4. We're on our way.

Our travel arrangements from hotel to ship all went to plan. Our chauffeur introduced himself as Nikolai and due to the fact that he must have been trained by the KGB in fast, evasive driving, got us to the terminal somewhat quicker than advertised. 

Being on the Elite loyalty level, we were whisked through checkin and security and were on board having lunch before 1pm.

Sailaway was delayed by some three hours as not all the stores had arrived and loaded. Like there isn't already enough food to last a few days, but maybe it was the Captain's favourite chianti order. Talking of the captain (he's Italian, hence the chianti joke), we have seen him around the ship a couple of times already and going by his talks and broadcasts, he's quite a character.

The sea is reasonably calm, there is a lot of high, white cloud and the temperature is 15C. We're now on a four day stretch of sea days so unless something special or untoward happens, the next posting will follow in a few days.