David's Cruise

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.

Stephen Payne’s masterpiece, Queen Mary 2 is proving itself magnificently in probably still the roughest crossing to New York that I remember, with passengers instructed not only to stay indoors, but not even venture out onto their balconies. I think it was a wise decision to swallow yet another seasickness pill at 5am today!  I hope that the short pieces of video may illustrate well on a larger screen just how dramatic this morning has become.

I started to become slightly irritated when in his address to those attending what I now call Maritime Mattins, (the morning Church Service in the Royal Court Theatre, at which Campbell Simpson played the hymns), announced that QM2 had passed within 40 nautical miles of the resting place of RMS Titanic at around 6am. But, he was soon recounting the true storyof two clergymen who refused lifeboat entry so as to be able to administer prayers to those for whom there was no chance of survival.  Both clergy perished, one after swimming to those in lifeboats in a last minute, and astonishing final opportunity to convert possible survivors, one of whom testified at a survivors’ meeting in Ontario just a few years later.  During the service, the stage curtains swayed from side to side, worshippers hung onto their seats as what felt like one long earthquake continued as in the previous four days.  The Captain’s tribute to those two clergy, and those who perished in 1912 was both poignant and appropriate, and I felt blessed to be there. 

Is it appropriate, I ask myself, to mark the 35th anniversary of the day I walked away from a derailed freight train, into which the 16.22hrs passenger service from Sheffield to Manchester and Liverpool collided?  The resultant heap was spectacular, but fortunately there were no serious injuries on the passenger train. 

We continue west through these troubled seas at around 20 – 21 knots, and we might be through the worst of it after lunch.  I shall miss the 35ft waves, and “firework-spray.” The horizon is blotted out by sea fog.  While in the King’s Court, seated in one of the alcoves adjacent to the Promenade Deck (7), that deck was swamped more than once by sea spray.  It was an amazing experience as the water crashed by outside the window.  14.55hrs, The Library.  Jo and I partook of a light lunch in the Carinthia Lounge which is so comfortable, one is tempted to take root there!  I left Jo to her reading and Internet tasks while I searched photographic vantage points to video the outside from.  Jo had told me of one such place in the Library, forward on Deck 8, where at one sitting area, you can enjoy both forward and rearward views.  The Captain in his noon-day address talked of winds of between F10 and F11.  Any time lost during this turbulent crossing should be recovered tomorrow when much calmer conditions are forecast.  While I do enjoy a “theme park crossing,” I shall be glad of the opportunity to relax and be able to walk in a straight line. And actually, despite my 5am travel sickness precautions, I needed to return to my cabin later this afternoon to lie down! On the way, I booked Jo and I onto the shore excursion to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Tonight is Gala Night, the second of seven such evenings where the dress code is formal. Now, it is 17.51hrs, and the sea doesn’t feel any less rough. The sea fog is long gone, and, as we traverse the Gulf Stream, the air temperature is an impressive 18 degrees Celsius. However, I am hardly feeling like indulging in a Gala Dinner. Nevertheless, the black tuxedo will have its first airing this voyage. The dress shirt is newly laundered, and I have a choice of bow ties to pick from, handmade by a woman in Canada from whom I plan to buy more later this year, when on Vancouver Island. I do hope she is still in business.

18.01hrs Still my cabin bounces and sways as the ocean moves outside, seemingly only slightly less than this morning. We shall all welcome a calmer day tomorrow.

The ship’s Internet service seems to be pretty good now. I shall attempt to post a few illustrations. In the meantime, thanks for reading, David, 18.07 hrs in my cabin.

There’s still a F7 “Near Gale” outside, and only now at 11.32hrs has the sun poked through to fill my sheltered balcony with 15 degrees of warmth. We are steaming at a respectable 21+ knots and are around 42 degrees north of the Equator.  That’s roughly on a level with northern Spain. 

Despite the extra hour in bed, and waking up early, I was still late for breakfast and have little strategy for the day ahead, except to take that rare opportunity to relax. I have no intention of staying up late tonight, and I want to acclimatise myself for a possible early start during our day in New York next Tuesday.   There is an excellent choice of Cunard excursions, most to familiar places.  My first choice is to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  But maybe, I will use the hop on/hop off buses around the city, as previously.  I doubt there will be enough time to walk across the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. I shall tick that box on a future visit. 

I have had to ditch another one time favourite shirt, not noticing, yesterday when I wore it complete with tie for dinner, that the collar was badly frayed and in holes!  If Jo noticed, she didn’t say anything! 

The sun came out eventually and although  balmy outside, it proved far too windy for me to resume the deck walking.  However, I remain well on target for my charity challenge of one million steps in Europe, Central America, U.S.A. and Canada.  Those million steps may be the easy bit.  The weight loss, which I hope happens anyway, is more of a challenge. 

The sun has retreated, and the sea back to its typical “tempestuousness.”  And the Captain promised worse to come before coming out of what should be the last weather system. 

I had much of the morning to myself. Jo joined me for lunch which I had hoped would be a chicken curry in the Golden Lion.  Annoyingly, the place was almost full with people watching football.  So we adjourned to the Britannia Restaurant.  I enjoyed the simple meal on offer, as well as the Cunard signature fruit plate, which really, I should photograph for posterity.  I always follow my main course with the fruit plate which usually consists of pineapple, melon, orange, plum, and if you are lucky, a strawberry! 

In the Royal Court Theatre, this afternoon, a sizeable audience listened to a recital by the Melbourne and Socrates Duo, of music by composers including Rachmaninov, Debussy, Bach, and Poulenc.  It was an unusual programme for piano and clarinet, Claire de Lune being the only recognisable melody, which made it an interesting afternoon.  We ventured to then take part in the trivia quiz, coming nowhere near winning! After a brief rest, we returned for another quiz, answering 11 out of 12 questions, but still not winning. Jo and I adjourned to the Britannia Restaurant for dinner. Strangely, I had the vegetarian Thai Green Curry, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

As the afternoon progressed towards dusk, the seas whipped up again, and right now, a South Westerly Force 9 Severe Gail is throwing us around yet again. Apparently the air temperature is a welcome 18 degrees Celsius or 64 Fahrenheit, brilliant for a North Atlantic crossing in February. This is only Day 5/28 and we dock in Brooklyn N.Y. on Tuesday after 6 mostly turbulent days at sea.

I shall write more tomorrow, Sunday 20th February. Thanks for reading, David, 00.34hrs 20th February.