Page 173 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2022 DISCOVERING MADRID

“That's the day the doctor arrives by ferry.”) The crew, mostly from the Philippines, was
There were no children onboard and the ma- great and very friendly, so glad to be back to
jority of passengers were elderly—one man, work after two years at home. And the food was
traveling alone and using a cane, was 89. Our excellent (we passed on the reindeer), with am-
cabin was rather spartan (twin beds at an angle) ple pours of wine at lunch and dinner.
but had an adequate WC with shower and ample We were given complimentary, bright orange
storage. (A massive ship renovation is scheduled Helly Hansen parkas and passengers had to
for 2023.) We had a porthole and could watch wear life vests (which were a bit awkward to put
other passengers strolling the deck outside. on) each time we went out on the Zodiac RIB
There was no evening entertainment—despite tender, which was quite the challenging experi-
a grand piano in one lavish bar area; we thought ence. We also had to wear masks indoors—ex-
it would be nice if someone would play it and cept for the dining room.
sing! Maybe accompanied by a violinist! Also, no Our first stop, after a sea day, was in the fish-
spa—just a sauna and two outdoor hot tubs on ing village of Fishguard, Wales. We were the
the top deck. There was one small gift shop that first cruise ship to stop there in two years and a
offered nice items (including Norwegian jewelry small, smiling, hospitable group turned out (in-
and sweaters, which I purchased). However, if cluding the mayor) to welcome us with compli-
you are into bird watching, climate issues, or sea mentary “Croeso i Gymru--Welcome to Wales”
life, there were several onboard lectures of- tote bags.
fered by experts.

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