Great Western Coffee Shop

Our ship, with around 2,000 guests on board, was due to leave her anchorage off Iona yesterday morning at 07:30.  She didn't. She was still resting at anchor and, clear to all on board, not moving the best part of an hour later.  Indeed, we didn't move until around 11 a.m.   How did the crew keep us informed during the delay?  Was their disquiet and grumbling amongst the passengers during this time? Are there any lessons in what was, and was not, announced for other operators with delayed passengers?

1. The captain explained that the starboard pod had come up with a warning as they started it up.  He explained what a pod was, and that it had shut itself down when the warning came up.  He told us that these pods are modern and complex pieced of engineering that it takes the technical team some time to sort out, but they were working on it.

2. He advised us that although we would be leaving our mooring late, we would make up some time as we cruised past the west side of Mull - in the distance from us, where we had been scheduled to be running at a gentle speed.  Our passage through the Sound of Mull would be later than intended, but as planned he would still stop and spin the ship for everyone on board to see Tobermory when we were off there. A reduced loop overnight to bring us back on schedule for the following day.

3. He suggested we enjoy a relaxed breakfast in one of the restaurants, attend one of the quizzes and talks on board, walk around the boardwalk and enjoy the scenery further in this lovely bay.  He did NOT tell us to grab loungers early and reserve them for the day by putting our towels on them, but clearly we have plenty of passengers on board who know of this procedure, said to be a tradition for certain other nations when on holiday in Spain.

4. He explained that it was anticipated we would be able to get underway at around 11 a.m., and promised a further update at that time if (and only if) the delay was unexpectedly ongoing.

Nice of the Captain to let you see Tobermory.

Did you see any other Wombles?

You might have to use the underground or overground. At least you can do a little Wombling ...
free!
On a dark night with a following wind, Mr  G Ellis could be mistaken for Great Uncle Bulgaria.....

We have people visit every railway station, every motorway service station, every Wetherspoons; has anyone ever visited every Womble?
Granted, it would take a lot of time and money.

Well - I have been to Wellington, Lock Ness, Hackney and Alderney ... none of the more remote ones though. 

.......every Wetherspoons? Dear God what an awful thought.....

"If Argos ran public houses they would be called wetherspoons"