It turns out Ian cannot be ready in 20mins! Who knew? No worries as we are Premium Economy flyers and get our own TUI queue. We breezed past all the skiers and those going to boring destinations and had soon checked in our three huge cases. Security next, for which, because we are Premium Economy flyers, we had fast track. Ian had been waffling on about not having to take your liquids out of your bag, but I didn’t believe him. Who knew he was right! And it’s a game changer. Throw your bags on the belt, walk through the strip search machine, jobs a good un. Not long after we were tucking into, a slightly unusual, full English
We then had time to shop, in which Ian bought a new neck pillow, having forgotten we have the world’s supply at home.
Not long after we were called to the gate. It seems Premium Economy have no special section, unlike Ryanair flights at Newcastle airport. While we were waiting the captain and his lieutenant arrived. They looked very very capable. A bit Sully like. I was happy that they could land the plane on the River Mersey if required. We were called early, after the people needing assistance. But being a cruise nearly everybody needed assistance so we were held in a corridor next to a quite smelly man for about 20mins. We did get to turn left as we boarded, which was quite exciting. Our plane was called Pixie Dust!
The captain introduced himself shortly before take off. Captain Peter Sullivan. Ian misheard and thought his name was Captain Pizza Hut. Oh how we laughed. We also got loads to eat and drink. They seemed to come round every two minutes. Ian decided on a nap after lunch. Unfortunately the neck pillow did not fit his neck and so was discarded. Halfway through Captain Pizza Hut had to turn on the seatbelt lights due to the fact we were crossing a jet stream at 90 degrees. I felt sure if we nosedived he could land us on the Atlantic. Eight seemingly short hours later, Captain Pizza was touching down unerringly in Bridgetown Barbados, temp 29 degrees Celsius.
We, Premium Economy, were allowed off first. Busses were waiting on the tarmac to take us straight to Britannia, where we would be reunited with our cases. Our ‘bus’ was a tiny minibus. Caribbean people must be much thinner than your average British cruise goer as it was a tight squeeze. The driver was very pleasant though, and gave us a running commentary introducing us to her lovely country. At the ship we had to check in, go through security, and present at a muster station. All went very smoothly. We were then free to find our suite. It’s lovely, with a bedroom, sitting room, and huge bathroom with whirlpool bath. The wraparound balcony is enormous.
Our butler, Sagar (pronounced Sagger) soon arrived to introduce himself. I asked him to organise breakfast on the balcony for tomorrow, our anniversary. Clementine, the steward, also called in. We need a lot of looking after in suites.
We then had a bit of a wander around, before calling in at the buffet restaurant. I had decided that, although Ian was up for it, another full three course meal would be too much. I was also flagging and our mealtime is 8.30. After, we called at The Crows Nest for a nightcap. We have the drinks package but not all bars have the same choice. This one has my night time tipple of choice, Brandy. We were also treated to the most spectacular sunset. We also found a wonderful little library where we left a copy of each of Kathy’s newest books.
For fellow cruisers
Back at the cabin I didn’t even have the energy to unpack. We left Bridgetown about 8.15 and there was, apparently, a sail away party by the pool. Not for me. By 8.30 I was fast on. Even the dulcet thuds of bass coming from the nightclub below weren’t enough to disturb my slumber. I’m not sure my idea for that of, if you can’t beat em join em, will work for the rest of the cruise though!
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