PART III - FINAL VLOG - AZAMARA AND SOUTH AFRICA!

[@olivebobo6885]

Oh Helen you gave me goosebumps talking about How great thou art. It was my dad’s favorite hymn. His wish was to have his ashes taken back to Jamaica. My mum and myself and 3 of my five sister did this. When we were up in the hills on the property that his family owned. We sang this hymn and I felt the same thing it was so beautiful and we could hear distant thunder. I think that hymn must have reminded dad of his home land.

[@marjoryross2754]

I’ve got goose bumps now🇨🇦

[@Helenmaryjo]

Ah, that's lovely. It was the same for me when we were in Alaska..... xx

[@wendywebster-sv2li]

So glad you enjoyed Azamara when we went on the Journey the Captain used to have breakfast and lunch in the buffet and just walk up and say can I sit with you he was so nice and down to earth. They served you in the buffet back then before covid and no sickness onboard. Royal Caribbean used to own them but they sold the ships in Covid . When we got off in New York they took everyone by coach after breakfast to an airport hotel for the day we all got lovely rooms then a coach took us to the terminal for a late flight home. My husband lived in SA for 4 years many years ago he always says it was a Beautiful country and did see lots of different area’s, but he’d never go back he actually hated living there . Most of his SA friends who he lived by all live hear these days around Surrey when we go down they always do a Braai a BBQ to you and me. And the story’s they tell you of there family and friends still living there are horrendous, some live in like compounds with electric fences all around Very sad really. X

[@Helenmaryjo]

Azamara is great.
It's such a shame re SA. xx

[@elainemcguirk4993]

Thanks for this, Helen. I'm glad you went to have your nails done and got the lowdown on what goes on. Yes, it is horrendous and so sad. I lived in Johannesburg from 1975 till 2008 when it all got too hot to handle 🥲. I managed to visit most of the country when it was still safe to do so. Durban used to be a lovely place and safe to walk around. Thank you for the pics of the Cape and the sunsets, they brought back great memories. I often think of the great South African food with longing. Glad you enjoyed your trip and got back safely xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Such a shame.
Thank you xx

[@elizabethbryan3821]

Love Azamara..the Pursuit ship staff and food were fabulous when I sailed on her....but only downside is the movement of a smaller ship..but small price to pay…I’m on Queen Anne in the autumn so it will be interesting to compare😮..get better soon 🤧

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you, it wouldn't stop me. I'd just take the medication sooner xx

[@nancyciampa3485]

Love your depth while describing Africa. Love the Ostrich egg. So glad you had a wonderful time. The Elephants were hysterical.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@effielarkin3044]

The hymn "How Great Thou Art" sums up Africa beautifully. The ship sounds amazing and South Africa is known for awesome food especially the way they cook meat. Too bad about your cold Helen..do take care.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you very much xx

[@denisekaran4637]

I was on A camera Onward last year and I'll be on A camera Quest this Easter doing the Cities of Culture cruise. Definitely my favourite cruise line, it's the little things that make such a difference.

[@Helenmaryjo]

It is.
Thank you xx

[@jenniferasigno7010]

You look well and your hair looks lovely , even though you don’t feel well,noticed your nails are a different colour very pretty ,welcome back ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you so much 🙂 xx

[@sandralow9598]

Loved this. I have cruised mainly on large ships, but find the smaller ones suit me better, although I know what you mean about getting stuck with people😳 I like to see the ocean as I am moving around the ship, which you can’t do on the big ships. You could be anywhere! Azamara sounds wonderful.
Thanks for your interesting report Helen especially as you were feeling so rough.🤧x

[@Helenmaryjo]

We loved it xx

[@reasonableandfair7662]

Thank you for sharing your holiday and taking me back to SA. We’ve never been as far as Durban , sounds like we dodged a bullet . We’ve stayed a couple of times in Camps Bay and we love it.
I think you’re right about the game reserve. A couple of nights in a good size reserve with all the drives that go with it is a must. We went as our friends wanted to go , I wasn’t really bothered at all, but I LOVED it and have been a second time .
I hope you’ll go again and go to the overberg , it is spectacular.
Love your channel.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you very much xx

[@user-cm7kt9xp8k]

Sorry you have a cold. Pleased to see you back from South Africa. I lived in South Africa in the early 70's.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@Italiantitbits]

I'm South African and recently moved to Italy. I'll be back in cape town for a couple of months to stay with my daughter. Leaving in 13 days and cannot wait. Hope you had a fantastic time there ! ❤❤❤❤❤ It's a beautiful country with excellent service xxxxx I'm from Stellenbosch and will go up the garden route during my stay. A 5 hr drive which is nothing for us South Africans 😂 Baie dankie for the great videos...loved them ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

Have a great time. It is beautiful xx

[@alysonhyland9060]

Hi Helen your antics made me chuckle. I too went on a day safari on my honeymoon in 1985 and purposely bought a khaki outfit.....and you can guess .....I was the only one !!! Xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Ha ha, live and learn! xx

[@gailh3048]

My brother lives in SA and says corruption is endemic. We’d love him to come home but despite the downsides he fell in love with Africa and doesn’t want to leave. Thanks for sharing your cruise with us.

[@Helenmaryjo]

So difficult, it is a beautiful country but personally I couldn't live there. xx

[@kavithakasthuri9430]

I've never been to South Africa. These three videos gave me a really comprehensive idea of what it is and what to expect. Thank you 😀

[@Helenmaryjo]

My pleasure.
Thank you xx

[@heathertessendorf4467]

Durban is my place of birth and last year went back to visit my son and was shocked at how much it had changed. I had High Tea at the Oyster Box which was amazing. We now live up the West Coast of Cape Town and it is the best province by far. I am a shocking sailor but did so enjoy seeing all your ship pics. Brought back so many memories of seeing my Grandparents and Mom off on good old Union Castle cruises.

[@Helenmaryjo]

It is such a shame.
Thank you xx

[@geritaggart2011]

Thank you for sharing your holiday with us. We toured S A 5 years ago on a Saga holiday and it brought back many lovely memories. A lovely country and I dread to think what will become of it if it is not rescued soon.
We have cruised with Saga for years and your description of Azamara sounds very similar to our description of Saga so we are thinking of giving Azamara a go as I like the smaller ships also.
Can I ask what tablets you take. I have a thing that goes on my wrist and pulsates but I still suffer occasionally. (I seldom get out of the Bay of Biscay without trouble) and I haven’t found a successful tablet yet! Good to have you back.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you. I always use Stugeron. I buy it on Amazon xx

[@chrisgriffiths3629]

I have been on a lot of cruises and the Cunard queens inc Queen Anne later in this yr , but never been on Azamara , think I would Give this a go now . South Africa sounds so interesting . One of our epics on Queen Mary was china , Japan and South Korea , the trip was amazing . I spent a lot of time sorting out transfers that flowed too . When we arrived in Shanghai where the cruise started , we had 2 days there before we boarded and we stayed in an international hotel but no one could speak English so that was one of our mistakes we should of booked an English guide there as we struggled ! What was the flight like ? we went business to JAPAN as the flight was so long but the prices of business flights are now silly money !!

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you. We loved Azamara, suited us better.
The flights are awful, but you just have to grin and bear it.... business is out of our bracket.
xx

[@chrisgriffiths3629]

@@Helenmaryjo i would like to try Azamara , we did Fred Olsen to Norway last yr they are a small ship with lovely food and a younger audience than i thought !!

[@teresaclark9988]

Hi Helen. I would like to hear more about the people you didn’t get on with. Sounds like a fun story 😂.

[@Helenmaryjo]

I won't divulge they might be watching.... haha xx

[@ginad2827]

Sorry you came home with a cold , but it sounds like you had a once-in-a -lifetime trip. The hotel in Durban was absolutely stunning!

[@Helenmaryjo]

Yes it was! xx

[@jillchew-tetlaw3388]

Glad you had a super holiday and sorry you came home with a cold. Love the way Dolly came to say hello when she came in with Rob.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@truigrunland6817]

As i made many cruises this was very interesting! Love to hear about other cruiselines and how things are going on there. Thank you soo much and get better soon! Love from Germany.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you very much xx

[@larrydickinson8700]

Holiday sounds wonderful. Hope your cold clears soon. Thankyou for sharing x.

[@thelmabrindley2369]

Sounds like you had the most amazing time. Your clip of the elephant was so funny, It was lovely to see how playful Dolly was with Rob and how she came to say hello to you when she came back from her walk

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@janinelouw1730]

Good evening, I live in Franschoek and agree that we are blessed! Good food and wine in abundance. Yes, correct, this government is corrupt. Good wishes from South Africa

[@reasonableandfair7662]

I loved our visits to Franschoek . Great vibe.

[@user-en6bq5fo4w]

beautiful place

[@Helenmaryjo]

It is so stunning there. Thank you xx

[@JanetBrown-px2jn]

Glad you had a great time,and I love the Ostrich egg,so beautiful,and the bowls,and jug.Same here in the US people travel for 2 hours to work every day,if I drove 8 hours I would stay over,but 4 hours each way then I’m sleeping in my own bed.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Funny isn't it. xx

[@teresaspurgeon7301]

You made me laugh with you about the khaki 😂 You look well x

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@annemackle3625]

Sounds like a wonderful company to travel with. The orstich egg is amazing. What a perfect souvenir to have.

[@kimcleminson8200]

I’m glad you got back safe I have been to SA but wouldn’t go again I had times when we were very scared we did drive a lot and visited Durban we didn’t get robbed but I think we were lucky . Beautiful country the safari we did was the best day and I feel so sad for the country I hope in time it can tempt me back but I’m not sure about that . Despite all this your trip looked amazing maybe that’s the way to go to visit this beautiful country . 😎

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@angie-wx8eo]

Hi Helen, welcome home and thanks for such an interesting insight into your holiday experience - so pleased you enjoyed cruising with Azamara. Had to laugh with you about the khaki 😂 my husband came in to see what I was giggling about! Lovely to see Dolly and Rob. Hope you feel better soon. x

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@Patricia-rc5gn]

Lovely to see you back Helen. What a great video, it all looks so wonderful. It’s always a dilemma deciding what to pack, I’ve often carted half my wardrobe across the world and never touched half of it. Hope you feel better soon and loved your souvenirs x

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you so much! xx

[@alisonbrown5891]

This was so interesting Helen.Glad you had a great time.
You look very well too and btw your hair looks fab longer.😊

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@annetait4248]

Fabulous .loved hearing your experiences .There are good skin patches called scopoderm that all the Americans use .They go behind your ear .

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thanks, I'll take a look xx

[@JoannaKinnear-et8ee]

So glad that you are back safely. I just thought you could put some snowdrops into your little jug you bought back. I have seen banks of them on my recent walks. Hope you feel better soon.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@kathypr1987]

10 out of 10! High praise! I am so glad you had such a wonderful time! xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@RosemaryOltarzewski]

Hi Helen, glad your back safe, I'm glad you went to Dutch inspired Franschhoek i went to the same shop. 😊 Stellenbosch wineries are breathtakingly beautiful. So neat and immaculate. South Africa is such an amazing country I want to go back but probably won't due to the high crime rate. Hope you're feeling better soon. Thank you for sharing your trip. From Rosie O from Devon England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@teresaclark9988]

Forgot to say your hair is such a lovely colour. Do you use any particular product? x

[@Helenmaryjo]

No, I'm lucky I guess. I have used a toner a couple of times but not at this time xx

[@RitaLeigh-ld4yf]

Good Morning Helen I just wanted to thank you for taking the trouble to video your holiday. I’m a cruiser myself been on many I was even on one when Covid struck (not that’s anything to cheer about!) I haven’t been on your ship though or to S.A. You seemed to pack so much in even though you said there were many sea days. It all looked wonderful, I’ve taken on board (excuse the pun) the recommendation of the ship. There is no need at all to apologise for not answering comments while you were away, no one expects you to do that we all know you are good at acknowledging comments . I hope your cold clears up quickly. Xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@marybrock5465]

Thank you so much for the videos - although I’m unlikely to escape from my comfort zones nowadays, I really enjoyed your travelogues. Get better soon.😘

[@DianaBee620]

So glad that you had a good time, you never know really do you . Thank goodness that the sea was not too bad for you. Durban sounds like a waste of time. Lovely that you saw the elephants and animals. We went on a Saga cruise and we did love it. We had a served buffet too because of norovirus but they managed it wonderfully. Permanent hand washing ! Waiting for the next haul now 🙂

[@maureenlowther7621]

Love the saga cruises

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@kaycee625]

Beautiful South Africa, I spent my childhood there, and in fact, every Saturday lunch at the Oyster Box with my parents!! I have no doubt that whatever you were told at the nail bar was true. Truly heartbreaking.

[@Helenmaryjo]

It is.
Thank you xx

[@gabrielletanner5339]

The only one in khaki 😂 ohhh funny x Iove the way you see humour in everything. I'm here by myself laughing along 😂 those elephants are sooo beautiful ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@elianneluxton1730]

Welcome back! Small boats we’ve been on are really like a family, our trip on Emerald up the Doro River, Portugal and Uniworld on the rivers around Bordeaux were similarly so welcoming and generous with food drink and trips all included, food of really high standard. Recommended

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@maryokeefe7306]

Love uni world, our favourite river cruise company 😊

[@jennifermulholland9412]

Looks fabulous, good to have you back! X

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@helen6477]

Welcome home Helen! Xx hope your feeling better soon! Xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you!! xx

[@nicolewalker3653]

Welcome back Helen looks like you had an amazing time. We went on a Royal Carribean cruise few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Cruising used to be what “oldies” do but has become very popular nowadays with younger people. Would love to visit SA have been to Kenya on safari you can’t beat seeing the animals up close it’s surreal. Hope you feel better soon xx

[@user-xp3xu1mh4w]

Wonderful, love the jug and bowls x

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@golfingmags5]

Hi Helen, lovely to see you safely back home and so pleased you loved Azamara. Isn’t it incredible how all the different nationalities get on so well going about their duties and sending their wages home, very often, to their families. We loved them too. Your Ostrich Egg ornament is fab. Looking forward to your next adventure, perhaps in a caravan!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Maybe.... maybe not.... haha
Thank you xx

[@lorrainecarr464]

Hi Helen, lovely to see you back home safe and sound. Your cruise was amazing and what wondrous sights you've seen. Loved the cheeky elephant! xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thanks so much! 😊 xx

[@charmedsuperior2222]

Welcome home Helen ❤
Looking forward to future content. X

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@shellychell6434]

Looks like you had a fab time 😊 wonderful memories x

[@Helenmaryjo]

It was! Thank you xx

[@janetisaacs9859]

Glad you had a fabulous time Helen. I could add that all the African countries I've been to have had corrupt countries but somehow I don't think its just Africa! 🙄

[@user-en6bq5fo4w]

their recent behavior is pretty unforgettable and unforgivable to those of us still reeling after October 7

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@carolynhopkinson8642]

Sounds like a lovely holiday, funny to hear you were crocodile Dundee in your khaki outfit! Such a shame there are so many dangerous places you can’t really go. Hope you feel better soon xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@traceytaylor3736]

I prefer a smaller ship, as you say Helen you can get to know the staff and meet some really lovely people. I'm so pleased you enjoyed your holiday but sorry you came home with a cold 😢. Hope you feel better soon.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@kathleenparry9652]

Glad to see you back 😊😊❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@jennifferlidbury6882]

You look so well rested despite the çold ,thanks for the info and sharing your trip x God bless x

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@louisesmith2035]

Welcome back. Hope you get better soon. Loving your hair. Glad you had a lovely time x

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@user-uz2cg2ef7b]

Thank you for sharing your experiencss, Helen. It brought back many happy memories of our trip to SA. I agree it is a stunningly beautiful country and the food is wonderful. I'd love to go back but sounds like things have got worse in the last 6 years 😢

[@Helenmaryjo]

I think they have.... sadly.
Thank you xx

[@Allegra11]

Cape Town is my most favourite place in the world. My sister lived there for years so I was lucky to spend extended time with her and have fabulous holidays. The food is beyond amazing and there are so many wonderful places to visit with incredible restaurants. Thanks for sharing your trip with us X

[@Helenmaryjo]

My pleasure.
Thank you xx

[@junecoppin8937]

Hi Helen lovely to hear what you think of my neck of the woods. I live in Somerset West which is not too far from Stellenbosch gorgeous part of the country. I hear you about your safari, cannot compare to the game reserves north of Johannesburg we have done Madikwe game reserve which is on the Botswana border and can highly recommend. Hopefully you will come back one day.

[@Helenmaryjo]

I hope so. It is lovely xx

[@michellewright1895]

Love your appreciation of the beauty Helen. ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@janehudson7157]

So glad you had a fabulous holiday, the pictures look amazing 🤩 glad you’re back and look forward to you making me laugh again! 😍 xxx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Ah, thank you. I'll do my best! haha xx

[@elainevine3683]

Welcome home Helen, hope that cold disappears quickly. Loved the updates from the cruise, nice to go away but also nice to be home isn't it. Take care 💗😀

[@Helenmaryjo]

It is.
Thank you xx

[@renablythman6243]

Great to see you back Helen ,hopefully your cold wont linger , South Africa looks fantastic ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

It was, thank you xx

[@kayrugg7728]

Your haircut is fabulous ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@joancarucci8290]

Hello Helen, you did an absolutely fabulous job of retelling your fun vacation. Yes God did creative amazing wonders in our world sadly most times we don't get to see the wonders of God's landscapes..The pictures were so interesting but the elephant pushing the other one in the water is incredible. I enjoyed this fabulous video. Thank you.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you Joan xx

[@vincenttracey6346]

I hope u are well Helen . you take care .. hope the cold is gone!

[@Helenmaryjo]

Not yet... but thank you xx

[@carolewilson4895]

Thanks 👍 😊 Helen for the reply much appreciated for the jockey shorts lolx

[@Helenmaryjo]

You’re welcome 😊 xx

[@lisagriffiths1343]

You look well even though you have a rotten cold.Your hair looks lovely.Glad you had a great time in Cape Town.Durbin sounds scarey and not a place l would want to go to.Sounds like you had fun.
Glad you are back safe and sound.x

[@Helenmaryjo]

Oh thank you! xx

[@alisonmckenzie1415]

So pleased you had a great Cruise around South Africa.Gorgeous views and loved seeing the Elephants.Take care Helen 🐘🐘🐘.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Glad you enjoyed it xx

[@susanwheeler5558]

Glad you had a lovely time, it sounds amazing, get well soon Helen, xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@colinbenham8242]

Sounds a wonderful cruise. So glad you had a great time Helen. Get better soon xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

It was fab.
Thank you xx

[@marycottee2259]

Excellent Helen, I really enjoyed hearing all about your trip...you gave a lot of info thank you...loved the film of the elephants- wonderful..you need to rest that throat now..thanks again for your very helpful guide! Xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@user-dl8hq5vx6k]

Lovely to have you back Helen. So pleased you had such a good holiday. Please would you tell me the colour of the paint on your hall walls. I love it. Having my living room and hall painted next week. Thank you. Xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you.
It's Goose Feather by Valspar at B and Q xx

[@user-dl8hq5vx6k]

Thank you so much for that Helen. I really love watching your videos. Please keep them coming xx

[@lindakirk698]

HB Hi welcome back. Hubby has been hit with a rotten cold twice back to back, so hope you improve quickly. Some great stories & memories. The real life can be quite insightful. I LOVE the decorated egg! Shame you missed out on several visits. Do they adjust the cruise price? I bet thats a "no". Ship/staff sound great. What deck was your cabin on?

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you. We were on Deck 7, which was just great. The cruise price doesn't change but we have made a claim on our insurance.... you never know. xx

[@user-pd9hz5pu8s]

So glad you are back Hele. I have been looking out every evening for your blog. I Love the little dishes so colourful and sweet and the beautiful Ostrich egg such lovely memories they will hold for you both. Thank you for going into such detail about your trip so interesting. You can now get back into the swing of family life again and our dull British weather P.s. where did Dolly go while you were away did your son look after her🐾🐾

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you. Our daughter had Dolly for us xx

[@karenporteous3626]

So glad you had a great time. Could I ask you which jabs, if any, you needed.

[@Helenmaryjo]

I think we had Tetanus and Hepatitis, didn't need Yellow Fever because of our route. But the company we booked through had a great checker and our Dr's surgery sorted it for us. xx

[@karenporteous3626]

@@Helenmaryjo thanks.

[@shirleywormald3197]

Lovely video Helen,the ostrich egg and little dishes are great souvenirs, nice to see you back home,by the way the acappella group Home Free do a lovely version of How Great Thou Art,the video is worth a watch ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@susangriggs5557]

Hope you are now feeling better. Great blog, learnt a lot about s.a by the way love your hair a bit longer!

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@lizpawley9006]

Hi Helen hope you are now feeling much better. Really enjoyed your holiday blog. I lived in SA for 12 years and agree it is the most beautiful country. I was so sorry to leave. Although I have been back a few times on holiday it has changed so much and not improved life for the population as hoped. Looking forward to your next video. Liz x

[@Helenmaryjo]

It's tragic really. xx

[@user-en6bq5fo4w]

yes they've gone in the wrong direction . Instead of improving life for their population they've appointed themselves the legal arm of Hamas and Iran. My best friend lost two beautiful, innocent daughters aged 22 and 25 with all their lives in front of them at the Reim festival on October 7 and we in Israel will never forgive or forget the disgusting South African government whose people were once heavily supported by the South African Jewish population when apartheid oppressed them. I visited last year before the October 7 atrocities. I wa s shocked by the poverty and crime but nothing has shocked. me more than their recent behavior . The problem is there is the government . Until they get shut of the ANC nothing good will ever there.

[@maureencomley7909]

Glad you had a fab holiday it sounds amazing , feel better soon 😊

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@christinesmutek3856]

Glad you had a lovely time. It’s always nice to come home again though isn’t it. You look great even though you are full of cold. Durban sounds like a pretty scary place. So sad. Nice to have you home again. Thank you for sharing your holiday. X

[@Helenmaryjo]

It is, but then we had a lovely day. You have to do your homework for these trips. xx

[@jilleljadi5496]

Thanks for this - from the heart description of your visit to a place I’m hoping to go - amusing in parts 😂❤ xx can’t recount but made me lol 😆

[@jilleljadi5496]

Yes!! Animals with such a human touch (elephants)😊

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@user-cb8pr4bs3h]

Sounds amazing ❤

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@gillmarshall7760]

Glad you both had an amazing time lovely to have you back ,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, looked wonderful xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

My pleasure.
Thank you xx

[@CarolBeloff]

Such an interesting video, glad you had such a wonderful time. Hope you get rid of that pesky cold soon.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@Bombabingbong66]

You Crack me up....that Camo outfit was Perfect....😊😊😊🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Helenmaryjo]

Haha, I felt like a right numpty xx

[@maureenlowther7621]

“How Great thou art” seems to some up South Africa from what you are saying. Helen I think the smaller ships are far better than those huge ships you are just a number not a person. So glad you enjoyed it. Talking about a tender of the ship, we were on a Caribbean cruise and were being tendered into Key West well the tender caught fire and the crew jumped off and left us in the tender, there were young children crying and some Americans screaming but as luck would have it a tender came along side and we had to get from one tender to the other I said to my hubby I can swim but I don’t know what you will do he can’t swim😃😃 must say it was quite frightening.❤️❤️

[@Helenmaryjo]

Oh my goodness, that would be terrifying. Not impressive re the crew! xx

[@joyelmes7814]

Thank you for reawakening some lovely memories of South Africa, a truly beautiful country. I spent two years there in the early seventies. Spent Christmas Day 1974 at the Oyster Box Hotel at Umhlanga Rocks with memorable lunch. This was during apartheid and it was safe to travel everywhere, such a shame what has become of it since. Hope you feel better soon, love your videos. xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you, the Oyster Box was stunning xx

[@jenniferchamberlain7462]

So glad you had a wonderful trip - it has certainly changed my view towards cruises.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Me too. I never thought I would cruise. xx

[@rosemarysouthward5711]

Thank you, Helen for sharing the highlights of your holiday with us. It sounds amazing. I’ve never been on a cruise as I get very sea sick even on short trips. Sorry you’ve got a cold. I had Covid over Christmas and it has affected my hearing. I’m hoping it gets back to normal soon. It’s a horrible feeling when you can’t hear properly. Get well soon x

[@Helenmaryjo]

Sorry to hear that.
Thank you xx

[@helenparker3165]

Sounds a lovely time was had by you both. Get well soon.xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@barbaramackay75]

Hi Helen, thank you so much for sharing your holiday on Azamara , all the lovely ports visited & experiences . I always get a cold when I’ve been on a plane . Absolutely love the ostrich egg ornament…so unusual & beautiful & and lovely reminder of South Africa. Get well soon x PS hope your mum was okay during last week’s storm.

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you Barbara. Yes Mum is doing well, thanks for asking xx

[@annwaldron2459]

Hi Helen,knew you would love it. The beauty of the country is amazing. As i said before we travellled by car and saw some places where it was heart breaking to see how some people lived. Overall you had a great time with memories . Loved the elephants 😂x

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@lynneborges9182]

It sounds an amazing trip. I was going to ask if you thought it would be suitable for lone travellers & then at the end you mentioned a widow who was enjoying herself. Maybe one day .

[@Helenmaryjo]

It is so friendly. The single lady we met had a great time. She had company when she wanted it, but equally could spend time alone if she wanted to. xx

[@bridgetregan9408]

Hi Helen, I’m so glad you had a lovely time on your cruise, love your videos, may I ask where you bought the lovely family print in your hallway, I always notice it and would love to buy one 😊

[@Helenmaryjo]

It was a gift from our daughter. I'll ask her. xx

[@Helenmaryjo]

I've had a look and can't find the same one, but this is nice: www.etsy.com/uk/listing/551836204/family-like-branches-on-a-tree-picture?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=family+like+branches&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&frs=1&organic_search_click=1
Grace bought that one a few years ago xx

[@aliceinwonderland.2080]

Hi Helen and welcome back to the U.K. In spite of having a cold, you look lovely.It seems that the service and family atmosphere you experienced on the cruise ship was very special which is so important when you spend so much time on board.The fact that it was much smaller than Cunard, it seems that you enjoyed it more. Seeing all these wonderful places,cultures and animals must be so exciting and leaves you with great memories. However, it’s really sad to hear there’s still so much corruption around and cities which are dangerous to walk around. It’s always tricky to know what clothes, shoes and accessories to take but I’m sure you always looked very nice.I hope you feel better soon- at least no more sea sickness! Loved your souvenirs.❤️🥰

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@JassiJo]

Glad your feeling better and home safe and sound. Im likely the same as Rob with the frozen yogourt machine .. hahah... Perhaps sharing what is actually going on in SA might not be welcomed by YT al gor rythms.. to much truth on YT some times comes with consequences. Ive seen it to many times now. Regardless, you look relaxed and so glad you enjoyed the beauty in the country. Cheers 🥂😎

[@Helenmaryjo]

Thank you xx

[@marysmith8876]

So glad you loved my country. Lots of love Durban S.A

[@Helenmaryjo]

We really did xx

[@jmel1388]

Couldn't bear a small ship, and having to avoid people... you never know, you may be the couple your fellow guests swerve!
I've never felt Cunard are after money🤷🏼‍♀️On Q.Anne's maiden voyage in May and again in November, big enough for all sorts 🤞🏼

[@Helenmaryjo]

I'm sure we were....
Wouldn't do for us all to be the same. xx