The sun shone on Southampton this morning as Roger (my neighour-cum-chauffeur) and I explored a still developing city in search of a post office and a music shop.
(11/1/20, 07.05hrs)
We had lingered over a leisurely “full English” at the hotel, but there was ample time to wander around and have yet another coffee at Starbucks. I had acquired my “spending money” and Roger, his guitar strings!
All of a sudden, it was almost 2.00 pm, the time suggested that I should check in at the Mayflower Cruise Terminal.
Embarking procedures were speedy; even the comprehensive airport style security precautions went smoothly. Perhaps I know what to expect now. I think I was on board at around 2.30. I had a small amount to eat in the Lido on Deck 9, prior to the obligatory “safety brief” at muster station ‘A’ in the theatre on 2 Deck.
Departure was more or less on time. As is “Cunard tradition,” at the start of what is classed as a World Voyage, fireworks heralded our departure. This was a superb display and very well choreographed.
By now, my luggage had been delivered, and again, previous experience enabled me to unpack in a most organized manner. My cabin is meant for two, and I would suggest only just adequate, albeit there is a nice balcony on which to relax and breathe real air, rather than that offered by the ship’s air conditioning.
I have come across three acquaintances from previous long voyages; I was expecting to bump into Nick and Geraldine from the 2018 QM2 World Voyage. If they are on board, I haven’t seen them yet.
Following the “best ever” pyrotechnics display I can remember, (by now it was dark, and a full moon was penetrating the light cloud cover), the Solent was silky-smoothe, as M.V. Queen Victoria turned 180 degrees to commence its journey along the English Channel.
Determined to arrive for dinner right at the beginning (rather than later as on numerous previous occasions), I joined the queue outside the Britannia Restaurant. I presented my card to one of the “welcoming committee” who showed me to my table, 371. Eventually, seven out of eight were gathered for the first evening meal of the cruise. We seemed to get along nicely on this first of seventy eight days. The service was impeccable and dinner excellent; I had sea bass and extra vegetables, which after my initiative were offered to all at our table.
By now, we had introduced ourselves to each other. Maggie was seated to my left, Margaret to her left; to my right, June from the West country. Opposite, Peter (on his first ever cruise), Robin and Liz.
I joined Peter for a further decaffeinated latte in the Queens Room where dancers glided across the ball room with the dexterity of a concert pianist. Not having slept well for two consecutive nights, I was ready to catch up on some much needed sleep.
This wasn’t to be!
My accommodation is located forward enough to be most affected adversely by any ocean turbulence. As a precaution, I had taken a travel sickness pill; these can enhance a good sleep. At some hour of the night that I didn’t know existed, I was awakened by the howl of the wind and the bumpiness of the ocean we were, by now, entering. I took another pill! Thankfully, I have staved off the foul unpleasantness of biliousness but my accommodation is about as stable as a surf board. I shall accomplish little today! (08.10hrs)
Thanks for reading, David.
David's Cruise 