see also Cruise Albums for more pictires

Wednesday: Preparing for the next Saga!! - 16 April '09

So, after our previous 'taster' in Aug'08 ( A cruise to Norway (a Saga!)) we thought we'd have another go but this time somewhat longer...15 days!.......... Mon 20 April - Tues 5 May 2009

Packing is the usual....what do we need...is it going to be hot or cold....short sleeve weather?....do we have enough luggage to fit it all in!!!! etc etc (you get my drift!). The next few days will be spent discussing (arguing!) about who's taking what and why, luckily with a cruise there's no weight limit with luggage so the kitchen sink can go in ;-)

Sunday: D-1 and still counting! - 19 April '09

Well today was a day NOT fussing about the trip. Luggage is as was yesterday and instead we went off to Denbies Vineyard for bowl of soup, coffee & cake. Read the sports section of Sunday papers for an hour or so..... Then over to Andy & Julies to see the gkids then home to watch ManU v Everton in semi-final FA Cup..Everton won on penalties!!

Am now lying in bed typing this and am thinking.. Have we packed the right things, or the wrong ones but no point in worrying as we're going tomorrow.... yipee!

Nighty night

Monday: On-Board! - 20 April '09

OK All processed and in cabin, should be sailing any time soon. Butler (!) seemed very nice, we get free booze in our cabin/suite throughout voyage, can't be bad. Bombay gin just arrived! I think we're going to like this ;-) hic!

Left port at 17:50hrs on way to Lisbon, Portugal 923 nautical miles, 2 days at sea

Techy Info:

The Ship: MS Saga Rose http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/Saga.html

The Master: Captain David Warden-Owen ....aka. Cap'n David

Tuesday; At sea to Lisbon (1) - 21 April '09

Woke to decent looking day and made our way to breakfast in Dining room, Full English? no but tempted! wandered around to get to get to know the layout but quite similar to the Saga Ruby. Attended 'Destination & Shore Excursion Talk'

This cruise has an 'Antiques' theme so we have 4 stalwarts from the Antiques Roadshow on board (no not Fiona!! shame) and they are John Bly, Marc Allum, Judith Miller and Chris Lewis (ex-producer of prog ). We met them late morning & they gave us a run down of what they would be talking about during the cruise, sounds interesting.

Tonight is Formal dress night (tux for me!) at the captain's Welcome Cocktail Party which is the usual glass of sparkling wine & a canapé! Didn't meet the captain as queue too long so after 20 mins or so made our way to dinner.

Met our fellow table diners for the cruise.. Freddie & Iris and Patrick & Fely. All seem fine and quite chatty which is a good start.

The evenings Cabaret Showtime is.....Pingxin Xu (try saying that after a bottle of wine!) International Dulcimer Virtuoso... and no I don't know what that is.

Well count me out.. not only is he inscrutable but so is his instrument!

Finish today and goodnight all

Weds; At sea to Lisbon (2) - 22 April'09

Today looks even better than yesterday with sunshine all around, we crossed the Bay of Biscay during the night which was quite uneventful excepting for a sea swell that was easy to accept.

After breakfast found a place on deck and soaked up some of the sun, not to the point of wanting to take a swim in the pool - smallest I've yet seen.

First lecture from our 'antiques 4' is Chris Lewis with' A warm Cup of Tea - 'Why do the audience love the show so much?' , a great nostalgic run through some of the great moments with short films of all the presenters from Negus to Bruce, great.

Rest of the day was a heady mix of activities available.. line dancing, carpet bowls, bridge seminar, deck quoits, scrabble, quiz, whist, shuffleboard, table tennis and not forgetting everyone's favourite...BINGO (eyes down for a full house!!)...the oldies love all this but not I, surprised?

However what I did attend and enjoy was our next antique (!) John Bly the cabinet expert with the glasses and a florid suntan ;-) 'The Grand Tour and the First Collectors 18th Century souvenirs from the Med' was something I hadn't ever been aware of and he did well.

After a relaxing lunch eaten out on the rear Lido deck it was time to hear our 3rd expert Marc Allum 'Auctioneers Tales' which was a good laugh at the goings on in an auction house (don't scratch your nose madam otherwise it's yours!)

Followed immediately with the waist busting... Afternoon Tea...in the Brittania Lounge which as we knew from our Saga Ruby cruise last year was almost impossible..no make that..was impossible to miss, cream cakes, scones and fabalous tartlets... enough already please!

Dinner was excellent with our waiter Marcelino looking after us valiantly. Shared a bottle of red with Freddie & Iris. We retired to the Grand Ballroom for the cabaret Showtime - Magician Alex Lodge.... who unfortunately died! not literally but audience wise! he seemed to think he was presenting his tricks to children and expected us to respond accordingly.. we didn't, surprise surprise!.

Getting late and we'd had enough for the day so retired to our bed.

Thursday; LISBON - 23 April'09

Excursion day today so up at crack of dawn, breakfast in cabin (only toast & tea!!) and report to the Grand Ballroom for our numbered Disembarkation Card for 'Lisbon by Foot and Tram'. On coach and off we go!

Lisbon; First stop is the 'old' part of town ...with trams! a couple of which had been reserved for our tour. Hard seats and no suspension and even worse was the narrowness of the streets but with a guide who knew her stuff. Plenty of history here, if only I could remember it all! Seems the medieval quarter ( Alfama and Barrio Alto) had been taken over by differing conquerors ( Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and the Moors) and the clue was in the wall tiles used to clad the outside of the buildings, quite fascinating but slightly spoilt with all the modern graffiti daubed everywhere..no Bansky stuff here..!

After our tram ride we were dropped off and took a stroll through the Chiado district where we stopped for a traditional Portuguese coffee and cakes..delicious they were too! Before returning to our coach we wandered about for a while and... Mrs P got lost, women!! short panic ensued but she'd, sensibly (?), gone back to the coffee shop where she was collected from...phew!

Coach returned via a different route taking in the D.Maria II National Theatre, Avenida da Liberdade and Euduardo VII park en route.

We got back to the ship in time for lunch (Fish & Chip theme today) after which it was relax time while the ship sailed at 3:30pm for Gibraltar and we had afternoon tea to look forward to ;-o, again.

Evening meal was Informal dress code so with our pre-dinner G&T's and canapés downed we joined the others for a St Georges Dinner including the choice of Whole Roasted Norfolk Goose...Yorkshire Puddings....Hampshire Beef and Stout Hot Pot...lovely jubly as Del Boy would have said!!.

After dinner there was nothing worth seeing so retired (I think football was on the box ;-))

Friday; GIBRALTAR - 24 April'09

Woke to another blue sky but still some way away from port, not due til 1:00pm, so leisurely breakfast and then a bit of sunbathing and reading (Assegai by Wilbur Smith). Today is BBQ lunch on deck day so that's us as excursion not until 2:30pm.

Pilot arrives and we're making our way into port, great scenery as we arrive, see top picture, and we dock opposite a 3 masted schooner opposite.

Gibraltar; We're off on 'The Rock' excursion to see the apes, as well as more intellectual sites ;-) Gib doesn't allow big coaches so we're in a minibus, cosy, and our driver/guide Pepe keeps up a constant stream of information as we make our way up the Rock.

Bear in mind the island was/is a fortress as the naming of places suggests as we reach Europa Point ( you can almost touch the African coastline!) via the American War Memorial, British Naval Base and Trafalgar Cemetery.

Next stop is the upper Rock area and St Michael's Cave (..mites & ..tites - tourist trap!!) and on to King Charles V Wall where we meet the Barbary apes, nice fellows.. but they're only interested in food.

We decide to be dropped off in town for some 'duty free shopping' which involved walking along the main street which has all the usual camera, perfume, jewellery etc shops.. not very inspiring although we did find a M&S at the end of the road!!

Back on board, afternoon tea & cakes then dinner with the ship sailing at 10:30pm for Civitavecheccia, Italy (893 nautical miles & 2 days at sea) gateway to Rome.

Saturday; At sea to Civitavecchia (1) - 25 April'09

Today is a day at sea so not a lot to report. The sea swell was quite pronounced in the night and a bit today but you just need to hold on!! Chris Lewis (Antiques Roadshow producer) gave a lecture 'Great Finds of the Antiques Roadshow' which of course included film of the discovery of....Ozzie the Owl worth £50,000 or so along with other valuable finds and the reaction of the owner. Good fun.

Lunchtime theme today is Puddings and Pies...steak & kidney was great.

I'm sorry but did I mention the afternoon tea we get every afternoon..with cakes etc etc etc...phew!

Later a mini Antiques Roadshow with individual appraisals for those who'd brought their objects for evaluation was staged whereby at a later date in the cruise items picked would be spoken about by the experts.

Prior to the evening meal we'd invited the others on our table to our suite for pre-dinner drinks and canapés. Freddie was into Famous Grouse & water and Iris opted for a Pinacolada, Patrick wanted Jack Daniels & coke and Fely Ginger Ale (we had our usual G & Ts, what else!). All these were provided to us by Earlwin our butler in the form of complete bottles beforehand (but not the Pinacolada obviously), courtesy of the ship..!! now that's what I call service.

Sunday; At sea to Civitavecchia (2) - 26 April'09

Another day at sea so not a lot to say excepting that weather is even hotter and we're that much nearer to port, passing between Corsica and Sardinia later this evening. Mrs P attended Sunday Worship which included a Filipino Choir which apparently were very good. Lounged around reading, walking round the deck 7 times (= 1Km), more reading etc.

Of course lunchtime theme was..... Sunday Roast!! what else, lovely it was too.

John Bly gave us a lecture 'How do You Know How Old it is?' which was fascinating and logical.

Then it was Classical Chocolate Afternoon Tea..well all things chocolate is just too much but you can't not have any, can you!

Evening meal, Formal attire again, was excellent as always but with a surprising ending... our waiter Marcelino turns out to be a bit of a magician, yep, totally unexpected and totally entertaining. At the table tricks with pack of cards was charming for its amateurishness but yet enjoyable...great end to the evening.

And so to bed as tomorrow we'll be reaching land and a 7:45am excursion to 'Rome and the Vatican' will begin, breakfast in suite and then off we go.

Monday; CIVITAVECCHIA - 27 April'09

Civitavecchia, is the gateway to visiting Rome and we're off by coach at 7:45am into rush hour traffic into the city centre, some 2 hrs. hence, for a days walking tour. On arrival we are all provided with a wireless headset through which we can hear the tour guides dulcet tones as she provides us with a running commentary about Rome!!

We start at the Piazza Trinita dei Monti, the church that was under the patronage of the Bourbon kings of France, heavy stuff this!! which is linked by the 'Spanish Steps' down a steep slope to the Piazza di Spagna (impressed yet?!). In the lower square, filled with school kids galore (yellow PinguClub caps!), there are traffic police about to keep the crowds under control, even the horses with their carriages are ready & waiting!

From there we ambled along the Via Propaganda, passing by the Church of Sant'Andrea delle Fratte a spectacular work of Baroque Art, continueing down the Via del Tritone to the world famous Trevi Fountain (" Three coins in the fountain..."). After a bit of a rest with all the other tourists there we ambled via the Piazza Colonna to the Pathneon, quite spectacular building somewhat pockmarked (? wartime bullets etc?). ever onward we arrived at the Piazza Navona where we came apon a demonstration, flas waving, voices shouting and police looking on impassivly !....yes, Tamil Tigers demo and they sure were in good voice.

Lunch was a la pavement pizza place! with glasses of red wine to recharge ther battery!!

We now boarded our bus which then drove us to the Vatican City underground carpark!. We enetered the Piazza San Pietro (St Peter's Square) which was huge and fronted by the Basilica Di San Pietro (St Peter's Basilica) ..amazing sight. After joining a looong queue and via a metal detector we finally entered the building and you find you cannot believe how they built it, simply awesome sight. Our guide took us around the various sights within and he was a mine of information!. The sculptures and paintings were beyond belief including Michelanelo's masterpiece 'Pieta' his first and most famous work of art.

As we left the building we spied a couple of guards(?) in their multi-coloured uniforms, very gay!!

We finally had to go and return to our coach and wend our way back to the ship, a very satisfying excursion

This meant that we'd missed our afternoon cream tea..shame!! but really a blessing! and so to our pre-dinner G&T and a fine dinner with Marcelino's tricks to finish off.

Next stop is Livorno further up the coast of Italy, the ship sails at 8:30pm for 144 nautical miles

Tuesday; LIVORNO - 28 April'09

Livorno, gateway to Pisa & Florence is Italy's third largest seaport and we're off on 2 excursions today starting at 8:45am to Pisa.

Pisa Discovery excursion is a shortish scenic drive through Tuscan countryside until we park on the outskirts in a coach park. We are immediately surrounded by numbers of North African hawkers trying to sell you all sorts of tat, watches bags, scarves and trinkets in general..you know the sort of thing. We walk with our guide to the walled city where you are greeted by the unique and beautiful architecture which has both European and Eastern influences. Once through the gatehouse entrance in the outer wall you're presented with a eye opening site with 3 quite spectacular buildings in the Miracle Square. There is the 13th Century Cathedral, the Baptistery and finally.... the Leaning Tower of Pisa where Galileo performed his gravity experiments... historic or what!!

The Baptistery inside is another work of art with all the marble columns etc and we were shown the amazing echo profile by a young girl singing in the centre and the all embracing sound that rebounded was electrifying, to say the least.

The Cathedral with it's variety of architectual treasures and facades is to be seen to be believed, frescos, mosaics and marble are quite mind blowing!

Finally the 'piece de resistance ' is the Leaning Tower and although we did not climb the 250 odd steps it's not until you stand underneath it that you realise what an engineering feat it was to get it to stop from falling right over.

We sat at an outside cafe for a while just to take it all in...Brilliant!!

Once back at the ship we had lunch on the rear deck (Jamaican theme!) and prepared ourselves for the second excursion.

Torre Del Lago meant nothing to us but the coach took us back some way towards Pisa but then diverted off to Lake Massaciuccoli. On arrival we waited around for a while until we were ushered into a building on the square for a visit to the home of composer Giacomo Puccini no less...yes him!, complete with it's original frayed fittings...yawn yawn. On leaving the house we boarded a boat for a trip around the lake and its surrounding marshlands, part of the natural park of Migiarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli. Puccini's 'La Boheme' blaring from the boats speakers, a glass of sweet wine and a biscuit completed the quite surreal trip..and did it for me ;-)

On return to the ship we dined Italian themed style and afterwards retired to the Ballroom to listen to the 'International Vocalist Paul Emmanuel' who sang the music of the legendary Nat 'King' Cole but in his own style... and he wasn't half bad!! Nice sense of humour even though he came from Nottingam originally, bless.

After a couple of Amerettos on ice (well it was Italian night) we retired, the ship having sailed at 6:30pm for Toulon, France some 202 nautical miles away.

Wednesday; TOULON, France - 29 April'09

Today we're off on an excursion to the village 'Bormes-les-Mimosas' amedieval city of flowers up in the hills of Provence. The coach drove through Toulon itself which seemed a well laid out town with many palm tress along the main route. Seems that one of its claims to fame is that they actually export palm trees to some Arabian countries, wonders will never cease.!

On arrival the coach was forced to park slightly away from the village centre due to it being market day today so the main car park was off limits. However, it was a nice sunny day so we set off to be guided around the village and hear all about its medieval past as we wended our way through narrow back streets and alleys. Unfortunately the mimosa flowers from which the village gets its name weren't in bloom...imagination required. Since the village is on a hillsaide the views from the top were quite stupendous along with some of the oldest building still in occupation. The market was quite large and offered a wide range of local produce and other items. Although everywhere was quite crowded we did manage to find a coffee shop to rest our weary feet!

Thursday; BARCELONA, Spain - 30 April'09

Today we arrived at Barcelona where at 8:15am we commenced our guided excursion ' Barcelona in Full', a full day exploration on foot. Our coach took us to the Gaudi's stunning Park Guell. Antoni Gaudi seems to be a man before his time as his various designs for buildings and parks are from an imagination beyond ours. The buildings in the Park although never completely completed consists of multi coloured tiles and striking shapes.

From the park we moved on to the Old Town and walk through this historic medieval quarter including the Gothic Cathedral Santa Eulalia. These streets are narrow and crooked in contrast to the newer sections that are wide and straight.

Lunch of tapas, pizza and dessert with red wine, was taken at the Poble Espanyol or 'Spanish Town' a district built for the Barcelona Expo in 1929 and consists of several replicas of Spanish buildings from the Romanesque Monastery with its glorious ceiling frescos to complete boulevards, market squares and monuments.

After lunch we visited another of Gaudi's unfinished buildings but this one dominates Barcelonas skyscape with its fantastic openwork spires, Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia (Church of the Sacred Family) a huge unfinished cathedral notable for the elaborate patterns and undulating curves. The detailed sculpures around the front face have to be seen to be believed and all have a story to tell. The Cathedral is now being finished to Gaudi's original drawings 100 years after it was first started!

On return to the ship we enjoyed a well earned cup of tea and a slice of cake!

After dinner we made our way to the Grand Ballroom for our entertainment which this evening was 'Call My Bluff'' with the Antiques Roadshow... Bly, Miller, Allum and Lewis as the guest panellists. An entertaining time was had by all with some words being defined in some very strange ways.

We're now on our way to Vigo, Spain (approx 1055 nautical miles away) for our last excursion before we dock at Southampton.

Friday; At sea to Vigo (1) - 1 May'09

Today we continue on our way to Vigo which is above Portugal in Northern Spain and we will pass through the Straits of Gibraltar later on this evening but for the rest of the day it's sunbathing eat, sunbathing, eat and lectures!

Weather is in upper sixties with a WSW'ly wind Force 4 very pleasant to sit on deck with a book and get some rays!.

We have 2 lectures this morning ; Firstly, Marc Allum presents 'Cabinet of Curiosities - A History of Wunderkammer' which refers to the great collectors of all things weird and wonderful through the ages. Secondly, 'Desert Island Antiques' what treasured possessions would the Team wish to have with you? an amusing talk.

Lunch was all things' Grilled' on deck of course and the fish was excellent together with a couple of glasses of Red! I can feel a zzzzzzz coming on....

Of course tea time!! today was 'A Strawberry Tea' and who can resist that, not I!

Time passes and now it's evening dining which was another great surprise because on entering the dining room we see that it's been decked out with Chinese lanterns and decoration, even the waiters are dressed in tunics complete with pigtails.! Suddenly there is a loud sound emanating from the entrance area and a Chinese Dragon enters and wends its way through the diners who all clap appreciatively, wow.. what a great site.

After coffee trick time from Marcelino was plucking lights from within hanging lantern on the end of his fingers and blowing them away or transferring through someone's ears from one side to the other, Patrick was gob smacked. Even more so when suddenly a group of waiters appear and serenade him with voice and guitar 'Happy Birthday' as he'll be 80 in a week or two's time.

After dinner entertainment was Paul Emmanuel again and we enjoyed his particular style of singing.

Saturday; At sea to Vigo (2) - 2 May'09

The ship passed through the Gibraltar Straights last night and we woke to another great day with Champagne Breakfast! a bit early for me but then..... followed by a few circuits of the ship's deck to get some exercise.

First lecture is 'An audience with The Antiques Team' with questions from the floor and covered a wide range followed by mid morning coffee and a sticky bun ;-)

The main interest lecture 'The Antiques Boatshow' which mimics that well known Roadshow and the items that were identified by the team earlier in the cruise are now to be discussed. each team member chose a few small items and gave us their assessment of what it was together with a valuation; interesting items some trivial and others with some history.

After lunch it was sitting around on deck in the sunshine and watching the Golf Chipping (into the small swimming pool on deck) competition which included John Bly and Patrick from our table, neither won!!

Later we were invited to a special Filipino Choir Concert in the Ballroom, quite a number of nthe staff took part and produced a very pleasant sound.

Not a lot happening for the rest of the afternoon apart from a Classical Viennese Afternnon Tea!!

After a nice evening meal our waiter Marcelino rounds off with his usual tricks which this time was the mark a coin, vanishes and appears within a small tightly closed box in his pocket.

A few drinks to finish off the evening and that's it! tomorrow we arrive at Vigo, Spain.

Sunday; VIGO, Spain - 3 May'09

Ship docked at 8:00am and after breakfast we're off on our excursion to 'Vigo and Bayona'.

Vigo is an important naval and commercial port, one of the largest centres of sardine-fishing in Europe and which was attacked by Francis Drake in 1585 and 1589. Largest town in Galicia with its Moorish architecture rises tier by tier to the Citadel at the top on the slopes of Monte Del Castro.

We travelled along the motorway to the Virgin of the rock, a huge statue of the Blessed Virgin mary with a boat-mirador in her hand, built with granite in San Roque hill. After stopping off to walk up to the statue for a photo opportunity we continued along the coast to Bayona , one of the important coastal towns in Galacia thanks to its harbour and fishing fleet. We wander about the town exploring the cobbled back streets finishing off with a nice coffee.

We're back on board in time for a nice Sunday Roast as the ship leaves to sail to Southampton, approx 673 nautical miles.

Afternoon passes by only interrupted by sampling a selection of ice creams and toppings followed by our last lecture given by Television producer Chris Lewis ' Dear Producer I must protest - an amusing look at letters from the public to the Antiques roadshow'. It is really amazing what some people feel they have to complain about!!.

It was a Farewell Gala Dinner tonight preceded by the Captain's Farewell Cocktail Party (best formal dress occasion) and Captian David gave a humorous speech.

The meal was memorable, as they've all been throughout the cruise, followed by a few drinks and to listen & watch the evening's Production Showtime.

Tomorrow we're at sea until we reach home on Weds.

Monday; At sea to Southampton - 4 May'09

We woke to find the ship was well into the Bay of Biscay with the weather beginning to cool off!! together with a bit of a sea swell but mostly no problem.

The morning passes without anything strenuous going on! culminating with a Disembarkation Talk with useful information and procedures.

After an Oriental lunch (!) we attended one of the last lectures, this one by John Bly 'Dining through the Ages' using a flip chart to draw pictures of the various designs of furniture used in the dining rooms in the days of yore! At its finish he decided to auction off the flip chart sheets for charity and a lively competition ensued between the audience, including myself!! it's true you just get carried away... finally getting a drawing, personally signed by John Bly at the price of £45, all for charity of course!

After dinner we joined everyone in the ballroom, decked out with Union Jack flags and balloons everywhere for 'The Last Night of the Proms' farewell showtime! Armed with song sheets we all lustily belted out the good old songs, Jerusalem, Land of Hope & Glory and other stirring renditions and a good time was had by all.

We retired to our cabin where we had to pack our bags, attaching the luggage tags and putting the bags outside the door for the crew to collect during the night.

Tuesday; Arrive at Southampton - 5 May'09

We've arrived at Southampton at crack of dawn and after a quick breakfast assemble in the ballroom where we're issued with our queue number and wait to be called, we're due to disembark at 8:55am.

We're called and make our way off the ship to the luggage area where we identify our bags and a porter takes us to the car that will take us home. Nice clean Merc and pleasant driver whisks off up the motorway and an hour or so we're home. The cats are pleased to see us and tell us so !!

We're glad to be back but it has been an enjoyable trip with pleasant company.

Farewell, but not Goodbye!!