North Atlantic

We are aboard the self-described “most famous ocean liner in the world”, the “last of the great ocean liners” and “the largest consumer of caviar in the world.” Safe to assume a ship like that needs no further introduction.

Despite a few disappointments early on, this cruise has gone fairly well. It was a matter of unmet expectations. We had been led to expect a film-themed cruise; it is a “floating jazz festival.” Our cabin is smaller and showing its age. People are more insular on this ship so we have met few other people.

There was a bit of excitement on Tuesday as the ship skirted a storm. According to the announcements, it was a Force 9 on the Beaufort scale, which qualified as a “Strong Gale.” Those restaurants that were open were reduced to plastic ware. It was easy to see why when, moments after I placed it on the table, my cup of tea rocketed to the floor. A subsequent wave did much the same to some of the nearby furniture. This was in the stern. One can only imagine what it was like in the bow. Fortunately, we have not suffered any significant ill-effects from this.

Wednesday morning, the seas were still a bit rough, but it has mellowed dramatically since. They have lifted the metal hatch from our porthole window that was sealed during the storm. And, to boost morale and confidence, they are showing the film A Night to Remember on the TVs today.

We are due to dock in Southampton tomorrow.

• Around the World