foodsvcmgr

Waiting at FCO for my return flight and reflecting on the cruise I’ll comment on the current dress code.

Depending on one’s point of view, Casual has changed/deteriorated to the point that the probably 60% of men now just wear a shirt and pants, 35% add a sport or suit jacket (I am in this group), and no more than 5% add a necktie.

Considering the warm weather at least for the first week this is understandable.

Formal night compliance is still extremely high with almost all men in tuxes.

Unless anyone has any questions, I believe this concludes my postings for this voyage.

I have different travel plans next year but look forward to both QE Caribbean and QM2 Eclipse cruise for 2026.

A tasty Pork Wellington for our final dinner tonight.

As I’ve previously stated, quality of ingredients and presentation are high but portion sizes vary widely from dish to dish.

The consistent negative most nights has been drink service in the Commodore Club.

Tonight was the worst yet, after sitting twenty minutes I had to get up and chase down an oblivious server.

They may be down by a man or two but the servers they have seemed poorly trained, looking at the floor instead of attempting eye contact with guests wanting to order.

Oddly no issues at all in the Lido, Chart Room, or Golden Lion.

Underway.

Two pier runners just jogged down the pier 35 minutes late to a resounding round of derisive applause from the balconies.

Departure imminent now.

Our cruise will come to an end tomorrow in Rome.

Another great voyage with Cunard!

Naples today, good Cunard tour to Pompeii.

All the Cunard excursions have been well run with excellent English speaking guides at fair prices, particularly when compared to Celebrity.

Duplicate

Passed Stromboli volcano after 3 early this morning, tied up in Messina by 8.

Some showers but a short pleasant walk to see the Cathedral with its moving figures and a local lunch of arancini,

braciole, and cannoli.

But none were required.

Do most get them anyway?

I enjoyed Labadee, but going there in the near future seems like visiting Libya or Iraq, you can go there but doesn’t make it wise.

I have sailed these itineraries twice and am not aware of any vaccines suggested for the average person.

Even when we first sailed QM2 in 2009 the Boardwalk was seldom ever open and the heavy wood furnishings were in neglected condition already.

I only have one G&T a day and at other times have enjoyed the Thatcher’s Zero and Harrowgate sparkling water here aboard QV.

Wife no longer drinks alcohol so these options work for her as well.

Host Hattie - I thought it was a good value for the price although as David states it was quite wet with tight seating today.

Many of the things you will want to see are covered by the train, also many sights like Napoleon’s birthplace are an easy walk from the ship.

This is a good port to forgo an excursion and look around independently due to the points of interest and many local food options being so close.

Changing topics, the question was raised in the last few weeks about scones being prepackaged.

We’ve taken afternoon tea in the Lido several times this cruise and the scones are varying height and width appearing to be homemade not a uniform commercial product.

Plain and raisin are offered.

Overall we are quite pleased with the food in Britannia, Golden Lion, and the Lido.

The quality of ingredients is notably higher standard than other superior mass market lines, as is the preparation and plate presentation, plus I enjoy the strong British influence.

Certainly no decline from our last QV voyage one year ago.

Wonky - the program shows a deck quoits competition for 2 PM today.

Rainy day in Ajaccio but no issue taking a walk and a 90 minute “Little Train” overview tour for 12 Euros across the street from the pier.

Good idea Carlmm, it was a nice night for a walk.

Never bothers my wife or myself, those out and about seem ok other than the staggering to walk.

Lido busy at lunch.

I suspect some are cabin bound unfortunately.

Berth in Ajaccio is available so we will tie up tonight around 2200 instead of tomorrow morning, giving a bit of a break from the rough weather.

With 38 knot winds we also have some high seas in the pool!

After some turns now proceeding towards Corsica at 15.5 knots, our highest speed of the voyage so far.

Yes, we were docked in Cagliari in 2012.

It was a major ferry port as well.

Beautiful day at sea now, albeit very windy and some rolling in the deep swell.

Rain forecast for tomorrow in Ajaccio, hopefully will be able to get a look around and a local lunch,

 No, we were the only ship, no docking facilities in evidence.

Unfortunately due to high winds and seas todays tendering in Alghero has been cancelled for safety concerns.

Following the Captain’s announcement we weighed anchor and are now proceeding back out to sea at 10.9 knots.

Repairs on Deck 10 this afternoon, ongoing maintenance visible throughout.

After another beautiful day in Barcelona the seas picked up overnight for the first time since boarding in Rome last week.

Today we are enroute to Sardinia sailing 11.5 knots into 25-30 mph winds.

Like Palma, the plan is to anchor offshore tonight prior to tendering tomorrow.

Good day for ship spotting in Barcelona today.

Another nice day - Cunard excursion featuring a boat ride through the Albufera wetlands of Valencia with included paella lunch.