(Saturday 22/1/22, 13.00hrs approx) We continue our gentle progress southwest towards Bridgetown, Barbados where we arrive at 07.00 hrs, onTuesday. With a degree of justified optimism, I consulted the Navigational Channel for an instant update on conditions. Although only 22 degrees North, the temperature was back to 19 degrees Celsius with a F3 north easterly breeze. The sea was, and remains slight, and the weather outlook, overcast with showers. I remained optimistic, but my shorts and t-shirt remained in the wardrobe. The enclosed swimming area on 12 deck is just a few steps away from my stateroom and I was quickly able to ascertain that, outside, rain was lashing down, turbocharged from leadened skies – just like home, but presumably warmer.
Last night, I joined new table companions Marion and Terry, along with Beverly and Bob (from Bolton), and Rita, making up a table of six for dinner. We had all (as invited to) donned our various finery, and the ship took on that select ambiance envisaged by Cunard. It is admirable that, under the Carnival Corporation, Cunard maintains the tradition of dressing for dinner, as well as all the social activity from 6 o’clock and after dinner. I went with Bob and Beverly to the Showtime in the Royal Court Theatre at 10 o’clock, high up in the side balcony from where a superb view is to be had. It was hot up there, and being required to keep one’s mask on, it was rather uncomfortable. However, the show exhibited the superhuman multi talents of the singers and dancers to creative effect. “Cruise-ship-esque” perhaps, but still very impressive.
(13.34 hrs) I have just finished another exemplary lunch in the Britannia Restaurant, seated alone for some time to myself to write. On the way, I ventured into the gift shop, not expecting to “do much damage” (to my on board account, that is!) I had lamented previously that there was no dated memorabilia in evidence. I went in just before lunch and found a couple of items from “Cunard 180” an event which, owing to the pandemic became a “non-event.” I did buy a couple of Cunard 180 related items which were available during the QV 2020 South America Voyage. Today, I secured a tote bag, and three china mugs, the latter of which, I think cleared their stock.
This morning, I became engaged in conversation with two former train-spotters and their wives, in a window bay in the King’s Court, both a few years older than me, and with vivid memories of what I am just that bit too young to remember. I had just finished a late-ish breakfast. That was the entire morning taken up, thus, so far, no deck walking in between the frequent showers. Right now, in the Royal Court Theatre, Dr Stephen Payne is about to deliver a lecture on AIRSHIPS – Liners in the Sky. There is a respectable audience, but I have managed to sit downstairs, in the middle near the front. Photography, recording, etc, is not permitted, a fact that is emphasised on each visit to the Royal Court Theatre. A recorded voice requests the audience vacate the Theatre minutes after the event, whatever it is, has finished. Once again, I enjoyed Stephen Payne’s hugely informative and superbly illustrated lecture. I had the pleasure of talking to Stephen Payne on the Maiden Voyage of Queen Mary 2, and again at Cunard 175, in 2015. On the second occasion, I was decidedly out of my depth and this time around, decided that I would not intentionally seek further conversation with someone whose ambition and achievements leave me embarrassingly in awe!
Let’s get changed! The air temperature outside is a nice 22 degrees Celsius…but the weather remains overcast with showers. Well I never!
Now to try some walking! That’s annoying! Precipitation persists perpetually. I shouldn’t do, but Afternoon Tea in the magnificent Queens Room which houses the largest ballroom at sea, with live soft jazz, sounds extremely attractive despite the diabetic risk to the retinas! I have taken my Cunard 180 goodies to my stateroom up on 12 deck, and yes, succumbed to the temptation of an unintended Afternoon Tea!
A pleasant ambiance remains on board, generally, that is, after eight days. Apart from this morning’s spectacular reminisc about railways in the 40s and 50s, which I lapped up, typical conversation seems to centre on past and future travels. So when I wade in with my plans (which I look forward to) of “Amtrak-ing” around, not across the USA, I am regaled with horror stories of people with “experience” of U.S. rail travel, and they look at me rather sympathetically! I know, already, it’s going to be hard work. I love cruising, being looked after, fed, entertained and sincerely welcomed. Being able to do exactly as I please in decent weather in January, floating in the Atlantic some 22 degrees North takes some “beating.” But crossing numerous States on public transport adds a meaningful dimension to my travel ambitions. Amtrak isn’t the tourist equivalent of The Ghan or my next bucket list trains, Rovos Rail, or the Golden Eagle across Russia. But following a voyage to Vancouver (from Southampton) and then Alaska and wandering back to the U.K. without flying, will certainly be an odyssey worth blogging about!
Thanks for reading. David, 16.28 in the Queen’s Room. Note: I have travelled with Cunard during their 150th, 175th and 180th Anniversaries/years. It is my big hope to make it to Cunard 200 when I shall be 91 years of age….just 18 years to go! Ye Gods!
David's Cruise 