing with an ex nuclear civil engineer and a retired journalist. We heard about charity walks in The Gamba and the pitfalls of dealing with the local police there.
The Sounds of Simon
The entertainment in the theatre was a Simon and Garfunkel tribute pair, The Sounds of Simon, they were accompanied by the trio from the ship.
Apart from making excellent renditions of Simon’s songs the repartee between songs was great comedy.
Behind on the screen we could see images of Simon & Garfunkel and between songs videos of views that helped with context. The singer with guitar told his highlights of Simon‘s life and career which further helped with the context of the songs.
Rather than head off to the Britannia lounge, we opted for an early night but with some images of the moon and see from our balcony first.
Day 3: Sunday 18th August 2024: At Sea
At 9am, the weather looked perfect and promised a fine day.
After breakfast, in the grill, we went on a walk around the promenade deck. The ship was gently pitching but caused no problems as we walked.
Just as the day before we spotted marine activity and again, I have no proof with images. This time it was of whale spout. By the time I had focussed with my camera the whale had dived. At the stern we paused our walk and sat down for a cup of tea in the Secret Garden.
Afternoon
In the Captain’s noon talk, he confirmed that the ship had left the Bay of Biscay at 11 am. The ship I’ve been running faster than planned to make up for the delay at Dover. Later in the afternoon the ship would be showing time as by then all the Lost time would’ve been made up.
For the first time this cruise we ate lunch on the Veranda. We were under the shade of an umbrella and enjoyed a relaxing lunch. We were joined another couple who had already eaten. The next hour or so past quickly as we chatted about cruises I learned about being seasick on surfaced submarines, this did not sound pleasant at all!
The rest of the afternoon passed equally quickly as we relaxed in our balcony taking in the afternoon sun.
Evening
This was the first formal evening of the cruise. Our evening started with a drink in the Living Room. We start to one side and watched as the other guests passed by on their way to the Grand Dining Room.
The short staircase was being used as a backdrop for formal evening photographs. There was a certain exodus as passengers left the captains welcome cocktail party.
This was our cue to go a little early to the East West restaurant. To save our legs, we went up the stairs and then along to the restaurant.
The setting sun was streaming in through the windows behind us. I probably went overboard and ordered two starters followed by lamb Bhuna, a naan and fried vegetables.
The servicing in this restaurant was as impeccable as always. After a mousse bouche our starters came. The white wine was an English one and I enjoyed a small glass before my main drink of Merlot. The starters were excellent and the lamb was equally delicious.
We just about managed to eat our desserts and our tea and coffee afterwards.
Britannia Room
The entertainment was the second performance of Jenna in the Britannia Lamb. This started at 9:45 pm. The quiz was just finishing but not many people were leaving. Chairs with a view of the front of the dance floor were definitely in short supply. The house band performed for about 15 minutes before the spirit trio took their places and Jenna came back for her second performance. Our seats were to one side but most of the time we had a good view of the singer.
Remarked with the people sitting between us in the dancefloor position themselves with their back to Jenna for almost all her performance. Two of the other people in front of us ignored our performance and talk to each other. Often their voices were loud enough to almost drowned out the quiet pieces being performed. Jenna’s show was again in excellent and included a number from Les Mis.
Viva came back and we managed quite a few dances before calling it a day.
The first port would be Lisbon the next day