After a quick shower and a cup of tea we checked out of the hotel, thankfully a sunnier day with good weather scheduled for our drive south. Couldn't resist a final stop at the Mall as we had missed the Converse and Ralph Lauren stores yesterday. Alex did some damage in the Polo store and I couldn't choose between three pairs of Converse so bought them all! Alex wandered around Gap and I sneaked into Nine West and came out with a pair of boots. Just about done with shopping (as if). We hit the road for the four hour drive down the Keys. The weather was beautiful and the views stunning. Alex took a turn at driving and we drove into the sunset. As we approached Key West, I took over at the wheel, we ... read more

Slept in later after a good night out. My cough was a little better after asking to have the AC disconnected in the room but Alex decided I should go to the onboard doctor rather than have to see one at great expense in the US. The South African doctor needed to work on nis bedside manner, maybe with so many unfit, overweight people onboard he had had his fill of sick passengers. Anyway after grilling me for taking my own antibiotics that I had with me and making me read an info sheet on antibiotic misuse, he begrudglingly gave me some medication and sent me on my way. Grabbed breakfast before they closed and spent a couple of hours at Posh before going to see the International Epic Crew show in the theatre where a ... read more

Woke again to the sound of the ship slowing down, went on to the terrace to see the most beautiful, lush, green island with stunning houses overlooking the blue seas. After yesterdays disaster we had decided not to book a trip but to take a taxi to Magens bay, listed as one of the top ten most beautiful beaches. First was the tedious job of clearing US customs on board the ship as this was the first point of entry into the US. Of course Kellie and Ben as US citizens sailed through while we had to wait in a line the length of the ship, asot happened the line moved quickly and we were soon off ad in a cab on the way to the beach. Our driver Andy a typical Caribbean guy with silky ... read more

Clocks went back again and the sun was up way too early, even for me so closed the curtains and had an extra hour in bed. Before long We were ready for tea and stolen cookies and then up to Posh. Toast and muesli for breakfast. It was a little cloudy but still warm and nice to get some respite from the sun, dozed for a while on the comfy bed. Kelly joined us and we chatted while Alex went for his daily walk around the ship. Surprised to see a bird land on the deck, he must have joined us in Madeira and been hanging on the boat all these days, he was so tired he could barely fly. A kind bar man picked him up and gave him some food and water and he ... read more

Extremes of temperature Guess what? Gained another hour, clocks went back again last night, by this time I am wide awake at 06.00! Managed to stay in bed until 07.15 then made tea and sat on the balcony watching the sun come up, it was going to be a scorcher! Nabbed us a Posh bed then met Alex on the open deck for breakfast. Had an hour in Posh before making our way to the ships technical team Q&A session. The First Engineer, Hotel Director and the Captain on stage ready to answer any questions. They were all really personable and funny, I guess they had to have a sense of humour when people asked ridiculous questions like could the cabin lights be made more bright....really! Alex asked a sensible question about the possibility of solar ... read more