World cruise on the QM2 at sea circumnavigating Australia in a clockwise rotation
20th Feb Thursday
some rain and thunderstorms as we head on our clockwise route to Darwin.
Early breakfast, on the light side, after eating and drinking so much whilst off the ship. Well not necessarily off the ship, it was a combination.
Back to Ti Chi after two days off. It’s amazing how you miss the exercise.
It’s a gala evening, so it’s dressy up, and we will undoubtedly be going into the restaurant. It will be interesting to see where Kelvin puts us tonight.
Plenty of lectures today as we have been able to take on board speakers in Fremantle. The ones that should had got on in Hong Kong.
First up was plumb in mouth Georgina Bexon, The elegance of the Ocean liner. From its early days up to the modern times and the decor of the QM2.
on the secret and science of joy. Most people could do with this, as there seem to be a lot of disgruntled passengers about. Everywhere you go, you find people in a huddle bemoaning the antics of Cunard. They moan that we have missed eight ports. But what would they prefer. Stop in them, get CoronaVirus and be kept in your cabin for 14 days in isolation. Or worse still, go home in a box.
Next speaker was Brian Finlayson. Quite appropriately, it was on China, a view from the street. A look at the people, away from politics and the propaganda. Really interesting. Would make me want to visit again. But after the epidemic.
Had a late lunch, then headed out for some more walking, after which we stretched out to read. But this was interrupted on a regular basis, with friends stopping to chat.
Most of the time it related to the Aussies, and how little they paid for their 17 nights. £25 pp per night. But l won’t get involved in that.
More walking, then showered and dressed for dinner. Placed on another table that was surrounded by people we new. So that was good, although the service was extremely slow, and the main course was cold once we got the plate in front of us.
At eight we joined our friends for the quiz , after which we settled down for a game of cards.
Excellent game, similar to whist, but the cards keep reducing by one, every round.
It was midnight before we eventually got back to the cabin.
21st February Friday.
Hot outside, and quite humid. 29 degrees C
Up Late, but Judith decides to miss walking and the TiChi. Eventually rising at 10.30, refreshed.
First lecture was Sir Peter Cosgrove, former Governor General of Australia. Previously in the army, eventually in charge of the armed forces. Very similar position to General Lord Dannatt. Although that’s were the similarity ended. Peter was a typical Aussie, brash, bold, slightly arrogant but highly amusing. And the talk on Australia’s international relationship with its neighbours was exceedingly interesting.
We had a break in the afternoon, where we rested, read, dozed, talked and eventually walked to wake ourselves up ready for the next speaker. Captain Ian Perry , who gave us an interesting talk on ships, and the history of shipping in general.
Finally at 4pm we had Sheena Anne Urquart. A member of the British astronomy society. A wee bright and bubbly slip of a girl from Scotland who now lives in Cornwall. She talked about men and women in space, and the race between the super powers, including the less glamorous side of space travel. She was so enthusiastic, she managed to keep everyone awake at the worst time of day.
Afternoon tea time.
Walked some more as we had missed out first thing in the morning, then headed in for a nice drink.
Showered, then dinner in the kings court before dropping off a letter to the Entertainment director. Which went like this.
Could you please let me know when we can expect new films to be shown in the cinema, as it seems that movies have started to be repeated from the 16th February. Presumably, due to our changed itinerary it has delayed the arrival of new films.
Also, we have been fortunate to attend Elizabeth Liu Ti Chi class, which she started voluntarily, at the start of the world cruise. The classes, which the entertainment management agreed to on a unofficial bases has proved exceedingly popular with between forty and fifty people attending every sea day between 9am and 9.45. Elizabeth uses the ballroom when there isn’t any fencing taking place, and the nightclub G32 when they are.
The latter is not really feasible, due to the ceiling height and space. I wonder if the fencing, which normally does not exceed four/ people could be moved to a later time or use G32
Didn’t really expect to achieve anything, but by 9am the following day, the director had left me a message that was really positive. I fact resolving both of my areas of disquiet. Unbelievable.
Went into the 7pm show, a Texan comedian, pianist and singer who now resides in Australia. Excellent entertainment for us, but perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea.
Into the lounge for the quiz. Then got chatting with acquaintances, which seemed to attract even more people. Learnt that 70 world cruise people had held a riotous and emotional meeting, regarding people’s dissatisfaction with the cruise. Some expected a full refund, others a free cruise. Can’t possibly see Cunard doing that. But more importantly, these people were allowing their grievances to overshadow their holiday. They might as well get off the ship and fly home. Eventually we managed to excuse ourselves, and stepped out for a couple of circles of the deck before climbing into bed.
22nd February Saturday 28 degrees C quite sticky.
Still heading along the West Coast of Australia, but you can’t see anything, just sea.
Up early and walked for 45 minutes. Then breakfasted. All my favourite things. PawPaw, Mango. Porridge with prunes and yoghurt, followed by marinated herring with cottage cheese and a slice of seeded rye bread.
My friends wife collared me as l was making a coffee to take down to Judith. She informed me that the world cruise guests were having a meeting on the 27 th February to decide on a collective letter to send to Cunard. Interesting ??
Wake Judith and then head to Ti Chi, but it’s been moved to deck 13. I agree to head off and direct people up. It also gives me the opportunity to get people to sign Elizabeth’s birthday card ( Ti Chi instructor) and collect the donations. Good long session in the shade, below the funnel.
Into breakfast, but just for Judith. I was good for once and only had coffee. Talked with friends, then walked before heading into Illuminations for our first talk. Relationship magic. What makes marriages work. So my ribs were sore at the end from Judith pointing out all the things l am doing wrong. Not sure if it’s all one sided.
But then again l have a vested interests to believe something different.
Then it was Brian Finlayson on the Asian ring of fire. Informative, and put across in a manner that was straightforward and easily understood. Once again it was about the Teutonic plates and how they move. Must say that it was wonderfully described.
Up and into the Kings Court for what was our best lunch yet.
Battered cod fillet. Just a small tasty morsel as a starter, followed by the juiciest thick sliced piece of rib of beef l have had for years. The taste was truly amazing, due partly to the buttery fat that surrounded it. And so tender. Magnificent!
This was followed by refreshing slices of dark red water melon. Juicy, sweet and refreshing.
Coffee, some more walking. After which we crash out in the lounger and l catch up with my diary. Just having too much fun. Running from one experience or activity to another. It’s great not to have to ware thermal long johns for the winter months.
More walking and then time to catch up on my novel, out in the late afternoon sun, before heading down to get changed for dinner. Have a refreshing chilled beer before heading into the kings court. Just a seared Tuna salad. Then it’s into the movie. The Apollo Theatre, a documentary about the theatre and the oppressed black musicians through its lifetime in Harlem. Wonderful historic footage of many singers who eventually became legends. Stevie Wonder at 12, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis Jr., James Brown, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross and hundreds more. Now the Apollo is a not-for-profit organisation which presents concerts, performing arts, education and community outreach programs.
We have to loose another 30 minutes sleep to night, so we head to bed, missing our card game. But Judith isn’t sleeping too well, so she needs every minute to try and catch up.
Sunday 23rd February
Hot and steamy , but beautiful clear sky’s as l do my 45 minutes. Managed to get everyone to return my morning greeting. I always try and get walkers to acknowledge my smile and greeting of good morning. Normally if they stay walking long enough, they give in.
Then it’s into the buffet for my porridge and prunes. It’s a day of fasting, so that’s it until lunch when we can have an apple between us. Take Judith a coffee to rouse her out of bed, and then shoot off for Ti Chi.
We are in the ballroom, which is fortunate because we have grown to fifty people in attendance.
Then up to the restaurant for a coffee whilst Judith has some fruit. Then we power walk for 20 minutes before heading to the first lecture. Gen the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove. On the humorous side of his life.
Followed by Dr Sheena Urquart, Astro physicist who works for the open university, but she spends most of her time on the big island of Hawaii. Lucky little monkey.
Then another talk on how to understand modern art, followed by another lecture from the shrink on how to thrive beyond fifty five. A must for me to hear, even though l'am nearly 20 years older than that.
some rain and thunderstorms as we head on our clockwise route to Darwin.
Early breakfast, on the light side, after eating and drinking so much whilst off the ship. Well not necessarily off the ship, it was a combination.
Back to Ti Chi after two days off. It’s amazing how you miss the exercise.
It’s a gala evening, so it’s dressy up, and we will undoubtedly be going into the restaurant. It will be interesting to see where Kelvin puts us tonight.
Plenty of lectures today as we have been able to take on board speakers in Fremantle. The ones that should had got on in Hong Kong.
First up was plumb in mouth Georgina Bexon, The elegance of the Ocean liner. From its early days up to the modern times and the decor of the QM2.
Followed by the shrink, Professor Nigel Maclennan
Next speaker was Brian Finlayson. Quite appropriately, it was on China, a view from the street. A look at the people, away from politics and the propaganda. Really interesting. Would make me want to visit again. But after the epidemic.
Most of the time it related to the Aussies, and how little they paid for their 17 nights. £25 pp per night. But l won’t get involved in that.
More walking, then showered and dressed for dinner. Placed on another table that was surrounded by people we new. So that was good, although the service was extremely slow, and the main course was cold once we got the plate in front of us.
At eight we joined our friends for the quiz , after which we settled down for a game of cards.
Excellent game, similar to whist, but the cards keep reducing by one, every round.
It was midnight before we eventually got back to the cabin.
21st February Friday.
Hot outside, and quite humid. 29 degrees C
Up Late, but Judith decides to miss walking and the TiChi. Eventually rising at 10.30, refreshed.
First lecture was Sir Peter Cosgrove, former Governor General of Australia. Previously in the army, eventually in charge of the armed forces. Very similar position to General Lord Dannatt. Although that’s were the similarity ended. Peter was a typical Aussie, brash, bold, slightly arrogant but highly amusing. And the talk on Australia’s international relationship with its neighbours was exceedingly interesting.
Finally at 4pm we had Sheena Anne Urquart. A member of the British astronomy society. A wee bright and bubbly slip of a girl from Scotland who now lives in Cornwall. She talked about men and women in space, and the race between the super powers, including the less glamorous side of space travel. She was so enthusiastic, she managed to keep everyone awake at the worst time of day.
Afternoon tea time.
Walked some more as we had missed out first thing in the morning, then headed in for a nice drink.
Showered, then dinner in the kings court before dropping off a letter to the Entertainment director. Which went like this.
Could you please let me know when we can expect new films to be shown in the cinema, as it seems that movies have started to be repeated from the 16th February. Presumably, due to our changed itinerary it has delayed the arrival of new films.
Also, we have been fortunate to attend Elizabeth Liu Ti Chi class, which she started voluntarily, at the start of the world cruise. The classes, which the entertainment management agreed to on a unofficial bases has proved exceedingly popular with between forty and fifty people attending every sea day between 9am and 9.45. Elizabeth uses the ballroom when there isn’t any fencing taking place, and the nightclub G32 when they are.
The latter is not really feasible, due to the ceiling height and space. I wonder if the fencing, which normally does not exceed four/ people could be moved to a later time or use G32
Didn’t really expect to achieve anything, but by 9am the following day, the director had left me a message that was really positive. I fact resolving both of my areas of disquiet. Unbelievable.
Went into the 7pm show, a Texan comedian, pianist and singer who now resides in Australia. Excellent entertainment for us, but perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea.
Into the lounge for the quiz. Then got chatting with acquaintances, which seemed to attract even more people. Learnt that 70 world cruise people had held a riotous and emotional meeting, regarding people’s dissatisfaction with the cruise. Some expected a full refund, others a free cruise. Can’t possibly see Cunard doing that. But more importantly, these people were allowing their grievances to overshadow their holiday. They might as well get off the ship and fly home. Eventually we managed to excuse ourselves, and stepped out for a couple of circles of the deck before climbing into bed.
22nd February Saturday 28 degrees C quite sticky.
Still heading along the West Coast of Australia, but you can’t see anything, just sea.
Up early and walked for 45 minutes. Then breakfasted. All my favourite things. PawPaw, Mango. Porridge with prunes and yoghurt, followed by marinated herring with cottage cheese and a slice of seeded rye bread.
My friends wife collared me as l was making a coffee to take down to Judith. She informed me that the world cruise guests were having a meeting on the 27 th February to decide on a collective letter to send to Cunard. Interesting ??
Wake Judith and then head to Ti Chi, but it’s been moved to deck 13. I agree to head off and direct people up. It also gives me the opportunity to get people to sign Elizabeth’s birthday card ( Ti Chi instructor) and collect the donations. Good long session in the shade, below the funnel.
Into breakfast, but just for Judith. I was good for once and only had coffee. Talked with friends, then walked before heading into Illuminations for our first talk. Relationship magic. What makes marriages work. So my ribs were sore at the end from Judith pointing out all the things l am doing wrong. Not sure if it’s all one sided.
But then again l have a vested interests to believe something different.
Up and into the Kings Court for what was our best lunch yet.
Battered cod fillet. Just a small tasty morsel as a starter, followed by the juiciest thick sliced piece of rib of beef l have had for years. The taste was truly amazing, due partly to the buttery fat that surrounded it. And so tender. Magnificent!
This was followed by refreshing slices of dark red water melon. Juicy, sweet and refreshing.
Coffee, some more walking. After which we crash out in the lounger and l catch up with my diary. Just having too much fun. Running from one experience or activity to another. It’s great not to have to ware thermal long johns for the winter months.
More walking and then time to catch up on my novel, out in the late afternoon sun, before heading down to get changed for dinner. Have a refreshing chilled beer before heading into the kings court. Just a seared Tuna salad. Then it’s into the movie. The Apollo Theatre, a documentary about the theatre and the oppressed black musicians through its lifetime in Harlem. Wonderful historic footage of many singers who eventually became legends. Stevie Wonder at 12, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis Jr., James Brown, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross and hundreds more. Now the Apollo is a not-for-profit organisation which presents concerts, performing arts, education and community outreach programs.
We have to loose another 30 minutes sleep to night, so we head to bed, missing our card game. But Judith isn’t sleeping too well, so she needs every minute to try and catch up.
Sunday 23rd February
Hot and steamy , but beautiful clear sky’s as l do my 45 minutes. Managed to get everyone to return my morning greeting. I always try and get walkers to acknowledge my smile and greeting of good morning. Normally if they stay walking long enough, they give in.
Then it’s into the buffet for my porridge and prunes. It’s a day of fasting, so that’s it until lunch when we can have an apple between us. Take Judith a coffee to rouse her out of bed, and then shoot off for Ti Chi.
We are in the ballroom, which is fortunate because we have grown to fifty people in attendance.
Then up to the restaurant for a coffee whilst Judith has some fruit. Then we power walk for 20 minutes before heading to the first lecture. Gen the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove. On the humorous side of his life.
Followed by Dr Sheena Urquart, Astro physicist who works for the open university, but she spends most of her time on the big island of Hawaii. Lucky little monkey.
Then another talk on how to understand modern art, followed by another lecture from the shrink on how to thrive beyond fifty five. A must for me to hear, even though l'am nearly 20 years older than that.
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