Notes from a QV cruise

[Janix]

There was an interesting note in the Daily Programme today that alcohol purchased ashore was for consumption in cabins only not on the open decks or in public rooms !

 

Hi Hattie,

 

Really enjoying your posts, keep them coming ! We are on QE in 9 days so hope to get a little of that posted.

 

Let's hope that the minority are not going to spoil it for the majority ? It does make you wonder though.

 

Have a great cruise, and I'm sorry you didn't appear to receive the upgrade :(

 

John

[Adammara]

We are reading them with interest, please keep posting! we are considering a Cunard cruise next year, it will be our return after 25 years (originally in an inside cabin in the bowels of the QE2!). We did do a visit to QM2, but did not like it that much, so we are looking at QV or QE, as we have had many cruises on Arcadia which I believe is a similar size!

[Mateybubbles]

Hi Hattie, really enjoying reading your posts as we head off to Southampton next Sunday for our first Cunard cruise on the QV. we are very excited.

 

I hope the weather is kind to us as I am currently sitting in a body warmer and scarf in my living room here in Scotland (and yes I have the heating on!)

 

Enjoy the rest of your cruise :D

[fantasy51]

I am feeling envious Hattie as I had thought very seriously about that cruise, until a friend's daughter asked to stay with me in November. She is here at the moment for a couple of days, and then again at the end of November when I was thinking of a Canaries cruise. Oh well, I wasn't feeling desperate for another cruise so I didn't mind - until I started reading your reviews. :D

[Host Hattie]

Thanks everyone, we are docked in Tangier this morning, this was originally supposed to be a tender port but there was a note in yesterday's Daily Programme to say we had been allocated a berth. All aboard is 1.30 so we need to get a move on if we want to see anything.

We have missed Britannia breakfast (again), it finishes at 9.00 on port days.

Off to the Lido it is then.

[Host Hattie]

Apologies for the delay in a proper posting yet again but we have the sun on our balcony for the afternoon sailing from Tangier, as we live in Wales it might be a while before we see it again !

 

We had an interesting morning dodging the persistent traders of Tangier. Not completely successfully, we came away with a hat, 3 bracelets and a light fitting !

Formal night and World Club cocktail party tonight. Mr HH will probably enter the Blackjack tournament. He won it first time round on the QE 2 but has never been able to repeat his success.

[Ray66]

..... and a light fitting. :D Hope it fits ok.

[Host Hattie]

6th November – At sea

 

 

We slept so well we missed breakfast so I had to break my “No buffet” rule and head to the Lido for a mug of peppermint tea and a couple of pastries. We actually sat in the Winter Garden so it was quite pleasant. We went to a lecture on attempts on the life of the British Monarchy up to the early 20th century. Mr HH went to his second fencing lesson and I had a potter around the shops and bought a few photos (3 for the price of 2) of the 3 Queens in Liverpool. They are running 2 for $25 and 2 for $35 promotions on duty free drinks (to be collected on the last sea day).

We had a pleasant lunch in Britannia and were half way through a bottle of Spanish Rose before we remembered that we had a wine tasting later. The effect of the two lead to an afternoon snooze. We were woken up by a member of the Technical department who had come to look at our rattling balcony divider. He made a temporary repair with a few wooden wedges and arranged to come back and do a more permanent job whilst we are ashore in Cadiz tomorrow. By this time the sun was out so we decided a stroll on the Promenade deck would be refreshing. Unfortunately our good intentions lasted as far as the next available free Steamer chairs in the sun. We watch the more energetic pounding the decks. Just as the sun was setting the nearest “Crew Only” door burst open and a waiter rushed out to photograph the setting sun. One of his colleagues took his photograph and he seemed happy. It was a lovely sight. It was 6.30 by this time so we crept back to our cabin to make ourselves respectable.

That took a while, my bow tie skills deserted me so Mr HH had to make do with a ready tied one. We had left it a little late to go for a pre-dinner drink and were in that tricky time when first sitting has finished and second sitting is yet to start. We managed to get a table in the Midships bar and enjoyed a Kir Royale each. We both had Rack of pork for main course, another very pleasant diiner. The only problem I have is that the table is right at the back of the dining room and I have a complete mental block over how to get there. Fortunately Mr HH has a better sense of direction.

The show was a singer from New Zealand who sang a variety of light opera, popular and some Polynesian music. His wife danced along to one number which was very sweet.

 

 

 

 

7th November – Cadiz

 

 

A much brighter morning and we managed to get to the Britannia in time for breakfast. We both had Eggs Benedict, just in case it is our last visit this trip. We didn't have any particular plans but had a very pleasant day wondering round the town.

We got back to our cabin to find a brand new hinge our balcony divider.

We went straight to dinner again, we were one short this evening, our American daughter was missing. I think we made the best of it, with a very good main of Venison. The main entertainment was the Dance Extravaganza so we gave that a miss in favour of watching the Ballroom Dance competition in the Queens Room. They didn't have enough entrants to run the proper competition but instead gave out a bottle of bubbly to winners of each of 3 dances, - quickstep, rhumba and waltz. We aren't dancers but I enjoy “Strictly” as much as the next woman ! After that we retired to the Golden Lion and listened to the pub singer. He was pretty good and played the saxophone on a couple of numbers as well as the piano (not at the same time, that would have been impressive).

 

 

8th November – Malaga

 

 

We missed breakfast again ! Peppermint tea and pastries in the Lido seems to have turned into our morning routine. It was a slightly overcast morning so we took cardigans/jackets out with us. These turned out to be fairly unnecessary as the clouds soon cleared and it was a lovely sunny day.

This was the first port where we have needed a shuttle bus – for those who needed to pay it was $6 each way with only the first 2 trips chargeable. We are here until 10.30 so it's possible that people might take multiple trips. We settled with just the one round trip, returning to the ship just before 7.

We watched a mystery film whilst getting ready for dinner, the TV listings are a bit vague and as we didn't seen either the beginning or the end, we will probably never know what it was. Something about the Vietnam war.

We were 2 down for dinner tonight, our American table mates were going to Granada today so I guess it was a long day for them. The 4 of us made the best of it and discussed the significance of poppy wearing and the mexican drug trade. Today was Remembrance Sunday, it was mentioned in the Daily Programme but there was no service as we were in port. There will be a service on Wednesday 11th.

I wasn't particularly inspired by any of the main courses tonight but our waitress suggested the Braised Daube of Beef, it was as disappointing as I'd expected, a large piece of meat of slightly tough meat with too little sauce. Neither of us finished it (Mr HH had made the same mistake) and were slightly told off, I blamed my large lunch and when Mr HH said it was a bit tough, he was told it couldn't be, it was braised – that was him told ! It was our first disappointing meal in several dozen so I'm not worried too much and at least it meant I had room for Cheesecake which was delicious.

We got out in time to get a box for the show which tonight was an Acrobatic husband and wife team. I thought I had remembered having table service in the boxes but there was no sign of anyone tonight so Mr HH had to struggle back from the Golden Lion with a pint of Speckled Hen and a Brandy Alexander (they aren't on any of the bar menus but I have no trouble getting one). One thing we have noticed, Mr HH usually drinks bottled beer and like to pour his own, he usually has to argue with the waiters over it. This time, after our first drink in the Golden Lion on embarkation day he has just been left in peace with his glass and his bottle.

The show was impressive and we had time for another one in the Golden Lion before bed. The clocks go back an hour tonight and we have a 7am arrival in Tangier so hopefully we will get to breakfast in the Britannia restaurant.

 

 

9th November – Tangier

 

 

Or maybe not ! I heard the Commodore's announcement and then the next time I woke up it was 9.00. The Lido was fairly quiet this morning so others must have taken more advantage of the time change.

We had an enjoyable morning around the town (much more so than I had expected) and made it back on board in time for lunch. We asked for a table for 2, there weren't any available but we got a very nice table for 4 at the back of the ship and were told we wouldn't need to share. We had a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc with the intention of saving some for dinner but a rather attentive Sommelier put paid to that idea.

We were just starting our main course when there was a slight commotion behind us and our Mexican dinner companions were there (along with several nervous looking waiters) asking if they could share with us. It seemed like we were a better choice than 6 random strangers !

[BigMac1953]

Hi Hattie

 

Great report.

 

We embark on Monday 16th, so taking a great interest in what's happening.

 

Stewart

[kir royale]

Hi Hattie,

Reading your reports with interest as we embark on the 16th.

Could I ask about a good friend of mine (Carole ) She is one of the head waiters in Brrittania upper level.

She has blonde hair, from Germany.

She gave me her email when we were on QV in July to keep in touch.

Unfortunately I have tried emailing several times but it always bounces back.

I wonder could you tell her the 2 Dianes will be back next week and explain why I haven't been in touch.

Many thanks, Diane.

[Host Hattie]

I'll see what I can do, we are on the lower level so I haven't seen her so far.

[Host Hattie]

A couple of photos from yesterday and this morning's sail in to Lisbon

[Scarlet debonaire]

Another vote of thanks from me, reading along over my morning coffee

 

Scarlet

[Host Hattie]

Thanks.

 

Our sea afternoon was spent enjoying the sun on our Balcony, which I love; great size, good mix of sun and shade and I can see enough when sitting down.

We stayed until the sun set at around 5.30, we had one brief dolphin sighting.

We watched a film which was on the listings this time (This is where I leave you) so I missed the chance for a glass of champagne at the jewellery store and Mr HH skipped the blackjack tournament. Probably just as well on both counts.

He hasn't played at all this trip, the new casino does seem very small.

 

We did get to the World Club Party and had a chat to one of the trainee Navigators. The Commodore mentioned the QM2 refit in his speech saying that Kings Court will be completely redone.

 

We were only 5 at dinner again and the Rack of lamb more than made up for last night's disappointment. Perfectly pink and tender.

It was the Royal Ascot Ball and there were a few ladies in fascinators at dinner. We missed the hat parade.

 

We had our first post dinner drink in the Commodore Club, I thought I should try the 175 Anniversary cocktail. It was good but one was enough. It was fairly quiet up there.

Edited November 10, 2015 by Host Hattie

[kir royale]

I'll see what I can do, we are on the lower level so I haven't seen her so far.

 

Thanks Hattie,

No problem if you can't.

[wetravelmax]

Hi Hattie,

 

Reading your reports with interest as we embark on the 16th.

 

Could I ask about a good friend of mine (Carole ) She is one of the head waiters in Brrittania upper level.

 

She has blonde hair, from Germany.

 

She gave me her email when we were on QV in July to keep in touch.

 

Unfortunately I have tried emailing several times but it always bounces back.

 

I wonder could you tell her the 2 Dianes will be back next week and explain why I haven't been in touch.

 

Many thanks, Diane.

 

 

Ms. Carola M. Works at the moment on the QV as Head Waitress in the Queens Grill Restaurant. At least a week ago !

[Ray66]

I notice that the QV is in Lisbon today along with the QE.

[Host Hattie]

10th November - Lisbon

 

For once I woke up in time to see the sail in to Lisbon. It is a beautiful morning and we had a great view of the city, a couple of visiting Navy ships, including HMS Ocean and QE following us in.

We are docked next to MSC Orchestra and are just waiting on the coach for our trip to Obidos.

Room service was 15 minutes early again :rolleyes:

[BigMac1953]

Ms. Carola M. Works at the moment on the QV as Head Waitress in the Queens Grill Restaurant. At least a week ago !

 

Carola was in QG in 2009 as waiter, then went to Britannia as Head Waiter.

 

We'll be in QG next week and if she's there, we'll let her know that Diane is looking for her.

 

Stewart

[kir royale]

Carola was in QG in 2009 as waiter, then went to Britannia as Head Waiter.

 

We'll be in QG next week and if she's there, we'll let her know that Diane is looking for her.

 

Stewart

 

Stewart,

We also board on 16th, we are in Britannia

I will see you at the meet and greet so you can let me know if you see her.

Many thanks

Diane.

[Adammara]

Hattie

 

Really enjoying your reports. We were undecided whether to book a Celebrity or Cunard cruise, your reports and Celebrity dropping formal nights makes it pretty certain we will be choosing Cunard. We like the chance to 'dress up', Cunard is one of the last enforcing this, I just hope they don't ditch formal nights.

[LadyL1]

Hattie

 

So very pleased you are enjoying the lovely QV; our next trip on her getting closer every day😉. Do you know if the Commodore will be starting the WC with his ship?

Your time and effort for posting is much appreciated.

[Host Hattie]

Hattie

 

Really enjoying your reports. We were undecided whether to book a Celebrity or Cunard cruise, your reports and Celebrity dropping formal nights makes it pretty certain we will be choosing Cunard. We like the chance to 'dress up', Cunard is one of the last enforcing this, I just hope they don't ditch formal nights.

 

Thanks, I hope you have a great time, please let us know how you get on. I can't see them ditching the formal nights any time soon. They are one of the things that differentiates them from the competition and there are a very small number of people who don't comply (things may be different on TAs where some people do just use the ship as transport). Our table companions are all travelling before and/or after and have still managed to bring formal wear.

 

 

 

 

 

Hattie

 

So very pleased you are enjoying the lovely QV; our next trip on her getting closer every day😉. Do you know if the Commodore will be starting the WC with his ship?

Your time and effort for posting is much appreciated.

 

Thanks so much, I will see if I can find out in our last couple of days.

Edited November 10, 2015 by Host Hattie

[Host Hattie]

Lisbon – Part 2

 

 

The Cunard excursion to Obidos was fine, it would have been nice to have a bit more time there but we were dropped off in the city centre just before 2 so we had chance for lunch and a wander around. It was still a sunny, clear day so we were looking forward to sailing out with QE. She was docked by the bridge and we got a fair view of her turning round in the distance but she didn't seem keen to wait for us and the view never really got more than distant. It was a shame as it would have been nice to see them closer together. We had a fun moment going under the bridge when the train driver and the Commodore decided to see who could make the most noise – I think we won.

[roscoe39]

Hattie

 

So very pleased you are enjoying the lovely QV; our next trip on her getting closer every day��. Do you know if the Commodore will be starting the WC with his ship?

Your time and effort for posting is much appreciated.

 

Hi ladyl, Commodore Rynd will be doing the last half of our world cruise on the QV... And Sally Sargo is our cd for the first half, so between them

It should be a fun trip. R

Edited November 10, 2015 by roscoe39