Our first sea day! We gained an hour last night and so our sleeping "late" today actually wasn't so late. We had a leisurely room service breakfast -- my first order of eggs benedict -- and finally here I am at club.com to post.

We enter the crossing segment with great memories of our last week's touring. Denise had done a marvelous job of organization -- no surprise there -- and we had really great guides at every stop. It was truly a fabulous learning experience to a part of the world, especially Morocco, that was entirely new to us. Madeira yesterday was absolutely beautiful and a real treat. Our driver took us on some little roads to small villages that were very charming, and we had lunch on the deck of a restaurant overlooking a serene and beautiful bay. Couldn't have been a better day. Last night, after the fun party and JoAnn and Frank's and a good dinner at CR, we fell into bed tired, but this morning we are rested and ready to go for the next week. We will try to keep up with Maria and JoAnn for the night life now!

Our new neighbors, Sue and Tom, are the best! We're so glad they have joined us. Truly, we have the most lovely group on this cruise. It is making everything beyond wonderful.