Mediterranean Cruise - ORIANA : at sea

31-July-2010, ORIANA : AT SEA

Weather: Cloudy but bright Temp:21° C Sea State: Slight Sunrise:05:54 Sunset 21:03

Forgot to mention, there is a safety drill before leaving shore that involves having to practice the evacuation drill. Everyone is required to go to your designated muster station and listening to the safety announcements then donning your life jacket. Not that they expect any problems but it is a legal requirement under maritime law.

With a quick reckie of the decks from one to the other it does it doesn’t not take long to get the jist of what happens where. However, there is a daily news sheet (horizon) delivered to your door with a list of events and activities. Make sure you make a point of reading this if only to plan your day around a specific event or meals. For me I went to the Port guide talk to Malaga and the Ch cha cha lessons in the morning with mostly a chilled out afternoon.

There are 4 formal, 4 semi-formal and 8 casual nights on this cruise

This evening is formal dress code, this means digging out the dinner jacket or tuxedo gents and ladies you get a chance to show off those ball gowns, evening and cocktail dresses that you have been talking about for ages, if only to mention if you can still fit into them. There is also a welcome meeting and drinks with the Captain. Personal invitation found again in your cabin. Due to there being so many passengers this is done in two sittings as are your evening meal times if you are not going for the buffet style restaurants. Be prepared to use the hand gel cleaners provided at all points of entry to eating areas, you will be reminded by the attending staff if you do not. I would rather this than some nasty virus.

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Real time location:

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Mediterranean Cruise - ORIANA : Southampton

30-July-2010, ORIANA : SOUTHAMPTON

You arrive at the Ocean Terminal Southampton, your luggage whisked away on to a conveyor belt by myriads of people in uniform and high visibility vests only to arrive as if by magic outside your cabin door. If you have labelled your luggage including suit carry case then I would recommend dropping it off here, as it may be a while before you can enter your cabin. There is food all ready at various locations to keep you occupied until your cabin is ready. I went for the BBQ food next to the Crystal Pool..

They clear all cabins for readiness before anyone can have access. Accessed via the pre-programmed key card found in your cabin.

How do you get into your cabin I can hear you ask? Well you have a cabin steward who will look after your cabin though out your cruise. Once in, you have a wallet provided for your boarding card, key and importantly a map of the ship.

First impressions are the size of the ship and how many rooms, places to eat and drink.

We are told that you can easily gain a pound in weight a day. So by day 16 you won’t recognise me. Ladies I would suggest you take some clothes next size up for end of the cruise (just in case) 

With up to 1915 passengers and 850 crew you can’t imagine how much food, drink and water has to taken on board.

So as you wave good bye to the grey skies of England the New Forest Band play on the quayside to bid you Bon Voyage, so your cruise has officially begun.

Location:
 
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Real time location:

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Mediterrranean Cruise 2010

1. Southampton, England
2. Malaga, Spain
3. Dubrovnik, Croatia
4. Venice, Italy
5. Split, Croatia
6. Kotor, Montenegro
7. Corfu, Greece
8. Gibraltar, British
   

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Map guide to route


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Bath - England

Bath - Somerset - England

Places to visit
Bath is a world heritage site containing such famous places as:-

• The Roman Baths
• Thermal Bath Spa
• The Pump Rooms
• Bath Abbey
• The Royal Crescent
• Pulteney Bridge

are just a few to mention.  Go to visitbath.co.uk for more information.

Bizarre Bath
We decided to do something a little different and went for the Bizarre Bath comedy walk.

By way of change this group walk taking somewhere between 1.30 & 1.45 minutes depending on how many are in the group is a must.

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Starting at 20:00 every evening from 30th March - 30th October 2010 meeting outside The Huntsman Inn, 1 Terrace Walk, Bath, Avon, BA1 1LJ
Adults - £8.00 Students - £5.00
No pre-booking required, just pay on the night.

The walk takes a light hearted look around the centre of Bath. Without spoiling any punch lines there a number of comic incidences and be prepared to be part of audience participation.
If you are looking for a historical tour then it's not for you.
If you want a good fun evening out, then I would recommend it.

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Boat Trip

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Places to eat

There are many places to eat for just about every taste from traditional English, Indian, Chinese to Mongolian.
Recommendations for places to eat.

Cafe Rouge - 15 Milsom Street,Bath,BA1 1DE
All your favourite foods at great price
The Real Italian Ice Cream Co. - 17 York Street,Bath,BA1 1NG
Real home made Italian ice cream, fantastic
SoloPizza - 2 Milsom Place,Bath,BA1 1BZ
Brilliant pizza Mediterranean café culture, live music at weekends
Jamie's Italian - 10 Milsom Place Bath,BA1 1BZ
If you're planning to go make sure you book
The River Cottage Canteen - 22-23 Westgate Street,Bath,BA1 1EP
Great organic food - Looked after by Lottie and James