Latest news with #Seaview
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'I took Mum on a cruise holiday after Dad died - it was a poignant reminder'
My teacher parents, after laying down their chalk and retiring, got a taste for cruises. Holidays had never been better. Then Mum's best shipmate died – suddenly, horribly – leaving her in a strange new world. Summers lost their shine, well, everything did, but she'd still gaze longingly at cruise deals. Enter: me. The busy, messy, wild middle-aged child, offering to share a cabin on a week-long MSC Mediterranean cruise. I'd been promising her a proper catch-up for ages, and this was one way of doing it. Multi-generational holidays, with younger kids, parents and grandparents, are nothing new – a study showed a third of adults have been on one in the past three years, with the Boomer generation generally picking up the bill. And MSC says 28% of its travellers now cruise with three to five generations, and its ships are designed with activities to suit all ages. But this was different – a "mummer" holiday – proper bonding time, with grandchildren at home. Gavin and Stacey's Ruth Jones goes on cruises with her mum and no one had been thrown overboard, so the combination could work. Mum and I flew to Rome and met MSC Seaview at Civitavecchia Port. We woke up every day in a new location – Majorca, Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa, and La Spezia – before sailing back to Rome. This was my first cruise, so it was completely uncharted waters. We spent the first day at sea, getting lost and acquainted with Seaview's 19 decks, waterfront boardwalk, and dizzying, glass-floored Bridge of Sighs. Seaview was launched in 2017 and has room for 4,100 passengers and 1,000 crew, with a theatre, casino, spa, ten-pin bowling, indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs and 19 lounges and bars, including a chocolate-themed one. There wasn't a tired-looking part of the ship, save our faces on day one. The atrium is its classy party core, spanning four decks, where there's live music and staircases that sparkle like the sea thanks to hundreds of Swarovski crystals in each step. A cheery mix of ages and nationalities onboard, too – MSC is an Italian-Swiss line, so lots of "fit Italian fellas", as my 76-year-old mother, Janet, noted. The daytime noise, games and kids' splashy-and-sporty zones are considerately confined to deck 16, with its Panorama pool and 425ft zip wire – I strapped in and squealed high above sunbathers, while Mum declined the offer, but took thrilling footage of my ankles. Technology is not Janet's strong point, but she had a go, with me as tech support, scanning her first-ever QR code to read the evening menus at our allocated Silver Dolphin restaurant, where she also had her first taste of octopus and dolphinfish (thankfully no relation to Flipper). She was eventually able to navigate the useful MSC app, smart lifts and touch screens dotted around the decks, where you can access information about the ship and your itinerary. Only one trip to the IT desk onboard was required – very much user error. Pulling back the curtains to a new place each morning felt like a dream. Majorca was a revelation for her, wandering sleepy, sun-dappled cobbled streets, me saying 'watch your step' every step of the way. We cooed at the cathedral, sniffed bougainvillea, and tried on fedoras and sunglasses. Janet loves to shop, and dilly-dally, and talk to anyone who will listen, whether they speak English or not. I'm used to racing about, herding young kids, but by virtue of her wonky knees, we stopped for coffees and ice-cream, and actually finished conversations. Early starts to disembark paid off, as we were back on board to catch a theatre show and seek out the champagne bar – Mum's favourite place to wet her whistle. Our package allowed for 15 drinks each day, which I dare anyone to manage. Barcelona brought more laughter. It was a short shuffle to the stalls of La Rambla, for a long shuffle around the famous La Boquería market, heaving with people, pastries, olives, strawberries… and unmentionable meat counters. My stomach, having valiantly tried to hit my 15-a-day the night before, was ill-prepared for the offal, eyes, teeth and tongues. Stomachs settled down on board. While evening meals at the main restaurant were hit and miss, the two speciality restaurants smashed it – Butcher's Cut (excellent surf and turf) and our favourite, the Teppanyaki restaurant, where Japanese dishes were cooked in front of us and chef Rafael put on a high-energy show, serenading us with with Tina Turner, juggling eggs and pulling surprises from his hat, before throwing morsels at my mum's mouth, and somehow missing. Twin beds had been arranged for us, and drifting off at night was easy – a surprise as we're both used to sleeping solo. Our cabin, on deck 11, near the panoramic lift, had enough space to swing a dog, and was blessed with a balcony, sofa, safe, mini bar, interactive TV, and an impressive en suite with a powerful shower. Admirable storage, too, where Mum could hide her eight pairs of shoes, most of which didn't touch foreign soil. Here, I was the brains (though that's debatable) and brawn, sorting excursions, dragging bags and retracing many, many steps when we'd lost things. Mum, however, was the bringer of order in our cabin. She's used to running a tight ship at home, whereas I just about tread water. We settled into a Bert and Ernie evening routine at bedtime, with silly jokes and unsolicited relationship advice. Any accounts of my snoring should be immediately discounted – and we can now laugh about her falling over my phone charger cable on a 1am flit to the loo. When her bed called for her earlier than mine, I sampled late-night Seaview, its White Party (where guests wear white clothes), silent disco, gay night and karaoke, and watched couples dance or just gazed at the moon. It was really special to wake up, reach out and hold hands in the morning, even if it was then followed by a dash to the mighty breakfast buffet to stuff ourselves and race for the tender. Which we almost missed to Cannes, which was busy setting up for the film festival. We paused for A-list-price orange juice (Janet: '27 euros for three orange juices?! I wanted a drink not the whole plantation') and sauntered past Dior and Chanel stores down glamorous Boulevard de La Croisette, for a paddle in the Med among the beautiful people, with Seaview in the distance. There, was Mum probably the only person singing 'I do like to be beside the seaside', with chocolate ice cream down her best vest. 'She's restless like the sea, your mother,' my dad once beautifully said. These days, you'd call it undiagnosed ADHD. We had two excursions booked in ('school trips for grown-ups!') and saved ours for last, on our two Italian stop-offs. From Genoa, which shares the St George's Cross flag, and is birthplace of that other hardy sailor, Christopher Columbus, we took a bus to the fishing village of Camogli, with its double-take dreamy buildings and clanging church bells, catching a boat to tiny Portofino, loved by Tom Hanks and Michelle Obama for its snorkelling, and where Dolce and Gabbana have a villa retreat. We, however, had free ice-cream vouchers, so we felt like life's real stars. The swooniness continued, arriving in La Spezia, for our seven-hour Italian Riviera Cinque Terre tour, via bus, boat, train and Shank's pony. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – a string of five famously pretty ancient fishing villages on rugged coastline, dripping with vineyards, charm and surprising colour – are such head-turners they're now a Unesco World Heritage Site. We got bonus beauty, too, with a guided wander around Portovenere, the Port of Venus, to load up on heavenly pesto and focaccia. It's the jewel of the Bay of Poets, an area that stirred the souls of Shelley and Byron. Dad would have loved it. The boat trip was magical, the train from Monterosso back to Genoa a hoot, the final push to the bus, herding a tired, sweaty pensioner in the 26C heat, less so. 'Are we there, yet, Kay?' Talk about role reversal. It was an early night for both of us for the trip back to Rome, and our flight back home. Time had flown – we'd been having too much fun. We also got friendly with a psychologist from New York (her services were not needed) who was there with her older mum for a belated Mother's Day treat – they'd upgraded to the Yacht Club premium experience, including 24-hour butler service and gourmet dining. Four countries in seven days felt wild, especially as I work from home and struggle to visit four rooms in a week. But it was the enforced closeness with Mum that made it so special – a reminder to make memories before that ship has sailed. A seven-night MSC cruise from Rome visiting: Palma de Mallorca (Baleari Is), Spain; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes (Côte d'Azur), France; Genoa (Portofino), Italy; La Spezia (Cinque Terre), Italy costs from £1,399. Visit
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
World's No. 1 LPGA Golfer Sends Clear Message Ahead of Final Round of ShopRite Classic
World's No. 1 LPGA Golfer Sends Clear Message Ahead of Final Round of ShopRite Classic originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The ShopRite LPGA Classic is heating up at the scenic Seaview's Bay Course, where every shot is crucial in this 54-hole battle. With the bay breeze adding a touch of unpredictability, top players are rising to the occasion. Advertisement Currently leading the field is Ilhee Lee, whose consistent play has put her in a prime position heading into the final round. The stakes are high not just for the coveted 13th LPGA Tour title, but also for a winner's prize of $262,500 out of the $1.75 million purse. Meanwhile, World No. 1 Nelly Korda is staging a strong comeback. Despite a slow start on Friday with an even-par 71, the American superstar roared back on Saturday with an impressive 66, featuring six birdies and only one bogey. Nelly Korda reacts after hitting out of the rough at the 18th hole during the final round of the U.S. Women's Open golf Sieu-Imagn Images Korda, who recently became the first American woman to top the rankings for 100 consecutive weeks, is still chasing her first win of the season. After a heartbreaking finish at Erin Hills, she entered the ShopRite Classic sitting outside the top 50—but Saturday's round has reignited hope. Advertisement Speaking ahead of the final round, Korda emphasized the impact of better weather conditions: 'The weather was better. Wasn't as windy. When the wind is down, you can be a little bit more aggressive.' She also reflected on the crowd's energy, saying, 'It's my favorite part of what I do—kind of inspiring the next generation.' Her return to the event after a few years has been met with great fanfare, and she's clearly soaking in the support. "I think definitely seeing a trend in a really great direction with even just the fans that have been coming out so it's great to see and it's great to play in front of as well," Korda added. Though six strokes behind the leader, Korda's surge has momentum and belief behind it. As she heads into the final round, fans and followers will be hoping for one more magical day from the World No. 1. Advertisement Related: Nelly Korda's Boyfriend: Who Is the LPGA Golfer Dating? This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
BBC News
30-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Watch: Northern Ireland hosting group leaders Poland
Update: Date: 19:03 BST Title: CLOSE! Content: Northern Ireland 0-0 Poland I've no idea how Poland didn't score inside 60 seconds. A ball was clipped over the top for Ewa Pajor, who spotted that Jackie Burns had raced off her line and lobbed the ball towards goal. It looked like it would drop in but it takes a big bounce and lands on the roof of the net. That's a very early let-off. Update: Date: 19:01 BST Title: Post Content: Northern Ireland 0-0 Poland Marissa CallaghanFormer Northern Ireland captain BBC iPlayer We started off on the front foot against Romania, so hopefully we can do that again. Update: Date: 19:01 BST Title: KICK-OFF Content: Northern Ireland 0-0 Poland Off we go in Belfast! Remember, a point will be enough to secure a promotion play-off with a game to spare. Update: Date: 18:59 BST Title: Post Content: Northern Ireland v Poland (19:00 BST) Marissa CallaghanFormer Northern Ireland captain BBC iPlayer We have some amazing memories form Seaview and hopefully the sold-out crowd will get behind us. Update: Date: 18:57 BST Title: Post Content: Northern Ireland v Poland (19:00 BST) It's time for the anthems. First up, it's Poland. Update: Date: 18:55 BST Title: Post Content: Northern Ireland v Poland (19:00 BST) Simone Magill leads out Northern Ireland at Seaview, and is followed by Barcelona star Ewa Pajor and Poland. It's a glorious evening in Belfast. Let's hope the game can match the weather. Update: Date: 18:54 BST Title: 'Refined' NI can stun Poland - Magill Content: Northern Ireland v Poland (19:00 BST) Northern Ireland captain Simone Magill believes her side are more "refined" as they prepare to take on Poland. Poland ran out 2-0 winners against Northern Ireland in February's opener as the top seeds hit a quickfire double. Tanya Oxtoby's side responded by collecting seven points from a possible nine and can still earn promotion from League B. "Poland are a really tough team," said Birmingham City striker Magill. "It was a tough night for us over there at the start of the group but we've had a lot of games since. "We've refined in a lot of areas, and we had a really good performance at home last time out [against Romania]." Update: Date: 18:52 BST Title: Rafferty out injured Content: Northern Ireland v Poland (19:00 BST) Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby, speaking on BBC iPlayer: "It's a shame for Raff [Laura Rafferty]. She picked up a knock on Tuesday, we thought we could manage it but she's not going to be right for tonight. She'll still play a role off the pitch with her leadership." Update: Date: 18:50 BST Title: Post Content: Northern Ireland v Poland (19:00 BST) Marissa CallaghanFormer Northern Ireland captain BBC iPlayer The girls will be buzzing. It's all to play for and it's an exciting night. I hope they can do the business. Update: Date: 18:49 BST Title: Sweetlove steps up Content: Northern Ireland v Poland (19:00 BST) Lauren McCannBBC Sport NI at Seaview An international debut for any player is a big night, but given what is at stake and who she is up against, it is a huge occasion for Linfield defender Abi Sweetlove. The teenager faces the unenviable task of stopping one of the world's best strikers on her first start for her country as she comes up against Poland and Barcelona forward Ewa Pajor. The 28-year-old scored 25 goals in 28 league games and netted seven in 11 Champions League games. It will certainly be a baptism of fire for the Blues youngster, who has impressed in the Women's Premiership Update: Date: 18:47 BST Title: Team news - Debut for Sweetlove Content: Northern Ireland v Poland (19:00 BST) Northern Ireland Tanya Oxtoby has shown in the past that she's not afraid to throw youth in the deep end, and that's what has happened to Abi Sweetlove this evening. The Linfield defender, 19, has been in a number of camps but will make her debut against Poland's star-studded line-up. Megan Bell is also introduced as Tanya Oxtoby makes two changes from the team tat defeated Romania in April. Caragh Hamilton and Keri Halliday are the players who make way. It's a strong side for Poland, who are led by star striker Ewa Pajor, as they get ready for the Euro 2025 finals. Northern Ireland: Burns, McKenna, Sweetlove, Caldwell, Mason, Holloway, McPartlan, Andrews, Bell, Magill (capt), Weir. Subs: A Smith, K Smith, Dugdale, Rafferty, Kerr, McDaniel, Furness, Halliday, Hamilton, Wade, Maxwell, Wilson. Poland: Szemik, Wiankowska, Dudek, Szymczak, Zienewicz, Kamczyk, Pawollek, Achcinska, Padilla, Pajor (capt), Tomasiak. Subs: Radkiewicz, Seweryn, Cyrniak, Zaremba, Mesjasz, Zawistowska, Brodzik, Grabowska, Kokosz, Jedlinska, Slowinska, Adamek. Update: Date: 18:45 BST Title: NI 'need to be more confident' against Poland - Rafferty Content: Northern Ireland v Poland (19:00 BST) Northern Ireland defender Laura Rafferty says her side should take belief into tonight's crucial Nations League game against Poland at Seaview. Tanya Oxtoby's side lost 2-0 away to the Euro 2025-bound Poles in February and go into the final two matches of their Group B1 campaign trailing the leaders by three points thanks to subsequent home wins over Bosnia-Herzogovina and Romania, plus an away draw with the Romanians. A win over Poland would put Northern Ireland in control of their own destiny in terms of potentially winning the group going into Tuesday's trip to Zenica to play Bosnia-Herzegovina. "We spoke about our aims from the start and coming into the last two games we're completely on target and we know what we have to do," said Rafferty. "Going into this game I think we need to be more confident [than in the defeat by Poland]. It's a massive game for us and the only thing we want from it is a win. "We're looking forward to it and we're just dissecting their [Poland's] games. Teams have strengths, but they have weaknesses too and it's what you do to exploit them." Update: Date: 18:42 BST Title: Post Content: Northern Ireland v Poland (19:00 BST) Northern Ireland aren't the only home nation in action this evening. England are in League A action at Wembley against Portugal from 19:45 BST, while Scotland are also in action later in Austria. Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland are currently being held in Turkey and Wales, who kicked off at 18:15 BST, are drawing with Denmark but are knocking on the door for an opener. You can follow updates from all those matches on the BBC Sport website and app. Update: Date: 18:40 BST Title: What's happened so far? Content: Northern Ireland v Poland (19:00 BST) Northern Ireland faced Poland in their opening fixture, and the top seeds ran out 2-0 winners to claim top spot in Group B1. Poland then defeated Romania 1-0, while Northern Ireland needed two late goals from Simone Magill to defeat Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-2 at Inver Park. In a double-header wit Romania, NI drew 1-1 in Bucharest before Kascie Weir's first international goal gave Tanya Oxtoby's side all three points in the reverse fixture. Poland, on the other hand, hammered Bosnia-Herzegovina 5-1 but were held to a 1-1 draw in Zenica. Update: Date: 18:38 BST Title: Can NI take the next step? Content: Northern Ireland v Poland (19:00 BST) The Poles won the opening game between the sides, but if Tanya Oxtoby's side can pull off an upset they would be in a strong position heading into the final round of matches. Even if Northern Ireland lose to Poland on Friday, it will come down to a final game shootout between the sides for the promotion play-off spot. As things stand in League A, possible play-off opponents could include the likes of Austria, Denmark, Portugal and Iceland. Ultimately, no matter what happens against Poland, NI's League A hopes are in their own hands. "It's what we wanted. We wanted to be in this position heading into the final two games where we can control our own destiny," Oxtoby told BBC Sport NI. "It's a real credit to this group of staff and players where we are in a position where we could do something special and top the group. Our destiny is in our own hands. "We just need to take it one game at a time and focus on our performance." Update: Date: 18:36 BST Title: How things stand Content: Northern Ireland v Poland (19:00 BST) Here's how things stand in Group B2. In good news for Northern Ireland, Romania have defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0, which puts Northern Ireland in a great position to secure at least a promotion play-off. A point would be enough for Tanya Oxtoby's side to wrap up second place, but they're still in decent shape even with a defeat. Update: Date: 18:33 BST Title: Smith replaces injured Harvey-Clifford in NI squad Content: Northern Ireland v Poland (19:00 BST) Teenage Lisburn Rangers goalkeeper Kate Smith has been called into the Northern Ireland squad for the forthcoming Women's Nations League matches against Poland and Bosnia-Herzegovina. It is a first senior international call-up for Smith, 18, who replaces Crusaders stopper Maddy Harvey-Clifford, who has withdrawn through injury. She joins Jackie Burns and 16-year-old Manchester City goalkeeper Abbie Smith in the squad. Northern Ireland will host unbeaten group leaders Poland at Seaview, followed by a trip to Zenica to face third-placed Bosnia-Herzegovina four days later (18:00 BST). "Kate is a young player we've been monitoring for some time. She equipped herself well when she joined the squad as a training player during our last camp and deserves her place for these two games," said Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby. Goalkeeper Kate Smith Update: Date: 18:28 BST Title: Let's go! Content: Northern Ireland v Poland (19:00 BST) BBC iPlayer Domestic football may largely be done and dusted for the season, but the Nations League will keep us ticking over for the next week or so. Northern Ireland are back in action and will look to get some revenge on Poland, who ran out 2-0 winners in February's opener. You can watch the game live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website, with former Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan on commentary alongside Michael Clarke.
RNZ News
29-05-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Wellington Water warns Seaview stench could return during critical sewage treatment works
Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant. Photo: Supplied / Wellington Water Wellington Water is warning of the potential for increased odour at its Seaview sewage treatment plant due to critical works. The facility has been notorious in the local community for causing a smell which some described as being so bad it made them dry retch. The problem stemmed from the treatment plant's sludge dryer which removed water from the solid material left over in treated sewage before it was disposed. The dryer was near the end of its working life and required constant maintenance before it was replaced. Part of that work would start next week between 3 June and 17 June and would require the dryer to be shut down which could cause a stench. Wellington Water chief operating officer Charles Barker said that it was due to wet sludge being transported out of the facility and to a landfill rather than a dry material. "It is stickier more odorous stuff." Barker said the maintenance was to ensure the dryer remained operational while work was underway to get a new dryer in operation by the end of 2027. He said he expected the plant's smell not to be "that bad" and nothing like what was experienced by the community during summer. Local resident Chris Hetherington told RNZ the site was "just disgusting" at its worst. Hetherington said he had no problem with the plant it just had to operate within its consent. He said it was good that Wellington Water had told the community that if the smell got too bad it would bring the dryer back online. "Now the community is at the forefront of their decisions, so I do believe there has been a massive change." Barker acknowledged the community experienced an extended period of intense odour last summer and that it was right for them to be anxious about dryer work. In March RNZ reported that in December Wellington Water attempted to reprimand Seaview's operator - the Veolia multinational over the stench. Chief executive Pat Dougherty wrote to Veolia country director Emma Brand on 4 December, saying: "Wellington Water has not historically sought a financial penalty. "That historical practise will no longer be followed." The breaches at Seaview and several other plants were "significant and repeated", and every breach "amounts to a potential criminal offence", Dougherty said in the letter released to RNZ under the Official Information Act. "Contract penalty payments are likely to be enforced by Wellington Water in the future." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
29-05-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Wellington Water warns Seaview strench could return during critical sewage treatment works
Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant. Photo: Supplied / Wellington Water Wellington Water is warning of the potential for increased odour at its Seaview sewage treatment plant due to critical works. The facility has been notorious in the local community for causing smell which some described as being so bad it made them dry retch. The problem stemmed from the treatment plant's sludge dryer which removed water from the solid material left over in treated sewage before it was disposed. The dryer was near the end of its working life and required constant maintenance before it was replaced. Part of that work would start next week between 3 June and 17 June and would require the dryer to be shut down which could cause a stench. Wellington Water chief operating officer Charles Barker said that it was due to wet sludge being transported out of the facility and to a landfill rather than a dry material. "It is stickier more odorous stuff." Barker said the maintenance was to ensure the dryer remained operational while work was underway to get a new dryer in operation by the end of 2027. He said he expected the plant's smell not to be "that bad" and nothing like what was experienced by the community during summer. Local resident Chris Hetherington told RNZ the site was "just disgusting" at its worst. Hetherington said he had no problem with the plant it just had to operate within its consent. He said it was good that Wellington Water had told the community that if the smell got too bad it would bring the dryer back online. "Now the community is at the forefront of their decisions, so I do believe there has been a massive change." Barker acknowledged the community experienced an extended period of intense odour last summer and that it was right for them to be anxious about dryer work. In March RNZ reported that in December Wellington Water attempted to reprimand Seaview's operator - the Veolia multinational over the stench. Chief executive Pat Dougherty wrote to Veolia country director Emma Brand on 4 December, saying: "Wellington Water has not historically sought a financial penalty. "That historical practise will no longer be followed." The breaches at Seaview and several other plants were "significant and repeated", and every breach "amounts to a potential criminal offence", Dougherty said in the letter released to RNZ under the Official Information Act. "Contract penalty payments are likely to be enforced by Wellington Water in the future." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
