We start by testing the breakfast buffet on deck 11. Everything is cooked or served to order, we start with fruits, smoothies and yoghurt. Then it’s standard cooked breakfast, plus of course orange juice and tea/coffee. Finally we manage a pastry!

Today we are tendering into Cannes – it’s been 17 years since our last visit with Sheila and John. Then we had a hire car and disappeared into the nearby hills, today we’re sticking to the coast. 

Large cruise ship in a harbor with 'EXPLORA' on the hull, viewed through a rain-speckled window.

With Jacs and Mike we wander around the old town, the Marie, and various churches. Then it’s the infamous red carpet where the Cannes Film Festival takes place. 

Busy beach scene with people sunbathing under umbrellas along a sandy shore, calm blue sea to the left and a row of palm-lined buildings on the right under a clear sky.
Beige historic town hall with a central clock tower, arched windows, statues along the façade, and flagpoles in front.
Stone building with a square tower and flag atop, framed by pine branches against a blue sky.
Coastal town with a large marina filled with boats, hillside buildings in the background, and blue sky.
A sunlit narrow stairway between pastel buildings with balconies and a stone wall on the right, under a bright blue sky.
White fluffy dog lounging in a shallow fountain pool in a town square with a statue pedestal and pastel buildings behind it.
White ornate, multi-story building with decorative balconies and flagpoles atop, set against a clear blue sky, suggesting a grand hotel or historic edifice with flags flying.
Historic stone church on a sunny city street, with a modern glass building to the right and a no-entry sign in the foreground.
Interior of a grand cathedral with tall vaulted arches, ornate columns, and a stained-glass window at the far end.
Facade of a modern venue with a rainbow-themed festival banner and a red-carpeted staircase leading to the entrance.

We then hot-foot it along La Croisette, the famous front in Cannes. We get as far as a fancy ice cream parlour, choosing straciatella and Miel de Lavande – the latter doesn’t overtly taste like lavender, it’s just that the honey is from bees which gorge on the local lavender, it’s delicious anyway. 

Elegant hotel facade with ornate windows and arches, framed by tall palm trees in a sunny plaza.
Two men at a sunny beach posing for a photo; one holds an ice cream cone and smiles while the ocean and umbrellas appear behind them.

On our return we wander around the marina a little, decide that Silver Angel is our preferred one today, actually owned by Richard Caring, he of The Ivy and other businesses.

Man posing shirtless under open button-down, standing beside a turquoise octopus sculpture on a wooden deck with an EDEN storefront in the background
Large white luxury yacht docked at a marina under a clear blue sky, with a person on the upper deck near the railings.

We do an impromptu photo shoot for three exceedingly glamourous Russian ladies, and spot a very crazy looking Bugatti Veyron, before returning to the quay to commence our journey home. 

Colorful graffiti-covered sports car in a marina parking lot with people and luxury yachts in the background.
Sunlit seaside promenade with pastel buildings, outdoor cafes, and people strolling along the harbor.

Pre dinner we go to the Explora Lounge on eleven where we are looked after by Stephan. Then we descend to four to revisit Fil Rouge. I’m posting the menu so you can match up the images! 

Man in a suit taking a selfie with a champagne bottle, four friends smiling in a stylish hotel lobby behind him.
Open two-page dinner menu with Appetizers and Salads on the left and Little Italy and Main Courses on the right, bound by a red spine.
Menu page showing French dessert names and English translations: Tart du jour, Mousse au chocolat, Fil Rouge Signature mille-feuille, etc.

During dinner captain makes an announcement that we’re granted a stay of departure in order to watch the Cannes Fireworks at 22:00. Unfortunately we’ve a very important date because Sophie is performing at that time. 

Single seared scallop topped with black caviar on a green purée, finished with olive oil and scattered seeds on a white plate with a decorative rim.
Golden brown, pan-seared patty with a side of julienned carrot and vegetable slaw, garnished with a cilantro leaf, on a white plate with orange sauce swipe
Close-up of a bowl containing mixed green salad with lettuce, cucumber, and croutons in a white dish
Creamy orange soup in a white bowl topped with lobster meat and green peas.
Plate featuring braised beef in brown gravy with a broccoli floret and almond topping, and a rectangular potato gratin on the side.
Three small dark bowls with chocolate, caramel, and vanilla sauces arranged on a white plate with a wine glass nearby.
Slice of mille-feuille pastry with powdered sugar on a white plate, a knife nearby.
Chocolate mousse dessert topped with coconut flakes served in a silver coup glass on a white plate at a formal table setting.
Pan-seared fish fillet with crispy skin over mashed potatoes, green beans, and a light cream sauce with orange roe and green dots on the plate

When we get to the showlounge it’s empty, we are the only ones. The CD (cruise director) comes over to us and asks if we are OK if the show starts at 22:15. Of course we say yes, but it’s not worth losing our seats so still miss the fireworks. 

In the end Sophie’s show is delayed until 22:30 and it’s just fabulous. Starting with Bond, and more Bassey she moves on to Bette then finishes with Barbara. 

Singer in a sparkling red gown performs on a lit stage with a band; backdrop reads 'Sophie Tehrani'.
Three friends smile for a selfie on a music venue floor with a stage and blue lights in the background. Colorful rainbow light streaks appear on their clothes.
Singer center stage in a red sequined gown performing under purple lights, with a backdrop showing the name Sophie Tehrani and a live band.

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