Sunday 13th March 2022
Awesome is an understatement. The ocean is as tempestuous as it was yesterday, perhaps more so. Today is the penultimate sea day before arrival at Southampton the day after tomorrow.
I attended the inter-demoninational church service this morning in the Royal Court Theatre. Captain Ashmi chose the nature of the worship, and again spoke so impressively (i.e. his “sermon” left a thought provoking impression on me), that I requested a copy of his speech. I’m not sure if he was perhaps slightly surprised by such a request. Very much to my delight and appreciation, a copy of both sermons was delivered to my stateroom complete with covering note. He again, referred to the fact that just days ago, we had passed around 14 miles north of the final resting place of R.M.S. Titanic. He spoke in great detail of how those in lifeboats voted against returning to pick up those swimming in the ice cold sea, fearing such action would jeopardise their own survival, either by overloading the lifeboat, or being caught in the suction of the doomed ship, although in fact, Titanic sank so slowly, survivors would not have been dragged into the vortex they feared. He also spoke of those, including the Unsinkable Molly Brown, who were appalled at the leaving of even family to drown in those freezing waters. How would I have voted in that situation? I hate to think! Of course, this was an analogy of what is happening 110 years later. And not just the worsening refugee situation. I could go on, but I am nervous of controversy!
The Royal Court Theatre is right by the windows forward on Deck 2 through which phenomenal views of a raging Atlantic can be had.
This afternoon, Jo and I attended the fourth lecture delivered by “Mr. Oceanliner,” Bill Miller. I went to buy one of his books so that it could be signed as a souvenir of this voyage. Although closed, the Bookshop/Library forward on Deck 8 was open after his talk on the history of positive future of cruising, not just deep sea, but also river and exploration voyages for which 125 vessels are under construction, including Cunard’s Queen Anne. His book, A Hundred Years of Cruise Ships in Colour, is a remarkable source of reference, and he tells me is his latest publication.
Tonight, we are expected to dress up for one last Gala Night and shall celebrate in the posh Verandah Grill as I prefer to call it. This is our penultimate evening dinner, at which the black tuxedo will have its second and final outing. Maybe it’s now time to change from my comfortable daytime casual attire, which on a non Gala night, I could get away with. Our meal was superb, especially with the salt ingredients removed! After dinner, travelling companion Jo and I adjourned to our usual side circle seats in the Royal Court Theatre (where we would all sit on the 2018 World Voyage 🌎). Although a glitzy night, few were in The Queens Room for big band dancing. I suspect that many, like myself chose to start packing for disembarkation the day after tomorrow. Much to my disgust, I have to vacate my stateroom and the ship at the ungodly hour of 08.10hrs! Cruise friend Jo can enjoy an extra hour in bed! But at least, this does give two hours to catch my booked train, the 10.16 hrs from Southampton to Macclesfield. At around 3pm the day after tomorrow, I should be back at home in Harpur Hill. I shall miss my little sheltered balcony stateroom aft on Deck 4. It was a good cabin; everything worked, and Julius my Cabin Steward was superb throughout.
Thanks for reading, David, 00.51hrs 14/3/22; time for some kip. Most of my packing is now complete.
David's Cruise 