As you may have guessed by the ridiculous heading, it’s Sunday. We are gathered together in the presence of Almighty God, in this case, in the Royal Court Theatre, this morning, re-purposed appropriately as a place of worship. There are a couple of “things” where worship on a Cunard liner scores over present day Anglican services. Much of the “maritime liturgy” is taken from the Book of Common Prayer, and even if this old fashioned English doesn’t sit well with some present day clergy and progressive “church management,” I am somewhat happy that the prayers (even if only recited) of my not-enough mis-spent youth are still recited (or prayed communally) on board ship as normal regular practice. No instructions not to film or record, prior to the service, nor further requests to vacate the Royal Court almost immediately afterwards are broadcast. Has the Book of Common Prayer, etc., copyright expired?
Nice blue skies, fluffy white clouds, a gentle sea, an F3 north easterly breeze and ever increasing temperatures are the welcome order of the day. For the first time this voyage, I took breakfast in the main restaurant where whatever you order is brought quickly to your assigned table.
Yesterday, walking was a struggle, although eventually, I did exceed my 10,000 steps target by a decent margin. Last night, I slept much better, even if I drifted into incomprehensible nightmares through the night! At around 1am, the QM2 “bongs” woke me from a pleasant slumber. From the coded message, I understood there to be some kind of emergency in the G32 Nightclub. It’s a very long time since I have been in there.
11.04hrs and the day is “quite young.” I’m in shorts and polo shirt for the first time. The non-sunny side of the ship is now warm enough to enjoy relaxing in a traditional (but well padded) steamer chair. We are just 18 degrees North of the Equator, not a bad spot for mid January!
SUNDAY AFTERNOON 16.05 hrs.
Again, deck walking is a bit of an effort. But, I am no way complaining about the heat. Ontario, Canada comes to terms with temperatures in the minus twenties, Buxton feels little better at zero, and here, living what was, not so long ago, “the dream,” glorious sunshine, attracts the sun worshippers in their droves, onto the open decks.
I tried the King’s Court eatery for lunch, but seemingly, many had the same idea, and once again, I chose to be taken care of in the Britannia Restaurant, which also was fairly busy. My assigned table was very close to that of the Ship’s Designer, but I felt that he may have wanted to enjoy his lunch without unnecessary disturbance.
I skipped Afternoon Tea in the Queen’s Room today, and chose not to have a bread roll with my soup at lunch time. The term “too little, too late” springs to mind when I see my still (slightly) triangular profile reflected in the King’s Court windows as I walk by. Sunset is around 18.15 and may be quite spectacular. Hopefully, I will remember to look out for it on my rambles around the open decks. I did succumb to the temptation of around 20 minutes’ sunbathing, after having dabbed on an appropriate amount of sunblock. (17.23 hrs)
Just four people including me turned up at the Observation Deck, forward on Deck 11 to witness the sunset, which, so far south, is quite rapid. It was nice to watch, but not spectacular. However, I did take a couple of fairly worthwhile pictures which I shall post later.
But it’s now just after 7pm, and time to change for dinner. The tuxedo can stay in the wardrobe for a few more days. Many thanks for reading, David, in his stateroom on Deck 12, 19.30 hrs, GMT -3.
David's Cruise 