Spirit of Discovery blog

A stunning sunrise marked our arrival into Gibraltar at breakfast time on New Year’s Eve.

Thereafter followed a glorious, sunny day – perfect for venturing ashore and exploring. At the top of the ‘Rock’ the cheeky Barbary apes lived up to their reputation, doing their best to pinch any food noted poking out of unwary visitors’ bags.

In the town below, streets and restaurants were bustling with atmosphere as locals and tourists alike enjoyed the fabulous sunshine and New Year holidays. I took a wander ashore with the Chief Engineer to soak up the sights and find somewhere for a bite to eat in the sunshine, eventually spotting a free table at an Irish pub on the waterfront. The fish & chips were pretty good; but not a patch on those served on board.

Back on the ship preparations were being made for our New Year’s party which would be held on the open deck under the clear skies, next to the swimming pool. There was all sorts of activity there as equipment was being set up for special effects to wow everyone later on. All manner of black boxes containing lights, pyrotechnics etc. were being placed around the pool.

Formal wear was duly donned as the sun set, and various cocktail parties were held around the ship prior to our New Year’s Dinner. I was expecting to see some leftover turkey on the menu somewhere, but not a piece of bird was in sight as chosen delights such as haggis & Beef Wellington were placed in front of us.

Dinner was followed by a selection show-time entertainment, which in turn was followed by our deck party led by our resident band with some special guest performances thrown in for good measure. The New Year was seen in by the traditional ringing of the ship’s bell, by both the oldest & youngest persons on board.

The party went on late into the early hours – but hangovers or no hangovers it mattered not, for we were to spend New Year’s Day relaxing alongside in Gibraltar for a second sunny day and clear night.

Kind Regards
Captain Kim Tanner, MSc