David's Cruise

Yesterday, Day 67, I attended two lectures in the morning. The first, by Lt. Col. Graham Jones MBE discussed with illustrations the significance and meanings of ceremonial and military music. This was fascinating and at times amusing. I do intend to be at “part 2” on Wednesday. At 11 am, John McCarthy gave a traumatising account of his kidnapping to a full house. In the afternoon, our team won the tie break in the afternoon trivia quiz. We answered all 20 correctly, as did one other team. Today, we still scored the highest total, even at just 15 correct answers. However, we lost the tie break miserably!,

During the day, while berthed at Barcelona, I joined a coach trip which centred on the architecture of Gaudi. It was a fascinating and interesting trip which fast tracked us to the inside of the Cathedral, whose exterior was still under construction. Any interior parts not yet finished were far from obvious to the casual visitor. Indeed, I liked very much the style both inside and out. Our tour guide explained many details which she also pointed out. Although again very tired from being woken up multiple times in the night, I was able to appreciate what I was seeing and would, again, very much like to return. We were allowed ample time to take photograph, but all mine are somewhat disappointing.

Those heady days of high temperatures are behind us for the time-being. There was a positive chill in the air, especially when it clouded over. But generally, the weather was good, and rain, minimal.

We have a sea day tomorrow as we steam towards our last port of call, Lisbon. It is also the annual World Voyage Country Fare tomorrow afternoon in the Queens Room. I brought back some good stuff from this event last year.

Pictures illustrate both inside and the exterior of the Cathedral as well as views in and from the Park Guell, where Gaudi’s creations are much in evidence. This tour was listed as being tough. But, it was well worth the effort. At one time, I did fail to keep up with the guide who did work very hard to escort a coach party across some very busy roads. Fortunately, thanks to the radio headsets we were issued with, I started to hear her commentary and realised that in fact, had come to the foot of the Park before the others. (My fault entirely!) However, I was contemplating independent return to the ship if the worst did happen…but it didn’t. A

Thanks for reading,

David

(Day 65) The internet is still unreliable. When, eventually, you receive this “epistle” it may well be several days since I wrote it. Today is the second of two sea days between Cyprus and Civitavecchia, during which time, we passed through the Straits of Messina. We are currently passing Stromboli, which in 2007, during the QM2 maiden world cruise, put on a fine display of lava flows during dinner, the Captain having announced that Stromboli had erupted! Evacuation of the Britannia Restaurant to have a look was inevitable. Today, we passed during the mid afternoon daylight, and just a mere whisp of white smoke was all Stromboli was offering. This is distinctive when seen from a ship.

Generally, the day was pretty routine, i.e. morning coffee with others travelling alone, deck walking, a diet lunch of lamb and mixed vegetables and this afternoon, a brilliant performance in the Royal Court Theatre, by Amethyst, the resident duo in the Golden Lion whose guitar renditions I would describe inadequately as legendary. On stage, in the Royal Court Theatre, they were backed and at times drowned by the otherwise brilliant Royal Court Theatre Orchestra. The 45 minute concert of contemporary rock and other music was rehearsed in well under an hour, from scratch, as were the imaginative and spectacular light projections which added a further dimension to the show. Shame on me, I failed to turn up for the trivia quiz.

Stromboli stayed in sight for what seemed like two or three hours, maybe longer. I wore myself out deck walking both with table companion Nick, and, later on, alone. For a while, on several occasions, I felt “out of steam”. It’s now 18.40 hrs and I have walked further than at any time since 17th Feb and two days before when I recorded 18,509 steps. I may just exceed that today. Virginia’s diet is beginning to make me believe I may be somewhat lighter than when I started my world tour. Tuxedos are morphing into tents! Had Doctor Miller not warned me of the consequences of not losing some weight, I may well have squandered this rare opportunity for diet and excersise – this seems much easier on board ship than at home.

I have found the return voyage from Dubai relaxing, but at times, particularly at night, “strange”. I know that a week on Monday, I shall “miss” my little inside stateroom and life on board, familiar as this routine has become. Also, the much anticipated journey which took in so many different events will, before long, be behind me. But then, there’s all that rail travel in North America yet to come.

Tonight, after dinner in the Britannia Restaurant, we were entertained in the Royal Court Theatre by some of the seriously talented “crew”. ALL acts demonstrated the noteworthy capabilities of each performer. The theatre was all but full, and the show received with warmth and joy.

I wanted to round off the evening with some nocturnal deck walking, but strong cool winds discouraged this quest, but I did exceed my record step count of 15th February.

Tomorrow, it’s Civitavecchia. I haven’t decided how yet to spend this day.

Many thanks for reading,

David.

Last year, I did not enjoy my call at Limassol as much as I had expected to. Perhaps after well over three months’ travelling by ship, cabin fever was setting in. Today was much better! First of all, Costa Victoria which was ship No. 3 in yesterday’s Canal transit was berthed at Limassol stern to stern, at right angles to QM2. (The pictures, in a later blog, will illustrate what I mean).My shore excursion was a mere four hours trip to the remote village of Omodos, which entailed meeting in the Royal Court Theatre at 09.40hrs. I had a good choice of seat on the coach, and the company of Zita from Vancouver. It seems we have become “buddies”. Our tour guide, an enthusiastic Cypriot lady allowed several periods of breathing space in her detailed commentary, and I came away well pleased. It was a good choice of excursion. We stopped for a snack of cheese, ham, locally baked bread, wine, and above all, the best oranges I have tasted for years! At Omodos itself, most of us were taken to The Monastery of the Holy Cross, where in, we are informed, is a fragment of the rope used during the Crucifixion, housed in a Cross, but visible, and a fragment of piece of wood from The Cross housed out of sight in the back of another. One remains sceptical. The church which I believe is Greek Orthodox is lavishly decorated as are many places of worship in the Mediterranean. The photos below were taken during this excursion and I hope are self explanatory.

David 5/4/19 10.24am

The last three pictures were taken from the coach as we headed back to the port of Limassol. The rest are either taken inside the church, or of Omodos itself.

Best wishes,

David.

The stateroom TV states that it’s 06.11hrs. The “bridge(or bow)-cam”, a fixed camera near on the bridge, facing forward, confirms we are on the move; it’s still dark.

Sleep has been difficult, and I will try again soon. Outside, the air temperature is a,comfortable 18 degrees Celsius, but cool compared with those glorious “highs” of recent days. See the TV images below indicating the ship’s position early today. More comment later; I am now (08.18hrs) sending a bridge-cam stateroom TV photograph before venturing on deck to witness this special transit of the Suez Canal. Again, more news later. Graham, the port lecturer started his most fascinating commentary at around 07.20. (I wasn’t too pleased at the time, I thought the voice which disturbed my chequered slumber at first sounded like a news programme from an neighbouring TV set!)

David.

More pictures taken from QM2 as we progressed along the Suez Canal. The very last image illustrates a vehicle ferry which crosses from one side of the Canal to the other. The ship ahead is Costa Victoria; two other ships lead the convoy of, I think, 24 vessels; we are No. 4 in today’s convoy.

The weather warmed up magnificently, clear skies and a beautiful warm day in which to relax. This transit is as pleasurable as any I have enjoyed so far. There is a great deal to observe, far too much for one day, as we steam north at around 9 knots. Graham had imparted much information during his commentary, including facts about previous attempts to construct the Canal.

I have mentioned my companions, Nick, Vicky and Virginia in previous previous blogs. It is rather good that generally, during sea days, we meet twice, once in the morning for a coffee, pastries and a chat with other people travelling alone, and again in the afternoon for the trivia quiz. My lack of general knowledge is in evidence at these events, which, nevertheless, I do enjoy. Strangely, I can sometimes answer more questions correctly when watching University Challenge, or Egg Heads!

All the best, David.

Time for a few laps as we continue towards Port Said and the Mediterranean Sea, beyond.

Thanks for reading,

David.

Sometime after 11 o’clock last night, we left the port of Aqaba to head south towards the main body of the Red Sea before heading north towards the Gulf of Suez, and our eventual transit of the Suez Canal. I didn’t mention in yesterday’s blog, that it was unusually cool in Jordon, particularly as we headed into the hills and Wadi Rum. In fact, the weather was most pleasant, as it is today as we steam up what I refer to as the “left hand arm” of the Red Sea. Shorts and tee-shirts are still possible on this fine sunny day.

I found yesterday’s activities a little exhausting, opting for a disgustingly long sleep-in this morning. Now, I am well rested and content. Land on the port side is close and curiosity provoking. I really ought to ascertain the fascinating countries we are sailing by. Last night, across the water from Aqaba, Israel was as close as Stockport is to Disley. Egypt, also not too far way and Saudi Arabia also border Jordon. The land I am looking at right now is Egypt, possibly an island. In fact, we are heading towards the Gulf of Suez. At 8pm, we shall anchor as administration is carried out to permit transit of the Suez Canal. I doubt that I shall be up at 5am to witness the entire ten hour passage. Graham, the port lecturer will give a running commentary, surely not from the early hours!

Tonight, after a “gala” dinner, formerly known as a formal night, dinner was followed by a spectacular Egyptian Ball in The Queens Room. By now, we were anchored outside the entrance to the Canal. The cruise ship Costa Victoria which we passed earlier today had caught up at around 11pm and I watched as it crossed close to our stern as she positioned herself near by.

I attended the Egyptian Ball but didn’t attempt to take part on the dance floor. I sat with Vicky until she decided it was time to retire for the night. I enjoyed the band who performed formal dance arrangements of well known pop songs. The floor filled to fox trots, quicksteps, and a brilliant instrumental version of Nights in White Satin set as a Viennese Waltz. I came away to take photographs from our ship, now anchored in preparation for tomorrow’s Suez Canal transit. I have done this twice before, but will try to savour each moment, not knowing if I will do this maybe one more time in the future. Again, the last pictures have appeared first. They should be self explanatory. The pictures are all mixed up! The “day shots” were taken as we headed north towards the Gulf of Suez. From both sides of QM2, Egypt was clearly visible, with shipping and oil industry apparent. The cruise ship Costa Victoria was overtaken late in the afternoon, after its head start from Aqaba. It caught up with us at the entrance to the Canal late last night. This should explain the pictures below.

Thanks for reading,

David.

Last year, I took the tour to Petra, and was going to the same this year, now being much more recovered from the heart surgery of 2017. I had recovered well over the intervening year and was now planning to achieve more, as well as revisit this incredible “lost city”. However, Graham’s port lecture discouraged me somewhat, and I did wish to see Wadi Rum which my neighbour Roger had visited and recommended I should see, even if not able to go further than the “coach stop”. This was an excellent recommendation. The tour took us to the ancient recently discovered ruins of Ayla, and around the City before venturing into the vegetation free mountains, the like of which I have to see elsewhere. Eventually, we arrived at an unexpected location, Wadi Rum railway station, complete with steam locomotive at the head of what I presume is a representation of Lawrence of Arabia’s train. The Vista of unique rock formations can only be described in my modest photographs.

The pictures for Day 60, if they appear in the correct order begin with, right at the beginning, a) Fresh fish at a restaurant where we would dine in the evening, b) Views from the ship at Aqaba. c) We move to recently excavated ruins at Ayla, then to the Railway Station at Wadi Rum, Wadi Rum itself and finally QM2 after dark.

A sunset dinner cruise booked for the evening was cancelled due to higher than usual winds and thus, turbulent waters. I was, however, very pleased to receive an invitation to join table companion, Virginia, to look around Aqaba independently. We took the shuttle bus. As soon as we stepped from the bus, a taxi driver appeared from nowhere offering a comprehensive tour of Aqaba. We accepted! The price, negotiated, was most acceptable. We were shown around Aqaba, most of it, including the rather poor areas where children played in the streets, and greeted us, generally with with a “well brought up courteous enthusiasm” which was delightful. Virginia was somewhat in need of food having eaten very little during the day. (I was still replete from a buffet lunch at Wadi Rum). The taxi man took us to an excellent fish restaurant where we chose our fish from a freshly caught catch. This was prepared and presented in a way worthy of photographing, a meal we both thought was wonderful and which we enjoyed greatly. So far, this was a fine substitute for the cancelled dinner cruise. The restaurant arranged WiFi for both our phones, and my friend took the opportunity to reply to her daughter’s e-mail. Eventually, we declined a persistent invitation to meet the taxi driver’s family; and, as we would ascertain later, the meter was still ticking! The one hour trip morphed into something perhaps three times as long, and the fare, adjusted accordingly. I don’t know about Virginia, but I did grimace momentarily! It was a great evening however, especially with the unlikelyhood of ever returning, very much as I would like, very much to.

We joined our table as they dined and we watched and talked! I then went for a long deck walk with Nick and we nattered until the early hours over a disgusting drink of taste acquiring Horlicks!

I am beginning to feel the benefit of recovering from the strenuous but exhilarating overland travel prior to embarkation at Dubai. All of that seems an age ago as there are now less than two weeks to go of my multi itinerary world tour.

These blogs cannot be published when written because of poor internet connections in this area.

Enjoy! David.

I was most pleased to learn that what I thought were two days at sea, were, in fact three, before arrival at Aqaba. Day 59 was warm at 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with mill pond seas, today, very windy, not quite as warm with a more active sea. There is little to write about. However, Vicky celebrated her birthday today. I am ashamed to say that (as usual) I forgot, which I am not too pleased about. A company of waiters surrounded Table 112 with a choral rendition of “Happy Birthday”.

We are joined each night by Virginia who dines in Britannia Club, then comes over to ours for coffee. This boosts our table from three. I am sure I requested a table for eight originally. Sadly, Nadia who joined us a few days ago leaves tomorrow at Aqaba, and joins another cruise ship in just a few days. We were all invited as guests of her partner to enjoy olive picking in November. Now, there’s a challenge!

Here are a few pictures taken on board during yesterday and today.

This blog posted 4th April from Cyprus.

Thanks for reading,

David.

Salalah, the first port of call on this final leg, not only of my trip around the planet, but also of QM2’s 2019 World Voyage. As I believe, 1,400 embarked at Dubai; also more at a previous port, Singapore.

I didn’t sleep too well last night, so today, I welcome a visit to the Salalah Crowne Plaza Beach Resort where I can chill out on what might be one of the last hot days of the tour. On the way, our coach stopped at a mosque & a palace at both of which, entry was forbidden. Salalah comes accross as “a work in progress”, as the capital city exudes growth on its outskirts, and particularly in the vicinity of the docks. The centre of Salalah comes across as well established with many different types of businesses, appearing to flourish. There are areas of attractive and vividly coloured gardens. And the lamp posts are very ornate and elegant, painted in an attractive multi-coloured scheme with gold bands. A bit of civic pride here, methinks! But, it was hot, around 28 degrees Celsius.

This is all rather nice. Despite investing in swimming trunks, I am still reluctant to get wet! It’s a gorgeous day and it feels as hot as anywhere I have visited on this holiday.

Time for a wander, and yes, I did try out one of the shallower pools! Now, I have to amble back to the coach.

The journey back was interesting despite having difficulty staying awake. A bit of shut-eye in my cabin seems to have “done the trick”.

Now, it’s time for the “sail-away”. It’s so lovely outside, I shall join in the party at the stern of Deck 8.

Here are pictures taken in Salalah and at the Crowne Plaza Beach Resort.

All the best,

David.

The sea is calm, almost like a mill pond ruffled by a soft breeze. The ship is steady, as if like an on-land-hotel. This, of course may not be the case if & when the Bay of Biscay decides to be fractious.

I was up late this morning, but made it in time for one and half laps of the Promenade Deck before joining the solo travellers in the Carinthia Lounge at 10.30, and not bothering with breakfast. Between then and around 12.45, I continued my deck walking with Nick from our table. Lunch in the Britannia Restaurant was delicious; I had an Indian dish for a main course. It’s very much easier to eat more healthily on board ship than left to one’s own devices in some exotic city or part of the world. The company is generally convivial. I am much more “settled” than I was this time last year, although much to my surprise, last night, I questioned being on Queen Mary 2 yet again, as momentary boredom set in as the evening progressed after dinner. I later fell asleep, and then awoke hours later, to the most glorious of days.

The odour which afflicted the corridor to my cabin on deck 9 seems to have spread to the adjacent posh Queens Grill corridors. While only very faint, it does hint at something unpalatable! Perhaps this is all in my imagination, but I don’t think so.

This afternoon, more deck walking in rather warm weather, as guests indulge in sun worship around the ship.

What later promised to be a perfect sunset morphed into a disappearance behind a mist on the horizon. No pyrotechnics tonight then!

A warm breeze caresses my travel weary brow with therapeutic effect. But I have to prepare for dinner in less than two hours. Last night was the first Gala evening where the dress code is “formal”. Thankfully, tonight, I don’t have to wrestle with bow ties etc! This has been a very tranquil day, unnaturally quiet, considering the ship is full.

Thanks for reading,

David.

1) Mein Schiff 4 at Port Rashid, Dubai, in front of QM2 25/3/192) QE2 from QM2, 25/3/193, 4, and 5) Departure from Dubai, and a last look at QE2.All the above, Day 53. Published Day 54Day 54, 26th March 2019. So, here I am on the final leg of this round the world tour, on board Queen Mary 2. 1,400 had, apparently embarked at Dubai, yesterday.The accumulation of laundry has been sent for washing, and crumpled jackets and trousers, re-pressing. Because of the location of the plug sockets in my stateroom, I am unable to charge my phone there. That’s an inconvenience I could do without. However, the Purser’s Office has agreed to charge it each night.This last leg is really an opportunity to relax and take excersise for the final 20 days. Needless to say, however, I have booked shore excursions for all ports except Cyprus. I don’t like the idea of being sung to, like on last year’s trip! Little seems to have changed since I was on QM2 last year, and found the “welcome back” from various staff most gratifying. I have chosen not to return to Petra; instead, while in Jordan, I am doing two small trips, Wadi Rum, and a sunset dinner cruise. I attended a lecture this morning, but had difficulty staying awake. It was delivered by Conrad Humphreys, the Second in Command of a re-run of Captain Bligh’s voyage after the Mutiny on the Bounty incident, this being sponsored and financed by Channel 4. After lunch in the Britannia Restaurant, a couple from near Bradford I met during lunch, and I attended Graham’s port lecture on Aqaba. It was that which made me decide not to repeat the excellent Petra trip, which the tour desk gleefully tell me is sold out anyway! Of course, they will find another bus, and those on the wait list should be accommodated. I have met one or two from last year’s World Voyage who are doing the same this year. There is the usual mix of guests on board, and irritatingly, I am far from being amongst the youngest. Outside, it is pleasantly warm. The sea is calm. High time for a,walk! The trouble is, there are “roadworks” restricting access on parts of the Boat Deck. By that, I mean maintenance staff carrying out essential repairs and renewals. The sun set tonight behind a distant cloud-bank on the horizon. Watchers were thus bereft of spectacular skies. I have only one real issue, a slight but definite hint of something not very nice as one enters the corridor at which my stateroom is at the end. There are just four such inside cabins here. The others are Grill Suites, at the other end of the “scale”. They tell me “know one else has complained” but that stock answer doesn’t wash…and they agreed, fairly quickly, to shampoo the carpet. Time to change for what has been branded a “gala night”. What was wrong with the term “formal?”.Yet again, the Voyage Sales are not accepting deposits or enquiries for the maiden voyage of its new ship. These irritations are of no consequence. This journey remains among the most successful I have undertaken. Thanks for reading, David.