The LCNL Mahila Mandal under the Chairmanship of Mrs Urmilaben Thakker had organised a Mini Cruise to Bilbao, Spain from Saturday 18th August to Tuesday 21st August 2007. I was one of the 150 passengers who joined the group. We met at our departure Point, Raghuvanshi Charitable Trust (R.C.T.) Hall at 2pm. We were served with delicious cake, bateta vada, biscuits and tea. The committee worked very hard to please all by allocating seats on the 3 coaches that were hired. We departed from RCT hall at 3pm for motorway journey to Portsmouth arriving around 8pm.

We boarded/checked into the ship called the Pride of Bilbao. Decks 2, 4, 5 & 6 were allocated. Before we set sail about 9pm lots of delicious dhokra, thepla, vadas were enjoyed by all. My first impression of the ship was clean and well presented. We went to put all our stuff in the cabins and to be honest this was the bit that horrified me the most. I am claustrophobic and was worried they would be to small but to my surprise they were quite big. The beds were in bunks with a dresser next to the bed and then en suite bathroom with shower and sink. The rooms were basic but what can you expect for £100!

As a large group this was ideal, the ship was luxurious with bar, disco, pool, Jacuzzi and restaurants.
We made our way to the galaxy bar, where everything was suppose to be happening.
After about in an hour in journey the entertainment people came on stage and to be honest they were actually good entertainers and we had a lot of fun.

Next morning…..Nothing prepared me from that point on, I awoke to feeling nausea and then the engine vibrating under me and just feeling ghastly. My sister-in-law mentioned that we should eat something so we proceeded to the restaurant. While choosing breakfast there were people falling everywhere plates smashing it was awful and most of our group in the reception with their heads down! Pramilaben Radia was offering to help get the pressure straps. There was no point hanging about, we went back into the cabin to sleep. In the evening the sea calmed down, and some of us managed to enjoy dinner.

When we arrived in Bilbao Monday morning we were surprised at where we were. There was nothing open due to the time we arrived (7am), and nothing for tourists to do to pass the morning away. You have to depart the ship and pass through the customs and immigration (so passports are needed) for about 4 hours. The weather was just the same but this time we had the wind on our side. There are three fascinating excursions available to help you make the most time in Spain. From just £12 per adult your trip includes return coach transport to destination, a local guide and a complimentary coffee with a piece of home made Spanish cake. Though few went by train at $1 each!

We boarded back at 11am, and enjoyed the stable journey back with a few motions due to winds ahead. We went on the top deck to pray to Lord Shiva to calm the sea!
Later for entertainment we had musicians on board who brought ‘bhooli bisri yaadei’! Some of us couldn’t sleep that night so we ended up playing Antakshri.

We arrived back in Portsmouth around 9.30pm, by the time we left Portsmouth it was 11pm, and we had a pleasant journey home. It was time to say goodbye/hugs to all the friends we made on the trip.

In all fairness the ship was kept clean and then staff could not be more friendly and sympathetic! And of course the West End style extravaganza each night! Most exciting was meeting and networking with so many people on the trip. I am sure all of us will agree to go back on another tour when Lohana Mahila Mandal organises and of course can’t blame anyone but the British weather!

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