Now docked in Alicante. Virginia didn’t feel well enough to do the excursion we had booked so I set off alone in search of supplies. My setting off coincided with a crew safety drill taking place - I had to dodge a simulated accident and 4 crew members encumbered by breathing apparatus and gas cylinders on their backs.

Caught the shuttle bus and walked towards the city centre, happily catching sight of a Pharmacia and a Super Mercado. I tried the Pharmacia, asking for Beechams Powders - the assistant proffered me something which I accepted, just hoping it proves acceptable. I got a large bottle of water at the supermarket and a bag of nibbles.

Walked back to the ship to find Virginia had been denied a good winning chance at the quiz this morning thanks to a shortage of other contenders. Ah well. Had some more specialist tea, Japanese this time, and I got stuck in Anna’s Quest.

We ate in the View before seeing the theatre company at it again in a circus themed show. The songs weren’t so circus associated but the company sang and danced lustily. Virginia decided to sit downstairs and we offended some people by sitting in what they thought was their seats! Had liqueurs to make the staff going round offering drinks feel wanted.