Gibbo's Travels

The Commonwealth of the Bahamas consists of some 700 islands and cays scattered across almost 100,000 square miles of the southwest Atlantic Ocean. The name is derived from the Spanish bajamar, meaning “shallow water”. The islands stretch from just off Florida to the edge of the Caribbean. The weather for our visit was a balmy 25c so a great day for visiting. One of the most unusual local foods is the Conche recognised by its large shell. I tried a fried Conche and it was delicious.

Well no rain today just a beautiful sunny day at sea. Time to enjoy all the facilities Ventura has to offer and chill once again. The beauty of cruising can be the sea days.

Left Bermuda at 07.00 this morning, although I was still in bed. At 23 degrees it can still rain at sea with warm torrential rain. Lounging about by the pool all day (under cover). As a valentine treat June and I dined at Atul Kotchar’s Sindhu at East restaurant. An excellent menu;

Starter; TANDOORI TATAN, Basil King Prawns, Chicken Tikka and Smoked Lamb Skewers, Mint Chutney;

Main Course: SINDHU SIGNATURE PLATE; Coconut Prawn Masala, Chicken Tariwala Curry, Lamb Bhuna.

Tasted as good as it sounds – a great Valentines evening with June.

Bermuda is a small but beautiful jewel in the British Territorial Crown, lying about 650 miles off the east coast of the United States. ‘The Bermudas’ are actually a group of around 180 islands. The seven largest islands are connected by causeways and bridges. the land above sea level is limestone formed over long centuries by coral and crushed sea shells. The ruggedly elegant limestone adds a wonderful character to the style of the island’s architecture.

Disembarking Ventura in such a beautiful setting as ‘The Royal Dockyard’ in such glorious sunshine is one of the prime reasons for cruising. Jovial and friendly locals make this a destination to behold. We simply took the ferry to Hamilton (30 minutes). Enjoying not only the splendours of the compact Capital City complete with Anglican Cathedral but, enjoying the biggest fish sandwich for lunch I had ever encountered. After studying the Government area, Cenotaph and memorials we decided to take the bus back to The Royal Dockyard. What an unusually reasoned decision considering the beautiful scenery along the route (1 hr 15 mins) What a truly inspiring destination to visit.

Verdict: worth the trip alone, a bit expensive but invigorating destination full of British History. The following pictures are of the islands taken from the bus.

We were due to arrive in Bermuda today ay 09.30, unfortunately due to the stormy conditions across the Atlantic we are running late and will dock at 16.30 local time. We were due to leave Bermuda at 18.00 hrs on Wednesday 13th Feb, but the Captain has decided to stay an additional overnight and leave at 07.30 on 14th February but you have to be back on board by 02.00 on that day. Today was about sunbathing in 22 degrees on deck so everything is looking rosy even though were running behind schedule. The journey around Bermuda to avoid the coral is outstandingly beautiful as the photos show. Cant wait to explore Bermuda.

A stunningly beautiful sunny day so sunbathing begins in earnest. Still choppy though getting calmer, spotted another ship at sea today first sighting for 5 days. We haven’t seen any Atlantic Whales or Dolphins however I believe many have seen us. Putting on weight through over indulging and excesses of alcohol. Black Tie night tonight so party night with “Serious Sounds” comedian “Jack Ryan” and vocal group “The Runaround Kids”

Well made it to Sunday 10th February. The ship has been running a force 8 storm most of the time which keeps it a bit bouncy to say the least. However good food, good music, good entertainment and good company make up for many ills. To top all this the weather is getting above warm and maybe – just maybe registering HOT! Outstanding dining again followed by an evening with a Neil Diamond Tribute. Shattered so early night 10.30