Another day at sea today with not much to report. The weather has been good again, thanks largely to high pressure systems over the mid-Atlantic. We had temperatures of 20 degrees this afternoon and we took advantage of the balcony again to catch some sun. By noon today, we had sailed approximately 850 miles since leaving Southampton and had about 500 miles to go until reaching Ponta Delgada. As we slowly approached the Azores archipelago, our 'proximity' to land became more apparent as we started to notice seabirds skirting the waves. We're unsure of their species but they look like shearwaters or petrels – the birdwatchers will be able to confirm!
It was a relaxing day at sea, and the good weather encouraged us into the pool on Deck 16, along with several of our fellow passengers. The pool wasn't particularly warm however and we suspect it will take a few days more of warmer weather for the water temperature to heat up!
Tonight, we decided to try the Horizon Restaurant on Deck 16. As I mentioned in yesterday's blog, cruise passengers have the choice of either Freedom or Club dining. Whilst everyone has to choose one as their main dining choice, these are not the only options available when it actually comes to dining. Like all P&O cruise ships, Britannia has a variety of speciality dining restaurants where passenger can pay a cover charge for the privilege of a particular fine-dining restaurant. There is also the Horizon restaurant which offers an informal and relaxed setting for a self-service buffet experience. Tonight, the menu theme was seafood oriented and the quality and variety of food available was excellent. We have been disappointed recently with the quality of food served in the buffet restaurants of other cruise ships, but Britannia has bucked the trend and we look forward to returning to the Horizon restaurant again, later in the cruise.
Tomorrow, we arrive in the Azores and are scheduled to dock in Ponta Delgada around 1300. Ponta Delgada is the administrative capital of the Azores and the largest town in the archipelago. We have made reservations on one of the excursions which takes us to the volcanic crater lakes in the centre of the São Miguel island, and are excited at the prospect of setting foot on land for the first time in three days! The weather is expected to be slightly showery however, and we're hoping the mist and rain doesn't spoil the views from the mountains. Despite the late arrival into Ponta Delgada, the ship doesn't depart until 2230, so if circumstances permit, we may have enough time to explore the city after our excursion.
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