David's Cruise

I had no intention of waking up in time to watch as Queen Elizabeth edged its way along the West River to its berth in Manhattan. But, I did wake up and curiosity got the better of me allowing me to watch from my balcony as the ship turned at 90 degrees into its birth (I think 90) at “something” past six. There was no going back to sleep and eventually, I had breakfast in the Britannia Restaurant, the first time on this voyage I was to be waited upon in the morning. Excellent it was too.

I had promised to take Denise to Jo Junior’s, my one-time regular eatery/diner in Lower Manhattan. We took a taxi to Union Square which is close by, and walked around exploring a little as the weather warmed up. Eventually, we arrived at Jo Junior’s. It seemed smaller than I remember and after Denise had visited the rest room, she remarked that I “sure knew how to show a girl a good time!” However, the food was as good as ever. I recognised most of the staff from “days of yore,” but without the late Richard C. Faber Jnr., there was a discernable emptiness and a feeling of the unlikelyhood of my ever going back there. I hope I am wrong. However, it still had that “at- home” familiarity, not only inside, but outside on the streets, also.

I had the notion of taking a photograph of Queen Elizabeth from atop the Empire State Building, and creating a picture very similar to one I took in 1971 of a two year old QE2. We walked from the diner, being assured by a local it could be reached in 20 minutes. Perhaps! We took around 45 as Denise became increasingly disenchanted. We had both been up the Empire State Building several times previously and decided that at forty something dollars each to reach the observatory, my enthusiasm for recreating that perfect image vanished “like the dew in the morn.” We instead, enjoyed a relaxing coffee at a nearby Starbucks before hailing a taxi back to the ship.

The North American heatwave has subsided now, and I fear a return to the lacklustre temperatures of an ordinary summer as we steam north. Halifax, our next port, should be still be quite warm; it was at almost this time when we called there in 2015 as part of the Cunard 175 celebrations.

A new tranche of passengers joined today, seemingly many of whom come from Germany. No talking of Brexit then! I wonder if Erma Klindt and friends will be joining us for dinner tonight.There is a glorious sunset from the aft of deck 9 as we head away from New York.

Steve, I think from Maryland, joined us for dinner tonight. Erma and friends were not in evidence anywhere. Thus there was no need for Bob and Frances to dine at another table. Only Denise and I went to the show after dinner. The performer was professional mind reader “Kennedy.” I found it far too complicated to enjoy, but at times, it was very clever.

Well, that’s it for the U.S.A. We are on our way to Halifax, Nova Scotia. I am told of a Royal Rendezvous with QM2, complete with fireworks. I am not sure about the fireworks, but I shall be meeting up with friends from QM2 during our simultaneous stay in Halifax.

Many thanks for following my blog,

David.

Departing from New York, 24/7/19.

(Day 53) Last night, after dinner, in the Britannia Restaurant, and omitting desserts and coffee, Glenis, Denise and I adjourned to the Golden Lion Pub on Deck 2 for our second attempt at the “pub quiz”. We won! However, I remain not too keen on the “pub scene,” recreated brilliantly, by Cunard on their three cruise ships to much acclaim. And, the official answers are not always correct. For example, I have no memory of The Hallelujah Chorus ever being the final movement of Handel’s Messiah. My answer “Worthy is the Lamb” the final chorus of Messiah, was disallowed, but the quiz master assured me that he would “look into it.” He didn’t, as I would ascertain a couple of days later! The Cunard show “Be Our Guest” in the Royal Court Theatre was a superb performance by the resident Cunard Royal Court Theatre Singers and Dancers, backed by the Royal Court Theatre Orchestra, an ensemble of around 8 musicians of the highest calibre. Weeks ago, I felt they were over amplified; that was no problem yesterday.

There seems little incentive to play the machines in the Casino. The few times I have tried my luck have not encouraged me to return in a hurry. And there’s little noise of success from other people’s attempts to “make a killing!”

I love travelling (let’s call it that, rather than cruising), on Cunard ships in particular. I never thought, for one moment, that I would ever be fortunate enough to be a passenger on Cunard ships to some of the farthest places from home. I assume the point of crossing the International Date Line en route for New Zealand is as far as it is possible to be from Derbyshire, but that is debatable. “Queen Elizabeth,” like its almost identical sister “Queen Victoria,” is every bit the five-star hotel. We have endured fairly turbulent seas and thunderstorms, through which the ship has not been thrown around as much as I feared it might be. Disappointments are few. Occasionally, dinner can feel rushed, as can afternoon tea, and some other events. However, today, after an excellent opera recital by Irving and Brown in the Queens Room, tea with Chris and Sue was unhurried and extremely pleasant. A string ensemble serenaded its afternoon tea audience with a commendable rendition of Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. All very civilised! But now, it’s time to walk and generate an appetite for dinner at 8.30, for which tuxedo and black tie is the dress code for the gentlemen. I expect all eight of us will be at dinner, but I shall give the quiz a miss! However, I shall attend tonight’s show by the FlyRights who had their audience dancing in the aisles two or three days ago. I think they will go down well with those who joined us yesterday.

Fort Lauderdale, yesterday, was another “embarkation port.” Several guests disembarked on completion of their voyages, and there are now several “new faces” on board, either for a very brief trip to New York, or to continue to Southampton. I don’t anticipate many leaving the ship at any other intervening ports of call.

24th July 2019

That was the first of two sea days between Fort Lauderdale and New York. Yesterday morning (23/7/19) followed one of my lousy sleeps. I wake fairly frequently for what is known in the travel industry as a “comfort stop.” Usually, I return to the “Land of Nod” with little difficulty only to be awakened 90 minutes later to return to the bathroom. Not so, the night before last. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my sea day, yesterday, and a brief nap in the afternoon assured me of an enjoyable evening. For a second and final time, I joined Chris and Sue for a lecture charting the war years of R.M.S. Queen Mary.Following this, we adjourned to the Golden Lion for lunch, followed by the second of six opera recitals, and eventually, afternoon tea. They joined our table for one last dinner before disembarking this morning (24/7/19). In between times, I walked a little, only just achieving my “target.”

Last night’s comedian didn’t make for a memorable (in the right way) farewell. It’s ironic. At the FlyRights’ final show the previous evening, all, except for a row of six or seven people nearby were up, dancing at their seats to another, once again joyous performance of Motown and Swing music. Last night, I was one of a group of six sitting unimpressed by the comedian as the rest of the audience was creased up in hysterics. My old school pal Stephen Nicholson was right, when we were kids at primary school…. he said that I don’t have a sense of humour!

Some days ago, Denise expressed a wish to have onion soup at Jo Junior’s, a diner I used to frequent when staying in Lower Manhattan around five to eight years ago. In a little over an hour’s time, that’s what we shall do. I think the last time I was there was in January 2014 during an Arctic vortex. I battled through a horizontal blizzard, determined to have some sustenance at my favourite eatery before getting my head down at the nearby Seafarers and International hostel…a rare place in New York where the price of a bed for the night is “realistic.” Was I the only idiot, during that blizzard, wandering those deserted streets, the night I flew in from Heathrow? But, that experience was a “one-off” which I recall with amusement and pleasure.

Today, New York has returned to normality following a prolonged heatwave and heavy rains. The skies are clear and there is a welcome breeze with a welcome soothing coolness which I think will make or a pleasant day.

GREETINGS from NEW YORK!

David10.12hrs E.T. Deck 3 Queen Elizabeth.

The dreaded immigration procedures were much more speedy than on previous similar occasions; we were entering The U.S.A. at Ft. Lauderdale in Florida, where again, it rarely becomes cold. All passengers were required to disembark for “face to face examination.” In-transit guests did not have to endure the long queues of those boarding for the first time.

The opportunity to travel on the shuttle bus presented itself and I travelled out to a shopping mall. But, being Sunday, it was due to open at midday, and as a security measure, the public were not allowed to wander in there until the shops were open, contrary to previous occasions when walking around the mall was permitted before opening time.

I ventured to a tacky looking diner, across a multi-lane highway. There, I had a breakfast of chicken and sliced avocado pears in a toasted sandwich. I was assured of the fact that according to the menu, food and fruit was locally sourced and organic. I did not experience that feeling of righteous satisfaction, but what I ate was delicious.

Much to my horror, the camera I had carried was no longer over my shoulder. I came to terms with the probability that those rare photographs taken in Guatemala and Costa Rica were gone forever. My insurance company would shell out for a new camera. Thankfully, an initial enquiry confirmed my fairly strong suspicion that I had left it on the shuttle bus. Me and said camera were soon reunited…happily.

I joined Denise back on board ship, for lunch in the Britannia, open only for in transit guests from midday. I shall miss Sue and Chris, from Sydney, after they bail out in New York. With luck, Erma from California will join us with two of her friends, in New York for their voyage back to the U.K.

Time, now, to “walk off” that breakfast and lunch.

Thanks for reading,

David.

Queen Elizabeth central public area where the piano plays itself!

See what I mean ?!

Leaving Fort Lauderdale. The Royal Caribbean “ship on the horizon,” I think is Allure of the Seas.

(The last 4 images added at 19.46hrs, 21st July 2019.)

David.

The Bridge Charts, auctioned before the concert. (Below)

The Guest Choir (below)

One of the traditions of a long voyage is often the establishment of a choir which passengers can volunteer to join. Today’s resultant concert was well attended and supported enthusiastically. Popular songs were very performed with impressive expertise and discipline and enthusiasm. All the obvious and lengthy preparation made for an enjoyable hour or so. But, to begin with, the now increasingly frequent auction of signed bridge charts in aid of the Prince’s Trust. There were two in this set; both went for $750.00 USD. I did wonder whether to acquire these; but at home, I have very little room for much else, although I did bid early on. In time, I would expect these to become sought after.

Our journey continues to Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale, where I shall “take it as it comes” following Immigration.

David 20/7/19. 15.10hrs.

First of all, apologies for the slow releasing and slightly “not in the correct order” of my recent blogs.

A couple of days ago, we docked at the port of Oranjestad, capital of the Caribbean island of Aruba, closer to Venezuela than Manchester is to Buxton. There was no need for a shuttle bus as the port was within walking distance of much of the downtown area, with numerous shops and eateries. I was very impressed with what appeared to be a new tramway system with old fashioned style trams. The system might have been most impressive, but the trams seemed to operate at the whim of the one man crew. Nevertheless, it was an impressive set-up, and I was most pleased to be allowed into the depot to see the other three vehicles in the fleet.

I had waited almost to the afternoon to leave the ship to explore, feeling, for the time being, I had had enough of the organised shore excursions, all but one of which had been excellent.

After going around most of the tram route, I explored in the typical heat, some of what the town had offer. Eventually, I found a place with decent WiFi and attempted to catch up with my blogs. But time, by now, was running out and I had to leg it back to the ship.

Aruba didn’t come across as I place to return to in a hurry, unlike many of the places we have visited. But, if you live in eastern USA, then, it makes a perfect holiday destination. Aruba calls itself “The Friendly Island,” as proclaimed on local car number plates. Add to that, “laid back!”

The city’s economy was boosted not only by the onslaught of guests from Queen Elizabeth, but also an impressive looking Carnival Horizon.

Over dinner, all eight of us exchanged our thoughts and experiences of the day. Poor Denise and several others found themselves stranded on a beach following the non-appearance of their tour bus to take them back to the ship. Local public transport came to the rescue for $2 each. A few of us went to the show after dinner. I joined Bob and Frances for a medley of Hollywood songs, which were more “disco” than “Somewhere over the Rainbow.” The set was performed very well and with imagination. But the continual encouraging of the audience to clap does wear a little thin. However, last night’s superb Motown tribute act, did inject a new freshness that succeeded in having its audience dancing at their seats.

Today, we are some 800 nautical miles from Aruba, around 200, from Port Everglades, where we arrive at 06.45hrs tomorrow. There, once again, the tedious immigration procedures requires everybody to leave the ship for authority to re-enter the United States.

It is 86 degrees Fahrenheit outside, as is the sea temperature.

Colin, from our table joined the ship’s choir; the fruits of their rehearsals will be for all to enjoy in the Queens Room at 2pm this afternoon. The rest of us are expected to attend!

Thanks for reading, David.

Yesterday’s ship position, and view from deck 3 forward.

David 12.15 hrs 20th July 2019.

I was not quite sure what to expect today, and unlike a great many on board, I did not set my alarm for the early hours. I never do! Nevertheless, I was awake, and my curiosity aroused, knowing that by now (6.30am) the transit of the Panama Canal would just be underway. Channel 41 confirmed that I had a few minutes in which to shower and be ready for going under the Bridge of the Americas. I just made it! For interest and picturesque landscapes, transitting the Panama Canal is my first choice over The Suez Canal which, too, has much to offer.

I watched in amazement as Queen Elizabeth was guided through what is regarded as a Wonder of the Modern World. Lives were sacrificed in its construction. The scale, imagination, determination and “biblical” engineering will, forever, be beyond my comprehension. Like the Channel Tunnel, the notion to construct a route to negate the otherwise in this case, necessary circumnavigation of almost all of South America had been contemplated for some centuries, and it’s worth perhaps Googling some more facts. Our transit seemed to go to plan, although it was well after 4pm that eventually, we would be entering a slightly bumpy Caribbean Sea.

Therefore, it’s farewell to all that lovely cruising from South East Alaska, right down to Central America. And negotiating the series of locks was an event to behold. The commentary was detailed and informative. However, why Cunard insisted on staging a music quiz before we exited the Canal is beyond me. The quiz proceedings were interrupted constantly by electronic chimes heralding snippets of Panama Canal trivia. That the whole event was deafening, including the interruptions, I would categorise that part of the entertainment a “disaster!”

Of course, I am a little sad at bidding farewell to North America’s west coast, but as we enter the Caribbean Sea in the Atlantic Ocean, I see new excitements to look forward to, as well as the realisation of being homeward bound, albeit by rather a long way round. A brief sojourn in Aruba before heading north once again will make a further welcome port of call.

Below are a few images taken as we transitted The Panama Canal from Pacific to Atlantic. They appear to be in the order as taken, except for the second picture of exiting the Canal, which became out of sync.

A most memorable day, thankfully to occur again next year!

David.

Once, I can understand but twice, or is there some deliberate policy of creating huge queues for the tender. However, thinking about it, at both Cabo San Lucas and Fuerte Amador, the seas had become rough to the point of suspending tender services. Inconvenient this may have been and disorganised it may have appeared, but in fact, I now think the organisation was as good as it could be, with the ground staff working with efficiency and with helpful courtesy. Our crossing from the mainland was as turbulent as I can remember, to the point of momentary alarm!

THE PANAMA CANAL RAILWAY COMPANY.

The Panama Canal Railway trip was brilliant. A beautifully turned out train, topped and tailed by two immaculate vintage mainline diesel locomotives between which around five cars including an early-build dome car (late 1940s ?) were sandwiched.(Continued Day 47/69)

There can’t be so many that have traversed the length of the Panama Canal by rail, road, and ship. I understand the rail journey to be 47 miles, and the coach journey similar, but including a brief tour around some of Panama City outskirts. The Panama Canal is approximately 51 miles, Pacific to Atlantic.

David. 16/7/19.

Yesterday was a “wash-out.” Grey skies and persistent rain were the order of the day – all day; after all, as Denise pointed out in her characteristic Yorkshire logic, “It’s the rainy season – this isn’t the time to be sending cruise ships through the Panama Canal. Quite! Secondly, apart from one “ordinary” day, slightly damp with low cloud in Ketchikan, Alaska, as far as I can remember, we have been blessed with almost perfect weather throughout. Uncharacteristicly for me, I was awake at 5.30 this morning, feeling bright and rejuvenated. I poked my head through the curtains to witness the most glorious of sunrises, worthy of recording. I was able to capture on video birds flying in some sort of formation. Hopefully, my next door neighbour, at home, may be able to identify them. Yesterday’s leadened misery is thus consigned to non-event history; but even that was accompanied by periods of spectacular lightning (most of which I missed).

For once, I am up bright and early and am looking forward to to a ride on the Panama Railway which as I understand, runs the length of the Canal, the original link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Generally, railways replaced canals; this is not quite the reverse, but the Canal although conceived centuries ago was not completed until long after the rail link was established in the mid 19th Century. (06.55hrs).

Hopefully, a more enlightened description later.

All the best,

David.

(“Out of synch”)

Yesterday’s transit of the Panama Canal was, for me, an experience of a lifetime. At around 51 miles in length, it took from just before 6 30am to shortly after 4pm to travel through. My TV screen indicated on Channel 45 a speed of 5 knots. I recorded this event by phone and video, as well as capturing a few slides of Panama. This in itself was the journey of a lifetime.

David.

It is the “rainy season” in Central America. This usually runs from April to October. It never gets cold. However, during this time, the rains can persist from 10 minute showers to maybe 10 weeks of “persistent precipitation”.

Again, we were made welcome, this time in the recently developed terminal of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Having a hint of rail travel, I chose the Costa Rica Rail and River Ride, as very briefly described and illustrated yesterday. Firstly, (not in the order described in the brochure) we travelled by coach for over an hour, inland, past villages and other pockets of civilisation to the Tarcoles River for a 50 minute meander on a modern purpose built flat bottom motor boat. (Again see previous blog). The cruise brochure hinted strongly at, but went out of its way, not to guarantee, plenteous sightings of cormorants, pelicans, and frigates. A rare monkey appeared high in a tree, but was silhouetted against a bright sky and was hardly discernable. The brochure also urged guests to look out for “huge iguanas and lizards as well as herons, egrets and stalks in search of a bite to eat on the riverbanks.” Our knowledgeable and highly experienced tour guide warned us that much of the wildlife would be hard to discern using their camouflage capabilities as a defence against unwanted attention. With a laser torch, she pointed out seven tiny bats clinging to a tree branch, like black inverted triangles. And I saw a blue heron perched on a branch. It was explained that not being fully developed, the grey plumage would eventually become blue…what I had spotted was a young “blue heron.” No, as elsewhere on this holiday, wildlife was not in the great abundance the brochure suggested. And, being the rainy season, while on the river, the heavens opened to an almighty great crash of thunder. We returned to the coach and continued to the “mandatory” souvenir shop. There was a huge eclectic choice of souvenirs crafted, seemingly, by local artisans, many of which were quite beautiful and worthy of bringing home. I acquired some framed butterflies. As a child, I would have been thrilled to own these. Also, some other bits as well as postcards which, at last, I have written and sent.We continued further to where we would board a train over part of what little remains of Costa Rica’ s rail system.

From what I gather, the “Pacific Railroad Train” consists of one diesel shunt locomotive and two ancient but tourist friendly, recently refurbished, and attractively liveried passenger vehicles, plus a caboose style car for the provision of light refreshments and drinks, all of which were served at our seat. We trundled at what seemed like just above walking pace past tiny villages of desperately poor people in make-shift accommodation. Children lined the tracks gleefully shouting “5 dollars.” I did “do some modest business” at the folkloric dance show, also “inevitable” on such trips.

I would not have “missed this excellent trip for the world.” I got to see a lot of a country I couldn’t have seen independently in just one day. It was fascinating and enlightening, and of course, thought provoking. And, yet again, I saw and enjoyed endless countryside with its abundance of “nature.”

I was pretty tired last night, and was glad to join members of our table for an earlier more casual and relaxed dinner offered by the Lido on Deck 9. There was major storm outside as lightning flashed in rapid bursts of bright light, still visible despite prominent reflections from the floor to ceiling windows of the Lido. We all gave “show-time” a miss and I enjoyed a decent sleep. Howling gales disturbed my slumber this morning. I found the seas tempestuous, the balcony soaking wet with rain and the sky “Manchester grey.” The wind is no longer howling, but I doubt if the open decks will be populated with sun-worshippers any time soon.

Yesterday’s account was written this morning up to around 10.25hrs. I forgot, completely, that it was Sunday, and was thus far too late for the church service. And, at midday, the ship’s time was advanced by an hour. I only just made it for my usual breakfast of porridge, 100 calories of plain yoghurt and a delicious chilled half grapefruit. Outside, the weather remains wet, grey, misty and uninviting. This may have something to do with a devastating weather system in the southern States of America. I read that a Carnival cruise ship was unable to reach port, but have few details to hand right now.

I continue to be ever so thankful for these incredible travel experiences, but I do wonder how long these ambitious wanderings can continue.

Thanks for reading,

David.