Live from the 2015 QE World Voyage

[Lynnewob]

Wow, I remember that hike last year. It was a really hard slog in the high daytime temperatures.

 

We got as far as the other tombs and turned around and walked back - which, as you say, was harder as the slight incline on the way down, became a much longer higher climb on the return!

 

Enjoy a relaxing evening on board and make sure you rehydrate after the exertions of the day.

[Oahucruiser]

Fabulous and detailed report on one of our favorite places. I could feel your joy when you had that cold beer. When we got back there were many people on the pier drinking champagne and the arrival of each coach received huge applause from those who were watching from the ship. A very exhilarating time!

[Ray66]

Transiting the canal in the dark

 

[bazzaw]

Big shame that QE is transiting Suez at night. Wehad friends on a Princess ship recently which did the same thing. Looks like we were very fortunate to transit during the day on P&O Oriana 4 years ago. We found the Suez transit to be one of the highlights of our World Cruise - perhaps even THE highlight. Much more interesting that the Panama Canal - although that is not the general opinion among many.

 

EDIT -- looks like they entered the canal about 5.30PM - but it is now 4AM local time and the ship is still in Bitter Lake. That seems a bit strange to me - shouldn't have taken this long to get to Bitter Lake - looks like they may see the second half of the canal after all!!

 

Barry

Edited April 22, 2015 by bazzaw

[Janix]

21st April – Suez

 

After our speedy trip up the westerly horn of the Red Sea we arrived at the Suez Anchorage at around 5pm. It seems after the serious attempt to get through early, there were not enough pilots available for the ships queued up at Suez.

 

We did eventually leave the anchorage and started out transit at 0030, which meant that roughly half the trip was in daylight – from around 5am this morning. The front decks were open as usual, but it was a bit chilly out on the open decks. I’m glad I did it last year on a hot summers day ! We were in a huge convoy of sixty three ships in position 44, and the poorer visibility around dawn made it more misty and murky in the distance.

 

The Railway Swing Bridge was the first sight I saw this morning, although we kept the TV on in the cabin overnight, it only gave a glimpse of lights in the darkness ! We then passed the Al Ballah By-Pass, which on this occasion was empty, bar 2 huge dredgers, so we were unable to snap any ships stranded in the sand. The Japanese financed and built Al Qantarah Bridge was again noticeable for the amount of traffic passing over it – none ! By 9am we had entered the Port Said bypass which takes ship on a northerly heading to the east of Port Said. Our transit had taken a little over 9 hours at an average speed of 10 knots.

 

The ship was escorted by a tug for the passage and we waved goodbye to that at the pilot station at the Port Said eastern exit. There are many ships waiting to go through the canal, so the accident has delayed many, and it looks like there was no double flow of traffic as was the case last year.

 

We have now entered the Mediterranean and are passing through the traffic separation schemes off Port Said before altering course to a NW track up to the Dardenelles and Anzac Cove.

 

There is an Anzac Commemoration briefing at 1215 in the Queens room so will pop in to that and see what I can find out ! I will post this separately.

 

John

[Janix]

Anzac Centenary Celebrations.

 

Extracted from notes taken in the Queens Room.

 

I know many people have expressed an interest and requested details of the services and tributes to be paid on this voyage.

 

23rd April - There will be a lecture talk about Gallipoli in the Cunard Insight series tomorrow morning by Professor Gary Sheffield and the film Gallipoli will be screened in the theatre at 2pm in the afternoon of the 23rd April.

 

24th April - Queen Elizabeth will sail north to Anzac Cove and stop for a service which will be held at dawn (circa 0550) on the Deck 9 Aft- lido pool Deck, similar to the service which were held in Auckland and Sydney. There will be other ships in the vicinity and QE will be stern to the beach. The Poppy Wall will form the centrepiece of the service, to be conducted by the Captain, and after the service will be returned to Southampton. After the presentation of the Poppy wall there will be a talk by the Custodians. No poppies will be thrown overboard for various reasons.

 

Following the service QE will sail past the beaches and there will be a commentary by Gary Sheffield including the sail up the Dardenelles where the naval battle took place, prior to our arrival in Istanbul at 1800 hrs.

 

25th April – There will be another service this morning which will be held in the Royal Court theatre, prior to the assembly of tour groups this morning. There is a plan to televise this for replay on the ship. There do not appear to be any plans to televise the service on the 24th as the facilities to do this are not available on board.

 

John

[maggiemou]

Hello John, Thank you for your updates and your great review of Petra. So pleased you made it this year. Sorry to read about missing part of the Suez Canal. At least you have done it before, but it sad for people who have not as I always find it more interesting then the Panama Canal. I remember I wrote that last year in my blog.

Looks like you are in for an interesting time in the next few days enjoy the services and have a good time in Istanbul. Have you started your packing yet? I always get the first suitcase out as we enter the Med as I feel I am almost home when we get to Port Said. Well we are really being only 100 km away in Cyprus. :)

I am posting my blog from last year I hope you don't mind but there are some photos of Petra that others may wish to see, and I know how hard it is to post photos from the ship.

Petra 2014 link below. Three pages of photos of Petra and the Suez canal You can see Where John walked as I took the same route.

 

http://www.cruise.co.uk/forum/109-cruise-news/41124-maggiemou-s-adventures-jordan-petra.html?highlight=maggiemou%27s+adventures+petra

Edited April 22, 2015 by maggiemou

[Oahucruiser]

I'm sure there were many disappointed passengers when you went through a lot of the canal at night but I am very glad that you have cleared that whole Red Sea area. Too much tension and too many warships right now. Enjoy the rest of your days on that beautiful ship and thanks for continuing to post so often!

[brigittetom]

Thanks Maggie......it was nice to see the pictures.....I've read the book. :)

[maggiemou]

Thanks Maggie......it was nice to see the pictures.....I've read the book. :)

 

You're very welcome brigittetom, and thank you also. ;)

[pepperrn]

From what I've read. Given the choice between joining the first available north-bound convoy of ships, and passing through parts of the canal at night. Or waiting 12-18 hours at Suez for a daytime convoy, and then possibly throwing the schedule out for the next call at Istanbul. IMHO the captain made the right choice.

 

Interestingly, from what I've been told by friends on board in conversation with their fellow passengers, now the ship is in the Med, which many of the passengers know well from previous cruises, several of the full-world-cruise-passengers have said how keen they are to get home now. A few are counting down the days, and one couple have started packing!

 

Best wishes to all on board :)

Edited April 23, 2015 by pepperrn

[AlisonH]

Good afternoon from the Aegean Sea as we pass by many of the Greek Islands towards Anzac Cove for the commemorative events tomorrow.

 

There is an Australian Channel 7 news team on board, a cameraman and a journalist who joined in Dubai who will cover the service tomorrow - they are disembarking in Istanbul. They have already done some filming of the two ancestors of the Gallipoli soldiers who Cunard have invited on board. I believe the news coverage will be transmitted either tomorrow, Friday or Saturday so any Australians reading may wish to keep an eye out for it.

 

We are enjoying our trip and for us, even though the transit of the Suez Canal was somewhat different than our expectation with it being partially during darkness, we saw the transit from dawn onwards and are happy with what we did see. The captain made the right decision to ensure the Anzac Cove commemorations could occur.

 

I have met Pat, as we discovered we were sitting next to each other in the theatre, and I also attended her second talk, and have to say, what an inspirational and lovely lady she is, there were very few dry eyes in the theatre after her talk.

 

Formal night tonight, then Istanbul arrival at 6pm tomorrow

 

Alison

[Janix]

Thursday 23rd April – At Sea

 

We proceeded overnight on a NW course in freshening winds and also experienced the first movement on the ship for a long time. There was a brisk breeze over the decks so the outside spaces were little used this morning. We passed between the islands of Rhodes and Karpathos just after 9am and by mid afternoon were abeam Bodrum in Turkey. I guess we will be abeam Kusadasi around 6pm. The wind has dropped this afternoon and there are wonderful blue skies as we transit between the many Dodecanese islands and into the Aegean Sea.

 

This afternoon Terry Waite (Yorkshire Terry) arranged a presentation to Gabriela Godoi, our world cruise Concierge who sits every day in the Garden Lounge helping all the World cruise passengers and is a wonderful person. Everyone concerned was sent an invite and poor Gabriela was taken aback when hundreds turned up in the lounge at 1530. After a brief introduction by Amanda Reid, the entertainment manager, Terry presented the shocked and tearful Gabriela with a bouquet of flowers and said the following words:-

 

Dear Gabriela

 

We appreciate everything that you do

Very helpful and thoughtful too.

From the beginning you’ve been there for us

When we were down you were strong like a tree.

 

You offer so much a heart that is kind

Thinking to help others in your beautiful mind

Your qualities combined are extremely rare

You wake up each morning with the smile and care

 

Everything you do we respect and praise

You’re a wonderful person, you always amaze

Wish to say thank you deep in our hearts

For many lives, you’re a big part.

 

From all your friends.

 

This was followed by resounding applause from everyone there.

 

 

I can’t remember whether or not I have posted any figures for the last leg, but here is the general breakdown of the 1907 passengers on board.

 

British 963

Australian 418

American 163

German 145

New Zealand 55

Canadian 43

Swiss 18

Irish 11

Japanese 11

And another 24 countries with less than 10 persons.

 

John

Edited April 23, 2015 by Janix

[maggiemou]

Hi John & Andrea, I waved to you this morning from afar here in Cyprus where we had a freak storm at 7-0am. Thunder, lightening and massive heavy rain winds and giant hail stones! Very unusual and one hour later warm sunny but windy and I thought of you all on board. Glad you missed that.

Terry Waite is a friend of ours and we are ducklings of course.;) I met Gabriella whilst I was on board at the start of the world cruise. A lovely lady so I am sure she deserved Terry's good words.

 

Peppern .

I am sure people will be packing now after been on board for four months. Having done the world cruise for the previous four years we always feel we are ready for home once we leave the Suez Canal I think as we live so near we always feel we are heading home. Plus the Med is like home to many UK people.

Also after four months it can take you a few weeks to sort your stuff out. Many people will have a lot of luggage, plus they buy lots of things and end up buying more suitcase to pack. It is a tedious job.

We had one of our best world cruises last year on QE , but after the Suez I was ready for home. I wanted to go home as I felt ready.

However, we did still go on to enjoy the ports of call in the Med and a fabulous time we had when the three Queens met in Lisbon. We enjoyed all the ports and in-between we packed our 19 suitcases. Sorted out things and gave a lot away to the Village Fair they have on board and gave things to the crew. It is all part of getting ready for home.

I hope John and the rest of the world cruisers enjoy their time in Istanbul and the remaining ports of call.

[alibabacruisers]

John, I am really enjoying your posts! Thank you for taking the time to post them.

 

Once again, what are ducklings?

[maggiemou]

John, I am really enjoying your posts! Thank you for taking the time to post them.

 

Once again, what are ducklings?

 

 

Hi Barbara. Maybe I can help you here as I have been a "Duckling" for some time.

It a fun get together arranged and organised by a fellow Yorkshire man named Terry Waite. (me my husband are originally from Yorkshire in the North of England) Also known as Gods own County. :)

Last year we attended the party. Terry Waite is the man in charge, has been a friends of ours for sometime. He attended my birthday bash earlier in the WC in January this year. I will add a link below about his parties as it is too long to re write.

Hope you are back to reality :)

 

https://www.cruise.co.uk/forum/109-cruise-news/41174-maggiemou-s-adventures-naples-good-bad-ugly.html?highlight=maggiemou%27s+adventures

[pepperrn]

Peppern . I am sure people will be packing now after been on board for four months. Having done the world cruise for the previous four years we always feel we are ready for home once we leave the Suez Canal I think as we live so near we always feel we are heading home. Plus the Med is like home to many UK people. Also after four months it can take you a few weeks to sort your stuff out. Many people will have a lot of luggage, plus they buy lots of things and end up buying more suitcase to pack. It is a tedious job. We had one of our best world cruises last year on QE , but after the Suez I was ready for home. I wanted to go home as I felt ready.

Thank you maggiemou,

 

Your vast experience comes through in your writing; a genuine pleasure to read. I'm sure many people on board feel as you describe.

I know that many friendships have been made; people who will want to meet again on future voyages both long and short (and sad to report, a couple of enemies! :eek: ). Thank you for adding to this thread with your great posts :).

However, we did still go on to enjoy the ports of call in the Med and a fabulous time we had when the three Queens met in Lisbon.

We missed meeting each other in Southampton I believe (as you disembarked QE, I was boarding QM2. Maybe next time with luck, I would be honoured).

I hope John and the rest of the world cruisers enjoy their time in Istanbul and the remaining ports of call.

As do I, thank you again maggiemou. Edited April 24, 2015 by pepperrn

[DreamflightPat]

Sorry I haven't been posting much but by the time I do emails and then my own blog, I seem to use up a lot of my internet time. I also see John and Andrea (Janix) and they are writing very information blogs that I totally agree with.

 

This morning I was up at 4.30 to attend the Anzac day service on the back of the ship. We were backed in to the bay and looking at the beaches. I was so honoured to be invited to do one of the readings during the service. We have an Australian couple and a New Zealand couple, both couples lost grandparents during the war. Captain Inger led a beautiful service and as the Last Post was played the sun starting rising over the hills. A very moving experience. Wreaths were then tossed in to the water. My niece is a Major in the Australian army and her husband is also in the army as a helicopter engineer. I held two poppies in my hands to represent them. They are both taking part in services in Townsville tomorrow. Our service was a day earlier than Anzac day as only military ships are being allowed in the Bay tomorrow.

[Janix]

Friday 24th April – At Sea , Anzac Cove and the Dardenelles

 

Early this morning at 0550 QE nudged into Anzac Cove and a service was held on the Lido pool deck to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign. Unfortunately I was not able to attend the service as yesterday I came down with a bad case of the Cunard cough, and despite having every medication under the sun, I’m feeling a little under the weather ! Maybe someone else can post a full report ? (Just seen Pat's post, so thanks very much for that Pat !)

 

However the service did take place and lasted 45 minutes until sunrise over the cove. We were on our own in the cove and it was very peaceful waiting for dawn. Following this the ship headed south towards Kumkale and entered the Dardenelles. There were several modern warships anchored off Cannakale, including at least one British ship, and these are expected to take part in the services tomorrow. We have been told we are the last ship allowed to enter this area until the commemorations are complete, as the strait will be closed to all but military traffic after our passage through.

 

It is another glorious day at present, but there is a definite nip in the air. We are due to be tied up in the Golden Horn around 6pm this evening.

 

John

Edited April 24, 2015 by Janix

[Host Hattie]

Thanks Pat & John for the latest reports, it sounds like a very moving occasion.

[maggiemou]

Peppern. Thank you for your very kind words to me regarding my posts. I appreciate your kind comments. I look forward also to meeting you one day on a Cunard ship. regards Maggie.

 

 

Dreamflight Pat I am very proud of you and so is JT,MBE ( hope you wore your gong) :)

Pleased you were able to be part of the service it sounded to be a very moving experience and I had a lump in my throat as I read your report. Well done.

I hear your talks went down very well as one would expect. Hope to meet you next year if you are heading to OZ we will be there. Keep in touch. Maggie. & JT,MBE. x

 

John (Janix ) hope you are feeling better soon. You have all your packing to do so better make a fast recovery otherwise Lady Andrea will have to get a new butler.:) Take care and thanks for your hard work in reporting back to us all. x

[alibabacruisers]

Thanks for the info Maggie. I remembered watching a video about the "ducklings" last year and had a rather than impressed view of the group.

 

Pat and John, thank you for your reports on the Anzac tribute. It was rather moving to read.

 

John, I am sorry to hear that you got the dreaded cough and wish you a speedy recovery!

[Janix]

24th April until present.

 

Apologies for the interlude, I’ve a bit of catching up to do, as the horrible flu symptoms are now subsiding and I’m feeling a little more human. The nasty cough hasn’t totally gone but my head seems to clearing now and I don’t ache as much. Sales of Veno’s must have reached record proportions and I gather all cold remedies have been sold out again.

 

24th April - Istanbul

We had booked the evening Bosphorus cruise and dinner, which wasn’t a bad evening at all, although a little cold on the water. The meal was quite acceptable, sort of meze style starters and beef Ottoman style with rice and steamed vegetables, followed by Turkish delight and dried apricots. The trip up and down the Bosphorus at sunset and then in darkness was also very interesting viewing the Palaces along the shoreline and bridges suitably illuminated at night. A couple of drinks were included with the meal.

 

25th April – Istanbul

For our full day in Istanbul we did not leave the ship, as I was definitely under the weather and spent most of the time in our cabin well wrapped up waiting for symptoms to subside.

 

26th April – At sea

 

R&R

 

27th April – Malta

 

Feeling a little better so had a little walk around Valletta and then tried lunch at one of the quayside restaurants. Enjoyed the fresh air and the food for the first time in a few days. All aboard was 1730 and we left Valletta harbour around 1745.

 

28th April – At sea

 

Starting to feel much better, but still have remnants of racking cough. Our last formal night tonight along with the final World cruise party this evening. We have also been invited to dine with Jason Truman, the Chief Engineer, so glad I’m finally on the mend. Diamond Wine tasting this afternoon may help along the day !

 

Apologies for the brevity, but have spent too much of time recumbent in the cabin, and it will soon be time for packing – which I’m also not looking forward to.

 

John

Edited April 28, 2015 by Janix

[alibabacruisers]

Ali and I are glad you are on the mend John and thank you for all your reports along the way. It is hard to believe that it is nearly time for you to be thinking about packing and then disembarking.

[maggiemou]

24th April until present.

 

Apologies for the interlude, I’ve a bit of catching up to do, as the horrible flu symptoms are now subsiding and I’m feeling a little more human. The nasty cough hasn’t totally gone but my head seems to clearing now and I don’t ache as much. Sales of Veno’s must have reached record proportions and I gather all cold remedies have been sold out again.

 

24th April - Istanbul

We had booked the evening Bosphorus cruise and dinner, which wasn’t a bad evening at all, although a little cold on the water. The meal was quite acceptable, sort of meze style starters and beef Ottoman style with rice and steamed vegetables, followed by Turkish delight and dried apricots. The trip up and down the Bosphorus at sunset and then in darkness was also very interesting viewing the Palaces along the shoreline and bridges suitably illuminated at night. A couple of drinks were included with the meal.

 

25th April – Istanbul

For our full day in Istanbul we did not leave the ship, as I was definitely under the weather and spent most of the time in our cabin well wrapped up waiting for symptoms to subside.

 

26th April – At sea

 

R&R

 

27th April – Malta

 

Feeling a little better so had a little walk around Valletta and then tried lunch at one of the quayside restaurants. Enjoyed the fresh air and the food for the first time in a few days. All aboard was 1730 and we left Valletta harbour around 1745.

 

28th April – At sea

 

Starting to feel much better, but still have remnants of racking cough. Our last formal night tonight along with the final World cruise party this evening. We have also been invited to dine with Jason Truman, the Chief Engineer, so glad I’m finally on the mend. Diamond Wine tasting this afternoon may help along the day !

 

Apologies for the brevity, but have spent too much of time recumbent in the cabin, and it will soon be time for packing – which I’m also not looking forward to.

 

John

 

Hi John & Andrea.

Sorry John to hear you have been unwell. Hope you are getting better. Enjoy your final world cruise party and have a good time with Jason He is good company . Give him JT & my regards. We have dined with him in past. Have a good evening. Maggie x