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Ruby
Casablanca, Morocco
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Christmas in the Canaries - Day 17
Saga Ruby docked at 0700 as the sun was thinking about rising. The cool night air required me to search for a jacket, thankfully the forecast was for a warm day however.
Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and most significant port. It has a vibrant fusion of European, African and Arabian influences. Its French colonial architecture and art deco buildings seamlessly blend in with the colourful souks. Many of my passengers would enjoy visiting these bazaars after a short ride on the complimentary shuttle bus.
Those on tour sampled many city highlights including the law courts, Royal Palace, culture centre, attractive gardens, Chellah monument, Hassan Tower, the new medina, French Cathedral of Notre Dame and possibly Bogart’s favourite gin joint, Rick’s Bar.
Some passengers chose to remain aboard and enjoy the services of their yacht with few to share them with. The weather was eventually fine and warm and for those it was a chance to take a rest from touring and get a tan before heading north.
Tours departed in the evening too, with many of my passengers ashore for a traditional Moroccan evening of food and dance.
At 10pm our show was an opportunity for the officers and staff to perform this year’s Pantomime. A great time was had by all with song, dance, and good old fashioned humour. Notable performers were Cruise Director Jo Boase as the compere, Caitlin Acconcia as Cinders, Trevor Whittaker and Mike Hale as the ugly sisters, Sharon Smith as Prince Charming, and Hotel Director Dawn Cartwright as the step-mother. Two of my children also had parts, Mia was the learner fairy, and Harry the Prince’s herald.
Departing at 2300 we headed north, 1200 miles back to Southampton, and at least 25 degrees C colder. ETA Thursday morning 0600 alongside, with the snow forecast it should be interesting!
I’ll be heading home from Southampton, Captain Philip Rentell will be taking over at the start of the world cruise. I’ll be back in Sydney early March for more blogging.
Captain Neil Broomhall, Ruby
Funchal, Madeira
Friday, January 01, 2010
Christmas in the Canaries - Day 15
The heavy swells of the North Atlantic continued relentlessly. Saga Ruby had an uncomfortable transit from the Canary Islands to Madeira but nevertheless I increased speed in order to arrive at the shelter of Funchal Bay before our New Year’s Eve celebrations began. Anchoring around 4pm many of my passengers were relieved to back in calm waters.
Our evening began with cocktails in the Ballroom. We were joined by piper Willie Cochran who piped in an unsuspecting haggis before quoting Robbie Burns and stabbing the poor thing! After toasts to the Haggis and to the New Year we headed for dinner.
The evening’s entertainment was a variety show, top of the bill being comedian ‘And there’s more’ Jimmy Cricket. In good spirits my passengers then proceeded to the open decks to enjoy Funchal’s famous firework spectacular. As I rang in the New Year on the ship’s bell the first of 70,000 firework rockets were launched. Madeira claims to have the world’s best firework display and I’m not surprised as it was the best that I have ever seen.
Saga Ruby docked at 0800 on New Year’s Day in calm seas and beneath clear skies. As she came alongside, the golden sun rose and began giving warmth to the day which would be hot and sunny throughout.
Madeira is known as the ‘Pearl of the Ocean’ as it rises out of the Gulf Stream warmed North Atlantic. Madeira means wood in Portuguese, so named because of the dense forests that covered the island when first discovered in 1419. Today the island is known for its varied and luxuriant scenery, from mountain slopes covered in vines to picturesque villages and a profusion of wild flowers. This has given rise to other pseudonyms too, such as ‘the Floating Garden of the Atlantic’ and ‘God’s Botanical Garden’.
Captain Neil Broomhall, Ruby