I wasn’t expecting today to, again, turn out fine and clear, albeit, now considerably cooler, but nowhere near cold enough to curtail the deck walking. Already, according to my basic calculations, I have walked at least 116 miles during the cruise, so far. Unless you stay in your cabin, or you use a mobility scooter, walking is inevitable and during the course of a normal day, one may well cover over a mile, or, around 30 miles during a 28 day voyage. Nevertheless, I am giving myself a modest pat on the back!
The packing won’t do itself, unless, of course, I had a cabin in the “Mixed Grills”* where the butler would be invaluable. *Let me try and explain….Cunard maintains a traditional class system, as do other cruise lines, although other cruise lines’ versions of higher grades are far less obvious. When I started cruising in 1988, Cunard, on its transatlantic services operated First Class and Transatlantic Class, the latter being an alternative for tourist, third, steerage etc. I’m sure I remember Cunard operating First Class only ships, e.g. Vistafjord, Sagafjord, formerly Norwegian-America liners. Also, Media and Parthia from the late 1940s. I’m not sure when First and Transatlantic morphed into the present Britannia and Grills levels; probably with the introduction of Queen Mary 2 in 2004, and emulated in their more recent ships, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. I do remember the term Grills Class which I think was dropped rather quickly. Cunard now operates three distinct classes: Britannia, Britannia Club (a bit like Economy Plus, and two levels of Grills, Princess (Business Class) and Queens Grill (First Class), which I twice got to enjoy on QE2. (No butler, however!) The term Mixed Grills was coined by comedian Mike Doyle (I think) during his extremely funny show during the QV South America 2020 voyage. He also coined the term Baby Captain when including the Deputy Captain in his sketch. I found him equally funny at the start of this voyage, although a few passengers did not share my sense of humour. Last night’s comedian almost achieved a standing ovation, but I found much of his content “familiar.” Nevertheless, his timing was impeccable, his presentation fluent and confident, and assured. It’s just that some of his material had seen better days! I got talking to one of my whist companions over a prolonged breakfast. Now, it’s time for lunch. Tempus Fugit!
At last, there are no further time changes, at until Wednesday next, when I expect to be on my way to New York, and today, before playing whist, and coming second, I enjoyed lunch at a table near the window, starboard side, where if you were observant (and lucky) you might just see dolphins making a split-second appearance.
The sea looked quite reasonable, but now, QM2 was pitching more than at any time on this voyage. Eventually, I started to feel slightly ill, so late in the afternoon, I took a travel sickness pill, attempted to continue with the walking, but, to no avail. It is also now, much cooler outside, with the from coming the north. A southerly breeze might well have made for just one more warmer day.
Tonight is the final Gala (formal) night where the Cunard tradition of dinner suits and Ball gowns is enforced throughout much of the ship.
I laid down in my darkened inside stateroom, where an interior cabin comes into its own if you want to rest in darkness. But now, I need to prepare for dinner, donning the white tuxedo one more time. I’m sure the sea sickness pill has made me feel drowsy right now. Time to get ready! 19.36 hrs.
Walking around the ship tonight is like bring in some kind of exclusive club, with, once again, everybody formally dressed in tuxedos and colourful elegant ball gowns. Dinner was its usual excellent self; I had the Beef Wellington. I declined to join my table companions afterwards in the Queen’s Room. The after effects of mal-de-mer had left me somewhat fatigued. One suitcase is packed; two more and some carry-on bags to go. This shouldn’t be much of a problem. My souvenirs this time around are minimal. I discover that the professional photographs are $30. The ones taken of me are better than normal. $30 is what I might pay for a vintage press photograph.
Despite one or two very slight misgivings, I am, once again, looking forward to starting all over again next week. More exotic pictures to come, then!
Many thanks for reading. David, 23.21hrs, the Atrium, deck 3, QM2.
David's Cruise 