The first thing I tried to do yesterday was to re-connect with the ship’s Internet. This proved almost impossible until a member of the QM2 crew explained that technicians were on board, servicing and repairing as necessary the equipment which provides the ship’s online facilities. For most of the last voyage, I experienced next to no problems with the on board internet. I could send illustrated blogs at will, and there was little to no delay with each task. Today, I have with difficulty, sent the first illustrated blog. But after much hanging around, the pictures now take forever to upload. Thus, while at sea, my writings will have to be without pictures, unless things improve, which they might. In New York, my plan is to post an album of pictures to date, of which there are not yet that many.
There have probably been worse seas, but, outside it is choppy and not so many shades of grey. Occasionally, a small part of the ocean will glisten where the sun has managed to come through. The Carinthia Lounge (originally the not very successful Winter Garden, does come into its own during a transatlantic crossing. Although the open decks are closed due to high winds, I managed to join a few hardy souls for less than a lap of the Boat Deck. Winds from the southwest are strong outside and hard for me to battle against.
Tonight, instead of a Captain’s cocktail party, he, the Captain, will merely address his passengers, introducing some Senior Officers, in two sessions just prior to Showtime at the Royal Court Theatre, at 8pm, or 10pm. There may be a complimentary “drink” at dinner; there was last time. He explained in his noon speech that 300 had joined at Hamburg, either for New York or the entire Caribbean cruise. This evening, we should learn how full the ship is….it was announced tonight, 1,473 passengers, Inc c800 from UK.
My first night’s sleep last night was pretty reasonable, waking up the usual four or five times! I am told pomegranate tablets can help greatly with this! I did wake up feeling fresh, but debating whether to negate motion sickness with medication. I wanted to enjoy the grey fury of the ocean.
Jo, (Josephine) from two previous world voyages joined me for a late breakfast and lunch, and for an hour or so, we were glad of each other’s company. After lunch, she assisted me with buying a warm sweatshirt type garment as an alternative to something similar which is in desperate need of laundry, as is a bunch of shirts and t-shirts etc from the previous voyage.
I see no reason to seek to change my cabin. A slight intermittent problem of warm water from the cold tap can be addressed by either a jug of cold water, or a visit from Maintenance. It’s a long time since I have had one of these Sheltered Balcony cabins; they are as good as I remember them. Julius is my cabin steward, and so far, I enjoy being looked after extremely well.
I chose, briefly, to “ignore” the advice not to venture out onto the open decks. But the wind was too strong, and walking too unsteady to stay outside for long. We are heading more south-westerly than usual to avoid far worse conditions southwest of Ireland. Right now, I am looking at the sea from the quiet elegance of the Commodore Club forward on Deck 9 where if you manage to grab the right seat, a view of the bow can be enjoyed, and the tempestuous seas beyond. A spray over the bow is rare, thanks to the ingenuity of the ship’s designer; but it does “take the fun out of it” somewhat. Come to think of it, the Commodore Club is not a bundle of laughs at the moment, and it shouldn’t be. This is one of the most elegant rooms I know, either afloat or elsewhere.
Jo is reading her book this afternoon. Tonight, we dress up for the first of seven Gala Nights. The theme is Black and White. If, during the day, I was feeling active, there were numerous things I could have taken part in, as well as a choice of lectures to attend. Sadly one of the cast of the Cunard Show Rhythm of the Night is injured. (Not surprising with the unpredictable turbulence of the ship). Therefore, that show will be rescheduled and instead, tonight, a comedian will fill the vacancy created.
I watched part of a lecture on the oceans on my stateroom TV after relaxing in the Commodore Club in the hopes of seeing some bow spray. No chance! Now, it’s 7pm. I ought to think about donning the dinner suit for the first time on this voyage. More later (19.01hrs)
Jo’s formal attire for tonight’s Gala Night was pristine, elegant and completely appropriate for the Black and White themed evening. I put on my usual white tuxedo which still looks well with the rest of my formal clothing. With less than 1,500 passengers on board, nowhere in the ship feels crowded. Covid restrictions on board are far more stringent than at home. One would hope that the chances of becoming affected are much less lively.
The comedian tonight, (whose name escapes me) put on a fluent well rehearsed set of established cruise humour along with some new and current material. Woe betide any of the audience leaving before the end of the show, or making eye contact with the comedian, who always came out as the winner.
My ‘phone tells me it’s 02.13, GMT is 01.13 and with two hours adjustment, ship’s time will be the equivalent of 23.13 hrs after 2am. I have just put my watch back.
Many thanks for reading, David, 01.01, ship’s time, prior to the hour being moved back for a second time. I have set my watch to 2 minutes past midnight.
David's Cruise 