So all packed and checked out of hotel now a spot of lunch. We found a lovely little place called Sage - well did we find it truly, no Graham had been given the heads up that it is a great spot for brunch. It was a really stylish place. I loved the light fitting and might take that idea back to Blighty, anyway I had better mind my Ps and Qs. Back to the hotel and then the journey begins. We get to the port and go through the first part of the journey by booking in and then we are taken to Shed 3 where all the paperwork has to be gone through. Now we start with the musical chairs but without the music. We have to give in our latest PCR, copies of our vaccinations, and all the signed waivers and then we move to the next musical chairs and await our lateral flow test. It was really funny the medical staff were having a chat between themselves that white people hold hands in public and are more affectionate than black people and asked us if we thought that was true! Now I am not sure if I
should have been allowed to have that conversation but hey ho we are in Barbados. Once the sample was taken we then go to another block of chairs and await our name to be called with a negative result. To confirm this, a blue sticker is attached to our passport before we can get on the bus to be taken finally to the ship.
On board waiting to greet us were Helen and Albert who we had met on a previous cruise and it was great to see them again. They live in Germany ?? and had as much trouble getting to Barbados as we did. Once on the Royal Clipper it felt so natural which was really great. We had our muster briefing in the cabin which was different than previous times where you had to be on deck with your life jacket.
First thing after that we find the Tropical Bar and all have drinks. After dinner it was sail away. Now I did tell Sue (L) dont be wearing mascara as I know she will be emotional when we set sail under full sail and guess what, she got emotional.
Back at the cabin it started to get a bit choppy but I promised myself I would try to get up for sunrise - lets see if I actually manage it.
Day 2 of sailing up early for sunrise even though it was a cloudy one but it was nice to have some peace on deck. 8 am Sue (L), myself and a lady called June did the exercise class and then we did the 10 laps of the deck which equates to a mile. On our last trip we managed to get the walk on the programme as the Royal Ramblers and 24 people joined us - not sure this is going to happen on this watch as we are doing it really early.
We arrive in Rodney Bay, St Lucia and get on a tender to take us to shore as all this way and not step on St Lucia. The landing place the tender drops you off is a bit of a dumping ground so first impression is not very good if I am honest. We decided to get off at the beach as we have been
told that at the marina nothing is open. Compared to the beach in Barbados, Rodney Bay is not in its league - the good thing though was that it was a Sunday and all the locals were having great fun in the water. We were accosted lots of times asking us if we wanted sun beds as we were there for only an hour or so we thought it was not worth it. However, Helen and Albert succumbed and got 2 for $20. Now this is the funny part, Sue (L) pipes up I have only got $50 so can we do a deal and have 4 sun beds for $50! Now even I knew this was not a deal ha ha - Eric jumps in quick and says nooooooooo and we manage to keep walking.
Back on the ship we managed to talk Eric into being a model for the fashion show as all models get 20% off in the shop. Anyone who knows Eric knows he did not take a lot of persuasion.
Day 3 on the ship and up early again for the exercise class and once again walk the mile around the top deck so ready for breakfast as we are sailing alongside Star Clipper, one of Royal Clippers sister ships which is supposed to be spectacular and it really did not disappoint. What an amazing sight.
