QM2 and QE November 12 to December 4, 2016

[rafinmd]

Thank you CateW, CruisinChris, and sppunk.

 

While rising at 5, it took me a little while to get registered for the internet and then go on line. I went up to Kings Court for coffee just before 6, and walked 5 miles (14 laps) on the promenade deck. It was rather cloudy but the sun did show itself shortly after clearing the horizon, but sadly I found my memory card still in my laptop. As I started my walk we were about 60 miles off the Nantucket shore. I wore my Cunard vest and light rain jacket and found it comfortable.

 

On her morning show Entertainment Director Jo Halley (I think my first time with her) interviewed the day’s Cunard Insights speakers. One feature of Cunard Eastbound transatlantics is that a UK Immigration officer comes along, and this was my day to be cleared into the UK. The line at 9:30 was short and moved quickly, although the officer seemed more inquisitive than most, asking about my plans for the UK after disembarking QE in December. My passport was stamped and I’m officially in the UK.

 

At 10:30 Captain Wells conducted a special Remembrance week interdenominational service. The first Cunard Insights lecture was David Mallinder at 11:30 with “The Dean Martin” story. I skipped it live and watched the replay on TV.

 

Another nice feature of Cunard’s Eastbound transatlantics is that time changes are done at noon rather than giving up an hour of sleep most nights. Our first was today. I went up to deck 13 just before noon for the daily testing of the horns, and found that the weather had turned delightful. Officially the sea temperature was 52F, the air 57with light winds. We were 138 miles South of Seal Island (2 villages but no permanent residents) NS. We have gone 368 miles with 2731 to go and by my GPS 90 miles ahead of the same time on my January crossing. We were warned to expect mist on Monday as we enter the junction of the Gulf and Labrador currents. A final improvement to mention today is the installation of hand washing sinks at the entrances to Kings Court.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/newwash.jpg

 

There were only 3 of us at the 2PM Cruise Critic meeting in the Commodore Club. Pianist Adam Johnson performed in the Royal Court Theater at 2:30 followed by the second Cunard Insights presentation in Illuminations at 3:30. When I heard “Art Historian” my reaction was ‘boring’ but in his interview on the morning show Seth Gopin turned that around. His talk today was on “The Skyscrapers of New York” and concentrated on the people behind the buildings.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/johnson.jpg

 

Our 6th at Table 125 was a lady from New York. The roast turkey was delicious. Overall things degraded as several of the members started wearing their politics on their sleeves. Another harangue like this and I might become very acquainted with the offerings at Kings Court. The evening entertainment was singer Philip Browne.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/roasttky.jpg

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/browne.jpg

 

As today’s parting shot, November 11 is a holiday in both the US and UK. While there are many similarities they are also quite distinctively different. The UK holiday is probably closer to our Memorial Day, but honors those who gave their lives in the fight both in the Military and in civilian lives. The idea of a special service on the following Sunday is something new to me.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/remembrance.pdf

 

You’re never too old to learn and experience something new.

 

Roy

Edited November 14, 2016 by rafinmd

[rafinmd]

CateW, congratulations on reaching Diamond. Cruisin’Chris, it doesn’t look like we will meet. If you board QM2 Saturday, I’ll be getting off as you get on. While yesterday the Captain mentioned 24 knot winds they must be coming from the West as we have had it very calm. Of course if you are headed into the wind it may be a different story. As of day 2 we’ve had largely clouds and chills but I’ve never needed more than a vest and a light jacket. It’s never been as cool here as it was Friday evening in New York. Sppunk, I hope your hand is healed well before you board the Koningsdam. Note: I usually try to limit my time on line and don’t look at comments while posting. I read them off line via an email digest of the thread and try to respond the next time I’m on line. I’m currently doing better than planned on internet usage and will probably get more active as the voyage progresses.

 

The day started out much like Sunday, finishing my 5-mile walk about 8. When I started my walk we were due west of Halifax, and the moon was shining brightly. It was again comfortable walking in my Cunard vest and rain jacket. Sunrise was about 6:45 and this time I did remember the memory card for my camera.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/dawn1114.jpg

 

On the morning show Jo Haley interviewed the first of the day’s Insights speakers and representatives of the Singers and Dancers and of RADA, both finishing their current contracts.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/haley.jpg

 

My primary activities for the day were 3 Cunard Insights lectures. Ed Derbyshire started things off with “Looking at our Planet”, exploring the ways satellites provide information and insights on our planet, everything from ocean temperatures to volcanic status. He was followed at 11 by Ken Walsh with “Divided America: The Presidential Election of 2016". I last saw Walsh on the Crystal Serenity in 2008. I skipped a 2:15 presentation by Luanne Hill on “Color - How it affects the way you look”.

 

This was the only day of the voyage we did not advance our clocks at noon. We were 160 miles East of Sable Island and 170 miles South of St. Pierre. .As of the noon report it was still warm and sunny with the ships motion nearly cancelling the light winds. By noon we had gone 877 miles with 2223 remaining. We passed Titanic in the evening, about 240 miles off our starboard side.

 

My emphasis in choosing a cruise is on the ship rather than the cabin, and my general philosophy is a basic cabin on the best suitable cabin I can afford. Cunard, HAL, and Crystal all offer generous open public spaces and on Cunard I will usually book an inside cabin. This is one of the few times I have had a balcony on QM2. One of the ships weaknesses is a lack of outdoor seating in the dining venues, so today I got some food in Kings Court and headed down to my balcony, probably about as long a use as the balcony will get on this voyage. I spent the afternoon quite quietly but did attend a 3:30 talk by Neil Amdur on “The New Journalism”, followed by afternoon tea in the Queens Room.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/amdur.jpg

 

Captain Wells Welcome Aboard party was held before dinner in the Queens Room. We have guests from 32 nations and crew from 56. The top nations are 125 for Canada, 705 for the US, and 1483 for the UK. The table 125 drama seems to have resolved itself. I was alone at the table until about 6:15, and 2 ladies from the UK have arrived. I don’t know if some of the 5 originals took a night off or if all seemed to want a change. All 3 of us enjoyed the rack of lamb.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/srstaff.jpg

 

The evening entertainment was an oldie but goodie, Apassionata by the Royal Cunard Singers and Dancers.

 

I’ll take my parting shot from the daily news summary that comes around. Early next month I will be visiting Paris and was pleased to see the reopening of the concert hall where most of the devastation took place a year ago. Thank you to Sting for headlining what appears to have been a successful event.

 

Roy

[ricki]

Thank you CateW, CruisinChris, and sppunk.

 

While rising at 5, it took me a little while to get registered for the internet and then go on line. I went up to Kings Court for coffee just before 6, and walked 5 miles (14 laps) on the promenade deck. It was rather cloudy but the sun did show itself shortly after clearing the horizon, but sadly I found my memory card still in my laptop. As I started my walk we were about 60 miles off the Nantucket shore. I wore my Cunard vest and light rain jacket and found it comfortable.

 

On her morning show Entertainment Director Jo Halley (I think my first time with her) interviewed the day’s Cunard Insights speakers. One feature of Cunard Eastbound transatlantics is that a UK Immigration officer comes along, and this was my day to be cleared into the UK. The line at 9:30 was short and moved quickly, although the officer seemed more inquisitive than most, asking about my plans for the UK after disembarking QE in December. My passport was stamped and I’m officially in the UK.

 

At 10:30 Captain Wells conducted a special Remembrance week interdenominational service. The first Cunard Insights lecture was David Mallinder at 11:30 with “The Dean Martin” story. I skipped it live and watched the replay on TV.

 

Another nice feature of Cunard’s Eastbound transatlantics is that time changes are done at noon rather than giving up an hour of sleep most nights. Our first was today. I went up to deck 13 just before noon for the daily testing of the horns, and found that the weather had turned delightful. Officially the sea temperature was 52F, the air 57with light winds. We were 138 miles South of Seal Island (2 villages but no permanent residents) NS. We have gone 368 miles with 2731 to go and by my GPS 90 miles ahead of the same time on my January crossing. We were warned to expect mist on Monday as we enter the junction of the Gulf and Labrador currents. A final improvement to mention today is the installation of hand washing sinks at the entrances to Kings Court.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/newwash.jpg

 

There were only 3 of us at the 2PM Cruise Critic meeting in the Commodore Club. Pianist Adam Johnson performed in the Royal Court Theater at 2:30 followed by the second Cunard Insights presentation in Illuminations at 3:30. When I heard “Art Historian” my reaction was ‘boring’ but in his interview on the morning show Seth Gopin turned that around. His talk today was on “The Skyscrapers of New York” and concentrated on the people behind the buildings.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/johnson.jpg

 

Our 6th at Table 125 was a lady from New York. The roast turkey was delicious. Overall things degraded as several of the members started wearing their politics on their sleeves. Another harangue like this and I might become very acquainted with the offerings at Kings Court. The evening entertainment was singer Philip Browne.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/roasttky.jpg

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/browne.jpg

 

As today’s parting shot, November 11 is a holiday in both the US and UK. While there are many similarities they are also quite distinctively different. The UK holiday is probably closer to our Memorial Day, but honors those who gave their lives in the fight both in the Military and in civilian lives. The idea of a special service on the following Sunday is something new to me.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/remembrance.pdf

 

You’re never too old to learn and experience something new.

 

Roy

 

Sorry to hear that politics influenced what should be a pleasant shared dinner. Perhaps you can suggest that the table become a "politics-free zone."

 

Continue to enjoy this beginning to another great adventure.

 

Ricki

[rafinmd]

Thank you ricki, although that situation seems to have found it's own conclusion

 

We have definitely entered the region where the Gulf and Labrador currents merge. When I stepped out on the Promenade Deck about 6, we were about 200 miles East of St. Johns in a rather heavy mist. As I approached the bow water started coming down. While it may have been someone washing deck 13, I took it as likely rain and decided to walk indoor corridors. The display indicated 48F but there was a biting cool to the atmosphere.

 

There were 3 Cunard Insights presentations today. Music historian David Mallinder started things off at 10 with “The Sammy Davis Jr. Story”. He was followed at 11 by Seth Gopin with “English Stately Homes”, highlighting England’s own take on international traditions.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/mallinder.jpg

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/gopin.jpg

 

 

When I went up to deck 13 at noon the fog horn was blowing every couple minutes. The Officer of the Watch amended his usual speech a bit with “The REMAINDER of the horns will be tested at noon”. We gave now gone 1410 miles with 1690 remaining, and by my GPS are following a course about 125 miles further North than we did in January. Winds are now light but will get nearly to gale force later in the voyage.

 

My only really planned activity in the afternoon was Dr. Ed Derbyshire’s 3:30 talk on Mars. I have type 2 diabetes which is controlled by diet and exercise, with occasional blood monitoring as a reality check on the plan. Today was my day for a pre-dinner reading, so I skipped afternoon tea. With the hour lost at noon, the afternoon goes very quickly even without a flurry of activity.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/derbyshire.jpg

 

There were just the 3 of us at table 125; I suspect the other original 5 may be gone completely. I enjoyed the pasta and the Canyon Ranch Orange cake. The featured entertainment was the harmonica and comedy of Johnny Stafford.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/orangecake.jpg

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/stafford.jpg

 

Today’s parting shot will be a followup to the one for Veterans Day. I mentioned then that there was a photo shoot at the Howard County Fire and Rescue Training Center. Between the holiday, the weekend, and my limited time on line, I just got the results of that photo shoot. The following picture shared by Howard County Fire & Rescue depicts a number of those fine individual who have protected us overseas and now protect us at home.

 

 

Roy

[Moscowlad]

Thanks for these, my parents are on the crossing with you, and its good to hear that everything is going well.

[rafinmd]

Thank you Moscowlad.

 

I completed my 5-mile walk a little earlier than previous days. When I first went out on deck the super moon was poking through the clouds although it soon dropped out of sight. Tuesday’s fog had cleared. It was a bit chillier than the first 2 days although the added sweater I wore more than made up for it. It was quite overcast, but the sun found a little sliver of space for it’s 6:30 rising. I again left my memory card in my laptop and missed the sunrise but the view from my balcony when I got back to my room was otherwise much like what I saw from the promenade deck.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/morning16.jpg

 

I thought I had read on Cruise Critic that QM2 did not have an omelet station. I’m not sure about the past but at least in the remastered Kings Court there are 4 stations preparing custom eggs. Alain has done an excellent job both times I have visited there.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/kingscourt.jpg

 

I picked up a couple of tidbits from the Morning show. One interviewee was lecturer Luanne Hill. Her presentations to date have not interested me, but her next one will be on packing. For anyone embarking on QM2's World Voyage, Jo Haley did mention in the conversation that she will be disembarking in Sydney. Another guest was one of the lead singers. This is the current casts’ last voyage and he mentioned that his cast was the first one to do tonight’s show. That indicates I have never seen it before.

 

I did attend 2 morning presentations. At 10 Neil Amdur spoke on the Olympics. He took a little poll at the end of his talk and the consensus of the audience was that of the 3 sites under consideration for 2024 (LA, Paris, and Budapest) Budapest was by far the preference. I was in the majority there. He was followed at 11 by Ken Walsh on Presidents as “Celebrity in Chief”.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/walsh.jpg

 

The noon report was that we have gone 1921 miles with 1179 to go. Our course is still well north of where we were in January. I will eventually be going to Portugal; today it (Corvo Island) is our closest land. Noon temperature was 57 (14C) with 18 knot winds virtually cancelled by our 21 knot travel. There is a storm to our North with winds expected to rise to 28 knots Thursday and 38 Friday. I believe they are still coming from the West; a 38 knot headwind would have been quite a challenge on deck. Today’s fun fact is there are 8800 loudspeakers on QM2.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/midday16.jpg

 

Pianist Adam Johnson had a second concert at 2:30. I normally dash from the 3:30 lecture back to the Queens Room for the end of Afternoon Tea. Since today’s lecture (colors) did not interest me I skipped lunch and enjoyed tea time to the fullest. Between our latitude, approaching winter, and our midday lost hours days are quite short. Sunset today was before 4:30.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/johnson2.pdf

 

We were joined by one visitor at table 125. I’ve had requests for food pictures, my meals tend to be on the simple side so they likely won’t be very exciting. This evening I went for the Blueberry Soup and the Canyon Ranch Spa selections (Chicken Breast in buttermilk and poppy seed cake).

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/dishes16.jpg

 

The World Club Party was held between dinner seatings. We have over 1000 people on their 3rd or more voyage, 675 Gold, 325 Platinum, and 217 Diamond.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/wcparty.jpg

 

The featured entertainment was the Royal Cunard Singers and Dancers in Rhythm of the Night. The show uses recorded music so the Galaxy Orchestra joined up with the Queens Room Orchestra for a Big Band evening. By late evening the ship’s motion was becoming quite noticeable.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/rhythm.jpg

 

Today’s parting shot is a bit of a musing. Cunard eastbound transatlantics carry a UK immigration officer who clears all passengers during the voyage and makes our disembarkation a lot simpler. What I wonder is “Does he really clear himself?”

 

Roy

[kazu]

Great pictures Roy and great reports.

 

Interesting that Cunard has an immigration officer sailing with you. That does make things easy indeed!

[Happily@Sea]

Roy, I didn't know you were doing this until I read it on your Bon Voyage thread.

 

When I landed in Southampton in July (From Nice - I had planned to use the train - but timing and then strikes made it impracticable) I had a lengthy conversation with an immigration officer about my three days waiting for the QM2 after her "Remastering". One CC person's warning [plus confirmations from others] had those documents right at hand in case he needed to see them.

 

If I had been on your cruise, I would have been the empty seat at your table, never felt I had the right clothes to attend and usually prefer a buffet - where I can see what the food contains -allergies.

 

I don't know if it was the new layout of the ship, but the noon meal always seemed to be late opening.

 

No immigration officer coming west, but since I had a transfer to Amtrak, I was disembarked with that group and it went pretty quick. [Embarkation was a very slow mess - we were told to arrive at a certain time for our deck - but they didn't seem to be denying check-in to anyone, so the people who arrived at the proper time were mixed in with the ones who arrived too early. I really thought they would be better organized.]

 

I don't remember what the lectures were about, but the titles never stirred me enough to attend one. Looks like I probably missed some good ones.

 

Have fun and enjoy the rest of your cruises. [and your visit to So Fla.]

[CruisinChris]

I've been looking at marine weather and there's a big storm to your south which is why you've been more northerly than usual. I arrived in Southampton today and the weather wildly variable. Sun one moment, pouring rain. The primary consistent factor is high wind. Current winds about 35 gusting well above that. They are calling for a sharp drop in temps by Saturday.

 

From where I sit, I see another burst of rain coming across the Solent with the sun setting behind it.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Scorer9]

Doesn't seem you were very happily@sea.

[Happily@Sea]

Doesn't seem you were very happily@sea.

 

 

Anything is better than flying and I really did enjoy the ride. I'm not a social animal, so lack of activities did not bother me. I would do the crossing again if the times lined up again - like they did this time.

 

I'm guessing that most of the problems came from a long drydock in Hamburg and all the official 'Remastering' celebrations in Southampton [all three Queens in port].

 

It would have been nice to have a portable deckplan, since so many eating places had changed names. Having to check by the elevators for locations, is not the way to plan your jaunts for the day.

[rafinmd]

Thank you all.

 

Predicted stormy weather arrived a little earlier than expected. It was not all that bad in the morning but significantly windy and the ship was pitching somewhat. I limited my morning walk to 7 laps, 2 ½ miles, and was ready to be at the laundry room when it opened at 7:30.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/stormy.jpg

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/monrningaft.jpg

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/noamsun.jpg

 

There were 3 Cunard Insights put I skipped the first one by the art historian. My laundry was completed about 9 and I went down to the Britannia Dining room for a waffle, which does not seem to be readily available in Kings Court. I also paid a visit to the front desk as I had more Onboard Credit that I could sensibly use. Part of it went to augmenting the standard gratuity, but was unable to apply any of it to either the Prince’s Trust or the Crew Welfare Fund. There were a few things available in the shops which will not make my load heavier for the rest of the trip, and a couple of photos, now available in digital form.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/captain.jpg

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/formal.jpg

 

The 11AM lecture was by Ed Derbyshire, “When things go Wrong”; failures of space program activities from around the world. He told of a satellite preparation site where 2 weather satellites were being prepared for launch. There was a stand which tilted down so people could reach the upper regions of the satellite without need to use scaffolding for access. The satellites were attached to a stand by 24 $5 bolts. The factory only bought one set of bolts to be swapped between satellites as needed. Somebody forgot to move the bolts and an $80 million satellite fell to the ground for lack of $120 in bolts. Talk about penny wise and pound foolish.

 

The weather was still rough at noon. I went up briefly to deck 13 for the horn test and immediately ducked back to the shelter of the Pavilion Pool. As of noon we had covered 2418 miles with 688 to go. The nearest land was islands off the coast of Ireland 310 miles ahead. The winds were 40kt with 6-meter swells and a temperature of 48F.

 

The afternoon presentation was David Mallinder with “The Frank Sinatra Story”. For our final formal night we had 3 extras at table 125, I believe just for the night. I went for the beef consume, lamb loin, and baked Alaska. The World Club Senior Officers Party was held after dinner.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/dishes17.jpg

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/wcparty.jpg

 

The evening entertainment was comedian Jeff Stevenson. To the best of my knowledge I have seen him only once before as part of a variety show. He was that rare combination in comedians of G-rated and funny.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/stevenson.jpg

 

I’ll again take my parting shot from my Fire Department email. When I first became involved in the 70's it was pretty much a male bastion, although the first woman had just joined. Since them they have become an important part of the operation, although they have some unique challenges. Our department just formed the nation’s first chapter of iWoman, a national organization of women in the fire service. They have several activities planned, including a Fire Camp for girls and mentorship programs. Welcome Aboard St. Florians Brigade.

 

Roy

[Thaxted]

Thank you, Roy, for the wonderful photos and for your report which, as always, is both informative and well written. Your parting shots are a delight to read. I was especially struck by your tribute to the women firefighters with whom you serve. Elizabeth and I wish you continued safe and joyful sailing in the weeks ahead.

[rafinmd]

Thank you Thaxted.

 

Conditions started out a bit better than Thursday but not much. Once again I walked 2 ½ miles or 7 laps on the Promenade Deck. The wind was stronger than Thursday morning; still coming from the west but at 40kt I could feel a distinct headwind walking from forward to aft. It was quite cloudy out; what looks like a sunrise actually looked a little better on the camera than it did in person.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/sunup18.jpg

 

I was packing on and off for much of the day but there was still quite a bit of activity with 3 presentations. Luanne Hill had her 3rd lecture at 10 but the first I attended, on effective packing for a cruise. I did not necessarily find her suggestions useful.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/hill.jpg

 

Ken Walsh’s final presentation followed at 11 on Air Force One. He showed a range of aircraft from the Flying Boat first used by FDR through the current 747 fleet, but concentrated on the people stories. His thesis is that Air Force One is a very relaxed venue where journalists get a look at Presidents as they really are.

 

At Noon we had gone 2837 miles with just 263 to go. When I set off for deck 13 for the final test of the horns it was raining. Sadly I had a bit of a mishap returning to the Pavilion Pool and closed the door on my toe.

 

Pianist Adam Johnson had his final concert at 2:30, a heavily classical program. Neil Amdur’s final lecture was on game changers. He had several stories but the most unusual was being on a plane that was hijacked flying from Pennsylvania to Washington. Quite a story for a sports writer. Equally moving was being in Germany for the Olympics when Arab Spring attacked.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/johnson3.pdf

 

Soon after Amdur’s lecture we passed Bishop Rock in the distance. It is the end of our great circle route, the entrance point to the English Channel, and the end line for the Blue Riband competition. It was just barely visible in the camera.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/bishoprock.jpg

 

I was the only one at table 125 tonight. I went for the Melon Soup, Steak, and Peach Tart, and was finished and back to packing by 7.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/dishes18.jpg

 

The final evening entertainment was a variety show. The first part was the Royal Cunard Singers and Dancers with a tribute to Sting. It was their final appearance as a group; a new cast comes on board in Southampton. The second half was singer Philip Browne. He wasn’t my cup of tea and I left between acts. My first bag went to the hallway as soon as I returned from the show and the second one by 9:30. They are just over 30 pounds each with probably about 10 pounds for my carryon.

 

I’ll take today’s parting shot from the little news summary that comes around. There was a story about a new technique for patient self service in a portion of the reconstruction process from breast surgery, allowing for the job to be done in daily increments rather than periodic big and painful adjustments in a medical office. (I lost a sister in law to breast cancer 12 years ago). In theory this isn’t big news but attitude has a significant role in fighting disease and anything that makes the process a little easier is a big positive. May the tests be successful and the option be readily available.

 

Roy

[rafinmd]

Chris, I believe you are in Southampton waiting to board. Have a wonderful voyage.

 

Happily@sea, I feel for you. I am fine with the dress code but would probably be even a bit more fine if it was more relaxed. I would much rather dine with my tablemates a little more casually dressed than with their empty chairs When/if you sail Cunard again, I'll suggest you at least pop in for a few minutes on each of the lecturers. Some will surprise you. You can also watch a few minutes of the replays after 5 on your room TV.

 

Kazu, that immigration officer really is a blessing. Most of my Cunard voyages tend to be eastbound transatlantics paired with westbound on other ships. There are really 3 reasons for that.

 

1. The easy UK disembarkation at the end of the voyages.

2. The changing of the clocks at noon rather than losing an hour of sleep most days.

3. Most cruise ship transatlantics are eastbound in the spring and westbound in the fall. Pairing an eastbound alternate TA with a Cunard crossing tends to be problematic because QM2 is on her World Cruise for most of that season.

 

Roy

[Salacia]

Thank you Thaxted.

 

Conditions started out a bit better than Thursday but not much. Once again I walked 2 ½ miles or 7 laps on the Promenade Deck. The wind was stronger than Thursday morning; still coming from the west but at 40kt I could feel a distinct headwind walking from forward to aft. It was quite cloudy out; what looks like a sunrise actually looked a little better on the camera than it did in person.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/sunup18.jpg

 

I was packing on and off for much of the day but there was still quite a bit of activity with 3 presentations. Luanne Hill had her 3rd lecture at 10 but the first I attended, on effective packing for a cruise. I did not necessarily find her suggestions useful.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/hill.jpg

 

Ken Walsh’s final presentation followed at 11 on Air Force One. He showed a range of aircraft from the Flying Boat first used by FDR through the current 747 fleet, but concentrated on the people stories. His thesis is that Air Force One is a very relaxed venue where journalists get a look at Presidents as they really are.

 

At Noon we had gone 2837 miles with just 263 to go. When I set off for deck 13 for the final test of the horns it was raining. Sadly I had a bit of a mishap returning to the Pavilion Pool and closed the door on my toe.

 

Pianist Adam Johnson had his final concert at 2:30, a heavily classical program. Neil Amdur’s final lecture was on game changers. He had several stories but the most unusual was being on a plane that was hijacked flying from Pennsylvania to Washington. Quite a story for a sports writer. Equally moving was being in Germany for the Olympics when Arab Spring attacked.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/johnson3.pdf

 

Soon after Amdur’s lecture we passed Bishop Rock in the distance. It is the end of our great circle route, the entrance point to the English Channel, and the end line for the Blue Riband competition. It was just barely visible in the camera.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/bishoprock.jpg

 

 

...I’ll take today’s parting shot from the little news summary that comes around. There was a story about a new technique for patient self service in a portion of the reconstruction process from breast surgery, allowing for the job to be done in daily increments rather than periodic big and painful adjustments in a medical office. (I lost a sister in law to breast cancer 12 years ago). In theory this isn’t big news but attitude has a significant role in fighting disease and anything that makes the process a little easier is a big positive. May the tests be successful and the option be readily available.

 

Roy

 

Just to mention that reconstruction does not fight breast cancer, although it might make patients feel better about their appearance. Risks and side effects of reconstruction are a concern whether it is "self-service" or done in a doctor's office. For patients who have implants after surgery, radiation treatments might be limited - discuss this with your radiologist.

 

Breast cancer patients must do some serious research about treatments, including whether or not to have implants - neither is a foregone conclusion. There are choices.

 

Info on the procedure Roy mentioned can be found here: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/11/16/diy-breast-reconstruction-device-lets-women-do-part-at-home.html

[Oahucruiser]

I see from your itinerary that you are taking the train later from Paris to Lisbon overnight. We really enjoyed that a couple of years ago, changing at Irun from the Paris TGV. An easy, convenient way to travel a long way. ~ Enjoy the wonderful Queen Elizabeth!

Patti

[rafinmd]

Thank you Patti and Salacia, especially for the link.

 

We were passing Isle of Wight as I rose at 5. The weather in Southampton started out pretty decent (wish it had stayed that way). I spent quite a bit of time on line, signing off with 2 minutes on my plan about 7. I hadn’t noticed that we had turned around, backed into Ocean Terminal, and were safely moored.

 

Up to Kings Court for my final omelet. I left my room about 8. As a Platinum World Club member I have no entitlement to priority disembarkation but can wait in the Verandah Restaurant, and there were light refreshments there. Luggage offloading took longer than expected and disembarkation was behind schedule (I was estimated for 10AM).

 

About 9:30 Loyalty Manager YoYo announced that the luggage was all in the terminal and that everybody in the lounge was authorized to leave (If questioned say she authorized it). The line for the gangway snaked all the way around the Atrium but moved quickly.

 

Once in the terminal there were luggage trolleys readily available and finding my bags was a snap. Just walked right out of the terminal and on to the taxi rank. Another line but again it moved quickly. I was in the taxi by 10 and at the Grand Harbor Hotel just a few minutes later.

 

At 10 there was no room available so I left my bags with the concierge and started walking. As I approached Southampton Central a few drops of drizzle were evident, but signs pointed to the Seacity museum and it looked interesting. Featured exhibits included quite a big one on Titanic and another big area for passenger shipping in general. I spent a couple hours there before continuing to Southampton Central to collect my tickets for a day trip to London tomorrow.

 

The drizzle was getting annoying by the time I finished lunch and wasted little time getting back to the hotel. When I arrived at 2PM, my room was not ready but I was moved to one that was ready for me. The room is nice but one annoyance is there is no ice or ice bucket.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/harbor1.jpg

 

I went out for shopping and dinner about 5, picking up a few groceries (chips and apples) and found the weather quite dreadful. I had hoped to go to Mayflower Park and watch the ships leave but not in that cold rain. Back in my room I watched a few ships sail away from Fort Lauderdale including one of my favorites the Prinsendam (briefly under the Cunard flag as the Royal Viking Sun). It is embarking on an Amazon journey which will return to Ft. Lauderdale the day before I arrive on the Odyssey.

 

The weather has taken a toll on me and I’ll keep my parting shot short. Bon Voyage to those sailing on QM2 (New York), QE (escape to Belgium), and Prinsendam (Amazon). I hope sailaway weather will be better for QE on Tuesday.

 

Roy

[Happily@Sea]

Roy, After all your nasty weather, I'm glad you got to see the Prinsendam depart FLL in the daylight, it was a nice surprise..

 

I was in Southampton in the end of June, I can't imagine what November must be like. It only sprinkled one of the four days I was there, but still chilly and overcast everyday.

[Salacia]

Roy, thanks for your sharing your travels. Sorry you're under the weather - hope you feel better soon. Wherever your travels find you next Thursday, I wish you a happy Thanksgiving.

Regards,

Salacia

Edited November 20, 2016 by Salacia

[rafinmd]

Thank you. Actually, I think I was just a bit unlucky with yesterday's weather; it was actually reasonably decent for my last visit here on January 10. I'll be in La Coruna Spain for Thanksgiving. There seems to be some speculation that it will be celebrated on the ship but I'm not counting on it.

 

Roy

[rafinmd]

The wind howled outside my window most of the night but had subsided somewhat when I woke at 5. I spent much of my morning updating my bank records and left the hotel a little after 7. I had booked an 8:24 train to London and after a breakfast stop arrived at Southampton Central just before 8. The train was slower than I thought, just over 2 hours each way.

 

My planning was not very well organized. I booked my train on the assumption that there would be a close 11AM service near Waterloo but it didn’t quit work that way. St. Johns Anglican had a great location but the service was at 10:30. I was about 15 minutes late for the service which was largely sung.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/stjohns1.jpg

 

While the rain had just about stopped (there were a few occasional drizzles) the cold caught me by surprise. I believe it got close to 10C/50F at midday, but felt cooler. It felt manageable while I was walking to the train station but I really felt it in London even though the actual temperature was a bit higher. I reacquainted myself with the Underground and scouted out St. Pancras, where I will be in 2 weeks time.

 

I left London about 3 and was back in Southampton about dark (5PM). I’m sure it was technically cooler in Southampton after sunset than before in London but while chilly it did not go to my bones like it did in London. Aside from heading out to dinner (and the city seemed pretty well shut down at 6:30) I pretty much stayed in my room, watching a few more Fort Lauderdale sailaways. I am passing the midpoint of my time on land.

 

I’ll take today’s parting shot from the closing of St. Johns service: “The service has ended; our service begins. Go in Peace and serve the Lord” I hope to be worthy of that.

 

Roy

[ricki]

The wind howled outside my window most of the night but had subsided somewhat when I woke at 5. I spent much of my morning updating my bank records and left the hotel a little after 7. I had booked an 8:24 train to London and after a breakfast stop arrived at Southampton Central just before 8. The train was slower than I thought, just over 2 hours each way.

 

My planning was not very well organized. I booked my train on the assumption that there would be a close 11AM service near Waterloo but it didn’t quit work that way. St. Johns Anglican had a great location but the service was at 10:30. I was about 15 minutes late for the service which was largely sung.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/stjohns1.jpg

 

While the rain had just about stopped (there were a few occasional drizzles) the cold caught me by surprise. I believe it got close to 10C/50F at midday, but felt cooler. It felt manageable while I was walking to the train station but I really felt it in London even though the actual temperature was a bit higher. I reacquainted myself with the Underground and scouted out St. Pancras, where I will be in 2 weeks time.

 

I left London about 3 and was back in Southampton about dark (5PM). I’m sure it was technically cooler in Southampton after sunset than before in London but while chilly it did not go to my bones like it did in London. Aside from heading out to dinner (and the city seemed pretty well shut down at 6:30) I pretty much stayed in my room, watching a few more Fort Lauderdale sailaways. I am passing the midpoint of my time on land.

 

I’ll take today’s parting shot from the closing of St. Johns service: “The service has ended; our service begins. Go in Peace and serve the Lord” I hope to be worthy of that.

 

Roy

 

Sorry about the damp cold in London, Roy, that does make one feel miserable. I hope the skies clear for the rest of your time on land and your forward sea journeys.

 

Like, Thaxted, I always enjoy your parting shots. I have no doubt that the most recent one applies to you.

 

Ricki

[sppunk]

Roy I started my thread for you a bit early, hope I caught you before you are off sailing again! Here is the direct link:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=51596566#post51596566

[rafinmd]

Thank you Ricki and sppunk. Have a wonderful time on HAL's newest ship.

 

Roy