We are in the Virgin Atlantic lounge at Heathrow. So sorry that this trip is over! It was really a great voyage. It did sound a.little boring on paper but it turned out to be so very interesting. We have seen so much of Ireland and Scotland in particular that I do now feel like I have really seen these countries and not just their big cities. Bonus was all the great friends, old and new that joined on us each leg.

Yesterday after our fearless leader left us in London, some of us did the RIB Thames experience followed by Tea at the Ritz. What the heck is an RIB Thames experience you ask? Rigid Inflatable Boat which runs at very high speed down the Thames. This is an open boat and of course many of us got a bit wet. It was so fun! They blasted Queen songs and the themes from James Bond movies as we raced up and down the river. By contrast, tea at the Ritz was a bit more subdued 😀

We were on the Cloud back in 2006 when it was a classic cruise ship. I like it much better as an expedition ship. I echo Ngaire’s comment that there were quite a few passengers who should not have been booked on such a ship. Although the complainers seemed to me to be much more prevalent on the Amsterdam to Dublin leg. Maybe that was my imagination or maybe I just tuned them out after the first week?

The crew on the Cloud are just wonderful. They all were so warm and friendly. They seemed to a person to really be happy on this ship. Lots of hugs on our way out the door today.

To all the Puffins: thanks for the great company. Safe travels and hope to see you soon
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Helen