So far, I am enjoying this voyage almost as if it was my first adventure into the realms of ocean liner travel. Most of the people I have encountered during the first two days are indeed enjoying their first voyage, and exploring this huge ship, realising that within the six full days at sea, there will be more to discover should they chose to travel again on QM2. The shops appear busy with curious “punters” indulging in addictive retail therapy. I am not quite so impressed with the “memorabilia” on offer, which perhaps is a good thing. The goodies I once brought home from early Cunard voyages could well end up in a skip as my home is cleared hurriedly following what I hope is a far-in-the-future demise!
Today as we head into deeper waters, the sea is leadened, the sky obscured by mist, and temperatures indicating the indifference of the Almighty. A lesser ship would bounce around in the moderate seas we are slicing through with very little turbulence.
As on previous cruises, the on board internet is just not worth the bother. I did manage to settle an outstanding eBay invoice, the last item joining my collection being an undated L.M.S. menu from The Royal Scot, a once famous train which even in my later years still ran between London and Glasgow.
My stateroom is extremely well placed in the ship, just seconds from the Britannia Restaurant, shops, and Queens Room, in a small corridor with doors at each end discouraging entry from passengers merely passing through. Thus, my accommodation is in a wonderfully quiet part of the ship. And I can, from my cabin, enjoy views of the Atlantic ocean from low down in the ship through the large windows which were once part of a public room.
Like most on board, I wandered around exploring, but also spending far too much time in the comforts of my own “space”.
So far, I have been unable to publish my blogs, but I shall keep trying each day.
A departure from my strict self imposed diet was, thankfully, less successful when I joined a party of French and Belgian passengers for afternoon tea in the nearby Queens Room. We were serenaded by a string quartet of young musicians. I got away with one scone, a very thin layer of clotted cream and a smidgen of jam. Fortunately, the scones are tiny but delicious.
I indulged in a morsel of retail therapy myself, stocking up on razors and factor 50 sun cream.
This evening, guests in “steerage” are invited to meet the Captain at two receptions in the Queens Room. I presume the champagne will flow, but it does occur to me that all this has been factored into the cost of the ticket, along with any canapes on offer. Actually, I don’t mind. Crossing the Atlantic by sea is more than just a passage to New York. And the performance Cunard stage each time is different. Even the food rarely becomes tedious. It’s good to be back!
DN 1/6/19 18.30hrs.
David's Cruise 