David's Cruise

Written 6th June, 2022, started at 10 52 hrs GMT – 8, i.e. 9 hours behind U.K. British Summer Time.

Today (6th June) we are about one hour away from our maiden destination of Glacier Bay. Like yesterday, Day 35, the morning is grey, wet and misty. Yesterday, there was little to see; today spectacular forested hills and distant islands while discernable, are tantalisingly obscured by mist and drizzle. But this creates another atmospheric beauty, difficult for me to photograph well.

These are two pictures taken moments ago from my drenched balcony. 10.06 hrs, around 1 hrs 54 minutes away from the entrance to Glacier Bay.

Yesterday, there was little to see as we steamed at over 20 knots towards Glacier Bay, where we shall arrive shortly. This morning, the clocks went back a further hour, giving us just that little bit of extra time today.

At last, yesterday, Cunard managed a superb event in almost belated honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. This took the form of a splendid Afternoon Tea complete with wonderful displays and an ice carving in the middle of the ballroom, on the Queens Room dance floor. Musicians from the Queens Room Orchestra with Irish crooner performed a set of well known songs of an earlier era, i.e. the 1930s. It was necessary to take your seats early to be sure of securing a place at this unique celebration. The personnel involved all worked tirelessly to ensure a wonderful event and great sense of occasion. I do feel, however, they might have been let down by higher management who appeared not to have grasped the historic significance of the Platinum Jubilee. There were bits in various on board publications, and all those on the front line did pull out all the stops available to them. However, there was no playing of God Save the Queen, not even during the church service which took place not only on Whit Sunday, but also on the final day of said Platinum Jubilee Celebrations. Many opportunities were missed on this occasion. But, Afternoon Tea was magnificent and just for that day only, I suspended my moratorium on trifle and a couple of other delicious offerings, and, of course, having to be careful. Thankfully, there was little regret afterwards. And dinner, the penultimate Gala evening of this long cruise, was extremely pleasant as the same two, me and Lesley, represented what was once a table for six!

That was yesterday. I also attended Harry’s Port Lecture on Haines and Juno. Today, he, described the ports of Sitka and Ketchican, and I have gleaned some idea of how I might like to spend time at these places. I am still intent on maintaining my walking, even ‘though I passed the Million Steps Challenge on May 28th, while at sea between Manzanillo and Los Angeles. Ye Gods! That feels an age ago, now!

Now to explore the drizzle drenched open decks; the entrance to Glacier Bay is just 23 minutes away…and it’s still grey, wet and miserable (sorry, atmospheric!)

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Southeastern Alaska covers an area of unspoiled wilderness, 5,129 square miles, and includes Glacier Bay itself, the northern, southern and western slopes of Mount Fairweather and the U.S. portion of the Alsek River.

The lacklustre wet and misty weather gave me the opportunity to pick up the paperwork to enable transfer of my suitcase from this ship, Queen Elizabeth, to Queen Mary 2. With luck, I can then travel light around the United States 🇺🇸. Actually, the date of final disembarkation is only just over a week away. I really will be on my own when I take the bus from Vancouver to Seattle.

Right now, it’s 13.24 hrs and although we seem to be almost at a standstill, the Navigational Channel indicates we are steaming at 17.6 knots.

I spent around half am hour in my cabin, thankful for the extravagance of a balcony in this haunting area of the Pacific North West. There is opportunity to now walk around the Promenade and Upper Decks.

18.53 hrs

What an incredible day. What an incredible voyage. Although we did not disembark the ship, the journey into Glacier Bay was a destination in itself. As you will see from the photographs, stunning rocks, cliffs and islands were the backdrop for just about the entire day. Had there been less mist and cloud, I’m sure much more would have been visible. But, the rain, patchy mist and low cloud made for its own unique magnificence. I would like to think that I might just come again!

At around noon, we arrived at the entrance to Glacier Bay, where National Park Rangers boarded at Bartlett Cove. A description of the journey firstly to Margerie Glacier was broadcast over the ship’s P.A. system. I took numerous photographs, and only the time (less one hour) may help identify the location photographed. Although I made use of my balcony, I did go to most parts of the ship, either just to watch, or take plenteous pictures. While the Daily Programme lists only two glaciers, Margaret and Lamplugh, I had the Grand Pacific Glacier pointed out to me. This is hard to discern as the Glacier itself is under fallen rock and other debris, concealing the ice flow beneath. Also, the Reid Glacier was pointed out very shortly after we had “visited” the Lamplugh Glacier, where as at Margerie, the ship was turned 360° so as to enable a view from all parts of the ship.

It is now 11.40 pm, and it has only just gone dark, as we steam towards the maiden port of call at Haines. My plan is to explore the town and take the ferry to Skagway and have another look at the railway depot.

Many thanks for reading. David, somewhere on Main Street, Haines, Alaska, 11.20 the following morning.

All yesterday afternoon and early evening was spent gathering my belongings together in bags and suitcases.  By around 9am this morning,  all was ready for transfer to my new cabin, still on Deck 8 on the port-side, but much further back. At lunch time, Michael, my new cabin steward introduced himself to me and checked the time I would like my room prepared for both day and night configuration.  Alex and Larry during the voyage so far were both excellent, and preempted my requirements before ever I had to ask.

It feels a tad strange in Vancouver today. I was here in 2019, and already this morning, I have checked out the Cathedral and the Hotel Vancouver where I shall stay at the end of this voyage on 14th June.  It’s quite warm outside but somewhat cloudy.  Quite why I wake up just in time to photograph an important bridge or famous landmark, I don’t really know.  I took a peek through the curtains this morning just in time to take pictures of what I think is the Lions Gate Bridge.  This connects Vancouver with the districts of North and West Vancouver.  The bridge opened in 1938, and cast concrete lions were installed at both ends a year later. In fact, the “Lions” I believe, are a couple of hills or peaks in North Vancouver.

I was required to attend both Canadian and U.S. immigration procedures along with all other passengers carrying on to Alaska.  Having handed in my Canadian documents, I found my way into the city and headed towards the Cathedral and the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver,  once part of the Canadian Pacific empire, along with numerous other Canadian Pacific hotels along the rail route to Quebec City.  I think there are around ten such hotels; I will have stayed at two of them by the end of this holiday, The Royal York in Toronto, and Hotel Vancouver. I returned to the ship at around 11.10 to attend U.S. immigration, and have checked out my new stateroom.  I shall take another walk into town before sail-away.

The plan was to locate a camera shop in the hopes of replacing my now unserviceable Lumix Camera. With just 90 minutes before having to be on board, the port staff advised me not to return to the city centre; U S. Immigration which I would have been required to go through again, might have created further hold-ups due to three ships being in port and several thousand passengers needing to be processed.

The three cruise ships in Vancouver were Holland America’s Koningsdam, Majestic Princess and our ship, Queen Elizabeth.

Holland America’s Kiningsberg was the first cruise ship to depart with a continuous blast on its siren as she positioned herself for the voyage to Alaska, followed by our ship, Queen Elizabeth, and finally, playing some kind of melody on its siren, Majestic Princess.. Passengers lined the decks of their three ships waiving joyously across to those on the neighbouring cruise ships. Gorgeous varying backdrops, high rises, futuristic architecture and snowcapped hills made for a spectacular sail-away. There was a definite sense of excitement as the new compliment of passengers watched from the open decks as we headed once again past Stanley Park and under the Lions Gate Bridge. Queen Elizabeth would then pass through the Strait of Georgia with Vancouver Island to the port-side, then making her entrance pass Cape Mudge into Discovery Passage which separates Vancouver Island and Quadra Island. Today, we continue along the Inside Passage towards Glacier Bay where we arrive at noon tomorrow. There is much detail here, gleaned from Sunday’s Daily Programme as well as the Navigational Channel on the stateroom T.V. There was little to see in the evening, bar various distant lights, and few close up which were buoys illuminated, marking out the channel through the ‘First Narrows’ over which is the Lions Gate Suspension Bridge.

Tonight was the last of the “first nights” where passengers embarked for their chosen voyage. Our table, 505 remains the same, with just two or occasionally three of the six “original” table companions still on board. Just two of us dined last night which I think we both enjoyed. I listened to some music in an almost empty Golden Lion before getting my head down for a decent sleep.

Many thanks for reading, David, Blog completed Sunday 5th June, 11.50, after Church.

Written on 3rd June.

This was a day to relax. Outside, it was not overly cold, but one did need a layer or two if out walking.  What was interesting, and rather lovely, were the intermittent fog banks which would creep up during an otherwise clear day with almost calm seas.  At times, we were in the thick of a pea-souper, but still with the sun penertrating gaps in the mist and reflecting off the gentle ripples of the sea.  In compliance with Maritime Law, the ship’s siren sounded approximately every two minutes as a warning to vessels near by.  I think there was the occasional whale sighting, albeit the momentary flash of a black triangle in the sea! 

I only just achieved 10,000 + steps in my new quest to increase my total to 1.4 million by the end of the last full day of my travels.  Averaging 10k/day will achieve this revised target – only just!

Rarely does anything disappoint me on a cruise save for the occasional dodgy shore experience!  70 years ago, on the death of her father King George VI, Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II, and remains Sovereign Monarch to this day.  Her Coronation was on 2nd June 1953 and the first of her big jubilees was the Silver Jubilee of 1977.  I remember it well as a 28 year old.  Even our Lane held a street party with food, sports and other celebrations. My house did not win the best decorated on the Lane, but I was asked to declare the Street Party open!  There have been several jubilees since; only the Diamond Jubilee of 2012 came anywhere close to 1977. Back then, I celebrated on board Queen Mary 2 having sailed to and from New York, and on to Northern Europe. 

Now, for the real biggie, I am on board Cunard’s third ship to bear the name Queen Elizabeth as she steams towards Vancouver.  I think all on board were expecting a huge build-up to a massive celebration with the entire ship decked out with bunting everywhere one went.  To be fair, an effort was made, and perhaps with the difficulties of operating a cruise ship still during the pandemic, any more may not have been viable or possible. It’s all too easy to criticise.  Special menus were printed and Coronation Chicken was part of a chef’s suggestion at dinner. 

It was the final Gala Night of this 33 night section of the voyage from Southampton to Vancouver. Black and White being the suggested theme for formal wear.  I chose the black tuxedo which I usually wear in colder climes.  After dinner, and returning briefly to my stateroom to archive the commemorative menu, I slipped into the white tuxedo for after dinner drinks in the Queens Room.  One of my table companions “spoke her mind” about something she had “never known before”.  It was hard to tell whether this was tongue in cheek, or whether in fact I had seriously violated some etiquette I was unaware of.  It was, after all, Black and White dress code, and I took it literally! 

During the day, an American professor from a University in Hawaii gave an impressive account of events in the life of Queen Elizabeth II.  Her material was very well researched and I only detected a couple of slight mistakes.  Sadly, her presentation was not very assured, both yesterday and today. 

After this morning’s lecture, I treated myself to a hair cut and some kind of therapeutic treatment which exfoliates the head and face.  It all felt magnificent!  Then, I joined Petra and Stefan for lunch in the Golden Lion. As usual, I opted for chicken curry.

Today is my last in stateroom 8006. From tomorrow, I will have a similar cabin towards the back of the ship.  The present cruise ends tomorrow in Vancouver, and the next begins the same day at 5 pm.  There was very little celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee today, just the lecture at 11 am that I have just written about.  Instead, I spent the entire afternoon packing in readiness for transferring to a new cabin, again with balcony.  I invited my two table companions for pre-dinner drinks as one was leaving the ship tomorrow.  I should still have company for the Alaska leg of my journey; thereafter, I’m on my own.  That should be interesting!

Many thanks for reading, David, 00.35hrs 4th June 2022.

It was somewhat of a relief being in port yesterday, after the not very nice sea day from Los Angeles the day before.  Apparently, there’s a stomach condition some people (including me) are experiencing which feels rather like seasickness.  In fact, I thought that the turbulence of the Pacific Ocean had indeed got the better of me, and I invested in further seasick pills whose cost had doubled to $12.25 since March!   I did feel better in the evening and found myself actually on the dance floor, just like when I was in my early twenties!  

I left the Queens Room when the band had finishes its set for the evening, returned to my room, and caught up on my blog and other outstanding business.  As usual, I woke up in the night several times, but went straight back to sleep. Finally, I was awakened by the ship’s siren, as we approached the Golden Gate Bridge in thick fog. I tried to go back to sleep, but nearby vessels were also sounding their discordant horns!   I parted the curtains of my stateroom just in time to take the murky photographs which open this blog. 

My chosen shore experience in San Francisco was Alcatraz and Sausalito.  In fact, a tour of part of San Francisco was also added at the beginning, before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to the lovely riverside town of Sausalito, with its very high-end shops, bars, eateries etc.  I succumbed to the temptation of buying a revolving black and silver globe which will be shipped to Harpur Hill at the beginning of July.  I then purchased a chicken and avocado sandwich which acted as lunch when consumed discreetly between Sausalito and the Dock at Alcatraz! 

From the tranquil and pleasant Californian settlement of Sausalito, Alcatraz made a sharp and brutal contrast.  The coach dropped us off at (I think) Pier 27.  The tour guide issued us with till receipt type passes for the ferry and entrance to what comes under the National Parks.  Alcatraz, which closed in 1963, is completely reliant on admission charges, donations, souvenir sales and fundraising.  The walk to the top didn’t feel too steep, and we passed several exterior buildings along the way.

The best way to navigate this huge complex is with the audio tour.  One is given an electronic device not dissimilar to a TV remote control panel.  A recorded voice guides the visitor at his chosen pace through the prison cells in many different locations.  The voices of prison warders and inmates describe in uncompromising detail, life inside. 

As you can see from some of the pictures, nice views are to be had from “The Rock”. This, of course was a pleasure denied to prisoners, incarcerated for up to twenty-three hours a day in cells smaller than my bathroom at home, as shown in these photographs.  Walking around inside was a sobering but enlightening experience.  I didn’t come away as an authority on Alcatraz.  Books need to be read, and the place visited several times to gain a real comprehension of Alcatraz.  Did anyone ever escape?  There were several attempts, but again, I need to read more on the subject. 

I opted for the 16.30 hrs ferry back to the mainland. As in Los Angeles, we were blessed with a gorgeous, if cool at times, clear day with pristine skies, and bursts of warm sunshine.  It was cool and very windy on the top deck of the ferry in both directions. There were patches of distant fog which shrouded the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as elsewhere.

After walking the short distance back to the ship, I joined two table companions for drinks at a trendy bar/restaurant on the opposite side of the main road and F Line tramway, which runs past the piers.  Still, I don’t “drink”. However, I did enjoy a refreshing sugar-free fruit cocktail billed on the price list as a spaceman.  The girls had strange cocktails at even stranger prices!  There are no Wetherspoons in the shadow of Silicon Valley!

After debating a bar bill which raised the eyebrows, we made our way back to the ship, across the wide road and tramway operated purely by vintage trams restored to the appropriate livery of the cities they once served.  To me, this adds even more charm to one of the world’s most attractive cities.  Unusually, we did not need to be on board until 9 pm.  However, dinner, at our new assigned table 505, still on Deck 3, and by a starboard window, was at 8.30.  There was opportunity to witness and record one of the best sunsets seen on this voyage.

So, we had a new table, new waiters, and a new “first day”.  Passengers were scheduled to embark at San Francisco for the start of their holiday.  It was also the end of the cruise for many, most of whom would return to their homes almost immediately.  Dinner was rather late in materialising, especially as our orders became cross-hobbled.  I think it all worked out in the end!  Tomorrow would be another (sea) day, and the start of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Many thanks for reading, David. Blog completed, Friday 3rd June, 08 28 hrs.

Written on Day 30, en route for San Francisco.

I awoke yesterday morning in good time to prepare for the day’s activities.  The previous evening, I was having second thoughts about my booked shore excursion to Venice Beach, and was able to exchange this for a slightly longer trip to Hollywood.  I doubt I will ever visit Venice Beach now, which may be a pity.  Nevertheless, I was very pleased indeed when the coach dropped off its passengers right opposite the Roosevelt Hotel where I shall be spending just one night, a few weeks from now.

I would find myself with two people I had met early in the voyage.  A sharp and fast talking travel representative (selling open minibus tours around Beverly Hills and other celebrity environs) would talk the three of us into one of his tours.  While a very enjoyable use of around two hours, it was a pity the driver/guide’s broken English was only partially comprehensible.  There was much to photograph.  Just who was that in the chauffeur-driven Roller?!   I did something similar while killing time before a flight home from LAX in 2000. 

It was hard to be dismissive of what must be one of the world’s most exclusive and expensive neighbourhoods.  The houses of the rich and famous can only be seen as a fleeting glimpse, through high hedges, fences and tree cover.  Is one ever allowed out of the tour bus to walk around?  I had no problem at Sandbanks! 

I enjoyed the coach journey to Hollywood Boulevard, particularly as there was no commentary to distract from what I was seeing outside the bus.

We were back at the quayside before 3 pm, leaving just enough time to take a return shuttle bus trip to Long Beach, where there is a modern and attractive resort area.

When in Los Angeles, I always make the “pilgrimage” to see the former Cunard liner, R.M.S. Queen Mary.  Hearts were broken when she was taken out of service in December 1967, having been purchased by the City of Long Beach, California. Before covid-19, it was always my first choice of hotel, when anywhere near by. The last time I stayed on board was in 2019, and again, despite its being unusually cold, I enjoyed what I feared then would be my last visit.  The Queen Mary looked depressingly run down with paint peeling off its rear-most funnel. I suspect covid-19 has deprived the vessel of urgently needed income, and it’s hard to imagine the ship’s future as promising.

The return shuttle bus was ready to leave just before 4pm.  Nevertheless, it was still too late to get into the area where among other attractions, music played at the L.A. Fleet Week celebrations, alongside the Battleship Iowa.  While a slight pity, I enjoyed my day and the walk did me good.

Soon, I was back on board, rejuvenated and happy from a good day. 

The day before, it was obvious that we were out of the very warm weather for good. And in San Francisco tomorrow, despite a bright sunny forecast, 15°Celsius is the best forecast. But in L.A. yesterday, the north-westerly breeze was “just right” during the day, but quite bitter later in the evening.

I enjoyed the sail-away, and even the container port with its endless infrastructure of cranes; other equipment was so large as to have its own awesome beauty. How on earth can cranes and container boxes stretching as far as the eye can see be beautiful? It just is, especially with the green suspension bridge in the foreground. I was, as usual, rather sad to leave the Port of Los Angeles behind, again wondering if I would be here again.

Soon it would be time for dinner, followed by the show in the Royal Court Theatre.

Finally, my walking attempts have been acknowledged by senior officers of the Queen Elizabeth with a specially printed and signed card, together with a the gift of a very fine Cunard whisky glass. Both will now have a very special place in my collection when I return home. And a copy of the certificate will grace either the church or the Parish Office!

Many thanks for reading, David 00.30, 1/6/22.!

Cunard Shore Experience, “Colonial Colima with Lunch”.

The view from my stateroom balcony was quite refreshing after three very enjoyable days at sea.

I was expecting something far less pretty, and in fact, I am told by people who explored the town that it was “disappointing.” Going on a bus ride 56 miles through the distant mountains felt like a profitable way (not literally) to spend the day. And I do like long bus rides.

As we set off out of the coach park by the quayside, the tour guide mumbled an introduction of himself and the driver, in rather poor and hard to comprehend English, and in Spanish (which I couldn’t understand at all). In both languages, his commentary continued for the entire 90 minutes of what otherwise would have been an enjoyable outward journey, through the less familiar part of mainland Mexico. The excursion didn’t seem to do quite what it said in the brochure. We drove directly to Colima, that state’s, or area’s capital of that of the same name, and be shown around the Palcio Gibierno de Colima with its impressive courtyard and typical wall paintings.

We would then continue to a site of fairly recent excavations of the remains of an ancient civilisation at Campana, which, if I understood the tour guide correctly, dated back to 2500BC, or as they now like to say, 2500BCE (apparently, Before the Common Era….)

Although given an explanation of what we were looking at, I chose to walk around myself after a while.

We would continue to the quaint village of Comala where we all enjoyed a serenaded typical Mexican lunch at a local eatery typical of the area, on at least two levels. Musicians were on hand to play for $4 a tune.

My wish for an undisturbed journey back to the ship was almost granted. Our guide did have a few things he wanted to point out in both English, right at the beginning of the return trip. I was tired and hot, but enjoyed the 90 minute journey back to Manzanillo where fine views of the Queen Elizabeth were to be had.

Thankfully, this camera is capable of decent photographs, but I’m still disappointed that my Lumix camera seems to have failed completely. M.V. Queen Elizabeth looked imposing at the quayside and I was rather sad when eventually, we set sail.

I’m not sure how popular our call at Manzanillo was. I was, however, very pleased to, for around a day, be taken to an area which seems authentic and not adapted for the foreign tourist. I enjoyed seeing all to briefly, the narrow streets, particularly at Comala.

Back on board, it wasn’t long before we were on our way, as the attractive mountainscape faded on to (or into) the horizon.

The evening came and went, and two further sea days were ahead .

Many thanks for reading, David, 14.49, Sunday 25/5/22.

When I went to bed on Friday, after our day at Manzanillo, I had just 8,506 steps to walk to complete my self imposed 1 Million Steps on and Between Two Continents Challenge in support of Christian Aid Week. Around the U.K. individuals and groups took up the challenge set by Christian Aid two years ago, to walk 300,000 steps during the month of May, just slightly under 10,000 steps per day, or, a little under 4 miles. I took part last year, and was delighted with the support and encouragement received, as well as many contributions to Christian Aid.

There would be two outcomes, a not unimpressive amount raised for the benefit of those in need, and also, I myself would be physically fitter as a result!

While Christian Aid, for a third year, promoted their 300,000 Steps in May Challenge, I decided to go one better, and walk 1,000,000, steps in the 132 days I would be out of the Country on my travels. That equated to 7,575 steps per day, and felt very feasible. Again I received general encouragement and so far, some actual sponsorship. Yesterday, 48 days ahead of schedule, I completed the Million Steps Challenge at 3.00pm ship’s time. I shall continue walking and updating my blog.

All too soon, we are in the final week of this particular leg of my journey. Tomorrow we call at Los Angeles, and our final call before arrival at Vancouver at the end of the week, is San Francisco on Wednesday. I will then continue on M.V. Queen Elizabeth as she makes her first foray into Alaska’s Inside Passage probably since I came back on what might have been her last Alaska cruise in 2019. Yesterday, there was little sign of the tropical climes we had been in for so long. There was a cold bite in the air, although the sun was strong in the clear-ish skies. And it’s colder today. I have little inclination to walk right now. But, I shall give it a try, in the interests of keeping myself in some kind of decent shape.

Many thanks for reading, David.

Our third day at sea, like the first two is remarkably tranquil, with hardly a noticeable swell.  Such gentleness didn’t seem possible when crossing the Atlantic to New York in February!  But boy! It’s hot out there today.  Each attempt to walk sees me soon wilting into either an inside air-conditioned venue or onto a shaded sunlounger.  And right now, I’m taking refuge in the Queens Room where a cabaret pianist entertains with an unremarkable soundtrack of familiar melodies.  I can even name the title to some of the tunes people are nodding to as they indulge in Cunard’s signature Afternoon Tea.  I am ashamed to say that I am in their number! But I do have a fabulous sea view from where I am sitting, putting away endless brews!   Surprisingly, few have availed themselves of the traditional afternoon tea today.  There are 1,300 passengers on board.  But even throughout the day, the ship seems more than half empty, and one wonders how many, having tested positive for covid-19, are now confined to their staterooms. 

I know little of today’s current affairs.  Has Boris come out smelling of roses from the long awaited Sue Gray Report?  I hear the Queen made it to the Chelsea Flower Show, as I myself did in 1971!   Yes, the variety of life survives to the present day!

Nevertheless, as far as I am concerned, this trip is doing exactly what it says on the tin, that is transporting me in exceptional comfort to Vancouver, the real start of my travels, which when first booked, actually should have started in Tokyo!  (Covid and All That).  

Tomorrow, we call at Manzanillo in Mexico and I shall be making probably best use of the day on one of Cunard’s shore experiences.  I do hope that I can enjoy the bus ride with minimal and relevant commentary. Lunch promises to be very good, as do the various towns we shall call at. 

Before my umpteenth attempt to walk today (5,828 steps so far today), I shall listen to Art Expert Sam Cox’s account of the life of Andy Warhol, along with his customary investment sales pitch which has had almost reaching for the wallet on more than one occasion!  (Continued 28/5/22, 11.21) 

After the Andy Warhol presentation which again, I found interesting, at last, I did find the energy, and more importantly, the inclination to resume the walking, and finished the day with an acceptable 16,409 steps, or around 5.75 miles. The rest of the day was fairly routine, joining my table companions for dinner, and a final nocturnal stroll before a shorter sleep. I had signed up for the shore experience to Colima, Comala, and the pyramid ruins at Campana. This would mean an early (for me) start. Originally sold out, this tour, which included a typical Mexican lunch, would, at the last minute, have seat availability.

Many thanks for reading, David, 28/5/22, 11.49hrs.

18.01 hrs

I awoke this morning to dull light grey, almost white skies, and a sea which would not grace any travel brochure!  Nevertheless, the Pacific Ocean , off the Mexican coast which one cannot see, as I write, lives up to its name given by an early explorer, who too, experienced calm seas, and thus gave the name Pacific to the world’s largest ocean. 

As the long-winded blog title explains, this is the second of three sea days as we progress gently north-westwards.  Later in my blog, I will update what I have already written with more detail about this extraordinary journey from Southampton.

It would seem that the covid situation on board is becoming slightly serious, especially for those suddenly finding themselves confined to their cabins.   If they weren’t before, I do see a real attempt by passengers to adhere to the established rules, and masks are being worn throughout the interior of the ship.  All passengers were required, without exception to undergo a further Lateral Flow Test this morning.  And yes, people have tested positive.  Captain Thorhauge addressed the ship twice today reminding passengers and crew of the need to adhere strictly to the current covid-19 protocol.  After testing, we were required to stay in our staterooms for two hours.  As a further precaution, many of the hosted and other activities, including the choir have been suspended.  So far, I have not encountered rumbles of discontent.  The quizzes still take place and most of the other entertainment remains unaffected. 

The plan for today was to add further to my steps total.  And already, I am well above target, and my aim remains to complete the 1 million steps challenge before the end of May.  The chances remain good!

I joined two ladies off our table for a most convivial lunch in the main restaurant, after which I took the opportunity to enjoy some deck walking.  At 4.15, the most interesting and informative talk about L.S. Lowry was “repeated” in the Queen’s Room.  Needless to say, vintage signed limited editions are available to buy on interest free credit.  Back in the 1970s, I knew people who had invested in these prints, and I can only hope those prints have not faded over the years being hung and thus exposed to continuous daylight.  I ruined an LNWR handbill of the Buxton to Ashbourne railway having it as part of my interior decor, its original purple colour suddenly fading to light brown!  Lesson learned; all my ephemera collection can be viewed in albums and files “where the sun don’t shine.”  Mother had the right idea about art, if she liked it and could afford it, she would buy it to enjoy.  I would like a Lowry print in my collection, and would expect that those on offer today to be unfaded, and protected by museum glass, which increasingly, I am having my prints and paintings  framed in.  This is very important.

I continued my walking after the talk and right now, I am enjoying a cup of peppermint tea and savoury biscuits.   Time to explore the highest decks and maybe catch a decent sunset.  These days at sea continue to be wonderful.

The sunset was dead ahead and thus only really visible through the forward panoramic windows of the Commodore Club on Deck 10.  The trouble is, being almost 8pm, short trousers are not really welcome in the bars, particularly when those wearing them only wishes to photograph the setting sun and not buy a drink!  As we venture further north, I should have numerous sunset views from my cabin.

There was a fine choice of fare on the dinner menu tonight, chateaubriand steak, goose, and other delights more synonymous with a formal Gala Night. Had the chefs been misled by management? The possibility was debated over dinner at which I chose goose as a main course.

It would seem that the open areas at the aft of decks 9 and 10 had been given over for a staff party. Sadly, this area is usually deserted late at night, when in normal circumstances, there would be music and dancing under the stars. I understand there to be 1,300 passengers travelling to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver before flying home. A handful are staying on for Alaska, and I assume a new contingent of passengers will embark at Vancouver for the first of a series of 10 day Alaska cruises.

After looking in on a magic show in the Royal Court Theatre, I continued walking on the Promenade and the upper decks before catching Shane and Cameron’s show, now in the not very air-conditioned Garden Lounge. Then, it was time to hit the hay. I enjoyed my usual punctuated sleep, with nonsensical dreams!

Many thanks for reading, David, 12.53 the next afternoon in the Lido, where an early lunch made up for missing breakfast.

I am enjoying a relaxing day at sea, following yesterday’s call at Puntarenas, Costa Rica.  Again, Costa Rica is a country I would like to revisit, perhaps for a few days.  To look out each morning onto a continuous vista of sea and sky remains a wonderful and even rare experience.  To walk out onto the open decks and be met by a wall of oven-hot air is magnificent, if at times overwhelming.

I had a few bits to sort out, which, because I got up late, seemed to take up much of the morning.  I then joined Welsh couple Andrew and Andrea.  Both Andrew and I can talk for England (and he for Wales!) and a meaningful conversation lasted almost until late lunch would morph into afternoon tea.  It was at that point we went our separate ways.  Apparently, I am known by some on board as Dafydd, this Welsh translation of David being adopted by Andrew!   Although almost 2.30, a fine salad was available in the Lido on Deck 9. 

Last night, Captain Thorhauge announced to everybody, even through the in-cabin P.A. system,  that covid-19 had become an increasing problem and that mask wearing and regular hand washing should be practised at all times with no exception.  Thankfully, everybody I have come across is adhering to the already established rules.  

Outside, it feels warm, just like yesterday, and the sun worshippers are out in force.  Years ago, I would have done likewise, and would venture to a fine tourist hotel at Vico Equense in the Bay of Naples (also on the narrow gauge Circumvesuviana electric railway between Naples and Sorrento) where my complimentary employees’ Continental Rail Pass was valid.  This meant that I could justify booking the best overnight accommodation available on the train between Paris and Naples, The Napoli Express. It was at this hotel set in a cliff face overlooking the sea that I developed an appreciation of fine pasta and artery clogging pizza.  It was good while it lasted!

Forgive my occasional flashbacks to what feels like a carefree past.  In fact, such vacations were much needed given the erratic shift nature of my railway career.  Looking out through a panoramic window onto the Pacific Ocean can, sometimes conjure up what feels like recent memories. I could usually stretch such holidays to almost three weeks.  Today, we are well into the fourth week, and now, the days are flying by.  It’s too warm to traipse around the open decks other than in (for example) one or two lap bursts.

I have put my name on the waiting list for shore experience in Manzanillo  which includes lunch. Currently, it is sold out.  Of course, I am aware that I could embark on a similar trip, or even better for significantly less, and may well do so if the Cunard excursion remains full.

Outside, the sea really looks as still as a millpond.  But sightings of sea life are rare.

Tonight, being Gala Night, the black tie attire will emerge from my wardrobe.  There is no particular theme this evening but the cuisine at dinner did come across as extra special.  I am impressed with the Britannia Restaurant.  Usually,  the fruit plate which I have instead of a listed dessert contains mainly watermelon, fresh pineapple and occasionally a passion fruit, and a slice of orange. Tonight I requested kiwi fruit and strawberries and the dessert came with plenty of each. 

With difficulty, I just managed to complete a little over 10,000 steps, mainly deck-walking.  The end is in sight. I don’t intend to stop walking when I have reached my target, particularly as I am scheduled to be in some incredible places. 

For some reason tomorrow, everyone on board is going to be covid tested again.  It would seem there is a problem which needs solving quickly.

Just before dinner tonight, before darkness had fallen, several schools of dolphin were to be seen mainly on the starboard side.  They were quite spectacular, almost like SeaWorld.  Seeing sea life like this is always special.

It’s early morning; time to hit the hay.

Many thanks for reading, David