It had to happen! The final full day of this magnificent 28 night voyage is here, and, apart from the numerous nocturnal comfort stops, I had a decent night’s sleep, possibly due in part to the motion sickness medication I took yesterday afternoon. Last night was “Red and Gold” night, the idea being that formal wear, and events during the day, should be red and gold themed. Thus, the white tuxedo got its final airing, and my (very difficult to put on) red tie was back in Buxton! I am well-on with the packing, but I must not be complacent if I am to avoid the usual last minute panic of previous cruises.
As you can perceive from this very uninspiring snapshot, both sky and sea are colourless and boring, the only not very good day of this entire voyage. And, it doesn’t matter one little bit. A table in one of the bay windows has been vacated, and now, I look on with glee and trepidation at the 50 shades of grey outside. Trepidation? Yep! The North Atlantic in February is going to be a new experience; I think I have crossed in either direction between New York and Southampton at least once in every month of the year. Come to think of it, I’m not too sure about December, however. Thus, today is a good day to be snarled up with the packing.
For those readers who have come across my blog, possibly wondering whether to try out cruising, or indeed, whether to add Queen Mary 2 to their bucket list, I would recommend both. If you hate either, one doesn’t have to repeat the experience. But, it is very unlikely, if open-minded, your experience would be a total disaster! Back in the 1970s and 80s, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 was very much on my bucket list, and I thought a three night Christmas Party Cruise would more than satisfy my curiosity. To this day, I recall savouring every moment of this short trip on a real ocean liner. Every step was on hallowed ground….I was addicted! Some pieces of Cunard memorabilia which Blake Paterson very kindly sent me in 1969, following my first ever trip to North America, saw the light of day once again. My father who had, as a boy, crossed the English Channel on the Berengaria and (I think) Aquitania, passed on his souvenirs to me. It wouldn’t be until the spring of 2001 that I would make the traditional westbound crossing on QE2, seeing the World Trade Centre as we sailed towards the traditional Cunard Pier in Manhattan. That last hour was a magnificent finale to my first transatlantic crossing. Then came 9-11, and my early morning photographs of The Twin Towers would take on a very poignant, emotional and historic significance. I digress! There are numerous YouTube channels which may give a better impression than I can with blog. There will be irritations, and one or two disappointments especially if expectations are unrealistically high. My reasonably high expectations, more often than not, are exceeded, particularly on this mid-pandemic voyage. No meal I chose disappointed, except that, now being diabetic, I had to pass on all the delicious sugar-filled desserts on offer, and cakes, when I indulged in a traditional serenaded afternoon tea in the Queen’s Room. Darn it!
There was a time when (years ago) I was among the younger passengers. This is by far, no longer the case! The present voyage provided far more than I was expecting in terms of daytime activities and evening entertainment. I don’t purport to be an arts critic, but I found most of the entertainment varied and at times inspiring, as were the daytime lectures and other choices. There was just one night when the show appeared to be “cobbled together” (and marketed as a must-see!) The comedians, without resorting to smut or bad language entertained fluently with a mixture of vintage humour and some very funny new material. Laughter is infectious! A string trio performed an eclectic mix of classical and familiar melodies, in various locations on board, seemingly sight reading from electronic music sheets! The Royal Court Orchestra, Singers and Dancers are a joy to watch and listen to, even if after being at several shows, they can be a bit “samey.” Nevertheless, very good indeed. It is unlikely that one would be bored, but, after 28 days, most are more than ready to see home once again. I shall enjoy my whistle stop trip to Buxton before doing it all over again next Tuesday. Boy! How I enjoy retirement!
It’s almost midday, time for the Captain’s address
Many thanks for reading, David, King’s Court, portside. 12.00hrs
Later in the day…
After a “final” lunch in the Britannia Restaurant, l returned to my room to continue the packing.
Then it was almost 2pm, time for possibly the very last time I shall ever play whist. I went up to the Atlantic Room. Next time I’m in there, it will be as World Voyage passenger in 2023 unless I am encouraged to switch to M.V. (or M.S.) Queen Victoria. There is something to be said for knowing a good number of people, which I would if I chose to switch. There is no way at all that I dislike Cunard’s QV. I just don’t want to change my plans, and regular readers and friends already know QM2, despite some of its awkward geography, is my preferred place to be. It’s now 17.41 hrs. I didn’t win that final session of whist, but I didn’t do too badly either. My packing is all but complete, my cabin no longer in the chaos pictured. I just need to check I have enough clothing and bathroom gear to get through the next four days. Special green luggage tags have been issued for the three largest pieces to be stored in Southampton.
Yesterday was the first since January 13th that I didn’t achieve my personal modest 7,500 steps target. And I gave myself the day off today also. The King’s Court is preparing for dinner, the sun has gone down, and I imagine we are well into the English Channel. I shall be saddened to bid farewell to Jack, Joan, and Jean who included me in many of their activities including being at their regular table (404) for dinner.
Next week, having opted for a Saver Fare, I get no choice of table, or restaurant level, or choice of sitting. That’s not a problem. My cabin does have a balcony, sheltered by the steel structure of the ship, rather than a glass wall as on the upper decks from 8 to 13. That, too, is no problem, particularly on the North Atlantic in February! I have had these cabins in the past; they are excellent. One can hold a small party (just!)
This is my last blog of the voyage. To be able to get away from pandemic Britain and visit the far-away places we did was astonishing, and very uplifting.
Many thanks for reading. I hope I was able to give a reasonable account of this journey to the Eastern Caribbean. David, King’s Court eatery starboard side looking out onto blackness. 18.14hrs.
David's Cruise 