Monday 8th February.

After breakfast we west off for Valparaiso at about 9.45 in a private car. The route took us out past the airport & our driver pointed out various places on the way. The highway is mainly a toll road which we had been on before when we visited Santiago on a day trip from Valparaiso in 2011. We passed an incredible number of buses at intervals making their way to Santiago, as apparently some people work there but live in Valparaiso. The route took us through 2 major valleys with extensive vineyards & after about 2 hours we arrived in Valparaiso. It is quite a contrast to Santiago, much scruffier & more bustling than the capital probably because the flat land is so limited & the buildings are all so close together, many in a state of disrepair. We were dropped at the Cruise terminal at the northern end of the harbour & after being processed we went in shuttle buses through the banks of containers for about 2km to the waiting ship.

The Arcadia was a very pleasant surprise as was our cabin near the bow of the ship. It is larger than in the Norwegian Spirit but doesn't have a balcony & seems to be in excellent condition as does the rest of the ship & it will do us really well for the voyage to Sydney. After a buffet lunch we returned to the cabin & had a snooze before dinner. The dining room seems excellent although d*** was disappointed with his main course but we will see how it goes.

We set sail at 8pm whilst it was still light & then went to see the introductory show in the theatre just near our cabin before going to bed.