I slept on a banquette outside the cinema last night, lulled by the roar of the ships engines. There was a sign saying no sleeping – footwear must not touch the couch. I have learned on this ship that as long as you do not break every rule, leeway is easily given. So I spread out my €9.99 blanket from Lidl and stretched out.

The obliging Portuguese client service officers turn a blind eye to many things including the guy who was sleeping with his legs hanging over the end of the couch. I just hope I didnt snore as I woke so refreshed I must have crashed out completely.

After a breakfast in the immaculate Stena line restaurant- all shining floors and gleaming glass – I took a turn around the deck and did the weird exercise routine – lunges, squats and pushups before there were too many around. A French couple passed by and he remarked- ‘you are right’ …

Back on my banquette, I took out my knitting. Like a latter day Miss Marple, I could observe all the goings on without looking threatening.

The dehydrated Irish guy who wrestled with the vending machine and appealed to the portuguese – ‘Eduardo, I only want three  bottles of water- how hard can that be’. He glanced in my direction for support and I just smiled.

Eventually the transaction was complete and an exchange of coinage went on under cover of the friendly banter.

We pulled into Cherbourg exactly on time and disembarked without event. I had the feeling of being on a cruise with none of the feeling of being herded like sheep.

I could not resist including the photo of the sun setting as we left Rosslare.

My first night will be very close to Cherbourg so I can get my bearings including driving on the right hand side of the road. Fingers crossed…