We’d booked a mini-cruise over the Easter Weekend on-board P&O Azura. At the moment, it’s the newest ship in the fleet and a little taster of what we can look forward to in the Summer Holidays.
My nephew, Daniel, came with us – good company for Callum as there’s only two months difference in age.
We arrived in Southampton to a “WOW – it’s huge” from Callum and Daniel. After waiting to check in, we dropped our bags off in the cabin and grabbed a bite to eat. Lunch done, there was just enough time to wander about the pool decks to try and gather our bearings before Muster Drill. Callum and Daniel loved trying on the lifejackets (just had to stop them from testing out the whistles!).
After Muster Drill, it was time to set sail. We pulled away from Ocean Terminal about 4.45pm with the band playing and passengers waving flags. In the distance we could see Azura’s Sister Ship Ventura leaving Mayflower Terminal.
Whilst we were heading down the Solent, we headed inside for Kids’ Tea followed soon after by the Kids Club briefing. Loads of activities planned for the kids on the three full days and four evenings aboard! Our problem would be how to get them out of Frontiers and ashore to look around!
The boys went to Kid’s Club in the evening leaving Jon and I to have dinner in peace. We ate in the Meridian Dining Room on the Freedom Dining so you just turn up whenever you’re ready. We were taken straight away to a table of 8 and met some fellow passengers – 2 gold, 2 nearly gold and 2 newbies. Food was OK – nothing exciting. Afterwards we signed the boys over to Slumbertime and tried our hand at the quiz. The Quiz Room is the furthest distance-wise it could possibly be from the Kid’s Club and just made it back in time to pick the boys up. We did OK … a couple of points behind the winners. However, timings probably won’t allow us to take part that often (or we’d need to leave early).
The boys slept in until about 8am the following morning. We decided to have a more civilised breakfast in the Oriental Dining Room, rather than do battle in the self-service area. As we sat down, the ship entered the River Meuse. Rotterdam was still a couple of hours away. The boys loved their breakfast smoothie and followed this with bacon, hard boiled egg, fried bread, sausage and beans (Callum also had tomato and mushrooms!).
After breakfast, they headed off to Kids Club for a couple of hours whilst we watch Azura wend her way down to Rotterdam. We docked about 11.30am so we headed to the Glass House for an early lunch.
We chose a couple of dishes to share before heading off to explore. The boys were brilliantly behaved in the restaurant and even had compliments from the couple sat next to us (they must have been expecting trouble!).
We got off Azura and decided to just to have a wander around Rotterdam. The shuttle bus dropped us off at the Town Hall and from there we headed over to the outdoor market. It was huge. It was also really hot and the boys were starting to wilt and it wasn’t long before they started begging for Ice-Cream.
At the end of the market, we hadn’t found Ice-Cream yet did did spy some very cool “cube” houses. Daniel commented that if you went to the toilet, the wee would end up in the bottom! Breaking away from the market and heading back to the main street, we found ice-cream shops and the boys were happy. We headed back to the shuttle bus stop and got back on-board. The boys headed straight back into Kids Club … and when we picked them up, they’d been transformed into Aliens!
The usual routine of kids tea, bath and back to kids club which meant Jon and I could get ready for our meal in Sindhu. Atul Kochhar was unexpectedly on-board with his family so we were secretly hoping he would be in the kitchen too.
It was a fabulous meal – totally unlike an Indian at your local curry house. The food was delicious – a combination of carefully balanced spices (not hot, just extremely flavoursome). I had chicken tikka to start whilst Jon had the Beef Skewers. This was followed by a small cup of mushroom soup – I thought my mushroom soup was good – this was another level completely!). We both had lobster as our main course and then our palettes were cleansed with a little Banana and Passion Fruit sorbet before pudding!
Amazing … and we’ll certainly be eating here again on our next cruise!
We collected the boys from Kids Club after dinner and took them back to our cabin. We were due to set sail from Rotterdam about 10.30pm so we all went out on our balcony to watch the sailaway. There were a fair few people lining the quayside to wave us off – guess they don’t get too many cruise ships in port. We pulled away to much cheering, waving and camera flashes going off. There were lots on people on Azura’s balconies waving farewell and the locals were out in force all along the river for the next hour or so.
The Easter Bunny had paid a visit during the night … it didn’t take Dan and Callum long to discover a large bunny on the side … and only a few seconds before they realised bunnies were hidden all over the cabin.
They spent a mad five minutes searching for bunnies and we managed to persuade them not to tuck in before breakfast.
We had arrived in Zeebrugge (for visits to Bruges) but we opted just to look around the local town of Blankenberge. Being Easter Sunday, no one was really sure what would be open … and the trains were only running once an hour as well.
The shuttle bus dropped us off in near the station so we walked down to the harbour and around the coast until we hit the beach. The boys were itching to go for a paddle. It was a little cold but they enjoyed running away from the waves.
Back on-board, the boys decided they wanted to go swimming. They’d been nagging us ever since they first clapped eyes on the pools. We gave in, and Jon got in first. He did think it was a little on the cold side!
Callum dunked his toes in and decided it was too cold for him … Daniel was eventually coaxed in … he did one rocket off the side and decided that was enough. Funnily enough, they didn’t mention swimming for the rest of the weekend!
Sailaway from Zeebrugge was set for 4.30pm … but part way through the sailaway party, there was an announcement – several passengers were missing, presumed still ashore! We’d missed our slot and it would be another hour or so before we could leave.
The boys enjoyed the Pomp and Circumstance of the Great British Sailaway … a selection of songs from all four corners of the British Isles. The party was drawing to a close and we still hadn’t sailed so we headed up to Kids Tea. Whilst up in the self-serve, we could see a taxi hurtling its way towards the ship and a couple of passengers were on the quayside waiting to meet the taxi. A lady got out of the taxi, but alas it was too late. The ship was about to leave and there wasn’t time to get them aboard. We later found out six people had been left behind.
Tonight was form night and a chance to dust off posh frocks and DJ for a change. Boys both wanted to go to Kid’s Club in the evening so Jon and I could get changed in peace and quiet.
The reception was busy … but alas the white wine tasted of paint-stripper so we lost the glasses and headed to The Glass House and a decent glass of bubbly.
Everyone must have timed their arrival for dinner at the same time – it was the longest we’d ever had to wait. In the end we were sent up to the Peninsular Dining Room. It was a nice meal and rounded off nicely with the port-soaked stilton.
Boys picked up from Kid’s Club and taken back to the cabin. They were asleep as soon as they’re heads hit the pillow.
Monday morning and we woke up in Le Havre. Another lovely sunny day. There’s not a huge amount to see in Le Havre itself and we were expecting most shops/restaurants to be closed but we still decided to get off the ship and have a wander.
The shuttle bus drops you off at Le Volcan and Place de General Gaulle. We walked the short distance up the main road to the Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) to see the fab iron birds. Just a shame the fountains weren’t working.
From here we headed West to the Marina and walked along the coastline before heading back to shuttle bus pick-up. All shops in the town centre were closed, but the out-of-town shopping mall was open and people were saying that it was worth a visit if you were desperate to shop!
We headed back to the ship and took the boys for Nashta at Sindhu. Neither Callum or Dan had tried Indian food before. Both loved the Naan bread and tried all the dishes. Callum loved the beef.
After lunch the boys wanted to go back to Kid’s Club and play in “The House” – the soft play area inside Frontiers.
There was a special treat in store for Kid’s Tea … Noddy and Mr Bump were joining in too!
Callum and Dan spotted an extra special guest at tea. The Deputy Captain (#2) … or as Callum called him, the pretend captain!
For dinner this evening we joined another two couples, and had a really lovely evening. They had a fabulous sense of humour and a lovely table to round off our mini-cruise.
Alas the final morning. We felt really bad waking the boys up at 6.45am as they were completely zonked.
We had breakfast in the Oriental Restaurant once more so needed to be up early. We had to be out of our cabin by 8am, and weren’t due to disembark until 9.45am.
There were plenty of free seats in the Glass House so waited until our disembarkation slot. Tip … there are limited objects in here to play “I-Spy”! How we dragged this out for an hour, I really don’t know.
All too soon, we were handing back our cards and joining the queue of passengers to collect their cars. Callum had loved having some company his own age on this cruise.
The kids broke up from school and everyone seemed to be looking forward to the Easter Holidays. Now if only the glorious weather of the last few days of term would last for the next two weeks.
With Jon away with work until late on Saturday, I took Callum into Reading to see “Hop” and afterwards we had noodles for lunch at Wagamamas – Callum’s favourite. He really enjoyed the film!
On Sunday, Callum went to his friend, Sam’s, Birthday Party at Nuffield and had a great time.
On Monday, Catherine and I met up with Bev & Emma at Beale Park so the kids could have a run-around and see the animals. In the last few weeks, Lemur triplets had been born and seeing the little black-and-white tails was so sweet.
Callum went to play with Dan and Jess on Tuesday whilst I took advantage to head down to Southampton to IKEA and do some jobs. Afterwards, Callum and Dan had their swimming lesson.
I took Callum into Maidenhead on Wednesday to meet up with Daddy for lunch. Callum wanted to go to Pizza Hut and we timed out meal to perfection. No sooner than we’d finished our meal, Maidenhead was struck by a huge power cut that affected half the town and the restaurant was having to close. Callum thought it was very exciting having to go to the toilet in near darkness! We stopped by at Daddy’s office to say hello to a few people then caught the train home.
The treat Callum had been looking forward to was a trip to Legoland so we set off bright and early as we needed to renew Callum’s Annual Pass. The park was strangely quiet. No rain was forecast but it did look a little overcast. Janine more-or-less followed us in.
Rocket Racers was first on the hit-list and managed to do this before the park had even opened. The park was just opening as we came out so made our way to Laser Quest. We only queued for 5 mins which is unusual and the queues were no longer when we finished. We then headed over to the Boating School, again short queues, then the Driving School. In six months time, Callum and Kian would be let loose on the bigger roads.
From here to have an early lunch and watch “The Pirates of Skeleton Bay” show from our table. We wandered around to the Dino Safari and saw the new Atlantis section that would be opening in a couple of months time. It looks fab. Callum and Kian were also feeling brave and went on the big Dragon Roller-coaster which they said they loved (although their faces told a different story!). The day was rounded off by letting them run off steam in the Rat Run and a wander through Miniland. Buckingham Palace was all set for a Royal Wedding, but Wembley was still waiting to be knocked down and rebuilt.
One of the 4D shows was about to start so we made this our last port of call. Oh, we also managed a ride on the Sky Train too!
We had a quiet day at home on the Friday to catch up with things around the house.
We had fab news on Saturday – Callum has a new little cousin. Nic and Aly had a little boy called Zain! Callum went to his second party of the holidays – Alanna’s Birthday at Krazy Klub and all the kids had an absolute ball.
Great start to the week! Callum went to play with George and Eva whilst I had my haircut and afterwards we headed to Bucklebury Farm Park. Callum and George had great fun playing on the tractors and castle. All the kids also had great fun in feeding the lambs and milking the cow (a pretend cow that is!).
Afterwards, we popped in to see baby Zain (and Nic & Aly!) – Callum was a little bowled over to see how tiny he was … but announced he was absolutely perfect!
Tuesday we headed over to Beale Park with Bev again. Another run-around, lunch in the cafe and a wander around to see the animals again.
Wednesday we had an early start. We had some of the gang over to have a Skype chat with Kathryn & Jessica in New Zealand followed by pancakes for breakfast. In the afternoon, we were all heading down to Basingstoke to see The Gruffalo’s Child at The Haymarket. The kids loved it and were joining in the songs.
On Thursday, Jon had the day off, so we started getting ready for our mini-cruise. Jon’s parents were also travelling down to spend Easter with Nic, Aly & Zain, so we popped over to have tea with them.
More on the cruise weekend in a bit
Callum and Jon treated me for Mother’s Day a week early this year. We had family over on Mothering Sunday so they thought it would be nice to take me to my favourite restaurant in London – The Mango Tree.
The restaurant was featured in London Restaurant Week so there would be a special lunch menu and we hoped Callum would also enjoy trying new foods too.
We caught the train into Paddington, caught the tube to Hyde Park Corner and walked down Grosvenor Place (alongside the back wall of Buckingham Palace) to the restaurant.
We chose some fish cakes, chicken satay and prawn spring rolls to start which went down a treat. This was followed by some Pad Thai for Callum, Thai Green Chicken for me and Stir Fried Prawns & Vegetables for Jon. Yum!!
After the meal, we walked back up to Hyde Park. We walked through Hyde Park and the only visible reminders of the Spending Cut Protests the day prior was trampled grass and daffodils and a memorial to Wellington that was daubed in graffiti.
It was a really loved afternoon with the sun shining and loads of people enjoying the day relaxing in the park. Callum was fascinated by the inline skating that was going on!
Train home and a really lovely family day out.
Thank you guys xx
Having worked for Canon for seven years and during that time worked closely with Canon Inc. in Tokyo, the images that have appeared on TV in the last couple of days have been truly heart-breaking.
They’ve been expecting “The Big One” for many years but I doubt anyone was expecting it to be this severe. From working with the Japanese, they would be the most prepared nation on the planet for this type of disaster. The buildings seem to have pretty much survived the earthquake, but the devastation to the NE of Honshu caused by the Tsunami is unbelievable and you just wonder how anyone could have survived the 10 metre wall of water sweeping through, taking with it everything in its path. Then, add to this the risk of a nuclear disaster at Fukushima … it just doesn’t bear thinking about.
Thankfully all the guys I used to work with appear to be safe but they are understandably very shocked, shaken and really worried about their friends and family who they cannot contact.
I just hope and pray that all your families are safe.
It is a fact – we are blessed to have the parents we have. Mum turned 65 at the start of March and wanted to treat the family. Initially she thought about getting tickets for The Lion King or the new Wizard of Oz show as she loves a good musical … but the cost was working out very expensive. The other thing she wanted to do was take us all on the London Eye.
We managed to get a very good rate for 3 family rooms at the Hilton Metropole Hotel. Perfect location – 10 mins walk from Paddington and right opposite Edgware Road Tube Station.
Now what to do beside the London Eye … Callum would be happy watching the buses and taxis and going on the trains and the underground, Tom was desperate to see Buckingham Palace and the rest were just happy doing whatever.
We headed into London on the train early on Saturday and went straight to the hotel to drop our bags off. Two rooms were ready so could leave our bags in the room … which the boys inspected. We headed to South Bank so the kids could get their first glimpse of the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.
After lunch, we headed over Waterloo Bridge and walked down Embankment. There is a fabulous memorial to commemorate The Battle of Britain. It’s truly a work of art and a very fitting tribute to the servicemen, women and also the civilians who lost their lives over 70 years ago.
In the afternoon, we’d booked tickets for the Dinosaurs Unleashed Exhibition at the O2. Last time we went to the O2 we used the Thames Clippers to get there and back and thought the kids might quite like a trip on the Thames. They loved it … especially when the captain put his foot down once he’d got passed Tower Bridge.
The exhibition was actually quite impressive. Life size replicas of what the experts thought the dinosaurs looked like. T-Rex, Megladon, Diplodocus, Stegosaurus and Triceratops were all present as were Velociraptors (who looked nothing like their counterparts on Jurassic Park … apparently they loved the name, but not the look!).
There were plenty of educational activities to keep the kids entertained as we went around. Jigsaw puzzles, interactive Dino colouring in, computer puzzles and a good old fossil hunt.
Afterwards we had tea at “Spur” before heading back to the hotel. Dan was sharing our room and think we got the best deal. Callum was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow … Dan not far behind him. We could hear Jess still awake in the room next door at least 45 mins later!
We knew the kids would be up early in the morning so beat the real rush and had an early breakfast. We were on the Underground heading towards Buckingham Palace by 8.30am!!
From Buckingham Palace we walked through the park towards Horseguards and then walked along Whitehall to The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. A quick stroll over Waterloo Bridge and we joined the queue for the London Eye.
The boys (& Jess) loved seeing everything from up high. You could get a pretty good view of The Shard being built and also The Gherkin which has become a feature on the London Skyline since the last time we went on The Eye about 10 years ago.
A quick play in the park filled in the time before walking along South Bank to the Hungerford Bridge and saw the street artists and worked our way over to Hamley’s – we’d promised the kids a treat if they’d been good and on the whole, they had been.
Time to head home … and all the kids slept well as we’d walked their little socks off!
Thanks Mum and Dad for a fabulous weekend … and hope you all enjoyed this weekend as much as we did xx
October just flew by … it started off with Callum and Kian’s 5th Birthday Party at Kennet. Alas, Kian was poorly on the day so had to go home early. It was such a shame and a repeat of what happened on his birthday last year.
Everyone seemed to have a great time letting off steam on the bouncy castle and trampoline … just a shame Kian missed out.
At the end of the month, I was meant to be heading back to Cheshire for the “Inspired” Retreat. We had all enjoyed it so much back in February we decided to go back for Part 2. Unfortunately, things went completely pear-shaped. When the third payment was due, the organiser neglected to tell people that the event had been cancelled. We’d paid through a third party and PayPal so we were lucky in the fact we got our money back (however, the third party still has not been reimbursed and is substantially out of pocket). Those who had paid the organiser direct still have not been refunded.
With a weekend booked off, Lis set out to find another crop that same weekend and discovered Crab Apple Crafts were holding a retreat just down the road. Rosemary Merry is a regular on QVC Craft Days. Angela, Elizabeth, Lis and I decided to take the plunge and we had a fantastic time. Rosemary, Nigel and Debbie were fantastic hosts and the projects were fabulous.
Little freebies were given out throughout the weekend and I loved all the projects we were given. Best of all, we finished nearly all the projects that weekend so nothing was added to my “To Finish” pile!
Dad had a fantastic crop of pumpkins this year … one each for all the grandkids. Callum had first pick of the pumpkins. We didn’t choose the largest of the pumpkins on offer (we left that for his cousins!).
Callum chose a great design to carve on the pumpkin and we then popped it in our window so any trick-or-treaters would know this was a “safe” house to call at.
One of Jon’s best mates was getting married at Langley Castle, Northumberland on the Friday … and it was Callum’s 5th Birthday on the Sunday! We were just so very thankful that the wedding was on the Saturday else we’d be splitting ourselves in two.
The wedding was fantastic. The Castle was a wonderful setting and the weather was on the side of the Bride and Groom. The ceremony was a little unusual … with a Harrier Hawk carrying the wedding rings into the room to the Best Man (typically Mick!) and in between the ceremony and reception, there was a display of hawks, falcons and owls flying around the grounds.
Great wedding guys and thank you so much so letting us share your special day.
The music in the evening was provided by an old school friend of Mick's ... and there was a special performance (errr ... massacre-ing) of Safety Dance by Mick, Pat and Mark!
On the Saturday, we drive back home. Having debated M1 vs M6 over breakfast (we were mid-way between the two) we opted for M1 … big mistake as M1 was closed north of Nottingham. So we ended up making a small detour via the M62, M61, M6, Toll Road, M42 and M40 back home! At least we kept moving and weren’t stuck in traffic with no where to go.
Callum had had a ball with Mum and Dad whilst we were away – THANK YOU!!
Callum woke bright and not too early on Sunday and was very excited. He loved all of his presents and was thrilled to get a DS (or at least he was once Daddy showed him what he could play on it!). He also loved his Buzz & Woody and Toy Story stuff, the transport books, the Lego, the Stig Car, and his first ever proper Newcastle shirt!!
With things being so hectic, Karen’s family came over on the Monday evening after his first full day at school, along with Kian & Riley.
Callum is now on count-down until Dan’s 5th Birthday!!
