Being Sunday, I felt I should attend the traditional act of worship which on this voyage was held in “Illuminations” a seated public area styled as a West End cinema, but adaptable for lectures, and now, a church. The resident pianist attempted Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring prior to the start of what resembled Mattins, with all liturgy taken from the Book of Common Prayer. Captain Aseem A. Hashmi presided with commendable reverence. The service was well attended, and the hymns appropriate. I have yet to attend an on board service without the hymn “Eternal Father”. We sang also,”Praise My Soul the King of Heaven” was the opening hymn, followed by “Guide Me oh thou Great Redeemer” and a favourite of mine, “Abide With Me”.
I expressed, quietly, my appreciation to the Captain who greeted those leaving by the starboard exit.
My plan was to deck walk in the bracing north westerly breeze blowing across QM2 rendering rhe higher deck areas out of bounds. I called in at a gathering of solo passengers meeting for coffee in the Carinthia Cafe. My plans, few as they were, became somewhat altered, but I still got to Brian Hawley’s very well delivered lecture mainly focusing on Cunard’s Caronia of 1948. I know of one person still living who was present on Caronia’s delivery voyage before I was born, H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh who is listed in my mint- condition passenger list. I may well buy Brian’s book. We did meet briefly in New York, some years ago and very occasionally, I will purchase memorabilia from him.
All in all, an interesting day with a pre dinner multi-lap walk of the Promenade Deck.
I attended the “show-time” in the Royal Court Theatre with a companion from our dinner table. His comedy had most of the audience in spasmodic hysterics, and even I had to concede some of his material was quite funny.
I was very surprised (& extremely delighted) to meet somebody employed by the same company from which I had retired less than two years ago. A very unexpected coincidence!
So endeth Day 3. Crossing a third time zone at 2am means that I shall be awake even earlier tomorrow.
I shall attempt to publish some illustrations. But, twice, I have forgotten to log off the ship’s internet. I should know better!
It’s now the “morning after”. At home, it’s almost midday. Almost half way across the Atlantic Ocean, it’s time for breakfast.
David.
David's Cruise 