Now we’ve started something, chef Julius in Patio Grill insists on cooking us something special each morning. Today we’re on breakfast burritos - absolutely delicious and just slightly spicy - they are so good.
The turn is interesting, and then we return to our varandah to write or read.
It’s our last port of call - Tomorrow for old England we fly / Far away from your land of endless sunshine / To my land full of rainy skies and gales.
It’s a very choppy tender into Cavalaire-sur-Mer, a lovely approach into the massive marina here. Meanwhile the marina is deployed for anyone who’s not got plans, so they can play on bananas and donuts - it’s too rough for paddle-boards.
We text friends who live in Saint-Tropez but we can’t make it work, so we’re walking again around the bay - the destination is Plage de Jovat, just a random pin of suitable distance, which apart from approximately 2km on a busy road is a lovely walk past vineyards, smart housing and beachside paths.
Our destination is in the Port-Cros National Park, and whilst studying the map at the entrance to the park, like the shopkeeper from Mr Ben, a young park ranger appears as if by magic to assist us - we don’t need help but it was a brilliant moment! We carry on for a while but we’re not suitably booted for rough terrain so decide it’s turnaround time.
The views around the bay are mostly occluded by the lush pine growths but occasionally we get to see Sojourn in the bay.
As we return we wander into town, but the smart(ish) shops will never appeal so we return to the Seabourn tender awning and within a minute are on our way back home for the last time, for our last lunch. Today’s fish is rainbow trout, scrummy as usual.
Our pool time is curtailed today by preparations on deck eight for later, but we manage an early hour, despite the cooling it apparently suffered last night in heavy rain. Still 27 degrees isn’t so bad, it’s the same as what we keep our pool to. After 16:00 we’re relegated to my office and his sun lounger for an hour, but that’s enough time for sangria and a quick walk around deck 11 where, up front, there’s a tiny putting space and sun loungers for the very dedicated. One can also see the forward jacuzzi on deck six, which we’ve not used but on previous journeys when living on six, we were regular visitors.
Sadly last day means our suitcases, like the shopkeeper, also appeared whilst we were out, and are needing some attention. Tempting as it is to stay, and work notwithstanding, the next cruise is sold out so we have no choice in the matter.
By 18:00 the bags are mostly packed (I had nothing to do with this!) and we’re dressing for Epicurean first, then dinner. As you’ll know, the Epicurean is where officers feed us delectable tid-bits, a great social, before we get the opportunity to celebrate the staff - when almost half the entire crew get to be applauded for their contribution to our enjoyment. It’s a very special moment and one that bring tears to my eyes every time.
Afterwards we say goodbye to deck five, the tiny pool and jacuzzis, and another space we don’t frequent - nightclub and casino.
Our final aperitif can’t be at patio bar as it’s closed for cleaning so we visit observation lounge on deck ten. When it was cold in Antarctica we came here most nights, this cruise it’s our first time. Filippo the pianist is delightful and keeps us entertained until it’s time to descend to MDR for dinner. On the way we bump into our Atlanta friends, sated from the buffet dinner upstairs, but even then we don’t fully appreciate the consequences.
We’re amazed how quiet MDR is, until we learn the buffet is French Market, always a winner. However we don’t do buffet food so we’re quite happy to get a five-course dinner served to us properly instead. Hubby ordered soft shell crab but is worried about eating them whole, but they are yummy!
The turn is interesting, and then we return to our varandah to write or read.
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