Cruise Director Herr Pardon had prepared the assault plan, hit them hard, hit them early, and success would be guaranteed. We would get through immigration in a flash and our baggage would be the first to be delivered to our suites on board the Seabourn Pride.

The troops were on a high, initial early morning skirmishes in the Ladies market had resulted in a number of successful purchases. As the designated hour of assault was reached our advanced guard the Pardons left our forward operating base (the hotel) swiftly followed by the Woods and the Daveys. Success was ours, or so it seemed, taking a leaf out of the German tourist manual and getting our metaphoric towels on the sun bed early was just the ticket. Immigration was a breeze and just as our great leader had predicted no delays…………………………..

Then it all started to go Pete Tong, the assumption that the delivery of bags to the suites on board the Pride would be on a first in first out basis proved to be misplaced. The Daveys received their bags in short order the Woods and Pardons were still awaiting delivery of their bags 2 hours later.

So what can a hardened group of cruise warriors do ? Nothing for it but to send out a reconnaissance mission to check out the Sky Bar. I am pleased to be able to report the bars was fully stocked and in full working order.

Finally our bags did arrive in our suites and unpacking commenced. The supreme logistical operation that has started all those months ago was reaching its climax. The value of those numerous re-supply missions to Bluewater, Westfield, Oxford Street was about to be realised. But wait, the first stressful moment of the cruise was now upon the team of dedicated unpackers where was it all to go ? Seabourn suites are generous in size with plenty of drawers and hanging space but when you take your full 46kg baggage allowance per person it really is amazing how many shoes, hats, dresses and make up you can take.

Then in the midst of our unpacking we realised the ship had started to move, we were on our way. Unpacking was abandoned as we joined our fellow Cruisers to participate in the sail away party on the sky deck. Despite being only 16 degrees we all stayed on deck as we sailed out of Hong Kong harbour . Despite the mist the views were stunning unfortunately our photos do not really do the view justice.

Returning to our suite we suffered what could at best be described as a Seabourn c*** up. Searching for that final place to pack that very last sock I opened the small draw in the unit next to the bed. Alongside the Gideon bible I found two tube of lubricant designed to improve male sexual prowess (not needed by me I can assure the reader) . For one moment I thought wow Seabourn thinks of everything for their clients ! But then I realised the tubes had been left behind by the previous occupants of our suite and clearly these had been missed by our stewardess. Not Seabourns finest hour !

Nevermind onwards and upwards as they say - bring on day 2 of the cruise

Enjoy the snow,

Dave and the crew……… Sue, Jan, Bridget, John and John