Our last full day was on a foggy North Sea before we docked in Southampton.
Our cruise on Sapphire Princess would take us to Belgium, Denmark, Sweden and finally to Norway.
Day 7 Friday 1st June The North Sea
This was our last full day on Sapphire Princess was as the ship heading south through the North Sea. When I opened the curtains we were passing MV Anvil Point also on her way south through the calm seas.
MV Anvil Point is Ro-Ro sealift ship that is available to UK MoD. I have only ever seen these Point-class ships at the Marchwood military port when leaving Southampton.
Breakfast was in our usual restaurant, the International, at the stern of the ship. After breakfast we went to pick up the bottle of gin that we had ordered. In the Piazza, watercolour painting was taking place and Myles joined everyone down there. He then set about doing his own watercolour painting.
On the decks in the mist
We went out onto the Promenade Deck and walked about 1 mile. This is the door that gives access to Deck 8 from the cabin corridors.
I could just about see passing ships through the mist.
Through the mist I watched a helicopter circling around the ship.
We could see all the ships in the mist as we walked then at about 12.30 we entered into a bank of fog.
Afternoon and evening on the North Sea
We had been left a hint to finish packing in our cabin.
For lunch we went again to the International Cafe where I had chicken salad and a toasted mozzarella cheese sandwich.
While the others went play (or watch) football on the upper decks and I stood on the Promenade Deck then I moved up to the higher decks. On the outside cinema Dr Strange was playing and we all sat and watched it for a while. The ship was still passing through fog and it became very cold outside. While inside the others were at the indoor pool enjoying one last swim. Then it was back to our cabin when we did our packing. Time to sit and read books for a while.
At dinner we again needed the buzzer for our dinner and we had yet again another unhappy waiter. The Atrium was ready for the party later.
I had Waldorf salad and an overcooked New York strip steak followed by deep apple pie. In the Atrium the balloon drop party was about to start and we stayed to enjoy both the music and popping the balloons.
Then it was back to our cabin to finish your packing and put our suitcases out in the corridor.
Day 8 Southampton
As we came into the docks we passed Independance of the Seas.
We watched through our window as the ship came to rest at the side of the terminal.
We took our time getting ready as it was still early. Through the window we could see the suitcases being unloaded and an ambulance arriving for a medical transfer.
We then went for breakfast in a very busy International restaurant. Our disembarkation went without any dramas and we left Sapphire Princess without any customs or immigration hassles.