QM2 world cruise 2020 - onto Sydney. Meet up with Judith's oldest and dearest friend
4th March Wednesday Slightly colder than usual, and the wind and subsequent seas are up.
so l left early for my walk. Refreshing, being cooler, not so sticky. It’s the only way l can ensure my girth remains under control. Otherwise my tailors bill would be an ongoing event. Have breakfast with my Ti Chi buddies before heading down for our 45 minute session.
Then a quick sprint to the talks, three in total today, all sport related and surprisingly interesting, especially the one from the Australian sports journalist.
Lunch then walking with Judith. It was cold outside on deck seven, so it was pleasantly quiet and we were able to spend a pleasant hour pounding the deck. At long last l do feel that the stomach is becoming under control. Although my new Rohans are still fairly tight. Blame it on Christmas. Its got nothing to do with the food that is on offer virtually 24 hours a day.
Its gala night, so we head off to the cabin for a relaxing shower, then dress up in the tux. We have a few glasses to start the evening in the right direction. Dinner followed by a listen to the sting trio and then into the cinema to watch a very odd film. Seems quite normal on the QM2. Blockbusters mixed with some very art movies. Or in Rons opinion, one of our cruise buddies, blood awful!
Walked the decks and nearly got blown overboard, then to bed. Looking forward to meeting up with Jill and Chris. Their Facebook pages show that they have been having a ball crossing from Perth to Sydney on the train.The Indian Pacific. 2,687-mile (4,325km), four-day/three-night Perth to Sydney journey. They had excursions from the train,en suite room, all inclusive, all their drink and fine dining included. But as she said, the price for the three nights was nearly as much as the seven night QM2 trip.
5th March Thursday Sydney 23 degrees overcast, rain forecast
Tender day into Sydney
Wasn’t sure if it would be running, the captain had warned us that it could be cancelled due to high winds
Bumpy ride in, but joy of joy. Jill and Chris waiting for us next to the Opera house, waving their umbrellas.
We couldn’t get into a berth due to the fact that a carnival ship had got there before us
Headed for a coffee
Jill lost her new iPhone in the ladies public toilet. Which caused a real panic, understandably. Retraced her steps, asked people, spoke to the police and travel police to no avail. Then out of the blue we asked a tour operator at one of the booking offices. Low and behold she had it, what a relief.
So it was time to get back on track. Headed into the city, drew some cash out and went over the river to the fish market for lunch. An off shoot of Doyle’s on the beach.
The Heavens opened and soaked all of us to the skin, but it was still reasonably warm so it wasn’t to uncomfortable.
The fish market was heaving, a real buzzy hive of a place, overflowing with tourists. Felt that Doyle’s was living on its past reputation, quite expensive, especially drinks although the fish was excellent, and plenty of it.
The wind and rain increased, which meant my jeans became sodden
Headed back through the commercial district, stopping at one of the large shopping centres to dry off.
Tried to find a liquor shop, but the one we found was for fine wines. Not what Chris was looking for.
Jill was getting tired, so we bid them farewell and headed back to the tender. It was blowing a real storm and we weren’t 100% sure that they would still be running.
Luckily for us it was, and it was a large catamaran, so it wasn’t a too bumpy crossing. In fact, l have been on far worse just getting over to Dunoon.
Showered and warmed up. We had really got soaked, our shoes trousers and tops were dripping all over the place. Eventually hung them on the line in the shower.
Dinner in the Kings Court, followed by a film and an early night. Judith still not sleeping well.
6th March Friday
Thank god the sun was shining. The ship moved to the inner mooring at 5.30 am, right in the centre of the rocks district of Sydney.
I was up at 6am for my walk.
Total peace, no other soul around, watching the sun come up. We left after breakfast at the first opportunity once the Captain gave us the all clear, and met up with Chris & Jill in front of the museum.
Walked through the botanical gardens and down to the bay for superb views of the Opera house. Then returned to their hotel to help with their cases, leaving them at the arrivals to be processed onto the ship. We zipped through to meet them on board. Fortunately we didn’t have long to wait. Showed them their cabin, after which we went for lunch.
They wanted to unpack and get sorted, so we headed out and walked Sydney bridge, their and back. It was amazing, but quite noisy with so much traffic going over, both cars and trains.
Came down off the bridge and circled through the Rocks district. Fascinating, so vibrant and alive. But then again it was the weekend. All the bars were overflowing, and the food stalls and restaurants were heaving. The smells were getting our juices going. Must be time to eat.
Returned to find that Cunard had screwed up our table reservation. I went ape sh*t.
So l spent the next hour writing a letter to the Hotel Manager.
Went like this
FAO David Shepherd, Hotel Manager
Re - Early sitting request.
I am writing to register my disappointment on how Cunard treats it’s loyal world travellers. Especially on how it allocates restaurant sittings.
I truly cannot understand the motive of allowing last minute, short sector bookings to be allowed the choice at the expense of world passengers. The company seems to give more weight to new bookings perhaps in an effort to fill cabins and mitigate losses than to its world travellers. What was truly galling was the fact that Guests arriving on board in Fremantle, who had paid dramatically reduced rates per night were given early seating over and above ourselves who had paid full price.
When we booked with our agent we requested early seating, not for any other reason other than for health reasons, due to a medical condition. This was confirmed in writing by our travel agent. Unfortunately Prior to boarding, Cunard came back with late seating.
I complained to the tour agent and advised that we would not have booked the world cruise if we couldn’t get an early sitting, they said that once on board, if l spoke to the maitre d’hotel he would arrange it.
Which we did and were told we were on a wait list. Kelvin was good enough to find us a table if there was a table available, although we find that service is far from good, as the majority of the waiters treat us as incomers and as extra work.
When we travelled on the QM2 in November and December last year we were fortunate to be given a super table, serviced by an excellent team of waiters and sommeliers, who we were able to build up a fantastic rapport. They were absolutely superb, getting to know our dietary requirements, especially on our fast days. Unfortunately this ad hoc form of allocation doesn’t seem to benefit anyone.
We have continued to ask if this could be reviewed, but each sector we keep being put onto late sitting. Even though there are numerous tables available. It has really effected our enjoyment of the cruise. Normally we would eat the majority of our meals in the restaurant, it was a part of our Cunard experience which we encounter on the transatlantic voyages. I would say that we now have been reduced to self service arrangements for 90% of our trip so far.
The situation has been made even more frustrating with the events of yesterday when our Australia friends joined us for the Sydney to Fremantle leg.
They had confirmed that our bookings had been linked by their agent, to enable us to eat on the early seating. Only to be told that they had been allocated a table for two.
This whole trip was booked to enable us to see our oldest friend and you can’t even arrange for this to be organised.
I find it utterly bewildering. It isn’t that it CANT be done. Anything could be arranged if the will is there!
I feel that we need to discuss this at your earliest convenience.
Philip Parker
Left it overnight, reviewed it, then printed it out and handed it in.
Within two hours l had received a telephone message to say we now have a table on early sitting for the rest of the cruise, and it’s big enough to accommodate all four of us. A RESULT.
Anyway, back to Friday. As we didn’t have a table we went into the Italian restaurant and had a superb dinner. Then into the lounge to meet up with Steve and Jean for the quiz. After which we headed for bed.
On the way down we bumped into Ron and Rose. They enthralled us with their escapade surrounding a visit to the Blue Mountains. Seemed to be a true Brian Rix farce.
All was going well until a lady slipped and split her head open whilst going into the valley by the vehicular railway. By the time they had patched her up and got her to the hospital, the party had become disjointed. They ushered everyone onto the cable car to get them back to the coach. But once inside they found that two people were missing and they couldn’t be found. They decided to take everyone the 15 minute ride to the hotel for lunch. Then the tour leader sped off to take the injured lady her handbag, whilst the driver returned to the train to look for the missing pair, returning shortly afterwards empty handed . Once everyone had finished they returned once again to look for the two missing people.
Everyone got off the bus, some went to the toilet, whilst others managed to get embroiled with another tour, being ushered into the holding area for the descent into the valley. Most realised the mistake and made their way back to the bus. All were countered only to find that there were now four missing.
A search then found the original two ladies, but not the other two. The bus moved away to the holding car park, only to encounter the missing passengers. Although instead of two, it turned out that there were in fact four people. So the total bus count was a total shambles.
Before we went to bed we decided to walk the decks to watch the ship go out.
Out at 7am, Judith once again had a bad night,
so l left early for my walk. Refreshing, being cooler, not so sticky. It’s the only way l can ensure my girth remains under control. Otherwise my tailors bill would be an ongoing event. Have breakfast with my Ti Chi buddies before heading down for our 45 minute session.
Lunch then walking with Judith. It was cold outside on deck seven, so it was pleasantly quiet and we were able to spend a pleasant hour pounding the deck. At long last l do feel that the stomach is becoming under control. Although my new Rohans are still fairly tight. Blame it on Christmas. Its got nothing to do with the food that is on offer virtually 24 hours a day.
Walked the decks and nearly got blown overboard, then to bed. Looking forward to meeting up with Jill and Chris. Their Facebook pages show that they have been having a ball crossing from Perth to Sydney on the train.The Indian Pacific. 2,687-mile (4,325km), four-day/three-night Perth to Sydney journey. They had excursions from the train,en suite room, all inclusive, all their drink and fine dining included. But as she said, the price for the three nights was nearly as much as the seven night QM2 trip.
5th March Thursday Sydney 23 degrees overcast, rain forecast
Tender day into Sydney
Wasn’t sure if it would be running, the captain had warned us that it could be cancelled due to high winds
Bumpy ride in, but joy of joy. Jill and Chris waiting for us next to the Opera house, waving their umbrellas.
Headed for a coffee
Jill lost her new iPhone in the ladies public toilet. Which caused a real panic, understandably. Retraced her steps, asked people, spoke to the police and travel police to no avail. Then out of the blue we asked a tour operator at one of the booking offices. Low and behold she had it, what a relief.
So it was time to get back on track. Headed into the city, drew some cash out and went over the river to the fish market for lunch. An off shoot of Doyle’s on the beach.
The Heavens opened and soaked all of us to the skin, but it was still reasonably warm so it wasn’t to uncomfortable.
The fish market was heaving, a real buzzy hive of a place, overflowing with tourists. Felt that Doyle’s was living on its past reputation, quite expensive, especially drinks although the fish was excellent, and plenty of it.
The wind and rain increased, which meant my jeans became sodden
Headed back through the commercial district, stopping at one of the large shopping centres to dry off.
Tried to find a liquor shop, but the one we found was for fine wines. Not what Chris was looking for.
Jill was getting tired, so we bid them farewell and headed back to the tender. It was blowing a real storm and we weren’t 100% sure that they would still be running.
Luckily for us it was, and it was a large catamaran, so it wasn’t a too bumpy crossing. In fact, l have been on far worse just getting over to Dunoon.
Showered and warmed up. We had really got soaked, our shoes trousers and tops were dripping all over the place. Eventually hung them on the line in the shower.
Dinner in the Kings Court, followed by a film and an early night. Judith still not sleeping well.
6th March Friday
Thank god the sun was shining. The ship moved to the inner mooring at 5.30 am, right in the centre of the rocks district of Sydney.
I was up at 6am for my walk.
Early morning walk. Need to get back for a shower and a shave
Total peace, no other soul around, watching the sun come up. We left after breakfast at the first opportunity once the Captain gave us the all clear, and met up with Chris & Jill in front of the museum.
Walked through the botanical gardens and down to the bay for superb views of the Opera house. Then returned to their hotel to help with their cases, leaving them at the arrivals to be processed onto the ship. We zipped through to meet them on board. Fortunately we didn’t have long to wait. Showed them their cabin, after which we went for lunch.
Came down off the bridge and circled through the Rocks district. Fascinating, so vibrant and alive. But then again it was the weekend. All the bars were overflowing, and the food stalls and restaurants were heaving. The smells were getting our juices going. Must be time to eat.
Returned to find that Cunard had screwed up our table reservation. I went ape sh*t.
So l spent the next hour writing a letter to the Hotel Manager.
Went like this
FAO David Shepherd, Hotel Manager
Re - Early sitting request.
I am writing to register my disappointment on how Cunard treats it’s loyal world travellers. Especially on how it allocates restaurant sittings.
I truly cannot understand the motive of allowing last minute, short sector bookings to be allowed the choice at the expense of world passengers. The company seems to give more weight to new bookings perhaps in an effort to fill cabins and mitigate losses than to its world travellers. What was truly galling was the fact that Guests arriving on board in Fremantle, who had paid dramatically reduced rates per night were given early seating over and above ourselves who had paid full price.
When we booked with our agent we requested early seating, not for any other reason other than for health reasons, due to a medical condition. This was confirmed in writing by our travel agent. Unfortunately Prior to boarding, Cunard came back with late seating.
I complained to the tour agent and advised that we would not have booked the world cruise if we couldn’t get an early sitting, they said that once on board, if l spoke to the maitre d’hotel he would arrange it.
Which we did and were told we were on a wait list. Kelvin was good enough to find us a table if there was a table available, although we find that service is far from good, as the majority of the waiters treat us as incomers and as extra work.
When we travelled on the QM2 in November and December last year we were fortunate to be given a super table, serviced by an excellent team of waiters and sommeliers, who we were able to build up a fantastic rapport. They were absolutely superb, getting to know our dietary requirements, especially on our fast days. Unfortunately this ad hoc form of allocation doesn’t seem to benefit anyone.
We have continued to ask if this could be reviewed, but each sector we keep being put onto late sitting. Even though there are numerous tables available. It has really effected our enjoyment of the cruise. Normally we would eat the majority of our meals in the restaurant, it was a part of our Cunard experience which we encounter on the transatlantic voyages. I would say that we now have been reduced to self service arrangements for 90% of our trip so far.
The situation has been made even more frustrating with the events of yesterday when our Australia friends joined us for the Sydney to Fremantle leg.
They had confirmed that our bookings had been linked by their agent, to enable us to eat on the early seating. Only to be told that they had been allocated a table for two.
This whole trip was booked to enable us to see our oldest friend and you can’t even arrange for this to be organised.
I find it utterly bewildering. It isn’t that it CANT be done. Anything could be arranged if the will is there!
I feel that we need to discuss this at your earliest convenience.
Philip Parker
Left it overnight, reviewed it, then printed it out and handed it in.
Within two hours l had received a telephone message to say we now have a table on early sitting for the rest of the cruise, and it’s big enough to accommodate all four of us. A RESULT.
Anyway, back to Friday. As we didn’t have a table we went into the Italian restaurant and had a superb dinner. Then into the lounge to meet up with Steve and Jean for the quiz. After which we headed for bed.
On the way down we bumped into Ron and Rose. They enthralled us with their escapade surrounding a visit to the Blue Mountains. Seemed to be a true Brian Rix farce.
All was going well until a lady slipped and split her head open whilst going into the valley by the vehicular railway. By the time they had patched her up and got her to the hospital, the party had become disjointed. They ushered everyone onto the cable car to get them back to the coach. But once inside they found that two people were missing and they couldn’t be found. They decided to take everyone the 15 minute ride to the hotel for lunch. Then the tour leader sped off to take the injured lady her handbag, whilst the driver returned to the train to look for the missing pair, returning shortly afterwards empty handed . Once everyone had finished they returned once again to look for the two missing people.
Everyone got off the bus, some went to the toilet, whilst others managed to get embroiled with another tour, being ushered into the holding area for the descent into the valley. Most realised the mistake and made their way back to the bus. All were countered only to find that there were now four missing.
A search then found the original two ladies, but not the other two. The bus moved away to the holding car park, only to encounter the missing passengers. Although instead of two, it turned out that there were in fact four people. So the total bus count was a total shambles.
Before we went to bed we decided to walk the decks to watch the ship go out.
7th March Saturday
Up early after a bad nights sleep, mainly due to the number of messages that kept coming over the intercom about people missing.
Walked through the wind and rain around the deck for my prerequisite 45 minutes. The strong winds drying me off as l sped round the deck during my usual gallop.
Then in for breakfast followed by Ti Chi. Chris & Jill had decided not to go into any lectures, so we left them to it, and met up for a late lunch. Then they shot off for some reason or another, l believe Jill was finding rather tiring. We met up with Rose and Ron and had a good game of Canasta.
.
Dinner in the kings grill, even though we had been allocated a table, mainly due to the fact that the menu was rather poor, plus l got the impression that they didn’t want to get dressed up. Then into the movie.
Afterwards we went and read whilst they walked around the ship, checking out all the areas and getting lost.
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