Blog 823 The Last full Day. Steps at the close of this year’s Challenge in support of Christian Aid Week 2022, 1,507,496, at midnight, 14th July.

For this final day at sea, somewhere near the coast of Southern Ireland (‘though obviously so far, I can’t actually see it) I thought that a celebratory breakfast in the Britannia Restaurant might be fitting. I was only just in time, but I still managed to have a fine starboard side seat next to a window.

As you will see from these pictures, it is, yet again, a fine day, with fewer clouds than yesterday, which was also pretty good.  This has been what I might call a brochure crossing, with decent weather the whole way across.  Britain, I understand is basking in continental style sunshine with the media predicting record temperatures.  I never rely on the newspapers for weather predictions, however. And with luck, I won’t arrive home just in time for a customary change to a miserable wet summer! 

The main suitcase is now packed with no further room therein.  That is ready now for transfer to the terminal.  I went up to the Carinthia Lounge to see Paul Garthwaite play his 22 string guitar.  I  bought his 2 CDs!  Then I remembered, I no longer have a CD player!  I first came across him and his partner Kathryn on the QM2 2018 World Voyage. 

Now to return to my cabin to hopefully (almost) complete the packing. But outside, it’s gorgeous. I am waiting for the final consignment of laundry to be returned. Then I should have a better idea of any possible lack of capacity issues.  

I took a leaf out of somebody’s book I got into conversation with, who said that he missed his lunch and had Afternoon Tea in lieu.  I did that on purpose today.  Again, I passed on the cake, but not the scones, and enjoyed four cups of tea.  I am joining friends for drinks in the Chart Room on Deck 3. 

But having to be off the ship by twenty to nine tomorrow morning, I really must resist a late night tonight. Knowing that I should be on here again in September, and for the long haul in January, I see no real urgency to get in as much as I can on this last day. 

I am told that QM2 has been around 80% full on this crossing, and certainly, there were not the almost empty entertainment venues I remember in January and February.  The voyage to Alaska was still affected by the continuing pandemic and resultant (perceived) staff shortages.   Frequently, there were more people in the band than passengers in the Queens Room.  But, full marks (and more) to Cunard for maintaining its on board programme of activities as if the ship was full.    Thankfully, these days seem to be over, with Cunard promoting an impressive repertoire of future voyages, including, from January 2024, with a four ship fleet.  And isn’t this a coincidence, the Maiden Voyage of Queen Anne is 20 years (less 8 days) from that of Queen Mary 2 on January 12th 2004.  It’s less of a coincidence that I will have been on both, as well as on that of Queen Victoria in 2007.  None of this seems all that long ago! 

Hopefully I can continue packing; I didn’t get much sunbathing or walking in today.

23.33 hrs. Both wheeled suitcases are packed and sent for transfer to the terminal. I have a hold-all and two carrier bags which I don’t think will be a problem. This crossing was the Grand Finale of this tour and tonight, mountains of luggage are scattered around the stateroom areas on most decks. So, that’s it, the big trip is almost at an end. Reality beckons!

Folks, I hope you have enjoyed some, at least, of my account of this journey. Thanks for reading, David 23.42 On board QM2. This time tomorrow night, I shall be at home for the first time since May 1st.