David's Cruise

For whatever reason, I slept very badly last night, and resolved not to leave the ship today. However, curiosity got the better of me and not too long after it was announced we had docked, I walked the 17 paces to the open deck to find we were surrounded by a wonderful collection of lush green islands. Again, already it was very hot. I decided to see if I could get a place on an already sold out tour of the island, Langkawi. Fortune prevailed at the very last minute and I squeezed onto Bus 16. Minutes into the journey it was obvious there were problems; a replacement vehicle was soon on hand for the journey to continue. Langkawi is what I might refer to unkindly as “a work in progress “. Left alone, the island would be the unspoiled paradise the surrounding islands still appear to be. On our four and a half hour round trip, we visited Eagles Square, Mahsuri’s Tomb, a rubber plantation and a Handicraft Studio, where there was a fabulous selection of different items, clothing, ornamental and an eclectic choice of souvenirs on offer. We returned to the ship; I rested for a while and returned to the main shopping area to seek inspiration for buying something. I was very hot and tired and returned finally to the ship after half an hour or so. Once again, a handful of images. Towards the shopping area. Eagles Square View from QM2 The idyllic landscape of Langkawi From QM2 From QM2 Thanks for reading. Best wishes, David.

Today, I had no shore excursion booked, nor have I tomorrow when we dock at Langkawi, our final port in Malaysia. Yesterday’s trip to Kuala Lumpur was long. However, I did enjoy visiting another major city. At around 8am on the 7th April, (again, it’s just after midnight), QM2 docked at Penang. After a fairly decent sleep, I decided to try for a shore excursion after all. There were places available on my preferred choice “Penang Hill and Temple”. Quite why every journey to a destination is described as scenic, I fail to understand. We had a conducted journey to the base of Penang Hill from where we would take the funicular railway. We journeyed past residential areas, numerous retail and other roadside businesses in shacks, through the capital Georgetown; all highly interesting to see, but not what I would call scenic! However, the approximately 7 minute funicular ride to the top of Penang Hill, which I am told is 700 metres high, was extremely lovely. There was plenty to see and enjoy at the top, and wonderful colourful vegetation and superbly tended gardens. The city of Georgetown lay far below as if looking down from an aeroplane. The aptly named Belle Vue Hotel is up there; I could do with a week there during a future world tour. Eventually, we descended the mountain by the same way we ascended Penang Hill. Missing breakfast this morning, I had grabbed some cold meat and fresh bread from the Kings Court and made impromptu sandwiches. These were rather nice during the trip. We continued to the massive hillside Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest in Malaysia. This involved a long hike through and high into this “Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas”. Eventually, another funicular railway would take us to the summit, again affording colourful roof top views to the city far below. There was an ornate pond at the summit which I read may be the Tortoise Pond of Longevity. (I am not sure). Eventually, we all met at the coach park part way up, and were taken back to the ship. I am told the temperature reached a magnificent 37 degrees Celsius today. The heat and humidity did “get to me” for a short while. It remains humid tonight. The summit of Penang Hill Kel Lok Si Temple. More news soon. Thanks for reading, David.

Just after 12.30am 7/4/2018. Yesterday was the second of five consecutive port days. The first day was our second call at Singapore. This time we docked at Port Kelang, around 90 minutes by coach from/to Kuala Lumpur. The brochure describes the journey as scenic. Hardly! I joined yet another Cunard organised excursion. We paid the briefest of visits (30 minutes) to the National Museum. We then stopped by the Railway Station and Administrative Headquarters which was next door to the National Mosque. Just as some of us were debating whether we would be granted entry to the latter, given our summer clothing, we were ushered back on to the coach. An opportunity was provided to photograph the Pretonas Twin Towers. We ascended the KL Tower for views from the glassed-in Observation Deck. Despite the haze, possibly of pollution, there were worthwhile views to be had from the KL Tower. An excellent buffet lunch was served at the Grand Seasons Hotel. A decent amount of time was later allowed at the Central Market. The previous threat of a thunderstorm was realised when we left the market. Thunder exploded and lightening streaked accross a leadened sky. But as soon as I turned on my camera to video this storm, the lightening became far less spectacular. Fortunately, none of our party got drenched! The journey back to the ship was uneventful albeit with a certain amount of congestion on the outskirts of the city. We arrived at the cruise terminal at around 5pm; I wandered off to take photographs, being accompanied discreetly by a member of the harbour personnel! QM2 departed Port Kelang shortly after 6pm while I was texting my sister from inside my cabin. I don’t know the temperature today; however it was extremely humid. Here are a few pictures:- National Museum. Such a pity no guide book was available. National Museum collection of locomotives. The coach with Its fancy interior decoration which sadly, severely restricts the view. Railway Station. Central Market Port Kelang. Very best wishes, David.

The photographs below were taken yesterday towards the end of our tour of the Gardens by the Bay and from the restaurant atop the Big Tree. (5/4/2018) While I applaud the emphasis Gardens by the Bay places on the state of our world, one does wonder about the carbon footprint of the creation of this complex, as well as the never ceasing development of Singapore (and other cities) as well. It’s almost 6am right now. Soon. I shall be embarking on “The Best of Kuala Lumpur” tour. (Now for something completely irrelevant, Mother would have been 102 today!) Thanks again for reading. David. (6/4/18)

After a most worthwhile visit to the Gardens by the Bay, and Afternoon Tea, we were taken back to the ship. I took further photographs on my phone of the ship before making my way back to my stateroom and belatedly installing the battery into my main camera. We left Singapore for a second and final time. We call at three ports in Malaysia and one in Thailand before continuing west to Sri Lanka.

Awaiting departure

QM2 at Singapore 5/4/2018

A last glimpse as Singapore’s lights fade into the horizon.

Singapore sunset 5/4/2018

Tomorrow, we travel to Kuala Lumpur.

All the best, David

That was unfortunate….I forgot to load the battery into my main (Lumix) camera. The up-side is that all but a handful of pictures taken after I returned to the ship are on my ‘phone, the best of which can be shared on this blog. I did two things today; this morning, I gave the Canyon Ranch Spa a try. For the first time in my life, I immersed myself in a magnificent jacuzzi, and then, (not the first time) sweated it out in a steam room. I also braved the swimming pool, confident that being 5ft. deep I, a non swimmer, could stand on the bottom. Refreshed, I returned to my stateroom with just enough time to prepare for this afternoon’s shore excursion “Gardens by the Bay and Afternoon Tea)”. This was a treat. Gardens by the Bay are a complex of huge glass covered “domes”, housing hundreds of plants and species in a controlled environment in which they can thrive. I suppose it’s a bit like the Eden Project in Cornwall, but several times larger. In the same location are a number of huge tree like structures. They serve several purposes including water gathering during wet weather. One of these trees, the tallest, houses a splendid restaurant near the top, I believe 53 metres from ground level. An observation deck affords aerial views through the tree’s branch like structure, and atop a further flight of stairs, clear views can be enjoyed at that higher level. Afternoon Tea took the form of a small oriental buffet which I enjoyed thoroughly. The flower and other displays in the futuristic glass structures defy adequate description. There were other areas including a section warning in graphic detail man’s contribution to the now serious state of our planet, and the present day effects of global warming, forest exploitation, and all sorts of other human activities. I hope to add to this later this evening. Thanks for reading, David.

Library and adjacent shop, forward on Deck 8 Canyon Ranch Spa at Sea. Part of the Canyon Ranch Spa, forward on Deck 7. My intention is to make use of some of the facilities on offer during the next 17 sea days. Exiting the Canyon Ranch Spa complex, the adjacent Carinthia Lounge offers a ship-wide comfortable and stylish area to relax and enjoy light snacks as well as the usual drinks from the bar and speciality coffees. Live music, usually at around 5pm adds to the pleasure of spending time here, possibly engrossed in a novel. Keep moving further along and enjoy the “everybody everywhere” bustle of the Kings Court. From the early hours to 2am the following morning, the widest selection of excellent cuisine is available at early and late breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, snacks in between, dinner, and even a hot and cold range available to when most people are fast asleep. There are still guests and personnel around at that time, justifying staying open until the early hours. Night staff ensure all is ready for reopening in just a few hours. The Kings Court during lunch. These recent blogs were a belated effort to describe more effectively what it has been like travelling by ship to and from Australia and New Zealand. Throughout the voyage, I have enjoyed the convivial company at dinner of Martin and Jan, Nick and Geraldine, Wilf, who, like me was travelling alone as far as Sydney, and latterly, Joe and Joyce, two “fun” ladies who joined our table around 10 days ago, also on the complete world voyage. Generally, during the day, we “do our own thing”; after dinner we sometimes meet at the nightly show, or a movie, but rarely, all seven of us. On this 83rd day, being on here for so long has turned this voyage into a kind of temporary way of life, far removed from the more familiar two or three weeks’ holiday each year. When the brief but inevitable spells of cabin fever manifest themselves, I remind myself of my unbelievably great fortune to be cruising the “pages of a National Geographic magazine”, rather than wrestling with the abject discomforts of what has possibly been the worst winter since 1963. In the scheme of things, few people have it so good. Again, many thanks for reading. Best wishes, David.

Two days ago, Easter was celebrated at a special service in the Royal Court Theatre, which each Sunday at 10am is adapted for worship. It was also April 1st. Spot the “spoof”….! The Daily Programme for April 1st. Today, I continue my illustrated blog tour of the ship. My accommodation throughout the voyage is a recently installed Standard Inside stateroom on Deck 13. All that one needs is contained within the confines of the most economic double cabin available on QM2. Its position on the highest passenger deck is conveniently close to an expansive shipwide space where deck games are available as well as a generous area for sunbathing. The flight of stairs at the top of the picture, and one opposite, lead to a kind of mini-promenade deck, above the deck 13 cabins which were installed as part of Queen Mary 2’s remastering in June 2016. I feel this offers the finest side views from most places on board. Views forward are obstructed by masts and other necessary ship’s equipment. The Observation Deck in front of the Atlantic Lounge on deck 11, affords wonderful all-round vistas, particularly, when not crowded. Observation deck (11) looking accross from the port side. Uninterrupted forward view. Towards the aft, port side. Looking back from what I call the mini-promenade deck, which I know as Deck 14 forward. One of the loveliest bar and lounge areas to be found forward on Deck 9 is the Commodore Club. Here, the most creative and imaginative of cocktails are prepared and can be savoured as one gazes, again on uninterrupted views ahead. Speciality coffees are also on offer. Music plays unobtrusively in the back-ground. Prior to dinner, enticing canapes are served with pre dinner drinks. As darkness falls, the window blinds are lowerd and the Commodore Club takes on the ambience of a sophisticated city bar, complete with live pianist for much of the evening. Even more exclusive is Churchill’s an adjacent room where the smoking of cigars is encouraged. Commodore Club. The now famous model of QM2 which has always graced the back wall of the bar of the Commodore Club. Today, our first of two sea days between Nha Trang and Singapore, the clocks were again advanced an hour at noon. It’s time for lunch. The tranquillity of the Commodore Club has been suddenly shattered by the advent of couple of exuberant Americans in loud conversation with an equally flamboyant barman…from north of the Border! At least I enjoyed the first sips of my coffee in peace! To be continued. Thanks for reading. David.

My second blog “Life on Board” will be illustrated with general views taken around Queen Mary 2 during her current World Voyage. This lower view is of the Britannia Restaurant taken during a midday meal on 2nd April 2018. I chose the Canyon Ranch Spa selections for lunch today. beginning with Tandoori Chicken Kebabs (255 k.cal), followed by Dumplings Bok Choy and Sweet Chilli Sauce (431 k.cal) and for dessert, Vanilla Creme Brule (114 k.cal). That is designed to be the healthy option. Lunch in the Britannia Restaurant usually offers a choice of four starters, sandwich and salad of the day, various entrees and desserts. One generally has the choice of either dining alone or with others at a larger table at this time, or at breakfast when it is open sitting. Tea or coffee is offered at the end of lunch, as are drinks from the bar at the beginning. Looking towards the staircase and main entrance of the Britannia Restaurant. A general view towards the Grand Lobby from stairway C, just in front of the Britannia Restaurant. Grand Lobby. This is often the first area one sees when boarding QM2 at the start of a voyage. The Purser’s Office adjacent to the Grand Lobby on Deck 2. This functions more like hotel reception desk with several personnel available during the day when it is usually busy. There will be more from around the ship in the next few days. This morning, April 2nd, we were anchored close to the city of Nha Trang in Vietnam. Again, it was an attractive port of call. Recently, a cable car was installed to connect the mainland with a nearby island, thus necessitating the need for tenders to be used. Our port lecturer advised NOT using the cable car; it has proved unreliable too many times. My excursion today was “Life on the River Cai”, and was highly recommended by Graham, the Port Lecturer. It was a good choice. About 10 of us boarded a Ford minibus close to where the tenders had dropped us off. We travelled along a coast road, passing the statue of Tran Hung Dao, a Vietnamese hero. 100 steps were required to reach the Po Nagar Cham Tower just above the Cai River. These three towers are dedicated to the Divine Lady, Mother of the Country and date back to the 8th Century. We then walked through narrow and dusty back streets to the place we would board a small motor boat. We were taken to Vinh Thai Island to see traditional farming and other local activities. We visited a private dwelling, and stopped for refreshments of tropical fruit. I discovered I didn’t dislike coconut milk! I took few pictures on my phone. With luck, photos from my main camera can be added later. We covered much in the four hour excursion, but being a fairly early start, I felt tired and returned to the ship where I had the lunch described earlier in this blog. Later in the day, the sun went down and as darkness gathered, three long blasts on the ship’s horn heralded the start of our return to Singapore where we arrive three days from today. And as darkness fell on the now distant Nha Trang, buildings would gradually light up, a distant leisure park would spring to life and once again the sail-away would be magical. Sunset. Sail-away. Thanks for reading. Best wishes, David.

Written up on Easter Sunday.

I awoke early on Good Friday, just in time to observe as our ship, Queen Mary 2 berthed in front of Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth at Hong Kong’s spectacular new cruise terminal, creating a rare two Queens event. For the first time, I was looking at Hong Kong’s backdrop of peaks and high-rises. Photo opportunities were aplenty. Friday would be busy; in the morning, a sight seeing coach and boat tour, and in the evening, the much anticipated World Cruise Dinner, this year, held at the Kerry Hotel in Hong Kong.

It was a fairly early start today even ‘though the tour commenced at the respectable hour of 09.15hrs. Our first call was at Victoria Peak. This would be ascended partly by coach, and then escalators through a tourist complex of shops, cafes and other tourist attractions, to an observation deck at the top.

Enough time was allowed for looking around and shopping, before we continued to Stanley Market. I took this opportunity for a spot of lunch at a waterside cafe. I think it was pork in tripe! It had no adverse effects! We continued to a minute temple, and then a brief but pleasant river trip. As on all these Asian trips, we visited, this time, a jade factory and retail outlet. Again, we were enticed with soft drinks. We saw much of the surrounding area including Repulse Bay, now highly developed with top end residential properties, and sporting a fine beach.

Boat trip.

On the river.

After returning to the ship, I caught up on some sleep before preparing for the Gala Dinner. Needless to say, the dress code was “formal”.

I am told that around 1,000 attended this grand event. The dinner was preceded by a reception which spilled out onto a terrace and garden which overlooked the water and a magnificent backdrop of hills and high rises which would gradually become illuminated as the sun went down.

Queen Mary 2 in front of Queen Elizabeth as seen from the terrace of the Kerry Hotel.

These photographs do not quite capture the magnificent setting for the World Cruise Dinner!

I have to say, this has to be the most lavish event I have ever had the privilege of being a guest at. The dining room was more the size of a football pitch, or so it seemed. At the opposite end of the wide entrance, a stage and screen which spanned most of the room’s width. Sophisticated lighting filled the entire space like that of a rock concert. Screens down one side of the room relayed what was taking place on stage. Local style entertainment enthralled all attendees of this gala banquet. There were dancers, acrobats etc. The drink flowed; addresses were delivered. And the guests, all those deemed to be taking the full world cruise were accommodated at round tables of around 8. I chose to start with a tomato and beetroot salad, continue with one of the finest beef-steaks I can ever recall and a parsimonious portion of vegetables and finally, a tropical fruit salad. The two salads were to cater for my dietary requirements….I would have much preferred the rich creamy dessert everybody else enjoyed. This was a splendid occasion to say the least. However, I was very tired at the end of the day and awoke at a later hour on Easter Saturday.

Determined to do at least something the following day before an early evening departure, after failing to get on to a helicopter trip & tea at the Peninsula Hotel (That would have been nice), I took the shuttle bus to the waterfront opposite the Shangri La Hotel. From there, I walked along the waterfront, taking a few photographs along the way. Eventually, I found a cheap eatery in a shopping mall and enjoyed, again, pork, this time with boiled rice and some green stuff. I returned to the ship and joined table companions Nick and Geraldine in the Atlantic Room, for the exclusive use of those taking the full world cruise. At dinner, all seven of us shared our day’s experiences. I then went with one of our group to see the film “Secret Scripture”, about a young woman being detained against her will in a mental institution. All very thought provoking and very well filmed. I then made the mistake of going to bed very late after getting talking to a dance host in the Kings Court, and then writing texts until almost 2am. I overslept this morning, missing the Easter worship. For that, I am not at all pleased!

Cunard World Cruise Dinner 2018 Captain Peter Philpot calls for a chat towards the end of the evening.

Yesterday evening, the departure from Hong Kong, as the sun set, and the light gradually faded, was magical. At the stern on deck 8, the band played and some people danced. I had seen nothing like it, and was thrilled, particularly with the crescendo of lighting from the forests of high-rises as darkness fell.

Today is beautiful as we now steam South West to our next destination, Nha Trang in Vietnam. No over sleeping tomorrow; I have booked a river trip.

All the best, David.