So I am away for 12 days this time. The first long stint away from the family.

In Livorno now, having sailed from Rome. I had an extended sleep for the first time in a long time. I was glad and will certainly try again tomorrow! I know Helen will be very jealous.

We have scheduled Skype times for every day so I can see Alfie and interact. Now that he is nearing 6 months he is happy to look and smile with me on the screen. Often he tries to cuddle me – the picture is of him trying to do this!

Full party on the cruise this year; rather than the disrupted one last year when most were stranded at Heathrow by BA’s computers.