A Cruise in the ' Orford '
Is there any happier holiday, I wonder, than a three. weeks' Mediterranean cruise in the late summer, if you have an " Orient " liner as your temporary home ? - Sailing from Southampton in .August in the 1.s. ' Orford,' of 20,000 tons, we had a memorable experience. After a
three days' cruise in perfect weather and brilliant sunshine, which became steadily warmer as we passed through the Bay of Biscay, we reached Gibraltar, our first port of call. Half a
day was spent on this historic peninsula, after -which we left
for the North African coast and lay off the little Algerian town of Philippeville, where for the first time we saw the motley crowds of an African population. Leaving there, we passed through the Straits of Messina, and visited three little towns on the Dalmatian coast, all of them in - the newly created State of Yugoslavia. The beauties of the coast-line were in- describable, reminding one a little of the Norwegian Fjords, but without their cold severity. The inland- scenery,- of-which we could only take a hurried view (for we spent not more than
half a day in each of the three ports of call) was not unlike the Swiss Engadine. Here we found a prosperous'-agricultural people, obviously haPpily employed- in their new political
situation. We next" reached Venice, -where two days were spent in visiting one of the most wonderful cities .in Europe.
It is impossible here to refer in detail to the fascinating sights of Venice, but to those . who have seen the city, as we did, in clear moonlight, with the stars reflected in the dark canals, there is left an impression that can never be forgotten. Prim Venice to Brioni—a little Austrian island—and then to Corfu,
where we spent a day among the hills and vineyards, with the olive trees all in their fruitage. Thence to the Balearic
Islands, Where we-had d day in Majorca and saw the wonderful Cathedral of Palma. A two days' cruise and we were off the North Coast of Spain, -where We called at Vigo before coming through the Bay, and thence- home. ,
During the whole three weeks the boat was as steady as a great hotel.- - Her 660 passengers made friendships, many of which will be permanent, and the crew vied, one with another, in providing for the comfort of the guests on board.
Space will not allow the telling of a volcanic eruption at night ; of the spouting of Whales at -Sea ; the rolling porpoises who played round us while ice watched them from the sports decks, and all the other delightful recollections which thronged a too short holiday. The whole cruise can be taken for about 1£18, with perhaps an additional £10 note for inland excursions. Even folk who dread the sea could not suffer discomfort on a steamer which is built for all weathers. For those who desire pleasant companionship, excellent catering, and lovely and varied scenery, I can conceive no investment which will give a better return nor any line of steamers which, could provide
greater comfort for its guests. A. W.
Previous page
