David's Cruise

I stayed up later than usual last night. The “Show Time” offering after dinner featured a juggler. To me, that sounded as appealing as an early morning shift in the depths of a Derbyshire winter! Nonetheless, I went, prepared for the same old ship-board humour and a repertoire of unremarkable but impossible to perform stunts. Entertainment Director Neil Kelly burst on to the stage with his usual exaggerated introduction to that evening’s artiste.On came the “Premier Comedy Juggler,” Pete Matthews. Immediately, he captured the attention of his audience with his mind boggling display of bouncing ball dexterity. For the next forty five minutes, I sat spell-bound by everything about his show. The Royal Court Theatre Orchestra provided superb music to accompany the performance. He engaged with his audience in a way which had them creased up with laughter throughout; I came away at the end having enjoyed the show.

I ventured along to the Queens Room where the ballroom aficionados “strutted their stuff” with the well practiced expertise of professional snooker players. However, no female dance host risked inviting me on to the dance floor…thank heaven! It has always been a regret of mine that I was never “built” for dancing, ballroom or any other kind. Quite why I later ventured to the “disco” in the Yacht Club on Deck 10, I’m not quite sure, except that although very late, I didn’t feel ready to abandon the now, almost deserted evening quite yet. I sat quietly in the very sparsely populated Yacht Club, adding to my blog, the writing of which seems to have become something of an addiction.

*****************************************So what has it been like so far?

I have already described the excitement and the usual anticipations and apprehensions as one approaches the quayside with the huge ship dwarfing the surrounding terminal buildings, the dread of sea-sickness and other things that could, but usually don’t go wrong. However, such pessimism is negated by the excitement of a brand new journey to places I have only seen on the “telly,” or in geographic magazines etc.

M.V. Queen Victoria is a purpose built cruise ship, which Cunard likes to market as an ocean liner. Certainly, on board, the decor, service, amenities, and entertainment as well as the restaurants and much more, all bear more than a passing resemblance to those glamorous days of the past. But, in those “good old days,” passengers were relied upon to make much more of their own entertainment. (This still happens today.) Of course, there was dancing in the loveliest ballrooms at sea; there were shops and usually a cinema, and also a gym and swimming pools.

On board libraries provided opportunities to enjoy a good read, and games would be set up during the voyage, even bingo on the original Queen Mary. I therefore enjoy my privileged time on board any of the Cunard vessels.

M.V. Queen Victoria entered service in December 2007, it’s now almost identical sister M.V Queen Elizabeth, joining what had become (temporarily) the youngest cruise fleet at sea, almost three years later in 2010. Each have 12 decks for passengers, the highest of which is available only to those in the “Grills.” Cunard, therefore, maintains the semblance of a class system. “Grills” is the unlikely current name of the former First Class, which in earlier times was known as Cabin, and before that, Saloon. More recently, Cunard introduced Britannia Club, perhaps the maritime version of “Premium Economy,” or, perhaps, Business Class. Guests here enjoy single sitting dining in the evening, enhanced cabins and services, but no access to areas set apart for those in Grill Class.

There is a huge variation in cruise fares. Passengers enjoy (as part of the deal) all on board entertainment, meals in the restaurant assigned to your cabin grade, afternoon tea and hotel services. Extras include drinks, speciality coffee other than at meal times, laundry, shore excursions, items bought on board in the numerous retail outlets on Deck 3. Room service is “on the house,” and is excellent. Internet is complimentary to frequent passengers, but quite expensive otherwise.

Travelling by ship affords the distinct advantage of (apart from during the night) seeing where you are going; even being at sea with no land in sight is an experience I seldom tire of. Usually, a cruise takes one to several countries in one voyage. You may not see any particular country in the same depth as spending several days there, or back packing, but the shore excursions available provide usually the best opportunity to see as much as possible in the time available. As the maps indicate below, we have almost completed a south westerly crossing of the Atlantic. Each eight days at sea have been disappointingly rough. But, it is winter. I would have thought that things might have calmed down as we came near to Bermuda, but one of those pesky weather systems blanketing North America had some influence over where we are right now.

This morning, as we approach Port Canaveral, the sea continues to emphasise “who’s the boss.” Laura, that nice lady from Winter Garden area, set aside for those on the entire voyage only, who deals with (among other things) shore excursions had expectedly, performed the miracle of finding me a place on the four day “overland” to Iguassu Falls. Booking late has penalised me a further 300 Dollars on top of the already eye-wateringly….I daren’t say how much in this blog….

$ x,k00!

This had better be good!

The maps below were taken last night. Other pictures should be self explanatory and were taken on board.

All the best,

David.

First picture, “Up on the Roof….Dancing on the Ceiling? !

Today sees the Second Sunday of the “Discover South America” voyage. Even in Bermuda, yesterday, there was a strong hint of coolness in the air, particularly in the morning. Much earlier in the cruise, there was a hint of good weather to come, but it seems that cool systems from the North American Continent were still wielding their chilling influence for far too long now.

But today, at sea, although windy, and the seas only slightly less lively than previously, the air, at long last is warm and extremely pleasant.

For the first time, I attended the Christian Fellowship which occurs almost daily at 9 o’clock in an aft section of the Commodore Club on Deck 10. Rarely am I comfortable in such gatherings, and disappointingly, so far, this is no exception.

I made my own way to the second of the interdinominational services in the Royal Court Theatre. Today is the second Sunday of Epiphany. Ably led (entertainingly) by the Deputy Captain, the “congregation” was the one of dreams as far as the “ailing” Church of England is concerned. The New Testament reading was replaced by an inappropriately amusing “prayer for tourists” delivered by the Captain’s secretary. This was very well received by the “God-fearing” attendees, but I (being a miserable git) was unimpressed. The pianist was excellent…at playing the piano! One of my favourite hymns, “Abide with Me,” was accompanied by something which resembled Liberace adapting the hymn’s melody to something in the style of the opening chords to Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No 1! I just could not keep a straight face.

Kate Adie made her final appearance after the Royal Court had morphed from place of reverent worship to a lecture theatre. She was interviewed by our Entertainments Manager whose over confident stage technique came across as a little contrived. The former BBC War Correspondent acquitted herself with intimidating authority and professionalism. The session ended with questions from the floor, all of them well thought out and relevant. One questioner enquired why presenters frequently interrupt the interviewee before being given opportunity to communicate fully his or her reply. Kate Adie defended this criticism by stating that those being interviewed would deliberately evade the answer with irrelevant response. So, the publicly funded “Beeb” is always right? Sorry Kate, but said Beeb is as far away from perfection as I am!

I stayed in the lecture theatre for the final presentation of the morning which centred around the world’s reaction to the death of Margaret Thatcher in 2013. The uncomfortable fact that decades after she was unceremoniously dispatched from the Tory Party, Thatcherism thrives in many countries across the world….”did I get that right?” All of a sudden, I wasn’t cruising aimlessly around on one of the “Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World,” my head was now full of a “cocktail of extreme Christianity and unpalatable politics.”

Janet and Josephine caught up with me for lunch in the Britannia Restaurant.

I would relax this afternoon, writing today’s blog, and, up-dating my shore excursion schedule for the next almost ten weeks. I have chosen to apply for a place on the overland excursion to Iguassu Falls, a three night, four day luxury tour to one of the world’s greatest waterfalls. This trip has been fully subscribed for some time; I am therefore on a “wait list.”

Heavy seas have prevented M.V. Queen Victoria from being able to maintain its initial schedule; eventual arrival in Bermuda turned out to be 24 hours late, and a brave attempt at arriving at Port Canaveral on time was thwarted by further difficult conditions; we were fortunate to be able to dock in Bermuda, although my water-borne shore excursion was cancelled with no notice. All excursions at Port Canaveral have been called off. A shuttle bus to the Space Centre is now the only option. I shall stick around near the cruise terminal after U.S. Immigration procedures. I shall avail myself of the local complimentary shuttle and enjoy lunch off the ship.

Now, it’s time to prepare for dinner. Evenings are an agreeable routine of prepare for dinner, walk to the aft end of the ship where the extensive two tier Britannia Restaurant whose decor is said to be inspired by that on the Orient Express, looks out to sea on three sides. However, our table, No. 371 is situated far from any views of the ocean. Sometimes alone, sometimes with company, I finish the evening in The Royal Court Theatre, loosely styled on a Frank Matcham variety hall. The similarity to Buxton Opera House is uncanny.

More news tomorrow. Thanks for reading,

David.

There was no letting up of the dramatic weather we were still sailing through as we approached Bermuda, but was denied authority to dock there, yesterday. Peculiar things happened yesterday including a substantial list to starboard at around “tea time.” M.V. Queen Victoria steamed due south of Bermuda in an attempt to avoid the worst of a storm we had sailed into. Looking through the window and across from my balcony, I was somewhat un-nerved by the peculiar angle of the raging sea beyond; it looked closer than usual. I was unaware of problems until these were discussed widely during the evening.

I tried to stay awake for a special showing of “Downton Abbey,” a replacement for show time which was cancelled due to excessive turbulence on board. I gave up at half past eleven, and went to bed. Yet again, the wind howled unmercifully as my stateroom took on the characteristics of a rodeo horse! Is there no escape from this incessant storm?

We did make it to Bermuda and after breakfast, made my way ashore to the coach, only to find that my tour along the waters had been cancelled. I was only slightly miffed; after a brief wander around the historic backyard (which is worth seeing), I took the standing room only local bus No. 7 to Bermuda’s capital, Hamilton. What I expected to be a twenty minute journey was just over an hour. To be on the safe side, and, having encountered Josephine and Janet, we, all three of us, took the local ferry back. We continued to explore what the immediate area had to offer. By now, I was desirous of sustenance but had to wait until back on board, for something to eat. The bright sun belied the fact that Bermuda was uncharacteristically chilly. I needed the sweater which I thought would soon be surplus to requirements.

I like Bermuda; what little I saw from standing on the bus for an hour was most attractive. There are, of course, millionaires’ mansions, golf courses and churches. I thought it wise to catch the noon ferry back to the Cruise Terminal, joining Jo and Janet for some serious window shopping.

I don’t feel that I “did Bermuda justice,” given the mere eight and a half hours we were docked there. As I say of so many far away places I get to see, all too briefly, I do hope that I make it back.

(above) six pictures taken around the Historic Dockyards including images of M.V. Queen Victoria. The seventh photograph is of yet another disappointing sunset, as clouds conspire to obscure the sun.

Thanks for reading,

David 17.38hrs.

The promise of calmer waters and warmer climes have yet to materialise. It is still spectacularly turbulent out there, as much as at any time since leaving Southampton a week ago. Actually, yesterday had become less turbulent and being outside was starting to be most pleasant. But, by late last night, we had entered another weather system. The early morning arrival at Hamilton, Bermuda had been rescheduled to 14.00 hrs (6pm back home!). However, a few moments ago, Captain Tomas Connery announced a revised arrival time at Hamilton, 09.00 (approximately) tomorrow, leaving at 15.30.By rights, my stateroom should have been noisy than ever, from the sound of unidentified ship’s equipment banging around somewhere down below. It was suggested that this might have been a loose fire door.Last night, retiring to bed after show time, the cabin swayed substantially up, down, and from side to side. Grip handles were not placed strategically, thus, maintaining my balance was a work of art! Where were the bangs, thuds and rattles on what was, by now, felt like the roughest night of the voyage? My “comment” seemed to have not only been noted, but acted upon. The only disturbance appeared to be that created by the ship contending with the ever turbulent sea conditions.While writing this morning, Captain Connery did indeed announce with appropriate regret that we would not be calling at Hamilton this afternoon. Just as I was about to tender an insurance claim for a missed port, he continued by announcing that we would be docking there tomorrow at around 09.00hrs, and leaving at 15.30hrs, still allowing enough time for an on-time arrival at Port Canaveral. It is astonishing how, when unexpectedly, an afternoon port of call is cancelled, how quickly alternative events and entertainments are put into place, rather like a well rehearsed “plan B.” However, I am content merely to watch from a floor to ceiling window in the Lido on Deck 9, the sea down below, undulating and grey, highlighted by an abundance of white froth and wind-blown spray. High winds prevent our being able to dock in Hamilton this afternoon.

Sea scape from the Lido.

We are moving rather slowly as we head for sheltered waters, from where access to the port of Hamilton tomorrow morning should be routine. The two pictures do not portray the turbulence below. We seem to meander between stormy conditions and slightly brighter and calmer weather.

We are still a long way from the highlights of South America!

Thanks for reading,

David.

Today is the last of six consecutive sea days as we continue to towards our first port of call, Hamilton, Bermuda. It has been a rough crossing most of the way, with apparent winds above 60 knots, even as recently as last night. Purely because of the adverse sea conditions, we are now scheduled to arrive tomorrow at 14.00hrs, leaving at 06.00hrs the following day. All my shore excursions are now booked and thus, I should be able to make the most of each port of call. Tomorrow, a boat trip entitled History, Hideaways and Famous Homes is the first of over twenty shore excursions I have signed up for. While it may not be toastie weather out on deck right now, it won’t be long before these open decks are crammed with sun worshippers.

(above) Navigational Map, and three interior views of the ship.

Thanks for reading,

David

16th January 2020. 15.30hrs

It is amazing to, once again, be on board a cruise ship with such an astonishing itinerary to look forward to.

This has to be one of the most turbulent crossings I can remember with talk of 15 metre waves. Winds have howled at “Apparent” speeds of up to 69 knots, may be more. My forward situated stateroom, among others in that area, bear the brunt of the massive swell of the sea, and the resultant noise of crashes creeks, crushings and bangs as M.V. Queen Victoria battles the effects of what I believe may be the edge of Storm Brendan. In an attempt to avoid possibly much worse conditions, our route to Bermuda was adjusted; we sailed west through the Azores, rather than along the intended course to the north of these Portuguese Islands.

Captain Connery, in several noon day addresses, assured passengers of calmer times in the near future. Today (16th January), the seas are less mountainous and for the first time last night, all was quiet; only the cabin moved with the continued unrest of the ocean. Nevertheless, I am enjoying the journey with a sea view outside my patio doors for still another 10 weeks.

We are now three hours behind G.M.T. and the day after tomorrow, morning, that increases to four. There is a huge range of activities to choose from, and for all but two of our ports of call, I have chosen around twenty shore excursions to enable me to see as much as possible.

I find sending pictures somewhat “hit and miss.” Therefore, this blog will be published unillustrated; the next few photographs will appear as separate items, hopefully not too long from now.

Many thanks for reading,

David.

Cunard tell me that I have spent 510 days on board their ships in 40 voyages, not including the cruise I am enjoying right now.

I have been through some tempestuous waters and on my first foray across the Atlantic on Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas back in 1997, waves of forty feet were talked about. Following QM2 across the Atlantic in 2004, (prior to the Historic Tandem Crossing eastbound), QE2 encountered sea conditions that demolished the souvenir shops. But I don’t ever recall an ocean so turbulent as that from the exit of the English Channel to where we are now, on a “storm avoiding” diversionary route towards the Azores. Except, the storm was not avoided altogether, not by a long chalk.

During the night, Queen Victoria battled waves and winds of up to 69 knots. I was displeased at being woken up frequently by some horrendous crash as the ship tackled the oncoming waves. Were these “40 footers?” No information was immediately available. The Navigational Channel confirmed winds between 54 and (at one point) 69 knots. Whether these are the most extreme I have experienced, I am not sure. What I am sure of is that I recall no bumpier a ride. Medication has negated the effects of sea-sickness, and this afternoon, a low sun is reflecting of now, less boisterous waters. Inconvenient, it may have been, but wonderful to see, it certainly is. And even after 510 days on Cunard ships since 1988, the sea remains a spectacle one never tires of.

Captain Connery assures of decreasing turbulence, and increasing warmth. I thoroughly enjoyed the “worst of it” and will be ready for when we cruise by Cape Horn. The adventure has hardly begun!

Thanks for reading, David.

Today is the first full day at sea; we left the silk smoothe waters of the Solent last night, continuing westward along the English Channel towards Lands End ( passing there at around 6am), and into a choppy north Atlantic. From what I gather, we were in a force 8 gale, but being so far forward, the weather feels rather more turbulent, with the spray reaching frequently, the level of my Deck 5 balcony. This would look spectacular from any vessel near by.

There was little incentive to leave the extreme comfort of my bed this morning, and thus I indulged in a long lie-in and late breakfast at the serve-yourself area on Deck 9. I chose oatmeal, half a pink grapefruit and a banana. I was ready for lunch sooner than I would have hoped!

Many people on board are friendly and obviously enjoying their voyage. “Long faces” are evident occasionally, but in less profusion than on some previous voyages. There are still 76 days to go!

I do look forward to less tempestuous seas and the warmer weather of more southerly seas, and being allowed out on deck for some walking and sea air.

This afternoon, I watched a movie in the Royal Court theatre. This converts well to a traditional cinema, and is the only public room that has a big edge over its QM2 counterpart.

My device is now connected to the ship’s internet facility. Therefore, I should be able to write quite often. Sending pictures remains a problem, even just one image.

I shall prepare for dinner tonight; I must remember to keep an appointment in the Commodore Club for jazz and a pre dinner glass of tap water!

All good wishes,

David.

Our position just after midday.