From disappointment to another highlight

Silver Whisper anchored off Martha's Vineyard in the early morning of the last full day of the cruise. The weather was grey and cloudy and the sea was choppy. So much so that the captain decided it was unsafe to operate the tenders (from a position of total ignorance Diva was in full agreement). So we had another day at sea. Baby butler had remembered to put cases on the bed so packing had to be done. And another cancelled excursion meant more gifts from the shop, using up the cruise credit!!

But then the announcement came that the sail in to New York (which is what this trip is about for TSH and Diva) was to happen in the early evening instead of the early next morning. Good in some ways, but this coincided with the dinner booking at La Terrazza. After much debate, the booking was cancelled and baby butler instructed to bring wine, pizza and New York cheesecake (yes, I know) to the suite at precisely 18:30. And he managed it!!

So then it was up to the observation lounge, where there were many people and an air of anticipation similar to that for Greenland. Champagne was drunk as the famous skyline appeared in the far distance. It was windy but not cold and very clear after the storms of the day. TSH was, of course, the first to spot the Statue of Liberty. As the Silver Whisper drew nearer, the commentary contained 'Bring me your tired, your poor......'. Brilliant poem for a special monument. The lights in the buildings drew attention to the spectacular architecture, the most poignant of which was the new Freedom Tower, part of the replacement for the World Trade centre. Silver Whisper sailed up the Hudson River to Pier 88.

Immediately after Silver Whisper docked (next to an aircraft museum including Concorde and a space shuttle), there was a spectacular firework display laid on for our benefit. The ship is full of the well-travelled and world-weary but everyone enjoyed that sail in, agreed it was special and applauded the fireworks.

TSH and Diva met the Captain on deck and thanked him for the day, including the original safety decision. He was obviously very pleased with himself for how he had snatched all-round joy from the jaws of disappointment.