Staying overnight in Southampton turned out to be an unexpected bonus and pleasure. Rather than dine in Britannia Restaurant on this first night, I ventured back to the Ibis Hotel for a final meal with my neighbour who drove me to Southampton the previous day. I was able to capture some unusual “after dark” photographs of QM2 in her former home port. Not too long ago, Cunard re-registered the fleet in Hamilton. Hamilton emblazoned accross the stern, just doesn’t look “right”. I “kid” myself that Hamilton is the one in Scotland, not Bermuda!
But, now, it is day 2. QM2 departed eventually at slightly before 09.00hrs from a rather cool merky Southampton. Judging by the occasional “bump” we are now well out to sea, the pilot having left us around 10.30hrs. Few people turned out to bid farewell to England. The Captain announced details of our future progress along the English Channel, and an almighty discordant blast on the ship’s horn confirmed we were now underway.
There are three days at sea before we tie up at Madeira. There’s an atmosphere of reserved excitement on board…my excitement is far less reserved, all my misgivings having evaporated long before setting off! I don’t suffer from mal de mer normally. However, I am taking no chances as we venture South. One good thing about such a late departure is that on this voyage, we shall sail through the Bay of Biscay while hopefully, I am fast asleep. And the seasick tablets will aid this slumber.
David's Cruise 