There is traditionally a large party held for the people that are doing a full World Cruise. Ours was held on our last port day in Lisbon. We were also staying in port until 12 AM which was unusual, so it was a good combination. There were about 750 people on our ship that were doing the full world, some started in Southampton and some in NYC.
We were picked up by coach bus and transported to Camp Pequeno, formerly a bullfighting ring.The greeting was wonderful. There were prancing horses as well as about 50 women and men in the traditional dress of the various regions of Portugal. They later did the traditional dances.
The interior was magical. The centerpieces were outstanding, old style candelabras filled with roses, absolutely beautiful and really matched the location.
The waiters circulated with the Hot and Cold Canapes as the wine and champagne was served:
The red wine was Terra do Vale and the white wine was Terra Franca Sogrape. They kept it flowing all night.
Mousse of poultry liver with raspberry sauce
Mini Seafood Fritters
Brie Au gratin with Quince jam
Vegetarian Quiches
Godets of Smoked Salmon (pictured)
The rest of the menu was served Somewhat traditionally.
Soup Course (pictured in small glasses):
Goblet of cold Lisbon Beetroot soup with yoghurt
Melon, Port Wine and Leaf of mint Vichyssoise
Portuguese Bread basket
Entrée Course
Young Filet Mignon with Portugese Serra Cheese and Dauphinois potatoes and fresh carrot, brussel sprouts and chestnuts ( the last part was wrapped in this bundle with what I think was a cabbage leaf on the outside).
The main course was much better than it looked.
Dessert sampler:
Martini glass of Sintra Chocolate ice cream and goblet of Rose Mousse
“Pastel de Nata Fresh Berries in a cream pastry with rose petals
Chalice of Amendoa Amarga with lemon (Portugese Liqueur) This was really bad, Rick and Bonnie have a funny picture of me drinking this… maybe they will send it to be posted. When I took this picture they hadn't delivered the liqueur yet. The Portuguese tart isn't mentioned, but there it is again.
We had Rick and Bonnie and Sandy and Tom at our table. Chris was sick so she and John couldn't make it, but their dining tablemates sat with us. It was great to have friends at our table for this exciting night. Others were not so lucky with their tablemates. It was Rick's birthday so Bonnie was really celebrating (don't know why, but that is how it worked J). Kazzie was seated at the table next to us and Lesley was nearby. It was sure great to have such a nice send off.
There was a huge orchestra and we even danced, if you can believe it.
As the night drew to a close I noticed two things. One was the number of glasses on each table and the other was the melted candles. Earlier in the night there were candle tenders.
The night was a great celebration and Carol Marlow, CEO of Cunard was on hand to speak. She is very dynamic. It was a great ending to a great cruise, truly the trip of a lifetime.
We headed back to the ship with 2 sea days left on the Queen Victoria in Route to Southampton.
The last formal night Elaine had a champagne goodbye party. Here are John and Chris with Jeff and me.
Elaine, Jeff and Raul, our favorite waiter in the Commodore Club
I had spent the day packing and Jeff spent the day sitting on the couch watching me. He still felt the sentiments expressed on his tux shirt. He got a laugh from all the others that felt the same way.
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