When we woke up, we were approaching the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, and specifically the area owned by Carnival Cruises and used by Princess as a private island. It is a very undeveloped area. A long area of beach with structures for shops, bars, restaurants and hire outlets to the rear. Loungers, sun umbrellas and cabanas set up across the beach.

We got one of the first shuttle boats ashore after 9am – it’s a tender port. And I have to say the weather looked a bit threatening…. cloudy skies, slight rain. Hmmm, I thought….. if we’re still here by lunchtime, I’ll be surprised…. But I was wrong…. the day turned scorching hot and we stayed till about 4pm.

There were loads of loungers and especially as we are still on half numbers. Oh, I must mention… Bob had breakfast in the buffet – bacon, eggs and biscuits with sausage gravy… I didn’t bother and just had coffee delivered to the cabin. No kettles in the cabins for making your own drinks.

We lounged out all day, reading and swimming. The water was noticeably much warmer than Florida although not tropically hot. You went in without flinching, but, it was cooling. There were stones in the shallows to get over, then it was sand again. Lovely wallowing. Stuart had a long swim….

Our all inclusive package worked ashore here, so we could have whatever drinks we wanted. Lunch was set up for evryone – a big bbq of chicken, sausages, hot dogs, burgers, ribs, salads etc plus some desserts. It was fine.

We had an absolutely lovely day – heavenly to be able to sunbathe in truly hot temps – 28C and wonderful aquamarine waters. Just what the doctor ordered. And so very different in every way from our other experience of a cruise ship private island, when we cruised with Carnival. Shudder. This was well organised, and classy. Lovely live music from a local steel band all day.

Got back aboard, showered, rested and met up for drinks and the theatre show at 7. It was a comic tonight. Very funny Puerto Rican comedian. Kept up a fast patter dialogue for 45 mins. impressive. Afterwards, we went to dinner. Much better than last night I adopted my new strategy.which was starter, fish course, main and that worked well. I had prawn cocktail to start (minuscule but no matter), then I had one of the fish mains without any veg or carbs as a fish course (lovely) and then the prime rib main as my main course. Gorgeous. Didnt have dessert or cheese and felt perfectly full but not over full. We washed it all down with red wine and then cognac, all included in our deal.

After dinner we went to one of the bars, listened to music of the 80s live, enjoyed another round of snifters and turned in about 11.

It still feels amazingly spacious aboard, especially at night. You basically walk in to any of the restaurants without any wait or need to share tables.

Tomorrow we are in Nassau, Bahamas for the day. Looking forward to anothr beach day and some sightseeing. Weather is set to be HOT.

I should mention again what a stunning ship this is. Wonderful decor inside. Some lovely bars and restaurant areas. The atrium is just beautiful, the nicest we’ve seen. The wood used throughout is limed and light oak and it gives the ship a very modern, light feel. I think it’s probably the loveliest ship internally we’ve been on. Of course, externally, these uber modern ships will never match the style and lines of the Queen Mary.