Thursday 23rd April Southampton, UK Here is our cabin all bare after we have packed up all our things. This has been our home since the beginning of January. We have had a wonderful trip on board Aurora. We have seen some amazing places and met some lovely people. This morning we are back in Southampton and looking forward to seeing all the family. We also hope rumours of a three month heat wave in England prove to be true as we are rather used to warm, sunny w...

Sunday 19thApril Ponta Delgada, The Azores This is our last port before we return to the U.K. The morning started cloudy and cool but by the time we went ashore it was soon warm enough to take off my jacket. The town here is full of lovely buildings in black and white. Also the roads and pavements are in black and white mosaic. On the front near the city gates we saw lots of runners waiting to start their race. We watched the start of the race before walking up...

Saturday 11th April Willemstad, Curacao We are now in the Caribbean and have stopped at the island of Curacao. This was until 2010 part of the Netherlands Antilles but is now an independent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The walk from the ship to the town takes you through the Rif Fort which today is full of bars and shops. Willemstad is full of brightly painted buildings and is split into two parts by St. Anna Bay - the Otrabanda and the Punda ...

Monday 12th January Funchal, Madeira After leaving Southampton on Thursday we have been sailing south. We crossed the Bay of Biscay where there was quite a swell but were in calmer waters by Saturday. Today we have arrived at our first port, Funchal in Madeira. It's a lovely warm, sunny day here and we have spent it walking around the town. There is a new promenade since we were here last. We strolled along it and then stopped at a cafe to have a coffee. I want...

Southampton 8th January We got on board our ship Aurora at 1.30. It was a lovely mild sunny afternoon. The safety drill was at 5o'clock and after that it was time to go on deck for some champagne as we sailed out. Some lovely fireworks as we departed. All cases have been unpacked and put away and the cabin is looking much clearer. Time to get ready for dinner as we sail into the Solent.