Blog 722 Platinum Jubilee

If I recall clearly, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977, I am showing my age. You do the maths, I was 28 then, having moved to my present home outside Buxton less than two years earlier. I bought a commemorative souvenir from The Danbury Mint, and despite never having needed to purchase from them again, I still hear from that same company 45 years later! Actually, I am rather glad that they continue to produce quality memorabilia for which there is, obviously, a market.

And back in 1977, not even the Orient Express was running, being introduced in 1982 to enormous fanfare at London’s Victoria Station. If I have done the maths right, that high-end service celebrates its big 40 I think, in April this year.

Walking around the Promenade Deck after the show, last night.

Today is the final at sea before arrival at Santa Cruz de Tenerife at 08.00hrs tomorrow. Again, it is slightly cooler, and the ocean no longer like a millpond. Being Sunday, interdenominational worship was taken by Captain Hall in the Royal Court Theatre, re-purposed as a place of worship.

The Future Cruise Office, just opposite the Royal Court Theatre, was open, and with the assistance of one of the representatives, I was able to progress much of the paperwork in preparation for coming on board the week after next. I can communicate with my travel agent from Tenerife tomorrow.

Yesterday, although slightly under the weather, I just about managed to keep up with my self imposed walking regime. And today, I achieved my target for this voyage, 300,000, leaving a further 700k until the end of this year’s travels in July.

A new Cunarder will soon be joining the fleet. For some years now, since the announcement of an addition to the Cunard Fleet, speculation as to the new ship’s name has been “rife.” My guesses have been widely dismissed. While not prepared to divulge my choice of what I might like, I would hope that the name of a past Cunarder may be revived. *The “big day*” *is Tuesday 8th February at 13.00hrs.* **And I fully intend being on its maiden voyage!**

Sunday 6th February marks, as we all know, the 70th anniversary of the Queen’s Accession to the Throne following the early death of her father, King George Vl. In 2012, I wasn’t on my own contemplating the possibility of a Platinum Jubilee. I will not be in the country for the huge Platinum Jubilee celebrations, but hope there will be something very special on board Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth as we head towards Vancouver. Captain Hall made an appropriate announcement over the ship’s P.A system during the morning.

Some of the Britannia Restaurant waiters greet passengers for lunch.

I joined Alan and Sue for lunch in the Britannia Restaurant at a large table by the window, but we all had commitments and skipped dessert. Eventually, I would draw at whist with the lady winner. That’s the second time I have come out on top. Alan then joined me as I walked around the Promenade Deck, completing another 10,000 steps (around 3.5 miles).

Tomorrow is the final port of call for this voyage before Southampton. I have chosen to take an organised coach trip to Puerto De La Cruz where I shall spend the day exploring old haunts. When I am back on board, the packing will begin, in an effort to avoid last minute panic!