exlondoner

‘Where the make a wilderness they call it peace.’ Tacitus on the aftermath of the battle of Mons Graupius. On reflection, I think we should definitely discount Southern Scotland, the Antonine Wall was just a gesture, and thereafter the Picts were left alone.

For non-US residents, it might be very appealing not to have to deal with US immigration.

I think I would definitely count Cardiff as being in the Roman Empire. They seem to have demolished their large fortress and built a much smaller one, which implies a peaceful settlement. What do we think about Southern Scotland? The pursuit of scholarship never ends.

It’s not my period, but I should imagine there may be all sorts of villas etc near Caerleon, and on the Welsh side of the Severn south of Gloucester. But as a whole, as you say, I don’t think much of Wales was lucky enough to be part of the empire. Poor fools, no hot baths, and no underfloor central heating.

In the Roman Occupation of Britannia, they stationed three or four legions here, usually three. This was a lot (out of a total of about 26), and indicates how rebellious the province was. For most of the time, one was at Caerleon (Isca), near Newport, in South Wales, and one was at Chester (Deva). The fact that these were both in effect on the frontier of what was later Wales does not suggest it was well absorbed into the empire, unlike places like the south of France, the East of Spain, SE England, and the African provinces. So I’m very doubtful about Holyhead and Milford Haven.

Well, it’s tricky, isn’t it. There was the Antonine Wall for a while. And what about Wales? I certainly don’t think you can include Holyhead.

Just of out interest, how much of the British Isles are you counting as having been part of the Roman Empire?

Charmingly, Vesselfinder describes her as aground. 😀

They didn’t chase me because they didn’t have to, as I attended when asked. I should imagine they had plenty of time, even on a five day crossing, to chase up non-attenders, as I imagine border force staff still do when going the other way. And logically, if you shouldn’t be in the country, wouldn’t it be better if you stayed on the ship?

I don’t know about Miami or cruise ships, but certainly on QE2, I seem to remember announcements reminding people to go.

And more recently. For instance on our first crossing in 1997, and a Canada/New England trip in 2001. I think it is something to do with database access after 9/11.

On the other hand, nowadays, they don’t like to move around too energetically, because of fuel costs.

And all the way from Bournemouth…

Sob. I thought I was doing so well.

Yes, free drinks are only a benefit if one does in fact drink. Otherwise a cheaper fare would be better.

Occasionally, if the ship is late arriving because of the weather or something, they have to delay embarkation a little, but this is pretty rare.

Many thanks, but how unsporting to include no steps. I remember you saying that a lot of Yalta was closed, for the pleasing reason that they were having a conference.

At the old Ocean Terminal. And your luggage was miraculously transferred without you having to do anything.

On the basis of the final hint, could it be somewhere like Yalta?

Cunard London transfers go either to St. P or to Victoria. See the handout below from our last cruise, which gives an indication of the time taken. It also says transfers as part of a package have already been arranged.

Yes, that too. I haven’t had one for a while.

I should hope not. Isn’t a Cunarder actually a ship? Though it would be great if QM2 herself started posting on here.

Unless of course he is staying at that very glam hotel at St. P.

QE carries around 2,000 pax, and is never crowded. I don't think the tonnage figs are right either.

Not true. I spent half, the winter half, of my career getting dressed in the dark, so as not to disturb my spouse, and the worst sin I committed was a non-matching pair of shoes, but only once.