Northern Light cruise part 11 ( final chapter)

7th March weather cloudy at first then sunny.

Clocks went back to UK time so had an extra hours sleep. Still woke early and watched the sunrise through cabin window. Fore deck still closed due to high winds so only the stern accessible.

 Breakfast early then back to cabin to pack. Case must have shrunk during the voyage 'cause I cant get it closed!!!!! Ian also struggling and has the extra 2 bottles of JD to find room for plus all the pressies. Help!!!!! Cases must be outside cabin door by 1.00am tomorrow so will have time to pack the smart clothes worn tonight ( if I can get them in!!!) Jane is the speaker again this time about the Vikings. Must get there early as she is always a sell out.

Jane was as brilliant as usual and after an hour of sheer entertainment we came away and met up with Ken and Rachel for before lunch drinks. Ian had also gone to see the tour operator about the farcical excursion to the waterfall to see about a refund. Apparently the ships tour operator knew about the work going on by the waterfall and should have told us when we booked. We would have chosen a different excursion, one for less money, but still they wouldn't be swayed. A nasty letter will be going to Fred Olsen on our return.

Took our last brisk walk outside. Wind had dropped a tad so allowed to go for'ard to bow. Still very windy and struggled to walk against its force. 

Loads of ships on this stretch of the North sea. A container vessel behind appeared to be gaining and several to the side was traveling a lot faster then us.

Afternoon entertainment was a talent show and Peter from our table did a brilliant monologue about Nelson. Very funny and was very impressed that he was doing it all from memory.

Did the 4 o'clock quiz and this time came joint third!!! We have one more attempt tonight to get the star prize of a bottle of bubbly so fingers crossed.

We we failed miserably yet again!.............. and came third yet again!. This time questions were produced by the teams. One question each. Needless to say it wasn't the best of quiz's. The highest mark was 13 and we got 10 Just proves how hopeless we all were.

Tonight's show in the Neptune Bar was of all the acts that have entertained us throughout the voyage., so should be a good one. Couldn't have asked for a better ending. Very sad that we are nearly home having had the most wonderful time on board. Both of us now big fans of cruising!

Jim and Ian watching the female dancers.

Some of the Boudicca show troupe. Ian and Jim two very happy bunnies

I had to get in on the act and I must say I quite fancied him!

 Early to bed tonight 'cause we want to be up to watch Boudicca dock in Southampton at 6am. Hard to say  goodbyes to new found friends but emails exchanged so hope to keep in touch.
Only hours from docking now  and then back safe and sound on UK shores.

March 8th after docking weather a mix of sun and clouds.

Early breakfast 6.30am Vacate cabin by 8am and wait for disembarkation. By 8.30 off boat and heading for bus station. Hope to get an earlier bus as our tickets for National Express to Victoria 11.30. We were unlucky as all earlier coaches full. Coach arrived on time and set off for Victoria where we changed coach for Nottingham.  Arrived 2pm and had to wait an hour for final coach.

Bit worried about the driver as he appeared to be on his last legs. Must have been at least 70 and kept
wheezing and coughing through the whole journey. Bus weaved from side to side and we were ever so thankful that we arrived in one piece. Time 18.00. Total journey time from leaving Boudicca, 9 and a half hours. Then another 30 minutes back to Langley Mill. Deposited bags inside a very cold boat. Lit fire and went to the Great Northern for a meal. Very tired but euphoric. This has been a holiday we will never forget. Great voyage, meeting new friends and loads of alcohol and food. Roll on next January. Have booked a 3 week cruise leaving from Southampton to Dubai! In the mean time.............The diet starts NOW!!!!!

How much food consumed??????

Just to prove we crossed the Arctic Circle

 We paid £20 a day for the two of us all inclusive which totals up to £280 for the 14 days. £319.93 on things like presents coffee, tea and Ian's 2 bottles of JD. The rest was made up of our bar bill!!!! So glad we went all inclusive. Fred Olsen must have lost money on the wines and spirits as the majority of passengers were all inclusive! This was the last page of 4 sheets!!!