Joe, I am not really envious since I spent most of my working life on ships of one sort or another. I recall having to order out the bosun on one to bring a hose-party to the spacious boat-deck where the younger passengers - mostly antipodeans, were wrapped in non-connubial bliss during a glorious tropical dawn. Spoil-sporting was part of the job. I was also envious!
70 miles south-east of London suggests to me that Deal cannot be too far away. Many are the memories of living there. The then James Bond had a hide-away in a quaint backstreet and the pubs were full of sightings. Unforgettable is the sound of the sea draining from the pebbled beach and that wonderful old hotel right on the beach - amongst whose patrons, besides myself, were listed Nelson and Hamilton.
Have a wonderful cruise, Joe. I hope you will include some ship photos in your offerings.