Hazel J Griffiths

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Hazel J Griffiths Offering talks on cruise ports, with full PowerPoint graphics. Talks for land-based groups fall into 2 categories - Fascinating Lives and Tales of my Travels

I love discovering the history, culture and the little details that make every destination unique

This is my personal travel diary, sharing places, people and stories that catch my eye along the way

Come and travel with me

www.hazeljgriffiths.net

The final day of this special cruise on Spirit of Discovery. Formal night yesterday meant a Cocktail Party, table for 2 ...
16/10/2026

The final day of this special cruise on Spirit of Discovery.

Formal night yesterday meant a Cocktail Party, table for 2 in The Grill, Entertainment Jam in the Britannia Lounge. Went for a night cap in the South Cape Bar and ended up chatting with 2 other couples, so staying up later than planned!

A slightly bumpy night in the Bay of Biscay. Sadly a medivac mid-morning. We hope the patient makes a swift recovery. All credit to the ship's team, and the helicopter crew for a difficult job carried out safely.

Packing now done apart from the last pieces.

Thank you to all the officers, staff and crew onboard for an amazing time. It's been a privilege to be part of the team.

Time to go home and prepare my talks for South America. I have written them all to first draft, next to add the excursions. Then practice and polish. There are 83 days to complete it!

Spirit of Discovery to Istanbul and the Eastern Mediterranean One photo per portSaga Cruises
16/10/2026

Spirit of Discovery to Istanbul and the Eastern Mediterranean

One photo per port

Saga Cruises

A lovely day's sailing for Spirit of Discovery. We are now in Biscay, the sun is out and the sea looks smooth, although ...
15/10/2026

A lovely day's sailing for Spirit of Discovery. We are now in Biscay, the sun is out and the sea looks smooth, although there is some movement.

Last night, good company for dinner meant we were late leaving the Grill. We heard the second half from Men of Soul.

I gave my final talk this morning...not Portsmouth! I did my talk on Aristotle Onassis. Afterwards had a lovely conversation with a man who had worked for him...he gave me some fascinating insights.

Have done a little packing but will do most of it tomorrow. For now, feet up, reading!

Formal night tonight with the Farewell Cocktail Party. It always comes around too quickly.

Spirit of Discovery is making her way back to the UK. Three sea days so time to edit photos and update my talks.I have s...
14/10/2026

Spirit of Discovery is making her way back to the UK. Three sea days so time to edit photos and update my talks.

I have spent 12 weeks on the 2 Saga ships this year, and every day I have checked the Book Exchange section in the library, looking for a specific book. TODAY WAS THE DAY! I am a happy bunny. A reminder to never give up hope.
Thank you to whoever donated it.

As we only have 2 more sea days, I will save it for the South America cruise and donate it back when read.

Second random thought....I discovered these wipes in M&S. They are very good.
Remember I got ink on a blouse? A few dabs and it was gone.
There was a black mark on my white trousers, also despatched.

I will bringing a pack every time in future, for those pesky marks which appear on clean clothes. They probably don't work on long standing stains, but I have been impressed at how well they remove marks. Smells lovely too.

Final port of call for Spirit of Discovery...Motril in Spain. My 4th visit this year!Decided to stay local rather than d...
13/10/2026

Final port of call for Spirit of Discovery...Motril in Spain. My 4th visit this year!

Decided to stay local rather than do a tour. Shuttle bus into town, took some photos to update my talk, then came back. Lovely sunny day so sat out after lunch.

Last night we opted to listen to Phillip Browne, what a voice! Then went to La Vie en Rose to hear Igor.

A flamenco show this afternoon before we begin our sail homeward bound.

Sea day for Spirit of Discovery, making our way to Motril. Did my talk about that at 10.30This afternoon was the Country...
12/10/2026

Sea day for Spirit of Discovery, making our way to Motril. Did my talk about that at 10.30

This afternoon was the Country Fayre on the Lido deck in aid of Macmillan Cancer. Great fun in the sun.

Last night in the Playhouse: Sioned Terry ...excellent. Tonight we have a quandary...her second show in the Britannia Lounge or Philip Brown in the Playhouse?

Italy day 2....Sardinia's capital Cagliari.An island known for its sunshine, and it didn't let us down. Perhaps the hott...
11/10/2026

Italy day 2....Sardinia's capital Cagliari.
An island known for its sunshine, and it didn't let us down. Perhaps the hottest day we have had on the cruise?

Have been many times before, so no need to rush around. Wandered up to Piazza Yenne, then back down and had coffee. We noticed a man leaving an outside table had dropped his wallet. Tried to find him but he was lost in the crowds. Left the wallet with the batista, hoping he comes back to ask.

Last night was the Italian Buffet...always my favourite food. After that, Terry Cotta in the Playhouse. I always laugh at the skipping routine he does.

Enjoying a slow Sunday on Spirit of Discovery

Hello from Palermo, the first of two Italian ports for Spirit of Discovery.There are not many places that look good in t...
10/10/2026

Hello from Palermo, the first of two Italian ports for Spirit of Discovery.

There are not many places that look good in the rain. Palermo isn't an exception. It was wet and grey when we set off on the included tour to Cefalu. I believe that they had a tornado on Sicily last night, so rain was an easier option.

When we arrived in Cefalu, it did ease up for a while. Then another downpour saw us seeking shelter with coffee an a canolo. Cefalu looked a lovely place so we will certainly try again next time.

Now back in Palermo and the sun is out, making it look much better.

Last night we had a great evening...Dinner with our lovely friend Cathy, followed by Tony Blackburn in the Britannia Lounge. He must have been working at Butlins over the summer, in his lovely red jacket! The BL was packed and the floor full.

Tomorrow...Sardinia.

Spirit of Discovery is passing through the Straits of Messina.Having talked a lot about the Iliad, here reminds us of ...
09/10/2026

Spirit of Discovery is passing through the Straits of Messina.

Having talked a lot about the Iliad, here reminds us of the Odyssey.

Odysseus had to sail between Scylla and Charybdis. Scylla was a sea monster on the Italian rocks, and Charybdis created a whirlpool on the Sicilian coast.

Perhaps the origin of the expression, between the Devil and the Deep Blue sea?

Anyway, in other news, I am in my 8th outfit of the day.....
1. Walking.
2. Meeting with Shore Ex Manager
3. Had to change for lunch as I got ink on my shirt
4. Presentation of Cagliari
5. Change to go down to spa
6. Swimwear
7. Change to come back up
8. Now for evening.

After 3 busy days in Türkiye, Spirit of Discovery has 2 welcome days at sea, to reflect and relax. The Greek coast has b...
08/10/2026

After 3 busy days in Türkiye, Spirit of Discovery has 2 welcome days at sea, to reflect and relax. The Greek coast has been visible for much of the day, and the sea has been sparkling.

Tony Blackburn was on this morning. We need to watch the recording of that.

Lunch, I had a delicious pasta meal. Ravioli with ricotta and black truffle.

Did Palermo at 2pm. Now time to prepare for formal night.

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Nantwich

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+447721381205

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