Days 20 and 21 At sea, en route for Tauranga, New Zealand.

Day 20 All day yesterday, in and around Tonga, the sea seemed very still indeed. There was some activity which did make the bore holes worth visiting at the end of yesterday’s shore excursion. But, as we headed out to sea from Tonga, there was the occasional tell-tale nudge of the turbulence to come.

Today, there is a definate swell, with, once again, white foam as far as the eye can see, and a strong wind. Captain Connery, in his Noon address did hint at calmer conditions to come.

This morning, table companion Daphne assisted in arranging for me to have drinks invitations printed for my birthday celebrations. I was allowed into the hallowed area reserved exclusively for passengers taking the full world cruise. Also, I booked two shore excursions to enable me to make the most of my time in all three ports of call in New Zealand.

Outside, the wind which manifested itself so prominently last night and this morning, is now, less tempestuous. It is slightly cooler this afternoon, but still magnificently warm. Unfortunately, I seem to be a little under the weather. I shall seek something to settle my stomach.

I joined Ken and Eileen for lunch in the Britannia Restaurant. Soon we were joined by a couple from Southampton. There was some pessimistic speculation about the future of the Cunard Line. Apart from Q.E being deployed in Australia throughout 2020, the rest was mere speculation.

I had a coffee appointment in the Commodore Club with a couple I met on last year’s Queen Mary 2 World Voyage. Unfortunately, my upset stomach was too much to endure, and I had to make my excuses and head for bed. The rest in a darkened stateroom enabled me to feel much improved, albeit still a little “delicate” tonight. Probably, I shall show my face at dinner, but eat very carefully. I want a good day tomorrow.

Day 21 Feeling a little less worse for wear yesterday evening, I did change into formal (white tuxedo) attire for a South Pacific Gala evening. However, it would have been far better if I had stayed in my cabin and slept off my “protesting stomach”. Its grievance, I suspect, was being subjected to an unmanageable intake of fresh fruit over the last three weeks!

This morning, I am well rested and anticipate a more comfortable day as, for the time being, grapefruit joins, temporarily I hope, my “faddy” list of “can’t-have” foods.

This morning’s air temperature is given as 23 degrees Celsius, similar to yesterday. Gentle rumblings of the cabin floor indicate the calmer sea our Captain promised yesterday in his Noon address. (Written between 9 and 9.15 this morning, 21/02/19).

(9.25am) At 11am, Dickie Arbiter delivers his final lecture, promoting his insightful publication, “On Duty with the Queen”. He is an excellent and entertaining speaker; I look forward this “last episode.

This afternoon at 2pm in the Queens Room, the ship’s choir, which our table companion, Daphne, joined at the start of her world cruise, are giving a concert, which I look forward to with great eagerness. (9.35).

2436 steps to the mile, down from over 2900 at home. (10.24am)

12.32pm : Dickie Arbiter’s final presentation took the form of an interview with the cruise entertainments officer whose official title eludes me right now. This was mostly, if not all, about Dickie Arbiter himself, beginning with his lack of academic prowess in early life, which I identify with completely. However, his journey through life was far more illustrious than mine, and certainly more interesting! We have one thing in common, however, neither of us can complain! His book is one of a very few which I will read from cover to cover…I’m not an avid reader.

Ken and Eileen caught up with me at the lecture and were perhaps slightly miffed that I passed on their routine invitation to join them for early lunch. I still can’t face food right now, but feel perfectly fine. I don’t know if it was they who told me that I could register for a place on the new Cunard ship….somebody did, but I was assured by the voyage sales rep that this wasn’t the case. No doubt, a date for telephone enquiries will open up on due course, I won’t be able to get through, and it’ll be too late!

For the next three days, we shall be in New Zealand calling at Tauranga, Aukland and Bay of Islands. Auckland is a “maiden call” for me.

There are then just two more sea days before anchoring off Sydney. I shall make the best possible use of the limited time just a day in each place will allow by availing myself of a shore excursion at all three ports. Disembarking at Sydney on 28th February brings down the curtain on the first leg of my World Tour. But, there will be much to write about between now and then. (1.06pm.)

12.40am, Day 22.

It is now the next day. Having slept so well the previous night after the joys of indigestion, I find myself wide awake as if it’s mid-day rather than very late evening. I have taken some interesting pictures around a deserted ship where by now just about every passenger is fast asleep. I will post some of these as soon as I can get some decent Wi-Fi. The ship’s internet remains poor right now.

I shall be fast asleep when we dock at Tauranga at 5am later today. Perhaps I should be in the Land of Nod right now.

Pictures to follow.

David.