Kenmure

Had the call yesterday afternoon. Pre registration was 4 August 2023. Booked the cruise we wanted for October 2025 for the type of cabin that we wanted. 35% discount. So happy here.

We left Portsmouth more or less on time. Bay of Biscay was very calm. We are just getting ready to leave Cadiz where it has been warm and sunny since mid morning. We’ve had 2 lunches on the Verandah so far. Entertainment has been very good for us. We have enjoyed Mr Motivator’s dancing exercise classes, the tribute band to Temptations called Masterpiece were brilliant and comedian Goronwy Thom had us in stitches last night as he was so funny. Food up to the usual standard and no problems with WiFi. All in all a good start to the cruise.

There was norovirus on the SoA when we were on it in November. The handwashing measures quickly got the outbreak under control. We would rather wash our hands before eating than be squirted with the hand sanitising gel. We were told by the captain that hand sanitiser didn’t protect against norovirus.

Thanks for the update. You were lucky with your tooth repair. SoA certainly didn’t stay long in Funchal but at least you had a fairly smooth ride back to the English Channel.

Does anyone know why SoA has been to Cherbourg and Honfleur. We don’t think it was on the itinerary?

Copy or actual YF cert or a letter from doctor or healthcare professional. Either paper or electronic.

Sorry! I got cut off….. What would happen if you had nothing to present? It would seem that Saga has not done its homework on this one and a lot of fellow travellers are being put to a deal of inconvenience having to last make arrangements.

Perhaps the Yellow Fever Story should be told from the beginning. About ten years ago we ere due to go on a Saga Cruise which included Gambia and Senegal. A few weeks before the trip commenced the countries were listed as being unable to visit due to Ebola and the visits were transferred to other destinations. Saga had warned us on booking that we required a Yellow Fever jab in order to enter the country. This we did and of course were disappointed that those visits were cancelled and said that if the opportunity arose again we would have another try. Well it took 10 years but we are sailing on 3 February!. We we’re rather surprised that Saga made no mention of Yellow Fever on booking and the only guidance given in the small print was to consult one’s doctor (somewhat difficult in our area). If you go on tne internet it says that the jabs or exemption certificates are not required only in some circumstances as to how and where one was coming from. This is slightly contentious if one applies it to a cruise ship. We thought nothing of it until we received an email last Friday saying all passengers had to have some sort of documentation before visiting those countries and that would be checked on boarding.

You can always ask for extra veg and more so you can ask what is available.

We are back home and unpacked. Getting used to cold and rain again. We arrived at Portsmouth a little later than planned so disembarked about half an hour later than our initial time. All went smoothly apart from the porters in the terminal who were happy to put the cases on the trolley but not push it to the exit. There is an upward ramp to push it up so an almost running start was needed to push it up. Very comfortable car awaiting us. Fabulous cruise, caring staff, lovely food and of course perfect weather. We are already looking forward to our next cruise in February.

A Coruna was wet when we arrived in the morning but that soon stopped but remained cloudy. Went for a walk rather than a trip as we have been here a number of times. Certainly a drop in temperature to 9c, no doubt preparing us for what was coming. At the moment we are coming out of the Bay of Biscay after a smooth crossing heading for arrival in Portsmouth for 7am tomorrow morning. Hopefully a trouble free journey along the south coast home. Some of those from the north of England are becoming concerned about road conditions they might have on the way home.

Roy Walker when walking on the stage reminded us, when viewed from the back, of Joe Biden! Cadiz weather was rather disappointing but as we’ve had two weeks of sunshine who we’re we to complain! We were going to do our own thing in the morning but by the time we got out there it started pouring with rain and back through security resulting in a ten minute trip! At least when we tried it in afternoon that was fine. Visiting the Cathedral and then walking over to the bay and beach but rather spoilt by a strong wind which didn’t exist on the other side. If you know Cadiz Harbour you know things are very tight. Previous vessels have had to be helped by tugs but the Adventure can turn 90 degrees on a sixpence. Day at sea follows, next stop A Coruna.

Good day in Lanzarote all aboard 4pm and off in a still calm sea for Cadiz. Just back in cabin after an excellent dinner when the ship began to shudder and then the Captain came on. The shudder was because they had to turn the ship round and were now stationary beside a boat full of 30 immigrants from Africa who were bobbing about aimlessly in a boat no doubt destined for Lanzarote but were likely just to disappear in the North Atlantic. We were already four and a half hours from there. The ‘rules of the sea’ require that this must not be ignored as much as an SOS. Lanzarote had been contacted and were sending a fast boat out to take the matter in hand. This would take another two hours to reach us so we had to maintain contact with the boat which was now just off our starboard side. The occupants were told to make no attempt to board the ship and in further conversations in English and Spanish were told that help was on its way. The occupants reacted with cheering and clapping! Not sure of the total outcome but will no doubt hear from the Captain today. Certainly we appear to be going full speed ahead this morning!

After a couple of sunny and calm water days we arrived in Tenerife on Monday. Cloudy but plenty of blue sky all around which never reached us in Santa Cruz. Amazingly we were the only cruise ship in port!. Sail away at 5pm. We arrived Arrecife Lanzarote early morning to sun and no wind (which makes a change!). Apparently over 700 on trips today. We are taking the shuttle bus and doing our own thing!

It is Corey and he is doing another show today in the Playhouse whilst we are at sea.

We are now in the Cape Verde islands. Weather superb 31c, sunny with a gentle breeze. Yesterday we did the 4x4 trip on Porto Praia. Very comfortable transport 3 guests in each car. The cars had air con and seat belts. Visited several beaches, a church and a primary school where we went in and met the teacher and 8 children. Tour finished at a restaurant overlooking a lovely bay and we were treated to local nibbles. Last night we were entertained by the assistant cruise director in the Britannia Lounge. He has a fine voice and sense of humour. Today we been on a tour which included a coach ride to the highest point on Porto Grande which gave us stunning views. We then visited the market and then had time to visit a lovely beach which is only 15 mins walk from the ship. There was time for a paddle in the sea.

The audience with Sue Barker was excellent. Carefully controlled by the Cruise Director followed her whole tennis career and subsequent BBC tennis commentating and Question of Sport series. The day was topped off with the Agatha Christie playlet with a very professional production by the Show Cast. A new one for Saga! Overnight we caught up with our original itinerary and arrived at 0900 at Santa Cruz, La Palma which we had missed on a previous trip due to volcanic activity. Weather still dry and hot. A quick trip overnight to La Gomera. Still calm seas and hot enough in the water to go swimming in the bay at San Sebastián!. Tonight is Elvis night. Packed theatre… well initially until some left before the first song had finished! What were they expecting? Elvis couldn’t leave the building as he would have drowned so decided to stay for another performance on Wednesday. Now of to the Cape Verde Islands. It’s getting a bit tropical outside but still hot with full cloud cover. Pleasant balcony hours!

Actually it was only 27c with a bit of cloud when we left. Now in a flat calm sea. The winner of the last on board did so at 0130 for the champagne prize. The show cast did an excellent Latin American set in the Britannia Lounge last night. This afternoon there is a presentation by Sue Barker BBC ex presenter and tennis star and this evening a one act play ‘Rats’ by Agatha Christie in the Playhouse. First come first served on both events for seating!

We were all fast in Funchal at 11.45. No complaints about the weather 25c at present only dropping to 20c during the night….. so looking forward to eating under the stars tonight from the Portuguese Buffet Dinner from The Grill. Captain is offering a bottle of champagne to the last person on board tonight…. With tonight meaning up to breakfast at 07.00 tomorrow. We are threatened with temperatures of up to 30c in the morning before sailing for La Palma in the afternoon.

Glad they are enjoying themselves! Captain was in fine fettle last night at his Cocktail Party. He gets away with saying things others wouldn’t taking the ‘audience’ with him. This morning calm seas and blue skies could be a great day.

Wednesday 15 November dawned as we left the Bay of Biscay. We are now level with Vigo. The Captain came on the tannoy at lunchtime with his weather forecast and progress announcements. Progress into the headwind yesterday has not been as expected (13 knots instead of 16) so when we would have reached Funchal on Friday we would only have 6 hours there! However our Captain came up trumps which he usually does by persuading the authorities to allow him to be all fast a little later at midday on the northern anchorage on the town side and spend overnight and not leave until midday Saturday so all trips could be saved.

Just going into the Bay of Biscay. Sun is peeking out. Just a manageable swell now after a slightly choppy night. Trying to maintain 16 knots for first stop at Funchal.

We thought it would be a good idea to keep folk aware of what was going on on this cruise as it progressed. We have no intention of trying to equal NorbertsNiece fantastic blogs but to keep you informed of what is happening but not every day! Well, with arrangement our transport arrived an hour early and we were in the first ten to board. Taken to the dining room for lunch NOT directly to cabin as housekeeping was still in progress. We’re advised that cabins were available at 1pm. All luggage waiting for us. A smooth embarkation. Captain Kim Tanner (good), chief engineer Leonard Blinston, Cruise Director Shane Fortey (new to us), Exec Chef Francis Fernandes.

Remember once in Malta when we were on Pearl 2 remarking that if you looked at the hull of the ship parked just beyond us it could be mistaken as belonging to Saga as the blue paintwork was exactly the same. Forward two years and it was. The Bleu de France became Sapphire, but without the casino. We wonder why!!

Brest is another deep water haven for shipping.