Author: davidscruise

On Tuesday March 1st at 20.10hrs in Ashton Nursing Home, Sale, now Gtr. Manchester in 1949,  two things happened.  Outside, 12 inches of snow lay on the ground, unusual for such a low lying part.  The other event is obvious by the title! And today, on the stateroom TV, the Entertainment Director got my surname slightly wrong when announcing the birthdays, a daily occurrence on Cunard ships.  Never mind!  Yesterday, I completed half a million steps in the first 41 days of my travels for this year.  Today, as I celebrate being (ye gods!) 73, the last thing I feel like doing is walking! 

The day ashore was far from the previous spectacularly scenic experiences.  Barbados may be a paradise island but it helps to know the geography of the place if exploring independently.  Our one hour taxi ride merely took us around the city of Bridgetown, both the posh parts and the less attractive, which even I found not overly inspiring. However, with luck, I should be here again in June.  Nevertheless, the news from outside is very distressing, unprecedented, and quite frankly, alarming.

I went to bed early last night, almost immediately after dinner. I had booked Richard Faber’s table for a small celebration tonight, inviting a couple from (now) Gtr. Manchester (Bolton) who came with us on a scenic minibus tour of St. Maarten. Yesterday, we were on the lovely island of Dominica, and there is still plenty left there to explore if circumstances (or finances) allow.

Jo and I did get off the ship, and at long last, found a strong WiFi signal which enabled me to publish a backlog of blogs, complete with illustrations. We both explored the retail outlets in the substantial covered area of the cruise terminal. Bridgetown, we would discover on a one hour taxi ride, (including a fuelling stop!) appeared to have seen better days presumably recovering from the pandemic, and maybe a hurricane or two; they are frighteningly destructive. We had hoped and expected our journey to have taken us further afield to one of the many attractive places on the island. Jo was subtle expressing her justified disappointment! Of course, I had been in Barbados just four weeks ago and enjoyed a routine Cunard shore excursion, and seeing dilapidated parts of the town were a bit poignant. (18.12hrs) QM2 is just leaving the quayside. Cunard’s Queen Victoria remains anchored outside, acting as a hospital ship for the time being. I understand that it won’t be too long before it is restored to its more intended role as a cruise ship.

It’s now time to change for dinner. Richard Faber’s regular table awaits.

Many thanks for reading, and the birthday messages which helped to make this day a little bit special, as if being in Barbados was not enough!! David, 18.44hrs St. David’s Day, 2022.

Monday 28th February 2022, and the international news remains not good.  Also “not good news…..”  This is my last day of my being 72! The good news is that as I write, I have a mere 2,871 steps to complete the first half of my Million Steps on Two Continents Challenge as part of this year’s efforts for Christian Aid.  Theoretically, I should complete this self imposed challenge well before July 15th when I return from an extensive tour including North America.

Again, the morning temperature is a humid 25°C, likely to rise to just short of 30°C.  The last time I was here, it also rained, prompting unjustified complaint!  Today, unless on a recognised tour, we are not allowed to wander into town.  However, I do anticipate taxi drivers plying for trade.

The Internet on board has gone down hill.  Jo’s intelligent suggestion that the good Internet is or was due to just a few passengers being on board doesn’t seem to hold up.  There are three blogs which still need to be published before this one.

On a port day, Jo and I arrange to meet near the Purser’s Office between 10 and 10.15.  After a brief discussion, we venture off the ship to see the shops on the quayside and also, what is available in terms of retail outlets, taxix and trips out.  Yesterday and today, we joined minibus parties for excursions of three or four hours’ duration, including numerous stops for photography and refreshment.  The transport available is usually cramped and uncomfortable. However, the welcome and caring service of our “driver-guides” more than makes up for the bumpy roads of a land still struggling to get over numerous hurricanes and that persistent pandemic.  Hiring a minibus with guide-cum-driver provides a well rehearsed trip, usually slightly more in depth than the shore experience offered on board, and with a more flexible schedule. The minibuses are usually available when you want, rather than at a time decided by the shipping line.

Today, we were taken on an incredibly scenic ride along narrow steep hilly roads up into the hills to various places of interest.  The lush and colourful vegetation is a joy to behold, as are the numerous waterfalls and viewing places across wide valleys.  Being a rain forest, naturally it rained quite frequently. But each shower was soon gone, and the trees, plants and wild flowers with their vivid colours shone as if freshly polished. 

Once again, I was saddened to be saying “goodbye” to another paradise island.  Three long blasts on the ship’s siren confirmed our departure from Dominica.

Tomorrow, I have reserved Richard Faber’s regular table for my birthday celebration. A modest affair this year, but a pleasant one nonetheless.

Many thanks for reading,  David  07.01 hrs St David’s Day.

St. Maarten, Sint Maarten, St. Martin.  Another fascinating island, two thirds French, one third Dutch.  Very badly devastated by Hurricane Irma in 2017, and five years later, still rebuilding not only from that, but also from the covid pandemic.  All these islands now rely on tourism, especially the litany of cruise ships which once, and hopefully will again, contribute to what I perceive is a fragile economy.  It is a privilege to be among the first visitors to return to these paradise islands.  And, it really is hot out here.  Captain Ashmi announced in his speech at around 5 pm, that temperatures had reached 29°C.

Jo and I now meet in the Grand Lobby around 10am, after breakfast.  We wander off the ship, along the quayside to the port entrance where shops and stalls sell mementoes of their town or city.  There are people promoting island tours of varying lengths.  180$ secured four of us a mini van for a four hour exploration of the island, complete with a knowledgeable guide and driver.  We saw almost all of the island, and there were adequate breaks for comfort stops, refreshment, and soaking up the sunshine.  I took few pictures this time around. However, I’m sure I recognised part of the walking route of the previous trip there a month ago. We stopped to take photographs as well as walk along the beach.  I enjoyed the best beefburger I had ever tasted at a little temporary  café.  Rarely do I eat such cuisine, but I did need something to “represent” lunch!  Like yesterday, I was sorry to leave the island, and I do wonder if I will get to set foot here on a future occasion.  

Jo and I chose dinner in the main restaurant. I requested Richard Faber’s regular table at the foot of the Grand Staircase on the right hand side.  I regard the late Richard C. Faber Jnr. as perhaps, almost personal friend from whom I learned much about maritime history, and also purchased much historic memorabilia.  Although a table for 4, my request was granted, and this table was reconfigured for two. What became of his extensive ocean liner collection will remain a mystery.

By the time I was back on board after our island tour, I felt tired, despite a decent sleep. I left my room key in the room, thus having to traipse to the Purser’s Office for my third room key!

Many thanks for reading, David, 00.04 hrs 28/2/22, the last day of February.

Apart from sailing into New York City around five days ago, the only view from my stateroom balcony was the Ocean, which was everything from furious, mountainous, to an eerie but beautiful flat calm of just two days ago, early in the morning.  It is said that QM2 had battled its toughest westbound transatlantic crossing in its history. At the time, that was easy to believe.  While I myself probably prefer smooth relaxing  seas, I was excited and exhilarated by those turbulent seas with mountainous swells and ship-covering sprays.

But enough was enough and boy, did I welcome the increasing calm and warmth of the last three days.  This is the first of five consecutive port days, which, apart from today is a repeat of my previous voyage here just over a month ago.  And it’s still February today, albeit with just three days before St. David’s Day.  Being born on that day inspired my main christian name. 

Below are rough sketches of our progress from the U.K. to NYC and then south to St. Thomas.

And the views from my stateroom.

My stateroom is aft on the port-side of the ship. Presumably, cabins in more uncomfortable parts of the ship are set aside for those who chose Saver Deals, as I did.  The savings far outweighed the disadvantages, e.g. not being able to choose your cabin, no on board spend, no invitations to cocktail parties.  My cabin is above the Queen’s Room where dancing until midnight can disturb an early night, particularly if a pop group is playing there.  Still, no big deal; I can live with that.  However last night, there was a penertrating loud hum which did disturb my slumbers, and again, I slept fairly badly.  Somehow, the effects of this wore off as the day turned into one of the most enjoyable so far.  In the morning after breakfast, we ventured mainly to the shops and stalls near the quayside. I hadn’t quite woken up, but welcomed some really hot weather as I wrote postcards and Jo explored the shopping possibilities. We adjourned for a light lunch in the Boardwalk Cafe High up on Deck 12. I had chicken burger and salad, Jo, a vegi-burger, again, salad, no bun or chips.

Views of St. Thomas and Paradise Point Skyride.

Jo is not overly keen on organised shore excursions; they are overpriced and somewhat regimented. I, on the other hand, find that in places I am not familiar with, they offer the best use of the limited time available, but can also be irritated by the incessant chatter of some tour guides through dodgy ear-piercing P.A. systems. Nevertheless, Jo did join me for the above tour. Our transport was a safari bus which I wish I had photographed. The guide, a local man, took us up into the hills and around much of the island. We stopped at numerous points where spectacular views of the nearby British and U.S. Virgin Islands could clearly be seen on such a lovely clear and warm day. We returned to the foot of the hills from where we transported upwards once again in the Paradise Point cable car. We both enjoyed the tour, and the relevant commentary throughout. After a final walk to the ship, through the security boundaries etc, and past various shops, and a lone steel band and dancers in attractive yellow costumes, we boarded the ship, eventually making our way to the sail-away party outside aft on Deck 8. I lay on a sunbed, the warm breeze caressing my tired brow. Indeed, I was in Paradise debating whether to splurge on a third such voyage in March! (I don’t think so!)

Many thanks for reading, David, the next morning, Sunday 27/2/22, 08.18hrs

I settled down to a nice bowl of porridge in one of the “alcoves” in the King’s Court, this morning, looking out onto a now sunny Promenade Deck.  The air was warm enough to allow me on to my balcony in shorts and t-shirt anytime of the day or night.  While enjoying my oatmeal, a German travelling with, presumably, his wife, settled at an adjacent table.  He attempted to engage me in conversation about, and seek my opinion of the Russia/Ukraine crisis. I wanted to remain silent on something which may well be controversial, and although I spoke, I said almost nothing!  Personally, I detest conflict at any level.  Behind me in the King’s Court, a woman exclaimed excitedly that a rainbow had appeared on the surface of the ocean, something which she had never seen.  I looked out; nor had I!  I was off like a shot to capture this rare sight before it disappeared. The picture above is the best I could achieve which I still felt was worthwhile sharing. 

The rest of this third of three consecutive sea days was idyllic.  Although very windy on the higher decks, that wind was balmy, the weather not too hot at just 25°C or 77° Fahrenheit.  Annoyingly, the arm of my newish pair of sunglasses became detached.  If I can find proof of purchase, I shall seek to have them replaced. In the meantime, the nice man in the on-board shop was more than delighted to sell me a replacement pair.  I shall keep the receipt! 

From New York, maintaining my walking schedule has been far easier than during the tempestuous crossing from Southampton.  Currently, I am now averaging the recommended 10,000 steps/day; that is since Southampton.  I am still walking for charity and it shouldn’t be too long before I reach 500,000 steps, half of my intended target.  This will not include incidental walking at home, but will include the kind of hikes I went on last year in my local area, some of which were for Christian Aid. 

Jo and I dined in the main Britannia Restaurant and for the first time, I couldn’t manage dessert. There’s a “first!”  Showtime in the Royal Court Theatre featured magician Mark Shortland.  His show was clever and superbly presented. I’m sure I have seen him not so long ago on a pre-coronavirus cruise. But none of his material was familiar.

Tomorrow, we dock at Charlotte Amalie, capital of the U.S Virgin Islands, the largest town in St. Thomas. The island is hilly, even mountainous and “offers little opportunity for farming.”  Originally Danish, St. Thomas was purchased for 25 million USD as part of a defence strategy in WW1.  U.S. citizenship was granted to residents in 1927.  My first visit here was, I think, in 1996 on board Royal Caribbean’s Sovereign of the Seas as part of their Eastern Caribbean itinerary.  I would return a year later on Splendour of the Seas with Pat and Ron who I met for the first time, and with whom I remain very much in touch.  R.M.S Queen Mary 2 called here on its maiden voyage in 2004. 

I shall write more about the visit to St. Thomas tomorrow. In the meantime, thanks for reading, David, 00.00hrs in my cabin,  25-26/2/22.

Note: Even in the Cruise Terminal at Barbados (1/3/22) the Internet is not strong enough to upload illustrations. There are now several gaps where pictures should be. I shall republish again when I get home (15/3/22) This applies to Blogs 743, 744, 745, and 746.

It might have been, had not the News been so very concerning.

I had witnessed a magnificent sunrise this morning after one my worst sleeps for a while now. Had I slept well, I would not have seen a surreal North Atlantic Ocean as still as the milk on my porridge. All shades of blue, grey, yellow and orange were represented in the magnificent seascape from my wonderful balcony.

Despite feeling heavy-eyed from not enough sleep, the not too cool breeze outside and clear skies, with the warmest day of the cruise so far, I managed some decent walking before a lunch of sweet and sour pork, rice and noodles. Excellent it was too. Jo, who had joined me, had something similar. I then adjourned to my quarters on Deck 4 for a power nap. I felt infinitely better after a couple or so hours in darkness, as the sea became a tad livelier and it didn’t warm up any further. I walked further as the sun set behind distant clouds, as it always seems to when hoping for a “pyrotechnic” sunset. However, the rays from behind the menacing clouds still made for a worthwhile event.

Although it’s Gala Night tonight, I just don’t feel like a huge formal dinner. Dressing up is not compulsory as long as one sticks to a variety of venues where casual attire is accepted. An early night is a good idea. And that’s what I shall aim for, even if now, I do feel wide awake! (19.17 hrs, my stateroom on Deck 4, 24/2/22)

(07.41, 25th February) Jo and I chose not to dress up for Gala night, and enjoyed a quiet Italian meal in a small area of the King’s Court, set up for Pizza or Pasta. Just one other couple were there, finishing their meal, testament to what can happen if one chooses to live on delicious pizza!

I usually go for a final (nocturnal) deck walk before retiring for the night. Not this time…I needed to get my head down early, and did just that.

Soon, the sun was streaming through my window, and I guessed it was around 7 am. I had slept well. My balcony door is latched open; wonderful warm air streams in, freshening up my air conditioned sleeping quarters. This voyage provides an excellent two week vacation for those living not too far from New York and others who would have to travel from further afield.

The TV continues its coverage of not so good news.

Now it’s high time I was up and about soaking up this second bonus of winter sunshine.

Many thanks for reading, David, 08.06 in bed! 25/2/22.

Savour these pictures!  Rarely am I awake early enough to record the start of such a beautiful day!  I’m impressed. What a wonderful start to the second of three sea days between New York and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.

I turned on the TV shortly after taking these pictures.  The news, unlike the calm warm of outside, was grim.  I can’t get my head around the Russia/Ukraine crisis. I assume now is not the time to sell my Carnival shares!   But, outside, it  is “millpond calm” and clear skies suggest a scorcher for the hours to come.  I shall capitalise on this fine day, and “deck-pound” until the time Noon morphs into 13.00hrs without an hour’s passage of actual time.  Yep, the clocks are advanced an hour at midday to GMT-4. 

I am not sure how far south we have steamed since leaving New York at around 8 o’clock on Tuesday evening.  The Navigational Channel wasn’t functioning last time I checked.  I guess we might be level with Florida.  I had a larger breakfast than usual from around 09.30 hrs, having not slept particularly well last night.  I will make up for it tonight!  Last night, I made the mistake of allowing the phone to update itself.  That has invalidated my on board password and number. For the life of me, I haven’t a clue how to reset this. Oh! Modern technology!  The nice man in the Library should be able to get me started again. He was busy, but the Purser’s Office was able to help. I shall write more later.

All the best, David, 10.27, Grand Lobby, QM2

Actually, it wasn’t, this morning. The outside temperature was given as 11°C, with F9 south-westerly near gale conditions across the outside decks.  And it was raining!  I wrote off thoughts of walking, but this afternoon, it was dry and much warmer than I envisaged. 

This morning, I relaxed, writing WhatsApp messages to people I know back at home.  It wasn’t fit to venture outside.  I met Jo at her favourite spot in the Carinthia Lounge. There was a fascinating illustrated talk by Steve King, The Story Behind the Song, which provided an unusual but qualified insight into how famous and favourite songs came into being.  I look forward to his next lecture on Friday. 

A light lunch of tomato soup, rice and stir-fried noodles was the order of today.  We then ventured to the Royal Court Theatre for the third of four recitals by the Melbourne and Socrates Duo, featuring music for clarinet and piano by Schubert and Brahms, among others.  We took our seats in the “side circle” on Deck 3, where we all would sit during the 2018 QM2 World Voyage.  There was a remarkably good attendance although a few found the whole thing too much, and discreetly left the auditorium. I noticed!  Neither of us had any appetite for Afternoon Tea but we are using our discretionary vouchers for alternative dining tonight.

Having warmed up substantially this afternoon, Jo and I did a couple of laps of Deck 7.  I then did a couple more by myself, and some more, still, after it had gone dark.  I think we can safely say it’s going to be warmer from now on.  Our first Caribbean port of call on Saturday is the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Thomas. The last time I was there was on the Maiden Voyage of the ship I am on right now. That was an unbelievable 18 years ago. 

Tonight, we redeemed our Diamond World Club vouchers in the Alternative Dining venue, where a section of the King’s Court eatery is laid up with linen tablecloths and fine cutlery and crockery. Tonight, my main course was “venison cottage pie.”  Somehow, for dessert, the chef managed to produce an allegedly much reduced sugar baked Alaska. Neither of us had meringue!  

We went to the show, afterwards where Indigo May, two superb female vocalists entertained brilliantly with an eclectic repertoire of many different genres of song. I’ve seen them before, but I didn’t recall them being as good as they were tonight.

The beat of the pop band Changez in the Queen’s Room is not conducive to an early night. I shall do a couple of laps on/of the Promenade Deck by which time the dancing should have finished.

Apparently, it’s 20°C outside. Time for an evening stroll methinks. I made my way to Deck 7 where outside, a warm strong breeze reminded me of those glorious warm days of late January/early February. Outside on Deck 7, I came across the folk duo who play late at night in the Golden Lion. They finish on QM2 on March 15th, the day I disembark. Their contract continues on Queen Elizabeth on May 2nd. This is some coincidence; my next travels resume the same day on that same cruise ship.

Many thanks for reading. David, 00.21hrs King’s Court aft, where “refreshment” is available until 00.30 hrs.

As we passed over the Gulf Stream yesterday, high winds (between F9 and 11) prevented any opportunity of enjoying the unnaturally high temperature of 18°C.  Movement in the ship is much less today, but also, it is not quite so mild.  Three severe weather systems, Eunice, Franklin and an un-named one from Canada made for a very rough and bumpy crossing.  Only on the last sea day before New York (today) are things back to “normal.”  Gone are the massive swells waves and spray which characterised much of this turbulent crossing.  The good news is that our arrival tomorrow is delayed by around three hours.  No having to be up early tomorrow morning after all.  We draw alongside at Brooklyn Cruise Terminal at around 10.00hrs.  And we depart for the Caribbean at 19.30hrs. 

At last, I was able to, late in the afternoon, enjoy some deck walking in bright cool sunshine, and make up for some of the walking I wasn’t able to do previously.  I caught up with Jo, and in the evening, dined as usual, in the Britannia Restaurant just after 8 o’clock.  At last, the  Royal Court Theatre Singers and Dancers were able to stage one of their signature productions, “Be My Guest” based on music from The Greatest Showman.  This proved a fitting finale to what was described as “The Worst Crossing QM2 had encountered.”  I’m not sure that is accurate but it will certainly go down in history.  After the show, it was time for sleep. But typically, I was awake at 5am after just under six hours’ sleep.  (06.20 hrs, Tuesday, 22/2/22 or 2/22/22.)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

06.22 hrs.

How annoying!  I was overjoyed when the Captain Aseem A. Hashmi announced yesterday that we would arrive at Redhook (Brooklyn Cruise Terminal) three hours late, meaning my not having to be up early in order to see the ship’s dramatic arrival into New York, passing under the Verrazano Narrows Suspension Bridge and also, by a short distance, The Statue of Liberty, before berthing at the Terminal.  I awoke at around 5am, never to return to sleep.  Was this because my body clock says that it is still 10 o’clock (GMT)?  Surely not after seven nights!  I rested my eyes until something past 7 o’clock, had a shower, and then joined the “throngs” on 12 and 13 Deck just in time to video QM2 pass (comfortably) under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, I believe, opened in 1964.  Jo joined me for breakfast, this time in the Britannia Restaurant.

At least, we were in plenty of time for the Cunard shore excursion to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  I had dreaded freezing temperatures well below Zero. The day did start cool, around 6°C but was acceptably bright and sunny. I didn’t really believe the forecast for rain, but sure enough, from perhaps two hours into the trip, it rained for the rest of the day, right until we were back on board and on our way south.

I suppose that I can say that I have visited the Statue of Liberty, and the very new museum close by, on Liberty Island.  We had around an hour and twenty minutes at each place, and having been awake since 5am, that was plenty of time. However, both “attractions” require far more than eighty minutes to do justice to visiting them.  But I felt the excursion provided an excellent opportunity to get a good feel of both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. (00.04hrs, 23/2/22.)

Yet again, not much historical detail in this account of my visit.  I do have an official illustrated guide book from which I hope to add interesting detail to my visit; the same applies to Ellis Island. I came away with the intention and hope of spending far more time in both places.

Many thanks for reading. David, 09.03hrs, 23/2/22, having enjoyed a good night’s sleep!

Note. Somewhere in my blog numbering system, I skipped a number. The purpose of this entry is to align the blog number with that recorded on my personal blog page.