Cruise to New York photos

Set off early, but not too early after realising that we could get to Kwikfit by 9am if we caught the 8.20 ferry. In fact we were late, all of two minutes. Just because we were watching the satnav for the postcode and overshot the garage. The satnav displayed the place on the right, but in fact it was on the left. The side of the road we were actually on. We were just too busy scanning the buildings on the right. So a quick about turn manoeuvre brought us back on line.

They kept their promise and fitted the two new front tyres within the hour. Then we set off heading south through the Glasgow work traffic at minus 2 degrees with salt and mud caking our windscreen.

Stopped at the Waitrose service station just prior to Carlisle for a comfort stop and lunch from the delicate morsels Judith had packed for us. Not one but two of our favourite taste combinations on a travel, come fast day. Chorizo and apple is one, the other is hard boiled egg and a packet of Quavers. The flavours just compliment each other. Especially washed down with good coffee.

A few miles later and after crawling through dense freezing fog we stopped at the Tesco on the edge of Carlisle to fill our tank up. Always the cheapest in the area, if not the country. Then it’s head down and drive, manoeuvre and avoid any unsuspecting idiot who is intent on wiping us out. Especially the odd 95 year old with his Guinness bottle glasses travelling at 30mph in his Morris minor the wrong way down the motorway.

fortunately the journey was quite unremarkable. It was long and tiring, but we seemed to just miss the holdups and sailed through Birmingham at 60mph, before picking up the M40 down to our overnight stop near Newbury. We often stop over at Tothills Travelodge before boarding the cruise. It’s only a 45 minute drive on a good day to get to the Port

19th November

We had a good restful night , having dinner in. Another gourmet treat knocked up by Judith. 

Set out at 9.15 and were at a standstill within 15 minutes. A serious accident had closed the Winchester ring road. For us not too much of a problem, not so good for the victims. Streams of ambulances eventually came back from the scene racing towards the hospitals.

We snuck off at the Winchester exit and made our way directly through the centre. Definitely a place we need to return and investigate. I say that, Judith had worked there in her teens, but for me it was a totally new experience, and one that needed more time than the stop start drive through on a murky foggy morning in November.

Arrived at 11am and settled down in the lounge prior to boarding. We had handed the car over to the lad from Ezy Parking, although he didn’t seem very organised. In fact it wouldn’t surprise me to return to find the car has disappeared off the face of the earth. He perhaps was an opportunist thief waiting for a gullible unsuspecting idiot who was more intent on getting on a cruise than confirming the authenticity of the agent.

Embarkation was swift and painless. We were at Ocean terminal, which offered a vast array of free magazines to take on board. Judith was travelling light up to this point. Her weight allowance doubled within minutes.

On board, we headed for our cabin which was already made up, and our luggage was just coming up to the room as we left to head up for lunch. So we retraced our steps and unpacked. Find it amazing the amount of space you get, and the boy offered us more hangers which due to economy of packing was not necessary. Made a change.

Found a comfortable window seat and headed out to graze the offerings. As usual the array of delights on offer was astounding. Tried the roast beef and fresh vegetables with extra hot horseradish, but although it was tasty the beef was as tough as old boots. So then delved into the sushi with all the hot trimmings. Great.

Finished off with fresh pineapple and gallons of coffee.

Time rushed by as we reacquainted ourselves with the ship. 

Before we new it, it was up to deck seven for the prerequisite talk on emergency safety procedures. In other words, how to put on a life jacket. But for the first time ever, without the orange goddesses. Presumably too many people had fallen over the trailing straps of their life jackets in the past, so they decided it was safer. Plus it must reduce on claims against the company.

A few walks around the deck and it was time to shower and get dressed up in so called smart attire, shirt and jacket for men, smart trousers and top for women. Not that many people took notice. Plenty of cardigans, and shirts without jackets where on view. In fact, in general it was the women who let the dress code down, which quite surprised me.

Dinner was excellent. I say that with quite a hint of surprises in my voice. Just because of our past experience. But it was very imaginative and tasty. Plus we were given a superb table just for the two of us, which saved us the bother of waiting for other people to finish their dinner. We could go at our own speed and pace and depart to see the movie without being rude to our fellow guests. The film was Red Joan, the story of a Russian spy in the UK played by Judi Dench. Superb story and acting.

Then at 10.30 ventured into the theatre for the show. Least said the better. A couple of the singers were excellent but the others , not so. And the dancers. Well!

Good nights sleep. Just a few rock and rolls, but l was awoken by a few big bangs through the night. Sounded as if a trolley was running loose behind the scenes.

20th November

Up early and a leisurely breakfast in the buffet. Just the odd tasters without going overboard on the calories.

Then rain gear on, out around the deck for our morning walk. Not too many people had ventured outside. Four miles and then in, mainly due to the onset of a real storm.

Quick change and into the theatre (Illuminations) for our first talk of the cruise about the history of Southampton. Quite dry and uninteresting. More like an insight into what to see in the area.

Stayed put for the next talk. This time it was by Chris Frame and on the history of Cunard before Southampton. A fascinating talk on how Cunard progressed from its origins in Halifax and Liverpool, through its transition between Boston and Liverpool, then to NY and laterally from Southampton to NY.

Then lunch. Stir fry, pot stickers and samosas, before heading back out for some more walking and fresh air. After which it was more sitting, listening to a interesting marine oceanographer who took us into the detail of tectonic plates and the effect of earthquakes on the sea floor. Nevertheless, so many talks, plus relaxing and eating on a regular basis ended up with frequent nods. Followed by the reassuring elbow in the ribs from Judith.

After the talk it was the afternoon game of Find that Sausage Roll. Of which we did find one. Hidden in the hot plate but found by one of the chefs. It was fresh, not one from a previous cruise. Well one hopes.

Being a gala evening it was black tie night. Or for me, trying to save weight it was a dark blue suite. Which l feel looks far smarter and very crisp. Although some of the older fraternity do look down on the modern trend.

Managed to get into the queue at the ballroom for the Gala ball and met a lovely  couple from near Southampton, who were onboard for the full trip. Exceedingly interesting and very funny. She thought Judith’s location was inspiring, especially as all the waiters kept coming by with refills of champagne. They were both squiffy by the time the captain had come on to be his jolly old self, with his usual quips about the passengers on board. But to be honest , he was fairly entertaining in his oversized uniform weighed down with gold braid.

Headed to the restaurant afterwards and had one of the best meals on board the QM2. Ordered the scallop main course for a starter followed by the loin of lamb. Delicious. Then off to the cinema for the Queen movie, which we have seen twice before. But the acting and music were exemplary. It always hits the spot, although uncomfortable watching at times. Freddie was just a genius, and the other members of the group were just amazing, especially Brian May.

After a marathon movie we headed for the theatre, but because l had dressed down to go into the cinema, l wasn’t allowed in. Quite understand. I am the first person to get upset at people’s inability to conform to the dress code.

So off to bed and read, and it wasn’t long before we were both snuggling down into the soft, fluffy covers and deep pillows and snoring away.

21st November

Up early for breakfast, a real assortment of flavours today. Trying to cut back on proteins as it’s not good to overload the gut with such indigestible items. Meat takes such a long time to get through the intestines.

Then 6000 steps around the deck in the balmy weather, albeit cloudy and dull before signing up for our free 4 hours of internet and queuing for the  planetarium tickets. What a queue, very popular. Then quickly into the talk, given by Chris Frame on the Cunard transatlantic blue ribbon race between the wars and the effect of the Great Depression on the shipping industry. Then a quick zip along the corridor amongst the aged and infirm to the next talk. It’s like the movement of the Robots in the war of the worlds, with all the Zimmer frames, buggies and all manner of mobility scooters. So, not so much as a zip than a hop skip and a jump through the hoards of metallic embellishments.

David Gower talked about the Ashes, which down well with all the Australians on board. He was hilarious. 

After which. Guest what? More food.

There is just too much choice, but realistically that is good. You can have small amounts of different delicacies. Gives you more opportunities to go back for more.

Then another 5000 steps, but this time through the rain. The good news being, that it keeps people off the deck, and enables us to have free access to our own breakneck speed. Although with wet decks it can be slightly precarious.

Quick change and into another queue, this time for the planetarium shown about dark space. Superb, although l was totally confused by the end of it. But then again, the scientists are still baffled by what’s out there. But not as much as me, especially when they say that it’s not made up of atoms. And here’s me thinking that everything is made up from atoms. Need to go back to school.

Then into another superb talk, this time by our old friend Michael Kushner on code breaking, and Bletchley Park. He is so enthusiastic and a fountain of knowledge. We stay seated for the next talk, this time it’s Susan Humphries once again an oceanographer takes us down 3000m to the sea bed and shows us what to find amongst the steaming chimneys from the underground volcanoes. Explaining how they survive in such toxic conditions. We also are privileged to see actual film footage taken from different sites around the world. Truly amazing.

Before we know it, it’s time to get showed and put our glad rags on. Smart attire this evening. Yet we decide against going into the restaurant. The menu was not anything special. And was l pleased that we chose the buffet. Giant king prawns cooked in garlic. Great as a starter, followed by the same with fresh spinach and vegetables and some giant chips cooked to perfection. Along with a delicate chicken breast cooked to order on the grill. It was such a shame that l didn’t have a bigger appetite. They also had roast sirloin, lamb, sea bass, pork tenderloin, every conceivable type of pasta, Asian noodles, curries, hundreds of salads, fresh sushi and yards and yards of cakes and puddings and a chef cooking crepes with fresh strawberry fillings. 

Big band in the Queens Room

Jazz Jam in the Chart Room

Comedian Jeff Stevenson in the Royal 

Life is so hectic. Exhausted.

22nd November Friday

These hours off each night make it quite difficult. Tend to nod off during the day and wake up in the middle of the night, thinking that it’s early morning. When in fact it’s the middle of the night.

So up early and a leisurely breakfast in the buffet, marinated herring, two types with cottage cheese and capers, followed by fresh fruit , figs and prunes with yogurt. Then it’s contemplation. What next. There is such a mass of delectable items to choose from, it’s truly mind blowing. Ended up sharing a cheese and mushroom omelette.

Chris Frame talking about the QE2, how it was named by the Queen, and how it eventually ended up as a floating hotel in Dubai

Michael Kusher on the U boats during WW2

Gala night. Captain was on good form and the drinks seemed to flow. Norma and Michale from Southampton were waiting to see us and managed to consume their fair share of Champagne. But why not. They are diamond members, so god knows how many cruises’s with Cunard they have been on. But they are good fun.

23rd November Saturday 

Up early, but all the doors are locked and we can’t get outside. So we have a bowl of porridge and a few cups of coffee before heading to the restaurant for breakfast with two people we ran into at the captains party. 

I realise why we never go down now. It’s so protracted, and you never get what you ask for. And it takes forever to get served, although the kippers were enjoyable, but the toast was soggy and arrived halfway through the meal. Don’t get me wrong, it was pleasant, but a waste of time and calories. All the portion sizes are large and there is a lot of wastage.

Chris Frame on the White Star Line, and the merger with Cunard during the Great Depression. They suffered from a difficult and unlucky history. Owners of the Titanic.

Cricketer David Gower talks about his role as captain during the West Indies and Indian tests abroad.

Lunch in the Carinthia Lounge, where they have a small selection of light but interesting bites. We shared a platter of seafood and a warm flatbread topped with shredded beef, caramelised onion and an array of other goodies. Very tasty.

Planetarium show in illuminations theatre. “Wildest weather in the Solar system

Produced by National Geographic, and very interesting. Must have been, because l didn’t nod off. But then again it was only a 35 minute showing compared to the hourly talks where my eye lids do seem to fall into closed mode for the odd second or two, before l receive a swift elbow in the ribs and told l am snoring. Me!

Susan Humphries talks about the rivers in the Atlantic. How the Gulf Stream and trade winds combine to effect the climate. A conveyor belt of hot water rising and the returning cold water that goes to the bottom, with the possibility that this may slow right down and perhaps stop altogether because of co2 emissions. Very depressing. 

Managed to see the voyage sales director who got us very excited about the future world cruise. From all accounts the sailing from Southampton will be accompanied by another Cunard ship and fire works. We also have a special lounge on board, and perhaps a dinner out in a hotel with the captain and officers. Plus plenty of other little perks for world cruise passengers.

Decided not to go to the restaurant, basically because the selection on the buffet was too enticing. Roast pork belly with crispy pork crackling and steamed vegetables. It was so good, we had seconds, before heading into the lounge for a drink and a game of cards. Meeting our friends Norma and Michael from Southampton for a game of canasta. A couple who were very interesting. They had lived for a time in Boston. Moving there for his work, something associated with repetitive injuries within the Ministry of Defence.

It was great to get back to playing canasta again, even though we men lost to the fairer sex, who took us at the last hand. The game was fairly good, lasting only three hands, as we all seemed to want to amass good scores.

24th November Sunday

Force nine today, but it is quite bright outside. We slept in and started watching rocket man, but by 9am we were upstairs in the Carinthia lounge for our breakfast. It’s a fast day so we have a bowl of porridge, a small one with a couple of figs and yoghurt. Delicious. Then we wrap up from the biting wind and venture outside, and manage to just force our way into the wind and around the deck. But it’s refreshing in a bizarre sort of way. Struggling bent double, legs burning from the effort to force forward. Four miles later we stumble through the outside doors to the peace and tranquillity of the lounges. Although that is soon disrupted by the marauding waves of people entering in or out of the restaurant in need of more refreshment. We all seem to float aimlessly into the hourly process of forcing delicious morsels down our throats. Then complain that our cloths have shrunk.

Before we know it, it’s time to head into the theatre for another interesting talk from Chris Frame on the development of the cruise liner and passenger ship.

Then, surprise, surprise Time for lunch. It’s a fast so it’s an apple. But we succumb to freshly cooke prawns. Three bowls full. No will when it comes to shellfish.

Bumped into Norma and Michael who were both squiffy after attending a 11.30 drinks party. They are off to bed before dinner and another game of cards this evening.

We get wrapped up again and head out into the gales. We have to try and counteract the calorie intake. Another 5000 steps should do it as long as it’s at a fair lick. 

Talk by Michael Kushner about a spy. The Germans called him agent Fritz and the British called him zigzag. Real name Eddie Chapmen.

Gala evening and Masquerade Ball this evening.

25th November Monday 

Bumpy night and we wake to force 12 and a Hurricane blowing, all the waves are topped with white and the decks are closed.

Tried to get onto my internet, only to find that my minutes had disappeared overnight. All 89 minutes. So once we had eaten our breakfast it was down to see the connections manager, who immediately gave be them back. No quarms whatsoever.

It’s our last day before heading to the Omni BerksHire hotel in New York for five nights.

An interview with David Gower, England’s Cricket captain and Sky commentator, although from what he was saying they have not renewed his contract so he is looking for a new job.

Michael Kushner, talk on spies,lies and double agents.

Susan Humphries talks on life from the seas surface to the twilight zone.

Find it quite bazaar that the QM2 set the last day before disembarking as a smart attire. Meaning you have to wear a jacket, shirt and for ladies a cocktail dress to go anywhere in the evening. Obviously, you won’t be wearing these items to travel onwards the following day. So the suitcase’s can’t be put out until after the show at 10pm, once you have changed. Compressing  and delaying the time the poor room boys have to remove the cases into the bows of the ship.

After watching the Lion King at 5.30, we decided to pack immediately and dress in comfortable travelling cloths for our trip to the hotel on Tuesday.

Met up with our friends who had done exactly the same, and had a pleasant dinner together in the Kings Court buffet. Sushi followed by roast duck, then a pudding and cheese and biscuits before settling down for Canasta. Michael was falling asleep by the time we started playing and practically dosed off whilst the game progressed.

But Michael and l eventually won. Exchanged emails and headed off to bed.