Below decks

I have never sailed out of Newcastle before - or Port of Tyne as the harbour part is called. It was fascinating; we sailed down the river Tyne before emerging into the open sea, passing small and large boats, smart new apartment blocks, industrial areas and finally the ruins of a castle. Perhaps it was the castle (once new I suppose) after which the town was named. It was nice to be out on deck, and as I looked northwards I could see the coast stretching into the distance towards Scotland and I felt homesick for my boys and cats.

The ship, Princesse Margarethe, is well furnished with lots of bars and eateries. The cabin that I am sharing with Jane and Audrey is on deck two, which I reckon is well beneath the waves - in the well known film about a ship beginning with T it is more like Leonardo di Caprio's cabin than Kate Winslet's. Best not to dwell on that!