FionaMG

Thanks Graham, appreciate it. And I absolutely agree about having another cruise to recuperate! I'm going to enjoy getting the planning started for the next one once we're through this emotional rollercoaster!

It was. I'm feeling emotionally drained but he's on the mend and that's what matters. You asked about Bournemouth Airport. Well, it was so easy. It's a tiny airport with just 12 check in desks. There was one flight boarding when we arrived and ours and one other due to go out within about 15 minutes of each other. We arrived two and a half hours ahead of departure and check in wasn't open yet but there was information above the counters to say it would open at 15.10 (exactly two hours before departure). And it did, punctually, with 3 desks manned by very efficient and friendly agents. Going through security was a pleasure in comparison to any other airport I've ever flown from. There were just two stations but they were staffed by two lovely friendly ladies who actively assisted passengers, explaining what needed to go where and helping to put the stuff in the trays as opposed to just standing there scowling at you. Inside, there is a to-scale duty-free shop, a bar/restaurant and a WH Smith. With two flights going out together, the restaurant was almost full but there was still enough seating in the departure lounge for people to have proper seats rather than having to sit on the floor like you often see at the bigger airports. I would definitely use Bournemouth again in preference to the big London airports.

He is home! Pretty badly beaten up but still in one piece and able to joke about wanting to have an "extra week's holiday". You have no idea how much I appreciate your well wishes. 💕

Well, you know what they say about the best laid plans... I can barely believe this but DH had an accident this morning on his way work and has to spend the night in hospital. I've been there all day waiting for news. Thankfully, he's going to be OK and should be back home by tomorrow evening.

Thanks very much. It's definitely worth doing if you get the chance. 😊

Finally home. The cat is thrilled to have us back. 🐱 I may just about have the courage to empty the suitcases before going to bed. Final summing up tomorrow and then I'll have to start planning the next one! 😁

Omg you got rid of the stupid bin! 😁😁😁 Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it. 😊

Thank you. It's been my pleasure having you along. 😊

Thanks very much. Appreciate you following along. 😊

Thanks for following along. 😊

Thanks for sharing. 😊 I just caught up with you after getting off Anthem this morning. I will need to get my cruise fix through the blogs now until our next one (not till April next year 😕).

Thanks very much. 😊 It's this one. I don't know if that's the new one; we didn't really pay attention because we booked Royal's beach transfer.

Well last breakfast has been eaten. Time to pack up the last bits and pieces and make way for the new cruisers. See you in April 2023, Anthem! 😊

Thanks for following along. 😊

Since the demise of Flybe who served the Southampton/Faro route, there is now only one flight a week, operated by BA on Saturdays, so it didn't fit the schedule of this cruise either on arrival or departure. 😕 Ryanair do the Bournemouth route 3 times a week, so their schedule fitted in with the cruise days.

Thanks very much. 😊 I'll let you know about Bournemouth. First time for us out of there.

Last dinner menu. Aw. 😕 Green bean croquettes off the vegan menu. DH had the cream of broccoli, also off the vegan menu but I didn't get a pic of that. Easy to imagine a bowl of green soup, though, right? Garlic tiger shrimp Tiramisu and the royal chocolate cake. I'll have to wait till April next year for another one of these! So we are all packed and DH is making one final contribution to the casino. We were too late getting out of dinner to make the 9 pm farewell show. I'll do a final sum-up of the cruise with some miscellaneous musings after we get home. In the meantime a million thank-yous to everyone who's been following along. I appreciate your support and comments. 🥰

Thanks Graham. It's been a pleasure having you along. 😊

Patience is a virtue. We finally, on the very last afternoon of the cruise, managed to snag two loungers with comfy cushions in the solarium. Don't care that there's no 🌞, you still can't beat this view. 😂

Departure information. A visit to Guest Services is in order. Despite choosing the latest departure time on the questionnaire we've been given tags for 7 am departure. Not interested in getting off the ship that early when we have to hang around until 5 pm for our homeward flight from Bournemouth to Faro.

Decided it was time for another little wander. We found a few very hardy souls braving the elements on the flowrider! 🥶 Rather them than me. I'm happy just to spectate (wrapped up warmly 😂).

Captain's Corner this morning was at the god-awful time of 9.15 and was held in two70 so with that in mind we decided to have breakfast there. It was ok but the fact that you have to ask for your food instead of serving yourself can quickly result in queues forming. I definitely prefer the buffet where you just pick up stuff without having to queue. Captain's Corner information sheet There was no biography sheet so I'm glad I managed to get that earlier in the cruise. On stage were the Captain, the Hotel Director and the Cruise Director. The event was well attended. Some interesting information for anyone boarding in the next few weeks: both the Captain and Hotel Director finish their current tours of duty tomorrow in Southampton and Joff the Cruise Director finishes his at the end of the next cruise, so it will be a new team taking Anthem back across to Cape Liberty in two weeks' time. Also, masks for crew are becoming optional from tomorrow fleetwide. With the weather not really conducive to outdoor activities and having already used up our free D internet days we bit the bullet and bought a one-day pass for DH. Of course, the price has gone up for this final day: 32.99 instead of the 26.99 previously for surf and stream. The basic surf was the price that S&S had been previously. However, we found on the two days we used it that surf was very slow so since we were paying for today's we went with the S&S; it has actually been fairly decent throughout most of the voyage.

Today's compass

Last day. Nooooo! 😭 We are at sea today for our last day on board and as expected given our location and time of year the skies are grey and heavy, although it is quite mild and there is only a light breeze. Even the hardy Brits have forsaken the pool area in favour of indoor venues. Front poolside lounger anyone?

That's a pity. Just means you'll have to go again. 😏