David's Cruise

I always was lucky!  Instead of the anticipated and possibly dreaded freezing crossing with little or no chance of enjoying the open decks, Storm Eunice forced a southerly, and thus warmer route to New York, where, right now, temperatures in the mid-teens Celsius prevail, hopefully until our first stop there, and maybe when we call again on the way home.

Apart from Jo, I know absolutely nobody from previous voyages, apart from maybe a few staff.  But this is turning out to be the most wonderfully relaxed voyage. We will soon be half-way to New York.  Less tempestuous seas reflect the bright sunshine  off the ripples and white froth which stretch as far as the eye can see.  “Big Eunice” is battering Britain as the storm progresses towards Europe.  I am in my favourite Carinthia Lounge as a lone guitarist finger-picks Elton John’s Your Song.  This really is The Life!   The wind has nowhere near dropped, but I was able to get in three laps of the Boat/Promenade Deck this morning, during which I also attended the covid testing centre, once again set up in the Queen’s Room.  Early in the afternoon, I caught up with Jo in the Carinthia Lounge where I had been earlier today.  We stayed on Deck 7 for a light lunch in the King’s Court eatery.  I had some kind of Asian stir-fried dish with rice.  Unusually for me, I enjoyed some chocolate/vanilla ice cream from a machine. Then, I took little to be persuaded to play Bingo in the Golden Lion pub on Deck 2, adjacent to the Britannia Restaurant.  Actually, I won, but so did two others, the prize fund of $80.00 being split three ways.  No rebooking another cruise then!

For a second time, the main show in the Royal Court Theatre, Rhythm of the Night, had to be switched to later in the voyage, the movement of the ship still being too lively for rehearsals to be safe. The replacement entertainer,  Jeff Stevenson filled in with another very funny show with much new and topical material.  This followed yet another fine dinner in the Britannia Restaurant. My main course was lamb, followed by a dessert of fresh fruit and allegedly diabetic ice cream.  Jo and I adjourned to the Golden Lion “pub” on Deck 2.   For some reason, after more music, this time from folk duo Cameron and Shane, I felt the urge for a snack in an open section of The King’s Court eatery. With the clocks going back a further hour, I did feel justified getting a “small something-to-eat” and a decaff coffee on Deck 7.  For those desirous of further sustenance, an impressive selection of hot food,  snacks and desserts is available until 12.30 the following morning.  Quite unintentionally, I got to meet Jeff Stevenson and in an unexpected conversation, among other things, derived a fascinating insight into that particular aspect of show-business. 

I then retired for the night, anticipating soaking up the sun on my sheltered balcony as I had done earlier in the day.

Many thanks for reading, David 09.00hrs the next day, Saturday 19th February.

This is the second of four sea days as we steam in a slightly less south-westerly direction, according to the positional updates on the stateroom TV.   Outside, the air temperature is 13 degrees Celsius, far warmer than I was expecting on this crossing.  And the Captain, in his address to the audience in the Royal Court Theatre, announced temperatures of 20C in New York.  If he is right, this will be more of a sunshine cruise than I was anticipating. He also joked about two people he met in the Commodore Club, annoyed that QM2 had been diverted away from the far worse weather than we were encountering; they had booked this particular crossing specifically for the rough seas expected at this time of year.  Such people do exist, but I took his tale with a bit of a pinch of salt!

For the first time, sunshine flooded (intermittently) into the sheltered balcony of my cabin….which I am delighted with.   This is situated not quite as far as one can go back on Deck 4, port-side, almost opposite Inside Cabin 4198 which I occupied on QM2’s maiden voyage in January 2004.  Those who wish to experience the wrath of the North Atlantic to the full could do worse than to take up accommodation in this “least popular” part of the ship…or at the very front, high up!

In my cabin, one case remains as left in Southampton.  This will be dealt with when I feel like it…quite soon, as my shirts for the last weekend and couple of days are sent to the laundry as required.  I still stay away from the launderette on board, from where unsavoury stories and gossip, I am given to understand, emanate! 

I have just finished my regular breakfast of porridge, banana, yoghurt, and a decaff coffee.  Complimentary lunch has been booked in the Verandah Restaurant aft on Deck 8.  Jo ( QM2 World Voyage 2018 and QV South America 2020) will join me for, maybe, an afternoon of reminiscing.

Although breezy outside, I shall try to improve on yesterday’s miserable attempt at deck walking.  The sea still appears rough, and the ship responding to the vagaries of the ocean.  To say I am delighted with being able to spend so much time on board is an understatement. The changing appearance, and characteristics of the sea and sky continue to impress, like hearing wonderful music one never tires of.  11.19hrs GMT -2.  There is no time change tomorrow morning.  

Lunch, with in Steakhouse at the Verandah today was one of the benefits offered by Cunard to their World Club Diamond level members, which Jo and I decided, last night to avail ourselves of.  Steakhouse at the Verandah is an alternative dining area on all three Cunard ships which attract an extra charge.  Other such extra charge eateries are in an area of the King’s Court set aside for themed dining.  I was slightly underwhelmed this afternoon.  There’s absolutely no doubt as to the presentation of the food. But somehow, Steakhouse lacks flexibility apart from how well or rare you choose to have your steak prepared.  I asked for sugar free ice cream as a dessert. Being told that I should have informed them I was diabetic struck me as a poor example of customer care…nobody asked when I made the reservation.  Service in the main restaurants is exemplary where off-menu dishes can be arranged with notice, and small variations on what’s offered with no notice.  This is my fifth week on QM2 in 2022, and although there must be a pattern in the main menu, I have yet to discern any obvious repetition. 

For our few hours in New York, I am considering taking the shore excursion to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.  I have seen both many times from afar. I have no intention of crawling out of bed at silly o’clock to witness passing under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge and seeing the now familiar Statue of Liberty, which I hope to visit.

Outside, only the very hardy could tackle deck walking.  The wind across the decks was as strong as any I recall, and perhaps even just that bit too risky to battle.  I managed just half a lap, yet again!  The raging sea is magnificent, but difficult to portray on video. We are promised more of the same turbulent conditions where, on board, walking straight is an impossibility.  We are assured of calmer seas after lunch tomorrow.  Storm Eunice, set to batter the UK was the weather system QM2 was marginally affected by. “Marginally” is somewhat of an understatement.  I retreated into the Carinthia Lounge where I managed to answer just four of the quiz questions, not actually taking part, but seated quietly, writing this blog in an isolated corner. (Around 4.30pm)

Tomorrow, we remain 2 hours behind GMT, and I assume the remaining three hours’ adjustment will take place on each of the three remaining sea days. 

THE NEXT DAY, The 3rd of 6 sea days to New York, Friday 18th February. (around 8.15am)

Last night, movement in the ship was more severe than I remember, and it was exciting watching a virtuoso pianist as the Royal Court Theatre bounced around, juddered and vibrated as if in one long earthquake. I found myself contemplating booking another winter crossing until the need to take a motion sickness pill suddenly manifested itself. I was soon fine again! The pianist, Mac Frampton is described in the Daily Programme as America’s Most Electrifying Showman. Cunard are not given to exaggeration…! Nevertheless his flawless performance, occasionally drowned out by the equally talented Royal Court (8 piece) Orchestra, was spectacular, and I would place him up there with Russ Conway, Richard Claderman, or even Liberace. He invited the audience to suggest a medley of melodies for his grand finale. There were about 10 suggestions (or requests) from those on both levels. Al suggestions were then merged into the most brilliant bit of improvisation I have ever heard. Reluctantly, this unique work drew to a close and attracted a much deserved standing ovation. (I am NOT a music critic!)

This morning, blue, but cloudy skies are what I look out to from my still bouncy stateroom. The televised Navigational Information tells me we are continuing very slightly south westerly as we pass north of the Azores later in the day. Air temperature is an acceptable 11 degrees Celsius and thankfully, the wind across the decks, last night reaching the mid 80s knots, is about half that this morning. The sun streams more abundantly into my sheltered balcony (08.51 hrs)

Time for my breakfast. Many thanks for reading, David 08.55hrs in my cabin.

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.

Rarely do Cunard offer a sailing to New York in February; January to April or May is traditionally the period when various shipping lines offer either their World Cruise, or World Voyage. There is a difference.  I have never circumnavigated the world in one voyage, (World Cruise).  My journeys to Australia in 2018 and South America were World Voyages, being 75 days or more, out by one route, and back by a different or similar, but very rarely, exactly the same route.  The pandemic mixed things up a little, and quite unusually, QM2 is making its first transatlantic crossing of 2022 to New York.  It should have been on its way to Australia, with me on board, but next year, the 100th anniversary of the First World Cruise, will do nicely! 

Already, folk are walking around the Promenade (Boat) Deck. Although very wet, it is mild.  My charity steps resume from the start of today, 15th February.  I don’t mean to be pessimistic, but I doubt achieving the 340,000 plus of the last four weeks. The alarm signal has just sounded. Nobody seemed to take a blind bit of notice. It was, of course, a drill.  I do hope, if this happens mid-Atlantic without the prefix For Exercise, For Exercise, there may be an appropriate immediate response by everybody.

We are still in port, but expect to be departing within the hour.  And, just as I guessed, I have been assigned first sitting for dinner, as had travelling companion Jo, who I got to know in 2018, and on the South America trip of 2020.  We both negotiated our preferred dining time of between 19.45hrs and 21.20hrs, after trying out 1st sitting tonight.  I felt we were slightly rushed, although the food and service was still excellent. 

The motion of the ship which I could feel for most of the weekend I was at home is, once again “for real.”  Our Captain for this voyage is Capt. Assem A. Hashmi.  He joined the ship in Tenerife during the last voyage, taking over from Capt. Hall, in Southampton (or so I am given to understand).  He has chosen to avoid a severe weather system, so once we leave the English Channel, we shall head south-westerly towards the Azores, possibly making for slightly warmer weather and, hopefully, calmer seas.  That strikes me as a good move.

After quite a while, all my luggage was delivered to my room. But, there was no time to unpack before the early dinner. I had tried to get onto the ship’s Internet service, but was informed that the “tech men” were overhauling the system while QM2 was in port.  It worked brilliantly on the last voyage; I hope it still does.

With three unpacked pieces of luggage still on my bed, I was impressed that Julius, my cabin steward for the voyage was still able to make my bed up.

My fear of music from the Queen’s Room being audible in my cabin has to a tiny degree been confirmed. However, right now, this, thankfully is hardly noticeable. 

Below is the planned itinerary of this voyage:-  15th February Southampton, UK, 22nd February New York USA, 26th February St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 27 February Philipsburg, St. Maarten 28th February, Roseau, Dominica My Birthday, Bridgetown, Barbados 2nd March, St.George’s, Grenada 3rd March, At Sea 4th March, Basseterre, St.Kitts and Nevis, 8th March, New York, USA, 15th March Southampton UK, when I return home on the 10.16hrs from Southampton Central.

I aim to write about the places we call at in more detail than previously. That’s the plan.  My hope is that this current blog can be more informative, interesting, and perhaps entertaining. 

I am still full from my early dinner.  Day 1 is always a bit chaotic.  Now, it’s time (at long last) to unpack.   

Many thanks for reading. Day 1 draws to a close.  David, Cabin 4192, with a view, from QM2,  21.06hrs GMT.

DAY 1 of the second voyage, Southampton, New York, St Thomas and other Caribbean islands.

This is it. I now await the results of my covid-19 test prior to embarkation, and have been relieved of my one piece of slightly heavy carry-on baggage. I had anticipated walking around Southampton but the driving rain left me drenched for the short distance I did walk. In the end, as you can see from the pictures, I took one final look at the railway station. And just like the trainspotter I once was a very long time ago, I took a few pictures of something now far less familiar. While at Southampton Station, I booked a seat on the 10.16 departure for Macclesfield- First Class!

So far, my paperwork is in order, and I am awaiting (by text message) the result of the still mandatory covid-19 test. This long winded procedure should ensure that the ship is entirely free of the pandemic. This second (in 2022) QM2 cruise of three that I know of, to the Caribbean and first impressions are that the ship is well filled.

This all seems to take forever, but actually, I should be on board, and in fact, at 13.31 hrs, my negative test results means I can now proceed towards embarkation.

My next blog will be from on board.

Thanks for reading, David, Mayflower Terminal, 13.37hrs.

The pandemic is alive and well, but I hear, all restrictions will be lifted at the end of February. Correct me if I am wrong!  But, at the end of February, I shall be, for a second time, in the warm climes of the Caribbean. That assumes that I don’t “fail” a Lateral Flow Test at the Mayflower Terminal in Southampton tomorrow.  Despite dreadful rainy weather throughout my brief stay at home, I enjoyed a weekend in Buxton. The fatiguing effects of semi global travel caught up with me on Saturday, and I felt so very exhausted that I doubted the wisdom of having arranged such far-flung itineraries, particularly between May and July.  However, on Sunday, after a decent kip, I was rejuvenated and felt the benefit of a good long holiday for the whole day.  On Monday, I  finished packing overnight gear in a decent sized carry-on bag, 

My plans to visit my godson and his family on the way did not work out, despite the best efforts on both our parts. 

Today sees my first trip on a UK train since celebrating Christmas, again with my godson and family in 2019. Until then, travelling by rail was almost a daily activity, perhaps a little less so after retirement. Trains were the big part of my leisure (and later professional) activity since my brother, Tommie, took me to Crewe to watch the major express services, then steam hauled, and with the theatrical presence of a rock concert. I think I was twelve at the time, and a huge impression was made on me.  So, today, well over two years of not travelling by rail in the U.K. for me must be some kind of a record.

I hate doing things online – it never works these days!  I just hope somebody at the hotel tonight can help me acquire an ESTA, the U.S.A. visa waiver arrangement that in the past, I had no problem applying for.  I made several attempts on the train, where the Internet is excellent. Well done CrossCountry. When I get to submitting the number e-mailed to me it becomes invalid and I seem to have to start all over again.  This could scupper my getting on board tomorrow, and Cunard makes it quite clear that failure to produce the right documents is the responsibility of the passenger, and no refund would be forthcoming.  This, actually, is not unreasonable.  But the hoops one has to jump through to travel these days is a bewildering obstacle course. 

I am enjoying my first train ride in around 25 months, and not having tons of luggage to trail around, there was no real justification in going  First Class, where generally, there is adequate luggage space.  There is a glorious sunset as we speed towards Oxford from Banbury.     Two four-car Voyager units form today’s train which is well filled but not overly crowded, with most passengers boarding and alighting at stations along the route. 

It is now almost dark, and my forward facing seat is no longer, as at Reading, the Driver changes ends for the train to continue south to Basingstoke.  These Voyager sets were originally part of Virgin Trains, and the coach I am riding in appears to be no different inside than when first introduced c2001.  While not a big fan of these particular units, their introduction did enable an hourly service between Manchester and Bournemouth and therefore, Macclesfield and Southampton, which negated the need, if travelling to either Southampton or Bournemouth of having to go via London and traipsing across to Waterloo either by bus, taxi or the Northern Line. 

If I were going to catch covid, it might well have been today. Masks are no longer mandatory on public transport, but the on-train staff encourage their use especially when the train is crowded.  Already, we are drawing into Basingstoke, and memories of 1964 are awakened, when for one glorious summer’s day, my cousin Geoffrey and I, then aged 15, sat in a cemetery overlooking the station watching a parade of steam hauled, mainly passenger trains with long rakes of Bulleid and B.R. Mark 1 green coaching stock, on services between Waterloo and perhaps as far as Weymouth.  Ye Gods! I saw the Rolling Stones in 1964! I still have the ticket stub and the programme.

This blog has very little about my immediate travels, and the February crossing to New York will not provide much opportunity for interesting writing. However, I will do my best, especially to keep those readers who have somehow come across my blog-site, and those who still persevere after, perhaps, years.  Two such voyages in just over two months will provide an opportunity to be more descriptive of the places I shall be visiting. I just have to get that ESTA documentation completed tonight!

We are approaching Winchester.  Almost there!

Just one more stop before Southampton, Southampton Airport Parkway.  The four hour journey seems to have gone quickly.  Will I feel the same when I ride the Empire Builder from Seattle to Chicago, two nights and three days?! 

Many thanks for reading, David, on board the 14.49hrs Macclesfield to Southampton Cross Country service.

Yesterday, driving back from Southampton, and taking one last glimpse of QM2 as we headed away from the port, blue clear skies were the order of just that day, and one could forgive its being rather cool outside.  Today, it is 50 shades of miserable grey, with periodic lashings of ice cold horizontal rain, turbo charged from leadened skies.  The house seemed to pitch and roll as if floating on the north Atlantic. And now, the Royal Oak at Hurdlow seems to be doing the same as the wonderful “youth of today” serve me lunch with pride and enthusiasm.  I figured that, with the atrocious weather, there would be plenty of availability…for one!  That there was just one parking space outside the restaurant indicated the continuance of a much deserved roaring trade.  Representatives of the future of the human race were in abundance as several families enjoyed their weekend treat. Only being home for two full days (Sat/Sun) provided adequate justification for eating out most of the time.  I had a kind of beef stroganoff (after carrot and coriander soup).  This was delicious, but I still need to go easy on the creamy sauces!  Again, and annoyingly, I have to pass on the desserts, many of which are former favourites. They do, however, usually prepare me a fruit salad, and the efficient delivery of fresh cutlery, indicates I am in luck today, also.  I can still feel the motion of the ocean!  

Cunard tell me that I need to report to Mayflower Terminal at 1.15pm on Tuesday.  I assume I will need to have swabs up my nose as covid-19 testing and restrictions continue. My plan is to take an afternoon train directly to Southampton from Macclesfield on Monday, staying overnight to be assured of being in good time the next day. This will be my first U.K. train journey since December 2019 when the coronavirus (not yet) pandemic was but a small and little heard of item in the News.  On board Queen Victoria on the way to South America, a little old lady showed me a similar obscurely placed article, she, warning me of dire global consequences.  I took minimal notice and carried on anticipating the adventures to come on this phenomenal circumnavigation of a continent I had yet to visit.  The rest, they say is history.

There is little more to write about at the moment.

Welcome to all those who have recently come across my blogs. These are almost like a personal diary which I hope you will continue to enjoy.

All the best, and thanks for reading,

David, 15.18hrs, The Royal Oak, Hurdlow.

This is it; I am off the ship awaiting my “transport” home which I fear is stuck in traffic.  Captain Hall announced temperatures of just 2 degrees Celsius and a clear day. He was right on both counts. Although I’m coming back next week, I still felt that “end of holiday sadness” last night as I took one final walk around the ship.  I felt slightly sorry for the entertainers contracted to play at almost empty venues as if performing to a sell-out event. I was impressed.  There were, of course, a small few “guests” in the Queen’s Room, the Chart Room and Champagne Bar. But most passengers had gone to bed in readiness for disembarkation today.  Despite occasional moaning as momentary congestion occurred disembarking the ship, leaving QM2 I thought was rather speedy, compared to previous occasions, and having deposited my main luggage for storage in Southampton, or maybe on board, I could make for the terminal exit without having to search for suitcases. Below are photos taken last night before getting my head down.

It wasn’t long before, after waiting a few minutes at the cruise terminal my car came into sight. My two carry-on bags were slung in the back, and soon, my neighbour, who had brought my car from Buxton and I were on the way home. It was a pleasant and leisurely drive, stopping three times for coffee, lunch and a tea break. But now, it’s time for a much needed early night. Tomorrow, I shall deal with the mail and catch up with any other necessary tasks, whatever they may be.

Many thanks for reading. David, at home near Buxton 22.34hrs.

It had to happen!  The final full day of this magnificent 28 night voyage is here, and, apart from the numerous nocturnal comfort stops, I had a decent night’s sleep, possibly due in part to the motion sickness medication I took yesterday afternoon.  Last night was “Red and Gold” night, the idea being that formal wear, and events during the day, should be red and gold themed. Thus, the white tuxedo got its final airing, and my (very difficult to put on) red tie was back in Buxton!   I am well-on with the packing, but I must not be complacent if I am to avoid the usual last minute panic of previous cruises.

As you can perceive from this very uninspiring snapshot, both sky and sea are colourless and boring, the only not very good day of this entire voyage. And, it doesn’t matter one little bit.  A table in one of the bay windows has been vacated, and now, I look on with glee and trepidation at the 50 shades of grey outside.  Trepidation? Yep! The North Atlantic in February is going to be a new experience; I think I have crossed in either direction between New York and Southampton at least once in every month of the year.  Come to think of it, I’m not too sure about December, however.  Thus, today is a good day to be snarled up with the packing.  

For those readers who have come across my blog, possibly wondering whether to try out cruising, or indeed, whether to add Queen Mary 2 to their bucket list, I would recommend both.  If you hate either, one doesn’t have to repeat the experience. But, it is very unlikely, if open-minded, your experience would be a total disaster!  Back in the 1970s and 80s, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 was very much on my bucket list, and I thought a three night Christmas Party Cruise would more than satisfy my curiosity.  To this day, I recall savouring every moment of this short trip on a real ocean liner. Every step was on hallowed ground….I was addicted!  Some pieces of Cunard memorabilia which Blake Paterson very kindly sent me in 1969, following my first ever trip to North America, saw the light of day once again.  My father who had, as a boy, crossed the English Channel on the Berengaria and (I think) Aquitania, passed on his souvenirs to me.  It wouldn’t be until the spring of 2001 that I would make the traditional westbound crossing on QE2,  seeing the World Trade Centre as we sailed towards the traditional Cunard Pier in Manhattan.  That last hour was a magnificent finale to my first transatlantic crossing.  Then came 9-11, and my early morning photographs of The Twin Towers would take on a very poignant, emotional and historic significance.  I digress!  There are numerous YouTube channels which may give a better impression than I can with blog.  There will be irritations, and one or two disappointments especially if expectations are unrealistically high.  My reasonably high expectations, more often than not, are exceeded, particularly on this mid-pandemic voyage.  No meal I chose disappointed, except that, now being diabetic, I had to pass on all the delicious sugar-filled desserts on offer, and cakes, when I indulged in a traditional serenaded afternoon tea in the Queen’s Room.  Darn it! 

There was a time when (years ago) I was among the younger passengers. This is by far, no longer the case!  The present voyage provided far more than I was expecting in terms of daytime activities and evening entertainment.  I don’t purport to be an arts critic, but I found most of the entertainment varied and at times inspiring, as were the daytime lectures and other choices.  There was just one night when the show appeared to be “cobbled together” (and marketed as a must-see!) The comedians, without resorting to smut or bad language entertained fluently with a mixture of vintage humour and some very funny new material.  Laughter is infectious!  A string trio performed an eclectic mix of classical and familiar melodies, in various locations on board, seemingly sight reading from electronic music sheets!  The Royal Court Orchestra, Singers and Dancers are a joy to watch and listen to, even if after being at several shows, they can be a bit “samey.”  Nevertheless, very good indeed.  It is unlikely that one would be bored, but, after 28 days, most are more than ready to see home once again.  I shall enjoy my whistle stop trip to Buxton before doing it all over again next Tuesday.  Boy! How I enjoy retirement!

It’s almost midday, time for the Captain’s address

Many thanks for reading, David, King’s Court, portside.  12.00hrs

Later in the day…

After a “final” lunch in the Britannia Restaurant, l returned to my room to continue the packing.

Then it was almost 2pm, time for possibly the very last time I shall ever play whist.  I went up to the Atlantic Room. Next time I’m in there, it will be as World Voyage passenger in 2023 unless I am encouraged to switch to M.V. (or M.S.) Queen Victoria. There is something to be said for knowing a good number of people, which I would if  I chose to switch.  There is no way at all that I dislike Cunard’s QV. I just don’t want to change my plans, and regular readers and friends already know QM2, despite some of its awkward geography, is my preferred place to be.  It’s now 17.41 hrs.  I didn’t win that final session of whist, but I didn’t do too badly either. My packing is all but complete, my cabin no longer in the chaos pictured.  I just need to check I have enough clothing and bathroom gear to get through the next four days.  Special green luggage tags have been issued for the three largest pieces to be stored in Southampton.

Yesterday was the first since January 13th that I didn’t achieve my personal modest 7,500 steps target.  And I gave myself the day off today also. The King’s Court is preparing for dinner, the sun has gone down, and I imagine we are well into the English Channel.  I shall be saddened to bid farewell to Jack, Joan, and Jean who included me in many of their activities including being at their regular table (404) for dinner. 

Next week, having opted for a Saver Fare, I get no choice of table, or restaurant level, or choice of sitting. That’s not a problem. My cabin does have a balcony, sheltered by the steel structure of the ship, rather than a glass wall as on the upper decks from 8 to 13.  That, too, is no problem, particularly on the North Atlantic in February!  I have had these cabins in the past; they are excellent. One can hold a small party (just!)

This is my last blog of the voyage.  To be able to get away from pandemic Britain and visit the far-away places we did was astonishing, and very uplifting.

Many thanks for reading.  I hope I was able to give a reasonable account of this journey to the Eastern Caribbean.    David, King’s Court eatery starboard side looking out onto blackness. 18.14hrs.

I wasn’t expecting today to, again, turn out fine and clear, albeit, now considerably cooler, but nowhere near cold enough to curtail the deck walking. Already, according to my basic calculations, I have walked at least 116 miles during the cruise, so far. Unless you stay in your cabin, or you use a mobility scooter, walking is inevitable and during the course of a normal day, one may well cover over a mile, or, around 30 miles during a 28 day voyage. Nevertheless, I am giving myself a modest pat on the back!

The packing won’t do itself, unless, of course, I had a cabin in the “Mixed Grills”* where the butler would be invaluable.  *Let me try and explain….Cunard maintains a traditional class system, as do other cruise lines, although other cruise lines’ versions of higher grades are far less obvious.  When I started cruising in 1988, Cunard, on its transatlantic services operated First Class and Transatlantic Class, the latter being an alternative for tourist, third, steerage etc. I’m sure I remember Cunard operating First Class only ships, e.g. Vistafjord, Sagafjord, formerly Norwegian-America liners. Also, Media and Parthia from the late 1940s. I’m not sure when First and Transatlantic morphed into the present Britannia and Grills levels; probably with the introduction of Queen Mary 2 in 2004, and emulated in their more recent ships, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. I do remember the term Grills Class which I think was dropped rather quickly.  Cunard now operates three distinct classes: Britannia, Britannia Club (a bit like Economy Plus, and two levels of Grills, Princess  (Business Class) and Queens Grill (First Class), which I twice got to enjoy on QE2. (No butler, however!) The term Mixed Grills was coined by comedian Mike Doyle (I think) during his extremely funny show during the QV South America 2020 voyage.  He also coined the term Baby Captain when including the Deputy Captain in his sketch. I found him equally funny at the start of this voyage, although a few passengers  did not share my sense of humour.  Last night’s comedian almost achieved a standing ovation, but I found much of his content “familiar.” Nevertheless, his timing was impeccable, his presentation fluent and confident, and assured.  It’s just that some of his material had seen better days!   I got talking to one of my whist companions over a prolonged breakfast.  Now, it’s time for lunch. Tempus Fugit! 

At last, there are no further time changes, at until Wednesday next, when I expect to be on my way to New York, and today, before playing whist, and coming second, I enjoyed lunch at a table near the window, starboard side, where if you were observant (and lucky) you might just see dolphins making a split-second appearance.

The sea looked quite reasonable, but now, QM2 was pitching more than at any time on this voyage. Eventually, I started to feel slightly ill, so late in the afternoon, I took a travel sickness pill, attempted to continue with the walking, but, to no avail. It is also now, much cooler outside, with the from coming the north. A southerly breeze might well have made for just one more warmer day.

Tonight is the final Gala (formal) night where the Cunard tradition of dinner suits and Ball gowns is enforced throughout much of the ship.

I laid down in my darkened inside stateroom, where an interior cabin comes into its own if you want to rest in darkness. But now, I need to prepare for dinner, donning the white tuxedo one more time. I’m sure the sea sickness pill has made me feel drowsy right now. Time to get ready! 19.36 hrs.

Walking around the ship tonight is like bring in some kind of exclusive club, with, once again, everybody formally dressed in tuxedos and colourful elegant ball gowns. Dinner was its usual excellent self; I had the Beef Wellington. I declined to join my table companions afterwards in the Queen’s Room. The after effects of mal-de-mer had left me somewhat fatigued. One suitcase is packed; two more and some carry-on bags to go. This shouldn’t be much of a problem. My souvenirs this time around are minimal. I discover that the professional photographs are $30. The ones taken of me are better than normal. $30 is what I might pay for a vintage press photograph.

Despite one or two very slight misgivings, I am, once again, looking forward to starting all over again next week. More exotic pictures to come, then!

Many thanks for reading. David, 23.21hrs, the Atrium, deck 3, QM2.