Chris' Boudicca Review - Moorish Melange

In November 2007 Chris, the Assistant Manager of Cumbria Cruises Web Department, enjoyed a 10 night cruise onboard Fred. Olsen's Boudicca with his girlfriend

Day 1 - Friday 9 November, Southampton
Day 2 - Saturday 10 November, At Sea
Day 4 - Monday 12 November, Lisbon
Day 5 - Tuesday 13 November, Cadiz
Day 6 - Wednesday 14 November, Malaga
Day 7 - Thursday 15 November, Casablanca
Day 8 - Friday 16 November, At Sea
Day 9 - Saturday 17 November, Vigo
Day 10 - Sunday 18 November, At Sea

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Following on from our excellent mini cruise on board Braemar in May, we couldn’t wait for our 10 nights on Boudicca.

Friday 9 Nov, Southampton.  Dress Code - Casual

I’d finished work on the Thursday and we’d driven down as far as Birmingham to stay over night.  Boudicca wasn’t due to sail until 11pm, so there was no rush to get to the cruise terminal.  We arrived in Southampton a little after 5pm, just in time to see QE2 set sail into the rain!

I’d booked the car in at the port car park, and just like at Dover in May, unloading, parking and cruise check in was one swift and hassle free experience.  (Plus this time, the Southampton pigeons had promised to keep a careful eye on the car!)

We boarded a little after 8pm, and found our C grade Outside Cabin more than comfortable.  The question was; what to do now?  We’d decided not to have an evening meal as we’d eaten just before getting to the terminal (and there was plenty of time for meals over the coming 10 days).  We decided on the watching the late show, so in the mean time we took ourselves off to explore the ship.  We eventually stumbled on the Library.  And for the first time in 32 years I had a sudden urge to do a jigsaw.  So, we found what looked like a simple 1500 piece garden scene and set too.  Three hours later we’d located all the edge pieces, and realised a 1500 piece jigsaw can not be completed in one night.  So, off to the midnight buffet we went!

Sat 10 Nov, Day at Sea.  Dress Code - Formal

Our first day at sea, and the compulsory Muster Drill was at 10am.  The rest of the day was spent either relaxing with a good book or trying to locate and fit 47 pieces of white clouds into the jigsaw.

Then at 5pm – BINGO TIME!  I’d won £65 on Braemar back in May, and now it was time for a bigger win.  The House prize was £100.  But it would not be mine … maybe tomorrow   So, at 5.30 we headed back to the cabin to get ready for formal night.

We attended the Captains Welcome Cocktail Party, hosted by Captain Olav Sovdsnes.  We then headed off to our table in the Four Seasons Restaurant for an excellent meal with excellent and friendly service.

The evenings show was ‘Franciso Yglesia’, former member of the legendary group ‘Los Paraguayos’.  A harp player from Paraguay, Franciso is a brilliant musician and kept the entire Neptune Lounge entertained.

Mon 12 Nov, Lisbon.  Dress Code – Informal

Our first port of call and the one I was looking forward to the most.  We hadn’t booked a shore excursion, so we got the shuttle bus in to the centre of Lisbon.  A lovely Portuguese City with plenty of shopping and photograph opportunities.

But what I was looking forward to the most was yet to come!  We set sail at 4pm, and headed out to sail under the 25th of April Bridge.  Sailing under this magnificent bridge was going to be one of the highlights of the cruise for me.  Ever since walking over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco a few years ago, I had wanted to sail under it.  Although this wasn’t the Golden Gate Bridge, it was a pretty good second.

   

As we sailed away, the Boudicca Orchestra began the ‘sail away party’ with music and dancing on deck.  The next port of call would be Cadiz tomorrow, but first there was little matter of BINGO at 5pm to be taken care of.

I didn’t take care of it very well … maybe tomorrow?

Tues 13 Nov, Cadiz.  Dress Code – Casual / British Night

Having visited Cadiz before, we decided to take the opportunity of the fantastic weather and do a spot of sun bathing.  And a catch up on the Jigsaw, which by now was coming along nicely … many hands make light work!

5pm BINGO – Don’t ask … maybe tomorrow?

Tonight was British Night, meaning everyone was dressed in Red, White and Blue.  So we set off to the Neptune Lounge for a good old British Sing-a-long.   ‘White Cliffs of Dover’, ‘Land of Hope and Glory’, ‘May be it’s because I’m a Londoner’, ‘Pack Up your Troubles’ … the song sheets and Union Jack flags were handed out and a great time was had by all.

We decided to try the Secret Garden Café for our evening meal, the food and service were as good as they are in the formal dining rooms, but yet there is a more casual air.  And of course, you can help yourself to seconds!

The Evening Show as ‘Licence to Thrill’, a tribute by the Boudicca Show Company to everything James Bond (the most British of Gentleman Spies!).  At 10pm each night a quiz was held in the Lido Lounge, and tonight it was a British Quiz.  We didn’t fare too badly, but we’d not win Mastermind!

Wed 14 Nov, Malaga.  Dress Code – Informal

Malaga was another port of call I’d been looking forward too.  Recently someone had told me that the ship would dock virtually next to the beach, and all we had to do was walk along the beach to get to town.  And it’s true.  Probably took about 30 mins to get to the centre of Malaga, but the walk along the beach didn’t make it feel that long.

   

We took the opportunity to take some photographs of the ship, before getting back on board for a spot of lunch on deck.  When weather permits the Secret Garden Café is closed for lunch and they open the Poolside Buffet instead.  (But you dine in the formal restaurant if you prefer).  We had a fantastic lunch sat round the pool.

There was a ‘sail away party’ as we set sail at 5pm, with plenty of complimentary Rum Punch.  The ‘Sorrento Duo’ played and sang on deck as we headed off towards Casablanca.  The ‘sail away party’ clashed with usual 5pm activity … maybe tomorrow?

The Evening Show featured a 5 piece band featuring keyboard, sax, guitar, drums and double base, called ‘Dominic Halpin and the Honey B’s’.  Billed as ‘It’s swing, it’s rock n roll, it’s Elvis meets Sinatra…’  Possibly one the, if not the, best shows I have ever seen.  They received such praise that they performed another 2 times during the cruise.  Including an impromptu set in the ‘Lido Lounge’ which was so popular some passengers had to stand outside trying to watch and listen.

Thurs 15 Nov, Casablanca.  Dress Code – Casual

The weather was beautiful in Casablanca, and we again decided to spend some time sunbathing.  The ship was quite quiet as most passengers were ashore on excursions.  The Pool Side Buffet was up and running by 12.30, so lunch was again taken on deck.  And then a little snack at 2.30 before it closed (Well, we are on a cruise!)

We only just managed to squeeze afternoon tea in at 3.45.  And of course a cake or two.  Then it was time for BIN … maybe tomorrow?

There was to be a Mediterranean Dinner Buffet in the ‘Secret Garden Café’ this evening, so we had been quick to reserve a table for early sitting at 6.30pm.  There was so mush choice it was difficult to decide what to eat!

There was to be a ‘Mr and Mrs’ contest at 8pm, so we settled down with a drink in the Neptune Lounge in plenty of time.  After the couples were chosen (We’d sat at the back behind a pillar for a reason!) it was 30 minutes of laughter and sheer pleasure as the Cruise Director and his team presented the contest.

Showtime followed in the form of Franciso Yglesia and Mike Newman – both making a return to the stage from earlier in the cruse

Fri 16 Nov, Day at Sea.  Dress Code – Casual / Western

A relaxing day at sea, only to be spoilt at 5pm … Maybe tomorrow?

Tonight was Western Night!  So attire was easy, jeans and a checked shirt.  However, it’s difficult to wear a checked shirt that is 1000 miles away in your wardrobe at home!  Never mind, the Entertainment team were handing out bandannas so I soon blended in.

As it was Western Night, the quiz at10pm in the Lido Lounge was a Western Quiz.  20 questions on all things Western.  Why we went I don’t know.  I know three things about Westerns:  John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and the Good Cowboy wears a white hat.  So 3 out of 20 then!

Sat 17 Nov, Vigo.  Dress Code – Formal

A lovely part of Spain, Vigo is well worth a visit.  However we only had until 1pm as we were setting sail at 2pm, so we didn’t have chance to go very far.

As we listened to the Boudicca Orchestra, complementary Sangria was available at the ‘sail away deck party’.

5pm BINGO … I hadn’t read the Daily Times, it was at 4.30pm today and we’d missed it …maybe tomorrow?

We attended the Captains Farewell Cocktail Party, it only seemed like 5 minutes since we’d attended his welcome party – the 10 nights were flying by and nearly over.  We had decided a few days ago that we would be back on Fred.Olsen next year.  Most likely to be on Braemar after she has been extended.

Tonight’s show was called ‘Boudicca Crew Show’.  This was show with various members of the ships crew, not the Show or Entertainment team.

Singers and dancers from all over the ship; reception, housekeeping, galley and engine room entertained us.

Sun 18 Nov, Day at Sea.  Dress Code – Casual

The final day saw some heavy swell in the Bay of Biscay.  A day to find somewhere comfy and finish those books.

We’d been looking forward to the Passenger Talent Show that was due to take place at 3pm, unfortunately as we made our way to the Neptune Lounge, it was announced that it had been cancelled due to lack of contestants.

BINGO 5pm … it was now of never!  We were playing our usual 4 games, with an additional final Super Jackpot game.

The first 4 games went well, but not that well.  So it all rested on the final Super Jackpot game.  It was a full house game for a £915 cash prize.  The Neptune Lounge was heaving, someone would leave with nearly a thousand pounds in their hand … and that someone would be me!

Two and Four, twenty four – I had it.  Two Little Ducks, twenty two – I had it.  Seven and Eight, seventy eight – I had it.  Then I didn’t have the next few, then … Four and Nine, Forty Nine – I had it.  10 minutes passed, not a sound was heard apart from the Bingo Caller.

Then, all I needed was 75.  One little number meant so much to me.  It wasn’t just about the money, it had become a quest.  Seven and … (I was ready) Two, seventy two ‘BINGO!’ shouted a man in a red t-shirt on the opposite side of the Lounge.

The card was checked and we had a winner.  ‘Shall we see what the next number would be, just for fun?’ shouts the Bingo Caller … Seven and Five, seventy five! … maybe next year!

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