Live from the Queen Victoria world cruise (with a QM2 prelude)

[quandrea]

I've been reading another passenger's account of your voyage. Sounds like there have been some rough seas. How do you find its been? I have to say, I just deposited for next year and the weather reports have me reconsidering. I expect some rough weather, but don't want Force 11 winds that will have me fearing for my life.

[vannerhawk]

Hi just wondering what adaptor to pack for the QV? Also with respect to the hair dryer a robust one or those little puff puff ones? Would you recommend me bringing my own small travel hairdryer? Any insights would help...cheers V

 

The hairdryer is OK but I always bring my own as I don't like the restriction of the coiled lead on the ship's one.

[rafinmd]

I’ve been off Queen Victoria for over a month now but I’m temporarily back. Why, but bear with me. When I was on the World Cruise Roll Call all QV’s ports were open for discussion and I learned about Segway Cartagena and it sounded interesting. Two of my shipmates expressed interest and we booked their History Tour.

 

We left the Symphony just after 1. There’s pretty much a maze to run to get out of the terminal but we found the exit and their representative was waiting with a sign bearing our names. We were escorted to a van which had about 5 people and picked up a few more at San Felipe Fortress and were soon at their office (a few were picked up early for a 4PM tour; there were 9 on our tour).

 

Each of us was given a few minutes individual instruction on riding the machines and then got aboard and started riding.

 

https://aroundamericabitbybit.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/instruction.jpg

 

We never were on the machine for very long, only about a minute to the first stop, a theater that had been a church but destroyed when the French invaded Cartegena and repaired as a performing arts center in the early 20th century. Here the guide talked a bit about architecture and explained that the height of a house varied by district and was proportional to a person’s economic status. He also indicated that ornamentation on doors was a mark of status and was dictated by town officials.

 

https://aroundamericabitbybit.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/theater.jpg

 

We resumed riding to the Plaza de Bolivar where there was not just the statue of Bolivar but also the Cathedral across the street. It was originally built of coral; any repairs needed now are done with limestone. Nearby was an asymetric church with a tower on one side, the opposite tower had been destroyed by Sir Francis Drake.

 

We had a stop at the Customs House where there was a large plaza and the guides took group photos.

 

https://aroundamericabitbybit.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/ourgroup.jpg

 

We continued to San Pedro Claver, the patron saint of slaves and the first person to be canonized in the New World.

 

https://aroundamericabitbybit.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/sanpedro.jpg

 

Going up to the top of the town wall we viewed a really splendid yacht and one of the gates to the city.

 

https://aroundamericabitbybit.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/citygate.jpg

 

The weather for the tour was hot and sunny but there was a brisk wind which made the heat a bit more bearable.

 

We returned to the Segway office about 3:30. A lot of fun that happened because I was on the QV WC roll call. Thanks Roscoe.

 

Roy

[vrogers]

Thank you vannerhawk will make sure I pack my own hairdryer.

 

V

[LadyL1]

I've been reading another passenger's account of your voyage. Sounds like there have been some rough seas. How do you find its been? I have to say, I just deposited for next year and the weather reports have me reconsidering. I expect some rough weather, but don't want Force 11 winds that will have me fearing for my life.

 

We had some very rough weather when we left Southampton in January; (high seas also encountered in the Pacific after we disembarked in LA I believe). Promenade decks closed for a few days, and some people did succumb to the motion, but pills and other aids available. The QV is a great ship; we were fine as were many others. The weather would not put me off going on her any day. You have a wonderful experience to look forward to.

[roscoe39]

I’ve been off Queen Victoria for over a month now but I’m temporarily back. Why, but bear with me. When I was on the World Cruise Roll Call all QV’s ports were open for discussion and I learned about Segway Cartagena and it sounded interesting. Two of my shipmates expressed interest and we booked their History Tour.

 

We left the Symphony just after 1. There’s pretty much a maze to run to get out of the terminal but we found the exit and their representative was waiting with a sign bearing our names. We were escorted to a van which had about 5 people and picked up a few more at San Felipe Fortress and were soon at their office (a few were picked up early for a 4PM tour; there were 9 on our tour).

 

Each of us was given a few minutes individual instruction on riding the machines and then got aboard and started riding.

 

https://aroundamericabitbybit.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/instruction.jpg

 

We never were on the machine for very long, only about a minute to the first stop, a theater that had been a church but destroyed when the French invaded Cartegena and repaired as a performing arts center in the early 20th century. Here the guide talked a bit about architecture and explained that the height of a house varied by district and was proportional to a person’s economic status. He also indicated that ornamentation on doors was a mark of status and was dictated by town officials.

 

https://aroundamericabitbybit.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/theater.jpg

 

We resumed riding to the Plaza de Bolivar where there was not just the statue of Bolivar but also the Cathedral across the street. It was originally built of coral; any repairs needed now are done with limestone. Nearby was an asymetric church with a tower on one side, the opposite tower had been destroyed by Sir Francis Drake.

 

We had a stop at the Customs House where there was a large plaza and the guides took group photos.

 

https://aroundamericabitbybit.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/ourgroup.jpg

 

We continued to San Pedro Claver, the patron saint of slaves and the first person to be canonized in the New World.

 

https://aroundamericabitbybit.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/sanpedro.jpg

 

Going up to the top of the town wall we viewed a really splendid yacht and one of the gates to the city.

 

https://aroundamericabitbybit.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/citygate.jpg

 

The weather for the tour was hot and sunny but there was a brisk wind which made the heat a bit more bearable.

 

We returned to the Segway office about 3:30. A lot of fun that happened because I was on the QV WC roll call. Thanks Roscoe.

 

Roy

 

my pleasure, Im glad you iterated the great day we had, and it was great rereading the tour that we did.

 

Just arrived hobart, this is the first time I have been able to get CC boards to load since NZ, so will try and do an update on the thread soon. Just updated my blog to Fiordland and put some pics up for sydney which I will fill in tomorrow.

 

regards Roscoe

[roscoe39]

 

Hi Guys for anyone still interested in our adventure., we are in Sydney now having arrived yesterday to another glorious Australian morning. Unfortunately for a lot of visitors on deck the Opera House and Harbour Bridge are not now lit all night and it was a shame that there were a few disappointed faces as people tried to pick them out in the dark.

 

All of that aside though, Sydney has put on some great weather with lots of people going to Manly Beach and catching the various ferries and tours around town. There was an excursion today to the Blue Mountains and Im sure they will have an amazing time as it is magical up there.

 

We had about 1000 people get on and off again, unfortunately we all noticed the drop in dress code that happened with the week around Tasmania back to Sydney and there were a number of people we saw being turned away at the dining room doors for trying to gain access in flip flops...shorts and tea shirts. On the last night before Sydney there was a group of travel agents sitting at the captains table...(sans officer) wearing polo shirts and generally looking a bit scruffy. It is unfortunate that these are the people who will be selling the voyages and they don't know how to dress themselves.

 

The new on-take that came on yesterday though seem to be younger and certainly better dressed so looking forward to the next sector.

 

We had an amazing singer on board, Lisa Crouch who unfortunately got off yesterday, she was amazing and hope that she will be invited back. What a voice, what talent....it makes the ventriloquists job tonight a bit challenging. Hope he is up to it.

 

To anyone following the great Pavalova debate, Klaus the head chef gave a nod to Australia and NZ with pavlova on the menu a couple of nights ago.......

 

and australian prawns and seafood is featuring highly. Its great to see some regional tastes been included in the menu and looking forward to what he has in store for us now.

 

There is a CC meet down for tomorrow at 2pm in the Commodore club so hoping to make it.

 

Ive update my blog to Melbourne, thanks to all those kind comments I've been getting and the 16,000 hits since 10 January.

 

regards Roscoe

Edited March 8, 2016 by roscoe39

[jimmybean]

Hi Guys for anyone still interested in our adventure., we are in Sydney now having arrived yesterday to another glorious Australian morning. Unfortunately for a lot of visitors on deck the Opera House and Harbour Bridge are not now lit all night and it was a shame that there were a few disappointed faces as people tried to pick them out in the dark.

 

All of that aside though, Sydney has put on some great weather with lots of people going to Manly Beach and catching the various ferries and tours around town. There was an excursion today to the Blue Mountains and Im sure they will have an amazing time as it is magical up there.

 

We had about 1000 people get on and off again, unfortunately we all noticed the drop in dress code that happened with the week around Tasmania back to Sydney and there were a number of people we saw being turned away at the dining room doors for trying to gain access in flip flops...shorts and tea shirts. On the last night before Sydney there was a group of travel agents sitting at the captains table...(sans officer) wearing polo shirts and generally looking a bit scruffy. It is unfortunate that these are the people who will be selling the voyages and they don't know how to dress themselves.

 

The new on-take that came on yesterday though seem to be younger and certainly better dressed so looking forward to the next sector.

 

We had an amazing singer on board, Lisa Crouch who unfortunately got off yesterday, she was amazing and hope that she will be invited back. What a voice, what talent....it makes the ventriloquists job tonight a bit challenging. Hope he is up to it.

 

To anyone following the great Pavalova debate, Klaus the head chef gave a nod to Australia and NZ with pavlova on the menu a couple of nights ago.......

 

and australian prawns and seafood is featuring highly. Its great to see some regional tastes been included in the menu and looking forward to what he has in store for us now.

 

There is a CC meet down for tomorrow at 2pm in the Commodore club so hoping to make it.

 

Ive update my blog to Melbourne, thanks to all those kind comments I've been getting and the 16,000 hits since 10 January.

 

regards Roscoe

 

Thanks for the update, Roscoe39. Very enjoyable to read your report !!!

[imacruizer]

I'm still interested!!! :):):)

[quandrea]

Enjoying this and the blog. Enjoyed your updates with my coffee this morning.

[rafinmd]

Sadly, I'm back home now so really enjoying the updates.

 

Roy

[kahtrav]

I'm still interested, too. Reading your blog as well -thanks. Starting to think about 2017, but May and June 2016 will be on HAL's Prinsendam, so that will suffice for this year

[kahtrav]

Sadly, I'm back home now so really enjoying the updates.

 

Roy

Hi Ray - always a bit hard for us to go back home, as well.

 

When will your "Circling the Americas" blog pick up again? When do you head north to Alaska? We loved the Alaska Marine Highway but I'm really excited to hear about the NW passage !

[theTom&Carol]

Roscoe....

 

Back home and decompressing after our most fun SF to SYD segment.

 

It was a pleasure meeting you aboard, and having our paths cross every few days to be caught up on all the latest. You certainly are tuned into shipboard happenings, always a wealth of information to include the latest gossip. Yep, that's what makes the ship go-round. Proud of you... walking right up to get a photo with our gal. Did any silverware 'rattle' or loose tea bags or glassware tumble to the floor? Still trying to digest all the incidents. Certainly makes for lively shipboard banter. Do you think this person relishes in the hubbub and fall-out she creates? Or, maybe totally unaware... simply, acting before thinking?

 

For us.... we are happy to be back to the real world. Don't get us wrong. We totally enjoyed our 6 table-mates, nightly QR dancing, all the twice-daily dance lessons, RCT entertainment, many of the 'insights' lectures, daily gym & chairobics, shore excursions, and for several weeks the great food.

Actually, even with exercise one's food intake has to be restricted, most often choosing the Spa meal and skipping all desserts. After about 3 weeks, the food is too much. It's hard to continually say 'no'.

 

No complaints with our experience, other than the rough seas, and having to miss Apia, probably a couple too-few South Pacific ports-of-call.

Oh Roscoe, I was going to ask you while aboard if you have the where-withall how Cunard stashes (hides) the Lido cookies? Most passengers do not know. We learned a couple of Cunard cruises ago. Just testing your Cunard dessert prowess on this shipboard food trivia point.

 

Keep up the great blogs and CC posting. You are good!

Enjoy the remainder of your WC. I suspect of all passengers aboard, you might be having the most interesting fun.

 

Still have faith that you can write the most humorous chapter or two about you-know-who. If you ever do, we'd love to read the 'beta-chapters'. It'd be a hoot.

 

T&C

 

PS..... BTW, are you on next year's QV Amazon river run? The Zika thing is developing bad, and one doesn't have to be a pregnant female. Suspect there will be cancellations?

[rafinmd]

Hi Ray - always a bit hard for us to go back home, as well.

 

When will your "Circling the Americas" blog pick up again? When do you head north to Alaska? We loved the Alaska Marine Highway but I'm really excited to hear about the NW passage !

 

That will resume July 31. The schedule:

 

July 31 to August 5: Train to Bellingham, WA

August 6-11: Ferry to Whittier

August 12-15: Denali National Park

August 16-September 16: Northwest Passage

 

Before that I have 3 Bermuda cruises. I'll be establishing a new blog for them at http://solocabinchallenge.wordpress.com and continuing on that blog for the Konigsdam in February and possibly a Prinsendam Transatlantic in November 2017.

 

My next Cunard experience will be TA on QM2 in November followed by QE. I investigated Cunard's solo cabins for those voyages but they were more expensive than exclusive use of a double cabin.

 

Have a great cruise on the Prinsendam. It's my favorite non-Crystal ship.

 

Roy

[kahtrav]

That will resume July 31. The schedule:

 

July 31 to August 5: Train to Bellingham, WA

August 6-11: Ferry to Whittier

August 12-15: Denali National Park

August 16-September 16: Northwest Passage

 

Before that I have 3 Bermuda cruises. I'll be establishing a new blog for them at http://solocabinchallenge.wordpress.com and continuing on that blog for the Konigsdam in February and possibly a Prinsendam Transatlantic in November 2017.

 

My next Cunard experience will be TA on QM2 in November followed by QE. I investigated Cunard's solo cabins for those voyages but they were more expensive than exclusive use of a double cabin.

 

Have a great cruise on the Prinsendam. It's my favorite non-Crystal ship.

 

Roy

Thanks - you do keep on the move. We've sailed on the Prinsendam once before - really enjoy the small ship but can't usually manage the price range. Looking forward to it. We sailed on the QE WC in 2015 and Antarctica on the Zaandam the year before, so following these blogs is being fun.

[Cassandra14]

Hi Guys for anyone still interested in our adventure., we are in Sydney now having arrived yesterday to another glorious Australian morning. Unfortunately for a lot of visitors on deck the Opera House and Harbour Bridge are not now lit all night and it was a shame that there were a few disappointed faces as people tried to pick them out in the dark.

 

All of that aside though, Sydney has put on some great weather with lots of people going to Manly Beach and catching the various ferries and tours around town. There was an excursion today to the Blue Mountains and Im sure they will have an amazing time as it is magical up there.

 

We had about 1000 people get on and off again, unfortunately we all noticed the drop in dress code that happened with the week around Tasmania back to Sydney and there were a number of people we saw being turned away at the dining room doors for trying to gain access in flip flops...shorts and tea shirts. On the last night before Sydney there was a group of travel agents sitting at the captains table...(sans officer) wearing polo shirts and generally looking a bit scruffy. It is unfortunate that these are the people who will be selling the voyages and they don't know how to dress themselves.

 

The new on-take that came on yesterday though seem to be younger and certainly better dressed so looking forward to the next sector.

 

We had an amazing singer on board, Lisa Crouch who unfortunately got off yesterday, she was amazing and hope that she will be invited back. What a voice, what talent....it makes the ventriloquists job tonight a bit challenging. Hope he is up to it.

 

To anyone following the great Pavalova debate, Klaus the head chef gave a nod to Australia and NZ with pavlova on the menu a couple of nights ago.......

 

and australian prawns and seafood is featuring highly. Its great to see some regional tastes been included in the menu and looking forward to what he has in store for us now.

 

There is a CC meet down for tomorrow at 2pm in the Commodore club so hoping to make it.

 

Ive update my blog to Melbourne, thanks to all those kind comments I've been getting and the 16,000 hits since 10 January.

 

regards Roscoe

Hi Roscoe. ...I am really enjoying your updates on here particularly today as I joined QM2 in Sydney last March. Sailing out of the harbour at dusk was an experience to remember. .

Love your blog too. I join in Hong Kong. ...not long now ☺

[roscoe39]

Roscoe....

 

Back home and decompressing after our most fun SF to SYD segment.

 

It was a pleasure meeting you aboard, and having our paths cross every few days to be caught up on all the latest. You certainly are tuned into shipboard happenings, always a wealth of information to include the latest gossip. Yep, that's what makes the ship go-round. Proud of you... walking right up to get a photo with our gal. Did any silverware 'rattle' or loose tea bags or glassware tumble to the floor? Still trying to digest all the incidents. Certainly makes for lively shipboard banter. Do you think this person relishes in the hubbub and fall-out she creates? Or, maybe totally unaware... simply, acting before thinking?

 

For us.... we are happy to be back to the real world. Don't get us wrong. We totally enjoyed our 6 table-mates, nightly QR dancing, all the twice-daily dance lessons, RCT entertainment, many of the 'insights' lectures, daily gym & chairobics, shore excursions, and for several weeks the great food.

Actually, even with exercise one's food intake has to be restricted, most often choosing the Spa meal and skipping all desserts. After about 3 weeks, the food is too much. It's hard to continually say 'no'.

 

No complaints with our experience, other than the rough seas, and having to miss Apia, probably a couple too-few South Pacific ports-of-call.

Oh Roscoe, I was going to ask you while aboard if you have the where-withall how Cunard stashes (hides) the Lido cookies? Most passengers do not know. We learned a couple of Cunard cruises ago. Just testing your Cunard dessert prowess on this shipboard food trivia point.

 

Keep up the great blogs and CC posting. You are good!

Enjoy the remainder of your WC. I suspect of all passengers aboard, you might be having the most interesting fun.

 

Still have faith that you can write the most humorous chapter or two about you-know-who. If you ever do, we'd love to read the 'beta-chapters'. It'd be a hoot.

 

T&C

 

PS..... BTW, are you on next year's QV Amazon river run? The Zika thing is developing bad, and one doesn't have to be a pregnant female. Suspect there will be cancellations?

 

OOOhhh,,,,damn....miss you already, sorry I didn't get to say goodbye before you headed off. I really enjoyed doing Doris Dukes house with you, although her cookies were sadly absent.

 

The lido cookies can be gained by asking the sandwich guys. They are in the drawer below the bread and they hand them out on request....dont ask me why....probably health and safety. They are probable considered alien objects and therefore dangerous.

 

As a side note, I see that there was a hold up of some hours with the luggage in Sydney. IT seemed a lot of passengers decided against the ship advice, to bring hairdryers and "Other" electrical items. They were detected at x-ray and could not be released until approved by security. IF you are getting on at some point it may well be worth considering if you don't want your luggage held up.

 

Looking forward to this new lot that got on, they certainly seem a bit more lively and younger than some of the "around Tasmania" group. I think there was a lot of food mulching and eating through straws on that sector. Formal night tonight so it will be interesting to see what their take on formal is, the last lot thought that just meant jeans with a belt, I suspect this lot knows better.

 

Have not booked on the Amazon trip and from all accounts it is oversubscribed, this has been such an amazing experience I'm considering skipping a year and doing it again in 2018. Ive heard rumours of the Itin and it is very appealing.

 

Thanks again for those reading the blog, it went over 16,000 this morning.

 

regards Roscoe

[roscoe39]

 

LATER...

 

we had a great meet and greet this afternoon, thanks to all those who turned up probably about 30? but was nice to put some faces to names, thanks also to Julie, the Commodores wife who also turned up and answered questions from the group

 

we also were able to lay the Pavalova debate to rest. Thank you Mother for your contribution it went down a treat....

blog updated today...

 

regards Roscoe

Edited March 10, 2016 by roscoe39

[resordanis]

Nice to go to the meet and great yesterday and FINALLY get to meet Roscoe. Also for the generosity of "your Mothers " pavlova. It was delicious! And thank you Roscoe I am still enjoying reading your blog even though I am on board.

 

Julie attending and answering questions was a bonus.

 

We are thoroughly enjoying our cruise so far, but I also agree with Roscoe re the formal nights. A shirt and no tie or jacket for men or 3/4 pants and a t shirt for ladies is no way to dress when meeting the Captain. (Just my opinion).

Cheryle

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[rafinmd]

Is the Commodore on Board now? That's one thing that's a bit different from my World Cruise segments on other lines, where a Captain and CD (ED) time their contracts for the duration of the WC.

 

Roy

[resordanis]

Yes he is and his wife is a lovely person.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[roscoe39]

Is the Commodore on Board now? That's one thing that's a bit different from my World Cruise segments on other lines, where a Captain and CD (ED) time their contracts for the duration of the WC.

 

Roy

 

yes Commodore Rynd got on in Sydney and is taking us through to Southampton. Captain Philpotts was a hoot, really cool guy and was enjoyed by all, I personally enjoy having two captains taking us through because they all have a different style. The Commodore personifies Cunard to me and is how I imagine the old captains of the Queens were, he runs a tight and efficient ship and is still very personable.

 

We just docked at Brisbane, lots of people getting on and off today, lots of agents doing short hauls between here and Darwin. There has been some nice eye candy around the pool, just thought Id throw that in there.....

[vrogers]

Thanks Roscoe for the compliment. Haha but I am sure you don't mean us old girls!:D

 

Have given you a title Roscoe, Lord Roscoe as you always seem to have a beavy of ladies around you at any time day or night!!!

[Salacia]

Please forgive me for thread drift, but I was wondering if QV has changed itinerary, eliminating port stop in Bali on 20 March?

 

"...Days after Celebrity Solstice gave Bali a miss, Royal Caribbean Cruises has announced Radiance of the Seas and Celebrity Millenium will also leave the island off their itineraries.." copied from http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/warnings/increased-terror-threat-in-bali-blamed-for-cruise-ship-cancellation/news-story/1269d31b7982619d86198422086822ba