Captain Greybeard

Two new cruise ships under construction; two new videos to whet customers' appetiters and no doubt stimulate advance bookings. First up (above) is Celebrity Reflection, the fifth and final vessel in the successful and sophisticated Solstice class, but with an extra deck of cabins, including some super-swish suites that feature ocean-view showers. The ship is nearing completion under cover in Germany, and should be leaving the shipyard in October. Watch carefully as the video shows sister ship Celebrity Silhouette's Lawn Club Grill and you'll even catch a glimpse of yours truly at the barbecue. No sign of me in the [...]

This is one of those occasions when the picture capabilities of this blog are inadequate. So click on the image above to get a better view of the three Cunard ships about to leave Southampton beneath a spectacular firework display at the end of their Diamond Jubilee tribute to The Queen. It's the work of maritime artist Robert G Lloyd, whose works hang on all three vessels, and it's probably the best view of the fireworks, which owe a little to artistic licence because on the night they were largely obscured by clouds. Prints of the painting will be on [...]

Those of you who followed my exploits last weekend in the AquaSpa and fitness centre on board Celebrity Silhouette may be pleased to learn that I am keeping up the good work this week on Carnival Breeze. The gym is not quite as extensive, and my first attempt to do some serious work in there was frustrated because it was crowded with passengers hoping to win $500-worth of treatments in the Cloud 9 spa. But I have been back, and have followed the programme set out for me by personal trainer Chris Arnott. The pounds continue to fall off, slowly, [...]