Aboard the Star Legend, transatlantic crossing

We're in Funchal, Madeira, for two days after 12 days at sea.  The captain sped up the ship to avoid strong currents and possible bad weather, so we have an extra day in Port!  The weather here is lovely and mild.  We did not run into any vestiges of Ciara, the storm that was sweeping Britain and western Europe, nor do we have signs of Coronavirus.  Captain Mark Symonds, from Derbyshire, says we've been pulling the Caribbean with us across the Atlantic, with temperatures in the low 20s so far. Perfect for deck walking, lazing around, reading and doing puzzles.  There's a small swimming pool and hot tub, and gym.  Deck walking fights those added calories.  No yoga instructor on board, unfortunately.  Two duos of musicians and crew talent shows keep us entertained.   Guest speaker, Carl di Lorenzo, is providing information seminars on using your Smart Phones and devices.  We've had the deck barbecue and the crew talent show.

Chef Nilesh, from India,  has provided three cooking demos on Indian Curries, citrus rubbed salmon and Okonomiyaki, the latter prepared by the Hotel Manager James, who lives in Japan.  It translates into "cook what you want" but is mostly an omelette/pizza with no cheese or tomatoes.

Okonomiyaki

Spiral staircase on the Star Legend

Sailboat competition, big boat a U.S. effort, small boat a Canadian.  Both were seaworthy.

There are 107 passengers aboard the Star Legend, the majority of us from the US and Canada.  We've eaten a couple of times at Candles, a bistro with a set menu, but mostly at the main dining room, the AmphorA where the selections change daily and we dined with the captain one night.  He doesn't order pasta bolonaise for fear of getting it on his pristine white uniform!

Mostly we dine with a couple from upstate New York, Pat and Hank, who we find compatible, discussing weighty issues such as US politics, travel, sharing stories.  Some weightier than others!

We have two more sea days after Madeira before we get to Lisbon.  More time to indulge.