4. International Maritime Rescue.

2.20am and we were woken by incessant shouting and banging on all the stateroom doors. Somewhat groggily and with trepidation we opened the door to find that the stewards were getting everyone up and dressed and instructing us all to get down to deck 7 as soon as we could. As information filtered through we learnt that a fellow passenger had been taken seriously ill and required immediate evacuation from the ship....and this was to be done with a helicopter from the nearest available coast guard centre, La Corunia in north west Spain. Those passengers in the vicinity of the hovering helicopter and winch had to be moved just in case, God forbid, an accident were to happen involving the rescue Sea King and the ship.

To compound matters slightly, the ship also had to turn around and backtrack to the designated rendezvous point as it was not permitted to cross assigned shipping lanes, even for an emergency.

Thankfully, the whole incident was over almost before it had begun and we have since learnt that the the passenger in question is receiving their required care in a Spanish hospital.

In other news we have had a second coffee spluttering moment. Leaving the restaurant last evening, we were stopped for a chat by another couple whom we had met during our last cruise in November 2015! It seems that Princess does have a very loyal following.

3. Embarkation...and a coffee spluttering moment.

The embarkation process went smoothly and ninety minutes after leaving the hotel we were having lunch on board the ship. Unfortunately, the skies darkened during the afternoon and by the time we had completed our emergency drill and were ready for sailaway, it was rather gloomy, chilly and windy.

However, a large crowd gathered on deck and watched as we slipped our mooring ropes and made our way slowly down the Solent towards the English Channel.

The rest of the day we spent reacquainting ourselves with the ship, enjoying a pre-dinner drink and dinner and taking in the inaugural show before bedtime called.

Now we are into our first full day at sea and there is a reasonably large swell running. This means that we passengers are walking with a drunken gait and as one other guest put it as he staggered out of the lift, they will definitely be inventing a few new steps in the line dancing class.

So far we have socialised by attending the Cruise Critic meet and greet with over 200 fellow critics, listened to a lecture about the solar system by the President of the Queensland Astronomical Society, Peter Anderson and our first trivia session awaits later this afternoon.

Now for the coffee spluttering moment. Earlier today we were walking through the buffet after having had a morning coffee and who should stop us as we passed by but Elaine, our next door neighbour from home! I'm not sure who was more shocked and surprised, but we stopped for a little chat and she was all sweetness and light. It certainly is a very small world indeed.

The ship itself appears to be full with around 40% of passengers being British, 30% Australian, 20% Americans and 10% a mixture of other nationalities. The captain is British, and it's always reassuring to hear a Home Counties accent coming from the bridge during the mid day updates on progress.

Update 1. We had 17 out of 21 points in the trivia. The winning score was 19.

Update 2. The picture is from our balcony, looking forwards...still in the Bay of Biscay and the swell has reduced significantly.

2. Upgrade!

I'm glad to report that everything ran like clockwork from the time the alarm went off at 5am to the time we arrived safely in Southampton, mid-morning.

We also had an added bonus just as we were about to leave home.  Having checked the Princess personalizer religiously over the last few weeks, waiting for news of our stateroom assignment and thinking we would not know until arrival at the pier, it finally came through. We had originally booked (on a guaranteed basis), an aft oceanview, obstructed view stateroom on deck 8, we have been upgraded to a deluxe balcony, midships on deck 14. Result!!!

Thus with an extra spring in our steps in anticipation of our embarkation tomorrow we have spent the time doing a little shopping in West Quay (and yes, John Lewis do have some of their Christmas decorations up), followed by a pub tea and a pint or two at a very smart local hostelry. 

Bed now calls!

1. Foreword

It's only fair to say that this trip has been on our bucket list for many years.

Now in 2016, we are indeed very fortunate to be able to turn those earlier dreams into reality and will soon be setting off on a ten week trip to the Antipodes, including stops  at a number of other exciting ports of call en route.

At this point I think it best not to divulge too many details of the journey so as to keep you, dear reader, returning to this little journal for updates! However, I will say that we will be visiting four continents and if all goes to plan, seeing some of the world's greatest natural wonders as well as some of mankind's most iconic engineering masterpieces along the way.

Due to the distances, timings, internet connectivity and time available I do not expect to post every day so I apologise now for any disappointment. However, I hope that the postings, when they do appear, will make up for those brief silences.

Initially, we shall be setting sail from Southampton aboard the Emerald Princess, a 116,000 tonne cruise ship carrying some 2,600 passengers in extremely comfortable surroundings. However, I hasten to add that this is a voyage that several in our respective families have made before. 

Back in 1966 and aged 8, I was one of the "ten pound poms" who emigrated to Australia as part of their scheme to increase the population and start a new and exciting life. We sailed aboard the Fairstar (just 21,000 tonnes), from Southampton to Perth. 

Prior to that and back in the 19th century, my research uncovered the fact that some 9 Jepsons and 30 Talbots were transported out to various colonies aboard the convict ships of the day, sentenced to terms such as seven years for an offence as trivial as "stealing a cap". (The Le Marquands were obviously much more upstanding members of the community!) The difference in travelling conditions between those poor souls and ours is undoubtedly beyond description.

Pictured below are the Emerald Princess, the Fairstar and the Aurora, upon which a William Jepson was transported to Australia in 1833.