Tim's Review of Boudicca

Tim, a long-standing member of our Voyagers Team, has been with Cumbria Cruises for 4 years. He has cruised with Ocean Village, Royal Caribbean, Regent Seven Seas and more. When not selling cruises, Tim is a keen ten-pin bowler, and is a member of several local teams & leagues.

Day 1 - Wednesday 14 November, Malaga
Day 2 - Thursday 15 November, Casablanca
Day 3 - Friday 16 November, At Sea
Day 4 - Saturday 17 November, Vigo
Day 5 - Sunday 18 November, At Sea
Day 6 - Monday 19 November, Southampton

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Wednesday 14 November - Malaga

The instructions said - meet at Gatwick North Terminal at 0430!  So, after travelling down the evening before from Cumbria and having a rather short night’s sleep in the Premier Inn, I arrived at the airport. Our flight left at 7.15 and we arrived in Malaga ahead of schedule at 11.00 thanks to a strong tail wind.  Clocks and watches were put forward one hour to local Spanish time.  The weather was pleasantly warm at 20 degrees without a cloud in the sky for our short transfer to the port where Boudicca was waiting.

Embarkation and check in at the ship’s reception desk was swift and efficient so we soon had our onboard account cards and cabin numbers.  My cabin was midships on deck four and was a good size with plenty of storage space. The two large portholes let in plenty of light.  After a quick buffet lunch in the Secret Garden Café there was some free time to soak up the sun before meeting the onboard Cruise Director to get a short guided tour of the ship which helped us to understand the layout.  The tour was only just completed in time for the ‘sailaway’ party on deck where a complimentary rum punch was being served whilst a jazz band played.

In the evening we had been allocated tables in the Tintagel Restaurant on the late dining at 8.30 so we met for pre-dinner drinks at 7.45 in the Observatory which is a panoramic lounge and bar above the bridge.  The atmosphere in the Observatory before dinner is relaxed with soft background live music from the ships resident pianist.  Dinner is the main event of the evening and we were all surprised and delighted by the cuisine. We found ourselves spoiled for choice and when dishes arrived everyone agreed that the food was brilliant. The service throughout the ship, particularly in the dining rooms, was excellent and requests for variations to the menu were no problem. After such an early start that morning we were happy to get an early night but not before dropping into the Neptune Lounge to listen to the excellent jazz band. Clocks and watches were put back an hour as Casablanca in Morocco was on the same time as the UK.

Thursday 15 November - Casablanca

Up bright and early for breakfast as we were booked on a half day city tour leaving the ship at 8.30.  I had breakfast in the Four Seasons Restaurant which is mainly buffet style except for the waiters serving tea and coffee to tables. The tour was taken with other passengers and was very varied and interesting.  We got back on board at 1.00 and headed straight for lunch.  I went to the Four Seasons for a fully served meal and found the food and service every bit as good as the previous evening. 

The ship remained in port until 10pm so we had a chance to relax in the warm sunshine on deck all afternoon.  There is no dedicated cruise ship terminal at Casablanca so we were surrounded by a variety of cargo ships but the noise of vehicles unloading and loading was minimal. The dress code for dinner that evening was casual which meant no ties or jackets were required.  At the entrance to the main dining rooms the menu was displayed together with suggested attire to conform to the dress code.  The evening show in the Neptune Lounge featured an Irish comedian – we all agreed that he could sing better than he could tell jokes!  Later we went upstairs to the Lido lounge, which is ideal for small groups and solo performers, where the resident duo provided relaxed music to accompany a nightcap.

Friday 16 November – At sea

A day at sea heading northwards.

As the weather was still warm and bright I went to the Marquee bar on deck 9 for a lunch on deck. This lunchtime only facility is great for light snacks and drinks as you do not have to conform to any dress code – so flip flops and shorts are just fine. Orders are placed at the bar and the staff ask where you are sitting and the food arrives at your table a few moments later. When a ship is at sea for the day there are always more activities to choose from so some of us went to the afternoon quiz whilst others tried out the beginners dance class. The majority of onboard activities are well supported and competition between passengers can reach fever pitch at times!

The evening dress code that day was Western Theme – so lots of jeans, check shirts and even a few ten gallon hats! The waiters all dressed in a similar manner (but no hats!) and this complemented the menu which featured some traditional American dishes such as steak and apple pie. The evening show was also Western themed – very colourful and lively.

Clocks were altered again that night – forward by an hour as we were due in Spain the next morning.

Saturday 17 November - Vigo

In the morning the weather had changed completely – it was bright and crisp with a cold northerly wind.  There was time for a walk ashore to look at the town and do a little shopping.  The cruise terminal is only 300 metres from the edge of the shopping area but the main streets are up quite a steep hill. Everyone was back on board for lunch – I tried out the self service buffet in the main restaurant but mixed this with a first course which was waiter served.  This mix and match arrangement is really good because it provides great choice and you are not tied to a fixed number of courses.

The sailaway was at 2.00pm in bright sunshine.  Most passengers were on deck to watch this very scenic departure past the islands and out to sea.

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The dress code for dinner in the evening was ‘formal’, which is always a bit special.  Before dinner the group was photographed and we all then attended the Captain’s cocktail party.  The dinner was as good as ever.  The after dinner entertainment was the Jazz & Swing band Dominic Halpin & the Honey B’s who have played all over the world and recently were selected by Simon Cowell for a party he hosted.  Mr Cowell’s recommendation was spot on – and the Captain seemed to appreciate them as well judging by the way he lead the dancing! 

Sunday 18 November – At sea

A bit of a lie in for most of us this morning – a combination of the clocks changing once again and also a late night!  We woke to a force 8 gale – not entirely unexpected as we were in the middle of the Bay of Biscay in November.  The access to the outside decks was restricted due to the force of the wind but the ship seemed very stable despite the conditions.  Lunch was served only in the main restaurants and was in two sittings.  Considering the rough sea it was surprising that so many passengers made it to lunch!  The evening dress code for our last night was casual as most passengers were in the middle of packing their cases. Luggage was required to be put outside cabins by 2am at the latest.

Monday 19 November - Southampton

We woke to find we were alongside in Southampton and luggage was being taken ashore.  After a final hearty breakfast I disembarked just after 9.30 and used the complimentary coach transfer to the station for the long journey home.

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