Tuesday, May 29, 2012 – Bournemouth, England and Southampton, England – mid 60s

Cruise Itinerary

Got up early enough to take the 11:00 AM National Express Train to Southampton.  The walk to the station was easier this time.  The tickets were 14 Pounds for the two of us (the same as the train but the bus stows your luggage).  The ride to Southampton (about 30 miles) took only 45 minutes.  A quick cab ride for a negotiated 5 Pounds and we were at the City Terminal, berth for the Azamara Journey. 

It took no time at all to check in and we were on board.  We had a nice lunch (Pad Thai) in the Windows Cafe and in a short time we were in our cabin – 6044. 

We have been in this cabin before – a wonderful view of one of the lifeboats.  Still the room has lots of storage and the bathroom is workable.

I do not have to meet with either Sarah Lou Binns, the Activities Manager or Eric De Gray, the Cruise Director.  However, I am supposed to be introduced at the Welcome Aboard show at 9:30 AM.

We had a nice dinner in the Discoveries Restaurant – Snapper, etc. as the ship departed Southampton.

  

Southampton Sail Away

Captain Jason Ikiadis pointed out that we would be passing the berth occupied by the Titanic in 1912.  I shot the picture below but I am not sure if I have the right location (based on internet photos).

 

Titanic Berth (1912)

It took about 90 minutes to reach the English Channel.  At the entrance to the Channel is an geological rock formation called “The Needle” 

The Needle

Melvyn Weissman, the Destination Speaker spoke at 8:30 PM.  He had a good crowd but he had AV issue and no slides. 

I did attend the show at 9:30 PM and was introduced by Eric.  What caught me by surprise was that I was to describe my lecture series.  I did OK.  By the way, Eric may be the tallest Cruise Director on the planet.

Eric De Gray and me

After the show, we listened to Jeff Warren in the Mosaic Cafe.  Jeff will clearly fit the bill for a relaxing piano vocalist on this cruise.

The seas are smooth.