Our final port, before the great ship Britannia takes us back up to Southampton. It would appear that Gibraltar is adjusting our bodies to the British climate, so that it doesn’t come as too much of a shock to us on our return. Today’s weather is very overcast with the temperature in the low 20’s. Claire was disappointed by the lack of sun. She’ll be even more so when I inform her that my Mum has said there’s been a heatwave back home.

The ship doesn’t birth long in Gibraltar. In fact, everyone must be aboard by 1.30pm, or risk being left behind with the monkeys. Once when Claire visited Gibraltar without me, a couple was left, as they failed to make it back on time.

Gibraltar is still owned by the British. The local language is English, the shops take pound Stirling and there is even a Morrisons supermarket. It’s no wonder all the ex-pats flock here.

We left Gibraltar, heading back to Southampton. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t feel a little sad. Ensured we spent the final port departure on the top deck of the ship, for the famous Great British Sail Away Party – an event which takes place every time a P&O vessel leaves Gibraltar. Union Jack flags were handed out, and music from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland was blasted across the upper tier of the ship, while everyone was left to feel very patriotic. At first, it made me feel uncomfortably like I was attending a UKIP rally, but then told myself that it is perfectly fine to be a leftie, who is also a proud Brit.

Tonight’s offering on the menu was another pleasant surprise – one of my favourite dishes from home – chicken tikka masala. I skipped the starter, as there wasn’t anything to really take my fancy, and I besides which, I wanted to leave room for the main course. Our waiter, feeling sorry for me as I had no started, attempted to give me two curries on one bowl! I had to politely stop him, after he generously loaded on many chunks of chicken breast. I did ask for mango chutney though.

Claire and her parents have gone to another Strictly event this evening, which I have willingly decided to avoid. I therefore have the cabin to myself. I think I will treat myself, and round off the day with a couple of Fawlty Towers episodes, that I have saved onto my tablet.

This is the first time I have visited Cartagena. Claire has been before, and assures me that it is a long walk from the portside into the Spanish side.

Decided to have a day on the balcony, so order breakfast in the cabin. Sitting on the deckchair above the picturesque port, listening to the distant sound of Spanish guitar, while enjoying fresh orange juice, coffee and pastries was bliss.

Joined by Rapesh, our cabin steward, who was itching to clean our room. We are normally out when he does he daily amazing job, and today I saw just how much effort he puts into his work.

Left our cabin early afternoon and made the very long walk to the opposite end of the ship. I was determined to do what I was unable to do yesterday – meet Peter Andre. Started to queue outside the Live Lounge bar – some of my fellow passengers were already waiting – with an hour until the door opened.

By the time the bar opened, there was a massive queue of Peter Andre fans, all as desperate as me to meet their 90’s idol. As I was one of the first ones to turn up, I was able to meet the unofficial king of pop first. Peter was lovely and a perfect gentlemen. He must have thanked me for coming for than I thanked him for signing his autograph. A fellow fan took a photo of Peter and I, with my mobile. Unfortunately, it was an awful effort and only managed to capture me staring at the floor. One of the ship’s official photographers also managed to capture the Bromance moment, so hopefully that will come out well… although I’ll need to pay an arm and a leg for it.

This evening’s meal was a great improvement on be previous night’s offering, including a unique apple and celery soup, stir fry and strawberry sorbet. It has become a running joke with my party that I will only order sorbet for dessert.

The restaurant was also where I encountered possibly the rudist man in the entire world. He was sat on the table opposite us and I observed his conversation with a waiter, taking his drinks order. The restaurant did not have the beverage he asked for, so the man, with no pleasantries asked the waiter to leave the restaurant and go to a cocktail bar, to find the drink he required. Furthermore, when his meal arrived – presumably from the kitchens and not some bistro offshore – he asked the waiter to add pepper to his dish. I had to double take and ensure his fingers, hands and arms were working! Why couldn’t he season his own dish? Needless to say, I refrained from following the man into the bathroom, as I would probably be asked to wipe his bum.

Currently sat in the Headliners Theatre, waiting for Peter Andre’s live show. Like earlier, we arrived very early. It was worth it. We have front row seats…

The performance was as good as I hoped. Peter was fantastic in entertaining the crowd. The majority of the songs were covers, ranging from Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder to Frank Sinatra. The best, however, was saved until the end of the night, when he performed the hit that he is most famous for – Mysterious Girl.

Along with the rest of the theatre, I returned to the cabin thoroughly entertained after one of the most enjoyable evenings aboard the ship.

Despite being at sea all day, we arise early. No lie in this morning. To do so, would mean waiting a long time for our cabin to be cleaned by our steward. In vacating the room early, it enables the cabin to be ready for us to use, once we’ve returned from breakfast. Our steward is named Rupesh and has been excellent during our cruise. To be fair, all the stewards that I have encountered have been a credit to P&O.

Try and plan the afternoon activities. There is a Strictly performance, followed by a Peter Andre meet and greet. We will do our up most to do both.

Despite our best laid plans, we attend Strictly, but are unable to get to see Mr Andre. It is clear his popularity was underestimated, and far too many passengers turned up to see him. Going to try again tomorrow, but leave extra early. While waiting to get into the theatre, I overheard some passengers complaining about their balcony and the absence of marine life spotted. Apparently, they were expecting to see dolphins, whales and tortoise. The fact tortoise is land based and do not live in the sea is just one of hundreds of things wrong with the complaint.

Had the most disappointing evening meal of the cruise to date. The main course was a chestnut and mushroom pudding. Two tiny flakes of chestnut lay on top of a pastry pudding; which, when cut into, spilt mushrooms all over my bowl. I don’t mind mushrooms in moderation, but this was overkill and reminded me of the scene from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, where the large snake is sliced into.

Went back to the cabin, early and hungry to enjoy the still hot evening sun and spectacular views over the Mediterranean.

Today is our final Italian port, and based on two years ago, my favourite – Civitavecchia, The Port of Rome. Despite being 50 miles away from the Italian capital, Civitavecchia is the main port for the city, attracting trade and tourists alike.

After breakfast in the cabin (there was not nearly enough time to go to the restaurant), we boarded the coach for the one-and-a-half-hour drive to Rome. This seems a long way to travel for a day trip, but it is worth it. Rome is beautiful and full of history.

Our tour guide provided excellent commentary, as we drove around the city. There was a brief stop for those who chose to get off and see the Coliseum. I stayed on the air-conditioned coach and was taken around further streets, as the driver took his coach to a suitable pickup point. Saw lots of tourists, many, like myself, wearing numbered stickers, indicating that they are part of one of the many excursions taking place. The locals, many of whom would have been on their lunch break at the time, dashed around the pavements and busy roads, in an apparent hurry. Cars impatiently waited as pedestrians crossed the wide roads. Pedestrians impatiently waited for a chance to risk crossing. Day life in Rome is busy for its many residents, although I am sure things slow down come the evening.

There are many cars in Rome, although most are very small models. Parking is a huge problem. The authorities are reluctant to build car parks, as it would be at the expense of the historical architecture. Despite the parking problems, you can fully appreciate the decision to leave the world-famous buildings alone.

As in Pisa, street sellers are a constant problem. Many line the streets and attractions, trying to sell tourists water, umbrellas and selfie-sticks. Our tour guide tells us how the authorities are clamping down on street sellers, and as a result, protests were taking place in the city centre. You can see the argument from both sides. Having been harassed by the sellers myself, I can state they are very annoying; although they have to make a living, and I suspect some of the less intrusive, more respectable traders are being placed in the same bracket as those tormenting tourists.

One of the many sites in Rome included baths, with water from hot springs, enjoyed by the Romans. Our tour guide compared them to my home city, Bath. I haven’t seen the baths in Rome, so don’t know if the water is as smelly and green as it is back home.

As the coach began the drive out of Rome, various street ‘people’ targeted us. First was a man who had painted his face white, like a clown. He is known to our guide, who tells us that the man is often given water. Whether this is to sell, or drink himself, I don’t know. He wasn’t allowed aboard, so presumably went thirsty. While stuck at traffic lights, one of the typical street sellers gestured to customers behind the coach windows, asking if they wanted to buy his collection of novelty umbrellas and cigarette lighters. Even if someone did want to purchase such rubbish, the coach was in the middle of a busy road, and about to drive off, as soon as the lights changed!

We managed to avoid any more pests, and headed for our temporary home – the ship. As we got closer to the port, we spotted an alarming cloud of smoke. It wasn’t long until we saw its source. A fire in a roadside field. Worryingly, the flames looked as if they were beginning to grow out of control. It was a very hot day, with the ground appearing hard and dry. The local police were already aware of the growing disaster – hopefully the fire brigade found out soon after.

Spend the remainder of the afternoon in the cabin and on our balcony. Another gloriously warm day. The ship leaves port slightly late due to some missing passengers, who are later found. Tonight’s meal is a bean cassoulet, followed by blueberry sorbet. Have to wait in one of the many bars before being seated, as for the first time this holiday, the restaurant is full. After eating, slowly walk back to our cabin, safe in the knowledge that the next day should be little calmer, as we will be at sea.

My second bad night of the cruise. I think all the early starts and late nights are catching up with me. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved everything we have done so far, bar possibly walking during the rough sea last night, but it hasn’t prevented me from becoming very fatigue. Claire is affected too. Back home, we are used to spending evenings in on the sofa, so this holiday has been a shock to the system, however much we’ve enjoyed it.

I slept in while Claire joined her parents for an early breakfast. Have made the decision not to go to Pisa as was originally planned. I could do with rest. I’ve been to Pisa two years ago, and although the tower and buildings are impressive, there isn’t a lot for me personally return for. I am also in no need to deal with the street sellers, who harassed us so much on our last visit. We have a tour of Rome booked for tomorrow, which I am looking forward to and will certainly be attending.

Visited Costa Coffee for breakfast, to allow our excellent cabin steward to clean our room. The rest of my afternoon was mostly spent moving between the cabin and the balcony. Claire travelled to see the leaning tower with her parents, while I stayed behind to relax, as the day got hotter and hotter. I was briefly interrupted by some of the ship’s staff, who wanted to varnish our balcony. Not sure if they do this for all the customers, or if we’re special.

Tickets to Peter Andre’s live performance on Wednesday arrive in our cabin. We have been allocated the most popular 8.30pm performance. I am more excited than I probably should be. Tell everyone that I will be queuing outside the theatre an hour before the doors open, to guarantee a good seat.

Received an alarming text message on my mobile phone, advising that I had signed up for a premium rate SMS service, despite doing nothing of the sort. Replied ‘STOP’ to the original message, which should hopefully prevent me from getting anymore, or being charged.

The ship moored opposite us, Brilliance of the Seas, owned by the cruise firm Royal Caribbean, is blasting out loud, annoying music across the entire beautiful port. Any plans to get some shut eye in the Mediterranean sun are long gone. Discover from our captain that the captain in charge of our fellow cruise ship owned by Royal Caribbean had also planned to visit Cannes the previous day. Instead of going to Ajaccio like us, they travelled to Toulon, where the weather was very windy. Not such a brilliant idea from the ‘Brilliance’ captain.

Sailing out of the port was beautiful. Small islands and rock formations dotted the water, with the strong sun glistening onto the sea.

We ate late, as Claire and her parents attended another Strictly Come Dancing event, which (in my opinion) I wisely avoided. Not a huge amount of choice for me on the evening menu. It doesn’t help that I rarely eat meat, unless it’s chicken, and steer clear of any cheese stronger than a cheddar. I chose a bean soup, which was supposed to come with croutons. There were no croutons. The main course was pan roast chicken, potato wedges and vegetables. The wedges were the best I have ever eaten. Very crispy on the outside, like mashed potato on the inside. I enjoyed the vegetables, but left most of the chicken. Dessert was an interesting rhubarb sorbet. The chardonnay white wine certainly complimented the meal.

Retired to our cabin. Rome the next day. A visit I have been looking forward too many months before our cruise.