The Life, Times, Trials and Tribulations of Hampshire Bob

Caribbean cruise Day 4 - At Sea

It was a rock n roll night, with 80 mph winds and 30 foot waves pitching the boat back and forth. A state of emergency was declared in Massachusetts and other nearby areas after the storm ripped through, dumping large amounts of snow and leaving large areas without power. We missed the worst of it, sailing southeast out of Boston as the storm moved in from the southwest. Julie's sea sickness pills did a good job, but she was out of salts for most of today. With the pools drained and netted off, and the top decks lashed by high winds, we settled down in the cabin for most of the day with a good book.

This was the first of three formal nights. Julie looked gorgeous in her new dress and I put on the tux for the optional photo sessions before dinner. Once again, excellent service from the dining room staff. We declined the offer of photos with the Captain as Jools couldn't be asked.

The show tonight is based on music from Frankie Vallie and the four seasons, do there'll be dancing in the isles.

Caribbean Cruise Day 3 - Cruise Ship

Having spent our only full day in Boston in glorious sunshine, we woke on the Saturday to a worsening forecast. A late breakfast in bed, preceded the taxi journey to the ferry port as the clouds rolled in. A very smooth transfer onto the boat, and we were back on board. Royal Caribbean starting to feel like a home from home. Our cabin is just forward of midships, starboard side. By the time we began to pull out of port, the forecast storm was setting in and the obligatory life boat drill was a cold, wind swept ordeal. As he boat entered open water, the swell rose and the rain lashed down. Sick bags at the ready, the forecast for tomorrow is more of the same. As long as Julie gets her sea legs, I think this storm is a great addition to the trip. Looking forward to seeing the sea tomorrow when the sun comes up.

Caribbean Cruise - Day 2, Boston

Day two at Boston. We woke up to a beautiful morning, and had breakfast in bed before heading out and taking the trolley bus tour of the city. The weather was absolutely gorgeous though cold. The sun shined throughout the day as we visited many places on the Freedom Trail, and the naval dockyard with the USS Constitution, a ship that kicked the British into touch on more than one occasion. What a fantastic day in Boston, a beautiful clean city. The evening brought the first visit to a steakhouse restaurant and of course I overdid it as usual. Having a great, relaxing time and we are very much looking forward to our first day cruising.

Caribbean Cruise Day 1 - Boston

OMG I wish I could travel like this all the time. Julie had been massing air miles, so we flew out Club World with BA. I've never boarded a plane so smoothly. After breezing through the fast track security, we settled down in the Club Lounge where complementary food, alcohol etc was provided. Very nice. Very comfortable and relaxing. When the flight was listed with a departure gate, we slowly made our way to the satellite and walked straight on to he plane just as they were putting out the final call. Effortless. We had rear facing centre seats which formed a mini alcove. Room to stretch out completely with a seat that folds flat and a large multi position footstool that adds together to form a bed. With the fold out video screen an pausable movies on demand. Once again, complementary food, snacks, champagne etc. what a bloody lovely way to fly.

We landed in Boston in the pouring rain. Temperature about 3 degrees, but I wasn't bothered. We had one full day in Boston and the forecast was for sun, sun, sun.

Julie did a great job choosing the hotel. The Lennox Hotel at Back Bay, Boston. Lovely decor, very attentive staff and a great atmosphere. But, as it was by now 02:10 according to my body clock, it was straight to bed.