exlondoner

Yes, about Covid, but the other bit is simply not true. For many years, we have come back from breakfast well before 8 to find our cabin, except the bathroom, has been cleaned and prepared for its next residents. So disembarking from there by 8.30 would make no difference. And, according to one of our butlers, the Grills cabins tend to be ready by 11.30, well before passengers appear. Other decks may be later, but passengers board later.

When we had a somewhat delayed and chaotic disembarkation from QA’s second voyage, the rather ineffective people apparently in charge were checking to an extent, ie when anyone approached them, they immediately asked what colour their tags were, before sending them away to wait somewhere else. Those who, perhaps in pursuit of advantage, claimed not to know, were sent to the Purser’s to find out.

The weather is more likely to be suitable for the Boardwalk Café to be open. (I know that is hardly a major thing.)

So that huge three part mural in the Grand Lobby isn’t a reference to Cunard heritage? Nor the black hull and funnel, (which it must be said lots of previous Cunarders didn’t have)? And a pub called the Golden Lion with lion logo? How do they think of these things?

I can never remember which one is which either. 😀 The one at the stern.

Are passengers still, theoretically at least, disembarking direct from their cabins?

It is a long time since I was in the PG, but the QG, at any rate, doesn’t have any puddings on the alc menu.

Rather than a cigar lounge? Where is that?

Or via Liverpool?

QA does still have a cigar lounge.

Our neighbour at the next table much enjoyed the rosé on our recent voyage.

How was the cheese last night?

Yes, I agree about the QR, it is just a nothingness with no coordination of decor, just a melange. As to the thermal suite, I wouldn’t know.

Yes, I agree that passing though is fine. I suspect the keypad system may end up denying as many Grills passengers entry as anyone else, and how long will it take the number to be widely known?

No only if you take a cocktail in the little pool, as has apparently happened.

And a ship model by the Reading Room.

Wouldn’t you have preferred a view, as on QE?

Now that would be fun. And a way of ejecting intruders. 😀 Was I supposed to notice a different uniform, because I didn’t?

I must say it didn’t strike me as a fun ship at all. It seemed calm and serene just like the others. And there was nothing fun about having the lounge for the most expensive cabins lack a view or much daylight. Maybe that was Cunard having fun.

Well, art students are inevitably art students. I hope they at least got the chance to see their work in situ.

I had mine done on the NHS. I imagine if your ma - or her insurance - is paying for it, while the quality of the surgery won’t be any better, the peripherals might be more comfortable. And she’ll still be home for lunch.

Don’t all ships have bells?

And who could blame her?

I’d happily have the one behind the water bottles. Not many others.

It will be fine then. The worst bit in retrospect was the hanging around beforehand waiting for the dilating drops to take effect, so you can’t read to distract yourself from worrying.