We caught the train at 7.25am from Didsbury Station, to connect with the boat train which left Liverpool Street London at 1.20 pm.
We were taken from the boat train and hurriedly rushed through customs where the ship�s stewards were waiting to carry our luggage and lead us to our cabins.
The first sight of the ship was very bewildering, it reminded us very much of a hospital with its smooth white corridors and polished floors.
There were so many staircases that we were sure we would lose ourselves.
We were taken into our cabins, which were spotlessly clean and carpeted. Everything was provided for us, soap, and clean towels � white and coloured ones. After we had taken off our coats we had a wash and made our way to the dining room to book our seats at the table. We also took a slight meal of bread and butter, jam, tea and cakes.
After leaving the dining room we began to make our way around the ship. We found a large smoking room upholstered with green and red leather � the last word in comfort and there was a large electric fire in the grate. From there we went into a large lounge, the furniture of which was covered in fawn and green tapestry. There was also a nice grand piano in this room. A little further along was a reading room very similar to the lounge. Then we found the children�s nursery where there were three stewardesses to look after the youngsters. By the way, there are 300 children on board and they are picking up another 50 at Malta! From the nursery we found the shop, which sold practically everything.
The decks are very wide with plenty of space for the children to play. There are two parts of the ship that are enclosed for cinema, games and dancing. On the top deck there is a swimming pool � not a very big one and deck sports.
There are plenty of bathrooms and showers. Close to the forward dining room we found an Information Bureau which sold stamps and Airmail letters. It also has the �Lost and Founds�.
At 5.30 pm the bell went for children�s tea. The bell is like a xylophone which the steward goes up and down the corridors with. The children�s tea was a super meal of soup, roast or fish with veg. Stewed fruit and ice cream, with fresh fruit to follow. After this we took a stroll to learn our way around and at about 7 pm the children were put to bed and looked after by the cabin steward or the night watchman.
Our dinner was at 8 pm and what a dinner! � after which we had coffee in the lounge where a fellow was playing the piano.
The ship was supposed to sail at 6 pm but unfortunately it wasn�t quite ready and we were told it would sail at 6 am Wednesday morning. So as we were very tired we were glad to go to bed and at 6am - we set sail���...
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