Even now, there remains just one hour until we set sail from the final port of call on this magnificent winter cruise to The Sun. Calling at Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Cunard’s shore excursion programme provided a nostalgic opportunity to go back to the town where I experienced summer heat in the bitter February of 1981. I would return several times, more lately by ship, the only disadvantage of that being staying just for the day rather than for a couple of weeks. I don’t think, however, I have been here since Queen Mary 2’s 2018 World Voyage. (I might be mistaken.) Returning today brought back a rush of memories. In 1987, I was approached by a strange (not at all young) lady who asked if she could show me a good time. I replied “You’re too late, I’m already having one!” I went to the very spot that particular encounter occurred, 35 years ago! Today, I could see why I was so taken with Puerto de la Cruz all those 40 years ago. Although still dampened by the continuing pandemic, the town remains colourful and vibrant. The under four hours allowed were not nearly enough to re-explore everywhere, and there’s always that danger that when time is almost up, you then cannot find the bus to take you back to the ship. Although last back to the coach, I was just one minute early, and the last on board. I’m not sure if I could detect irritation among my masked travelling companions, all who looked as if they had been sitting there for half an hour or more. Until then, I figured the 3 and a half hours we were there was nowhere near long enough. I did enjoy a good pizza however, the first “biggie” since being confirmed as Type 2 diabetic in 2010.
I recognised much of the town, but by now, its geography was unfamiliar, and felt that I would like to get to know this town again.
The coach was parked at the Atlantis Hotel which I remember from the 1980s. I got to look around a little, and use the facilities. All very smart and still futuristic, except the hot water tap was no longer fixed to the sink unit! It did work, nevertheless. I meandered around shopping areas and streets off the beaten track, not really looking for mementoes. I had the feeling I would be here again, perhaps not long from now. I think we may call here again. (1,564 nm to Southampton). Up to 5m swell. 29 degrees in the Caribbean, 2 degrees in Southampton, 21 degrees in Tenerife.
Queen Mary 2 has been a good place to be. Most facilities have been open, but the ship was only half full, and thus very comfortable. Strict social distancing operates in the public rooms with alternate tables in the King’s Court eatery “out of bounds.” Seats in Illuminations and The Royal Court Theatre are socially distanced and therefore limited. Masks still must be worn in any inside area, except when partaking of food or beverage. However, the pools, gym, and spa* are open and very much in use. The Daily Programme seems pretty much the same as usual. I have not missed the now non-existent cocktail parties; others have, and are not pleased! *I am not a spa or gym person. However, I shall try and ascertain if these facilities are affected by the covid restrictions. We leave in six minutes; everybody is on board. Second sitting dinner is open dining between 7.45 and 9.00pm. On non Gala nights, no jacket and/or tie is acceptable in the main restaurants. This relaxation of traditional protocol is welcome, but word is that these comfortable arrangements may well not last. Wearing a mask through a movie or show is uncomfortable, but it’s far better than no holiday at all. Only one annoying thing. If you wish to purchase water for a shore excursion, Cunard explains that they are “delighted” that water will be on sale at one of the bars which are open, not at the assembly point of the tour, as was the case previously. I had to “leg it” to the Carinthia Lounge on Deck 7 from the meeting point on Deck 2, to be served a great heavy glass bottle of water for a couple of quid! Catching up with the group was a slightly anxious moment, but not as bad as when the toilet door lock failed on Queen Victoria and it took ten agonising and scary minutes to get the mechanism to engage. I was on a private tour that day, and those in the party still delight at my “misfortune!”
All the Cunard excursions I took on this trip worked out very well. A beach tour in Tortola was not so successful, but I had merely taken what I believed to be a standard trip around the island, which I enjoyed.
The Captain has announced our imminent departure and confirmed an unremarkable and reasonably comfortable sailing to Southampton with a maximum swell of 5 metres, F4-5 North and Easterly winds.
I hope that my writings have described this voyage adequately. Comments are welcome and if possible, can be replied to. This is not my final blog of part 1 of my 2022 travels. That will be on Friday from home in Buxton.
Many thanks for reading, David, 18.03hrs on board QM2. The siren has just blasted, we are off!
I have just revised this blog which I am sending out now, at 23.46hrs GMT. Yep, from yesterday, we were back to the UK time zone.
David's Cruise 