The People

On a Transatlantic cruise with nine days at sea, you have time to meet people.  In the early morning, I often met Barbara or Jackie.  Barbara was a retired nurse, and Jackie was on holiday from northern England.  I played an old card game I hadn’t played in years with some lovely people who also taught us to play a game with dominoes.   We made a few friends we hope to stay in touch with, and caught up with some old friends I’m blessed to know.   We saw new sights and met a few characters.  Karen had fun dancing at the opening party, too.

It’s All About the Ship

The Bliss did not disappoint.  She is beautiful with a lovely observation lounge on the 15th deck and scenic views above on the 16th, all along The Garden Cafe.  We were spoiled by a special cruise, a maiden voyage with half the passengers and a top rated crew on a shiny, new ship.  The crossing was so still at one point that the ocean resembled a lake.  It was both delightful and terrifying at the same time.  We heard crew members claim that even after over 100 crossings, this one was calmer than anyone had ever seen.   But there were also several days of fog when the warm waters of the Gulf stream merged with the cold air hovering over the Atlantic, and once or twice, though not very often, you could feel the rocking of the waves and hear the wind.

No one seemed worried about the weather though mild temperatures kept most folks from experiencing the pool.  I spent countless hours staring at the water and was occasionally rewarded by sighting dolphin.   Our friend, Duane, saw a small shark swimming casually around on the calmest day at sea, and folks were muttering about a whale sighting one afternoon in the observation lounge.   Even with the wave watching and the napping and the reading in the chaise, there was always time to eat; and I think the chef’s were showing off a bit, too, because the food was better than average cruise cuisine.  There was more food than I’ve ever seen displayed at one time, and it all looked fresh and delicious.  If you had any dietary concerns–not to worry.  The service on the Bliss was spectacular.  Teams of people worked together to provide daily abundance and smiling, personalized service.  They also served real lobster for lunch one Sunday, and just a day or so before, they served big grilled prawns–delicious with fresh squeezed lemon.  Carrying my third plate of lobster claws to our table, I thought I may actually have died and gone to heaven.  I am still alive though there is undoubtedly more of me to love after twelve days of feasting at sea.

Our friends never took the elevator.  They promised to use only the stairs, noble souls that they were.  Karen was also very good about taking the stairs and walking every day.  I walked on the jogging path and let the occasional runner go around me.  There was lots of room on an under-booked, maiden voyage.   We felt blessed and highly favored!

Onto The Ship

The train from London to Southampton was easy to navigate.  We bought our tickets the day before and checked out our route.  The last thing you want to do is miss the ship.  We met Duane and Nick on the train, and they knew exactly where they were going.  Indeed, they were heading to The Bliss too, and we all became fast friends.