Day 3 Monday 16th September 2019: North Atlantic Ocean
We were woken up by large shakes and bangs overnight but went back to sleep almost immediately.
We drank our early morning tea while we watched the recording of the port talk about St John’s in Newfoundland. The presenter, Debbie Shields, was not part of the excursion team but was a contractor are brought in specially for the port talks. We learnt about St John’s early history as one of the large settlements, the wars that had impacted it and the great fire that almost destroyed much of the city.
Fun breakfast
We went to the International Restaurant for an early breakfast.
After a short wait we were on the table for 8 for breakfast. We may have been earlier but once inside the restaurant was as manic as ever. This morning we encountered our first miserable passengers. It was only day three and already they weren’t happy about the ship.
Our tea and coffees took a while to arrive and we had to share teapots! This was an issue for our table companions until they realised that all the teapots had two teabags. Our food orders were taken and then we all sat in silence for five minutes or more until the table split into separate conversations. Our unhappy companions just didn’t join in at all.
I tried the granola and was rewarded with full cream milk to go with it. By now the two miserable ones were whispering about going to the buffet in future as everything was taking far too long. The lady was waiting for her Eggs Benedict and demanded for it to be served immediately rather than have to wait any longer for the rest of the table to be served.
My omelette was crammed with mushrooms and was well worth the wait. After another round of teas and coffees the miserable one’s special toast was delivered but it was not toasted enough and was immediately sent back.
At the end of breakfast eight became six and then we could have one conversation. What a difference it makes when passengers are rude to the servers and are generally unhappy.
Rest of the morning
I restrained myself and didn’t buy any of the Princess cruises two for $20 ports of call T-shirts at the shop. The $10 sale, in the restaurant was even more disappointing with the usual handbags and a limited selection of everything else. No T-shirts for sale either.
After our unsuccessful shopping we went out onto the Promenade Deck and joined all the other keen walkers. The walk was pleasant with sunshine on half of it. I spotted the contrail of a passing plane high above us.
After we finished our walk it rained as the ship passed through some squalls. Then when we looked out of our window the ship was passing through banks of mist.
Afternoon on the North Atlantic
Lunch was from the International Café in the atrium after we have managed to find a table. I had a salad and a toasted croissant with ham and cheese.
Our afternoon was again out on Deck 7 watching the sea.
PLEASE
CHECK THE
MIRROR BEFORE
TURN THE
CORNER
The Explorers lounge was again packed for the trivia quiz at 4 pm and for the second time we didn’t manage double figures.
Then it was time for the 5 o’clock club in Club Fusion. There we had smoked salmon and the usual cheeses. We sat and finished our drinks as the room filled with passengers already changed into their formal attire. We left before 6 pm to avoid any issues as 6 pm seems to be the hour that dress codes are enforced.
Captain’s Cocktail Party
Back in our room as our canapés were delivered as part of the formal night on board.
After we changed into our formal clothes we joined the scramble for drinks in the Atrium. I was able to get a couple of beers as we watched the champagne fountain. We took advantage of everyone waiting to hear the Captain to join the queues at the Savoy restaurant.
We were on our first table for eight and had lively conversation is about cruising where we learned about Cunard, RCI and Celebrity Cruises. The conversation did eventually drift into politics but not after we heard about living and working in Saudi Arabia – which was fascinating.
We stayed so long after all the courses had been served that it was only after the fourth or fifth visit by the servers to the table do we finally realise that it was time for us to go.
From the Cruise Log
At Sea — Monday 16th September 2019
Overnight and throughout the day, Sapphire Princess continued along her Great Circle route towards Newfoundland, making a series of minor alterations of course to keep herself on track.
Noon Position: Latitude: 50° 34.7 N • Longitude: 024° 08.8’E
Wind: Near S’ly gale. Force 7
Sky: Overcast with Fog Patches (8/8 cloud cover)
Seas: Slight Seas + Average Low S’ly swell
Pressure: 1023 hPa
Air Temperature: 18°C/64°F