set off from dover on NCL to TAMPA

Once we had got into our cabin, we unpacked and then headed up for a cool four miles round the deck in the hope that we would be on top when the boat shipped its moorings and passed out of Dover harbour. But alas, it had started getting dark before it eventually left via the Eastern entrance. The wind was blowing and the tide running too strong for it to manoeuvre through the narrow entrance. But we had listened to the singers and watched the dancer perform in the sun as we stepped out around the decks, so no hardship.

So after a shower it was up for an oriental dinner in the Ginza Asian Restaurant. Once again the staff could not be more friendly and the food was excellent. We started with lightly fried calamari’s with rice noodles and wasabi mayonnaise. This was followed by a tremendous bowl of udon noodles in a broth with all manner of sea fish, chillies and vegetables. Absolutely gorgeous. Then out to sea the coastal lights before heading up for coffee and before we knew it was time for the show.

 

 

 

 

 

We are dropped off at the Port of Dover by Heather as she takes Gwen to have her pacemaker checked. The process is very smooth and painless. We are soon on board and its time for lunch.

So after a quick look round to get our bearings we head down into the Versailles restaurant, a service restaurant at the back of the ship.

Again the staff seem very accommodating, friendly and just happy to look after the customer. No sullen faces, just happy obliging smart boys and girls.

Did not want a lot, so we decided on scallops followed by a prawn burger, Judith had the burger, but chose the popcorn shrimp with two different salsa to dip into. 

Then it was a complete recci of the decks, bars, restaurants, library, pool areas, theatre, gym and spa. The latter was amazing, but at a high price. But l am sure it was worth it. The list of treatments go into reams, but all over $120 each, but if you have masses of on board credit , why not.

 

How's that for a shrimp burger?

 

Once we had got into our cabin, we unpacked and then headed up for a cool four miles round the deck in the hope that we would be on top when the boat shipped its moorings and passed out of Dover harbour. But alas, it had started getting dark before it eventually left via the Eastern entrance. The wind was blowing and the tide running too strong for it to manoeuvre through the narrow entrance. But we had listened to the singers and watched the dancer perform in the sun as we stepped out around the decks, so no hardship.

So after a shower it was up for an oriental dinner in the Ginza Asian Restaurant. Once again the staff could not be more friendly and the food was excellent. We started with lightly fried calamari’s with rice noodles and wasabi mayonnaise. This was followed by a tremendous bowl of udon noodles in a broth with all manner of sea fish, chillies and vegetables. Absolutely gorgeous. Then out to sea the coastal lights before heading up for coffee and before we knew it was time for the show.

It was a taster of what’s ahead, some good, some very good, but it was a bit samey. Although the comedian was excellent once he got going. Then it was the bar, more music and then we finished of the evening with more calories. Good ones according to Judith. Hot chocolate to make me sleep. We will see. And a sandwich and a few chicken wings. Well it is the first day and yesterday was a fast day. We had to make up for it.

Our night’s sleep was rather disturbed due to the rocking and rolling of the ship, the seas were rough and it rolled and lurched. It can’t have been too bad, the torch that was on the bedside table standing on end remained upright. But it felt bad. In the past l have always extolled the virtues of cruise cabins, how silent they were, unlike hotel rooms. But the NCL creaked and cracked with the rolling and you could hear people rolling in at 4am in the morning.