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Off to the Caribbean on QV, ...again


LadyL1
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So yesterday we arrived just after 1.00pm to go straight to the check in desk, but the building was packed. The air bridge was broken so no access to the ship. Some very grumpy people around; you would not believe that they were just about to embark on a Caribbean adventure, despite the delay. Consequently, after profuse apologies by Cunard, the lifeboat drill was delayed. We left the dock on a very cold clear evening just after 5.00pm. More apologies in the evening, and was told every one would have a free glass of fizz🍾 the following day. You can all guess what it is likely to be😉.
All is looking good around the ship, and sailing with Captain Simon Love. We are taking late sitting dining by choice, and impressed by the new style menu; my main of Asian noodle seafood naja was excellent. One of the tables directly by us (3 people on a setting for 6) complained to the staff every time they approached the table. I do hope they are not there tonight, as it just spoils the ambience of the evening. We retired early, and had a very good nights’ sleep.
Tuesday, we awoke to a calm damp morning, but the day improved rapidly. I thought about a swim but the air temperature was so cool, I have decided to wait another 24 hours before I take the plunge. A sure sign age is catching up with me! However, we did sit on our balcony with jackets to take in the late afternoon sun and watch the ocean. 
The internet is painfully slow, as I have tried several times to logon to CC with no avail, hence the delay in posting report.
How pleasant it is to be at sea again.
 
UPDATE we are heading for Vigo, as there are 2 medical emergencies. We have been told that we should still reach Funchal on a timely basis.
 
 
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We disembarked on Monday morning and there were problems with the air bridge then - something to do with the high winds I think. Sounds like there was a repetition of them. Obviously a bit irritating for everyone waiting to embark - but as you say, given the prospect of Caribbean sunshine in the not too distant future, probably bearable! Have a great trip. 

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Thursday

 
Yesterday evening we made a very brief call to the port of Vigo, where 2 very sick passengers were taken away in ambulances, and also an unwell crew member left the ship.
It was the first formal night but the cocktail parties were cancelled, to be held tonight, the officers obviously otherwise busy. We are impressed with the new style menu and enjoying the food very much. 
Because of the diversion we are now heading for Funchal at over 20 knots on a lovely morning. Enjoyed a refreshing walk outside as the wind is around 40 knots. In fact we had our breakfast outside on deck 9 only being joined by one other couple who liked fresh air!
We have so far listened to some brilliant lectures, notably Dr Jefferey Hoffman a five times astronaut, and from a Fleet Street, photographer Ken Lennox, who has specialised in areas of war and royalty! There is a lady on board talking about the universe, but it seems she has not attracted a great fan club.
Tonight we are going to the lido  for the premium Aztec menu, and early next week to the Verandah in the evening that now has the Steakhouse offering. We were fans of the french cuisine previously available, so our trip is with some trepidation as I am not the greatest fan of huge slabs of meat, but hopefully the Dover sole will be well prepared. There is a “fruits de mer” platter for 2 which I would love, but my husband does not enjoy seafood.
The visit to the theatre this morning for another lecture, this time on Portuguese wine and vineyards was rather disappointing and we left early, being able to creep out from a box. We had hoped to learn something as rather fond of the nectar from this country.
If my reports are out of date, it is because I write, then only to find I just cannot get on the internet. In all our trips I don’t think this service has ever been so poor.
 
 
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Friday.  We are now in Madeira on a gorgeous day, sitting up a mountain taking coffee and Madeira!

Unlike last year the ocean has been very kind so far, and all is very good.  Last night our meal in the Aztec (Lido) was most enjoyable; certainly worth the extra cost. 

QV leaves Madeira tonight around 6.00pm ; next stop St Marteen😊

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Lady L1,

 

May I ask a favour of you seeing that you are at present on Queen Victoria and with some more sea days ahead, which may give you the opportunity to research and answer a question for me.

 

I posted a question on this board regarding the theatre boxes on Queen Victoria, but no one has truly answered it.   So, may I ask you, that if or when you have a spare moment, if you could go and look at all the boxes in the theatre and find out how they are numbered?   Probably a number or name on each box door.   If it is at all possible to get a photo of the boxes from the stage and superimpose on the photo the box number or identifying tag for each box, that would be great but a description would also be fine.

 

Perhaps the main desk might just have a box plan, especially when they can be booked for main shows.   They must have a way of allocating those passengers booked to a specific box.

 

Kind regards

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Moray Firth

Regarding the question of the boxes in the theatre, there are 16. Passengers are certainly not allowed on the stage to take photos of the theatre as this cordoned off.  Uploading anything would take an age of internet time. I suggest once on board you look for yourself and decide what suits you best, or alternatively visit YouTube!

..................
 
SATURDAY
The sailaway from Madeira last night, was held on rear of deck 9, moved from the Yacht Club as it was mild with the last vestiges of the sun shining. A wonderful day ashore on this gorgeous volcanic island before 5 consecutive sea days.
We awoke to a lovely morning with a fresh breeze. As our balcony is on the shadier starboard side we headed up to deck 9 to have breakfast outside in the sun; a few others had wisely made this same decision.                                                                         Already the cabanas that had been prepared were occupied! These folk must make an early start and along with rucksacks, bags and other belongings are anticipating hogging these for the day! Their breakfast plates just left on the floor beside their pitch, which are cleared by the crew. Personally the thought of hours of inactivity wrapped in jumpers and towels for warmth seems dire.
It is noticeable today that a few more people are sporting shorts to join the intrepid few who have been in their Caribbean attire since day 2. The weather is certainly warming up and it is pleasant to exercise around deck 3 or the gustier higher decks. 
Nothing of any consequence to report from QV today, except I must say that ship is kept superbly clean by a wonderful staff, so many of whom we recognise, and likewise in return. However, it is a shame that when the QV was in for a refit last year, that not all the carpets were replaced, as in some areas they are beginning to look tired.
This afternoon I am going to attend “Spanish for beginners”! One has to find a way to use the little grey cells.
 
 
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Yesterday (Sunday) passed gently into oblivion. The ship has settled into the routine of sea days. The ocean had the most gentle of swells, and the temperature was in the mid 20’s during the day, with partial cloud cover.
I have been in my element swimming in the lido pool as to date very few passengers have taken the plunge, and having the pool to ones self is a delicious. The movement of the ship makes swimming more of a challenge, as the water sloshes around; of course one uses more calories!
For the whole time since we booked this trip in March, the VP had been showing 6 gala nights, two of which were named as “roaring twenties “. Last night had been listed as one of these. However, the night before the daily programme announced this to be a masquerade ball. A few ladies still wore the flapper outfits, and looked great. I doubt whether anyone was prepared with masks and were told the shop had stocks of this item. Rather a shame Cunard let themselves down here, as some go to a lot of trouble to dress as informed. Hopefully we will have an excellent Art Deco type evening later in the cruise.

Monday
My birthday began with breakfast in the room as we were hopeful that it could be taken on the balcony. Still rather too windy and shady, but the light sustenance was enjoyable as we must pace ourselves accordingly today as the The Verandah is booked for tonight. Lunch was taken in the MDR at the very rear of restaurant with a lovely couple. It never bores us to watch the wake of the the ship.
Looking at the passengers, we feel that they are older than the this same trip last year. It seems there are at least 3 children on board, but hardly ever seen. We have rekindled friendships with a few who also visited the Caribbean last year, but there do not seem to be as many “characters” emerging who always created an interest.
Sadly our sea kayaking trip in St Marteen has today been cancelled, and we had very much been looking forward to this. We were told that we had been the lone participants signed up for the excursion. Perhaps this reflects on the observations in my last paragraph.
Afternoon tea is beckoning, but think it better to stay on the balcony with a mug of tea and enjoy the warmth and fresh air, so as temptation does not get the better of us. The cakes have been looking exquisite, and so far only succumbed once, other times enjoying a cup of earl grey!
So pleased that we are missing the first wrath of an English winter, according to emails we have picked up from those back home.

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I though I would give you our thoughts on the visit to The Verandah Steakhouse last night.
For those who had pre-booked expecting french cuisine, Cunard had offered to refund if required. For a Monday evening it was very busy. The service was exemplary, so no change there. When shown the menu you are also offered the cuts of steak that are available, the smallest being an 8oz fillet, which my husband chose. I had Dover sole.
My OH really enjoyed has duck appetiser, but my lobster cocktail was somewhat overpowered by the mustard toast. Everyone’s pallet is different, so perhaps I just had the wrong item from the menu. Of course, the presentation was wonderful.
The sole arrived already filleted on a plate with boiled (jersey?) potatoes sprinkled with herbs. The fillet steak was cooked to perfection and one has to decide on the quantity of sides; salad or vegetables. We had superb cheeses to round the meal off.
To sum up, the quality was excellent, what you might expect in a top NY or Dallas establishment. But, this fayre, was not in our view fine dining. Gone are the small tastings between courses, and no petit fours with coffee. The portions are exceptionally large (not helping the world’s obesity crisis). The desserts are typically American, but apple crumble was there for the asking. We have our free lunch to look forward too, but will not be booking another evening there. We have spoken to a few others who seem to have much the same sentiments.
Today at last we had breakfast on our shady balcony, the temperature feeling truly tropical 🏝.  In fact we crossed the Tropic of Cancer early this morning. Another  great lecture this morning by Fleet Street photographer Ken Lennox, but a slightly reduced audience as the sun beckons on the upper decks.
The ocean is very calm and blue, all that you dream of when faced with a long winter. To date, for us,  the sea has been devoid of ships or wildlife since leaving Madeira , but apparently we missed an abundance of flying fish yesterday! Whatever, this is delightful.

 

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Wednesday 28th

Last night we had the most amazing sunset I think I had ever seen. The sky was on fire with colour, and the sea looking like glass as it was so calm, had a wonderful pink hue: even Captain Love commented on this in his noon day speech. Also at a recent cocktail party he mentioned that it was the calmest winter TA he had experienced! So different from last year.
All is very well on board for us. In the MDR we now have the most charming couple at the table next to us, and the loud complainers of the first night from a larger table, have never been seen again. The food remains excellent, and we mentioned this to a member of the senior staff in the dining room whom we know.  We were told It is policy to increase the quality;  more steak, shrimp, scallops etc. There is certainly more variety with the new style menu, and it does appear that the better quality cuts of meat are on offer more regularly.
Tonight the sky has an abundance of stars to add to the atmosphere of the “pirates of the Caribbean” party on the rear of deck 9. It seems only the entertainment crew are dressed for the occasion, but hundreds are having a good time. And why not? We have travelled a long to have hot balmy nights under the light of the moon, in November.
 
 
 
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Thank you for reading this blog, and hope it will possibly help anyone thinking of taking a Caribbean winter cruise. To Sumergee, yes, we did get a glass of fizz from Cunard to apologise for the boarding delay. It was given at dinner on the second evening.

Yesterday we arrived at the first port of all, Philipsburg.  Fellow passengers told us that yet again an ambulance was waiting. Dozens of frigate birds were circling in the thermals; they are so graceful.  The Regal Princess was already at birth and just before noon the Jewel of the Seas arrived. We took the water taxi across the bay, had a wonder around the shops (and perfume was definitely more expensive than aboard QV) before returning to pick up the tour which was a boat trip to the infamous airport landing strip, with swimming and snorkelling. What a great afternoon! The little boat was anchored about half a mile from the beach and 2 hours swimming from the pontoon was just heaven.
There is certainly evidence of last years’ hurricane damage, and much ongoing building. I have to say that the authorities have made a very nice secure area around the ships with the inevitable duty free shops, but for anyone with mobility problems it must have been welcome to potter with ease.
Another well attended sailaway in the evening heat on deck 9, and what bliss to stroll around the promenade deck after dinner.

Friday 30th November; and it is Antigua for the day. The Christmas decoration company boarded the ship and after breakfast the first Christmas trees were in evidence.
QV docked first, and we have been blessed for the second day running to have uninterrupted views from our balcony. Those on the port side must be ruing their luck! Regent Seven Seas Voyager was next to arrive, followed by horror of horrors, the Anthem of the Seas. The size of this ship is beyond belief, and certainly was the topic of morning conversation. As you can imagine the small port area was heaving, so we made our escape to a beach that would do any travel brochure justice, and to take lunch. We enjoyed an exquisite meal, mains being catch of the day, parrot fish, and mango jerk pork. The whole experience at Jacqui O’s being wonderful;  top class dining on an empty sea shore without being hassled by vendors. I did enjoy a swim but the beach shelved dramatically, and for a weak swimmer or children, this could have been dangerous. Our taxi to and from, gave us a sight of some very poor communities and also the other extreme of humanity: quite sobering!
 

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In answer to a previous poster’s question, I can say that eggs benedict is still on the breakfast menu.
 
Another day, another port; in Fort de France, Martinique. Not quite sure of what to make of the Cunard arrangements here. We berthed in the cargo port and this morning’s announcement came with the news that there was to be no shuttle buses available because of “union militancy”.  Advice was to walk about 30 minutes to the city, or take a taxi. We watched as some intrepid souls set off by foot in the searing heat, and we know from past experience that we are not in the best part of the sea front. Last year, shuttles were definitely available.  Sadly we also watched one couple set off, one pushing the other in a wheelchair. Is this ultimate meanness or insanity! Most sharing taxis were being charged €2 pp, but there were stories of €5 being demanded at the end of the trip. More moans from the shared taxi occupants about the port on the return. They seem to forget they have come to the Caribbean and they have witnessed the lifestyle here; unless you see the rest of this beautiful island by tour you get what you see in humdrum life. There were also vociferous protests in the town by locals, against fuel prices, so not the best day to be here. The Caribbean Princess had the prime docking location.
Very Christmassy on board now, which all seems quite surreal. We have listened to Silent Night and other carols, reggae style in the ports, but at least we are not yet listening to piped jingles on the ship.
 
The internet has consistently been extremely slow. On recent voyages one had been given an early sign on bonus amount of minutes, but not so this time. Some months ago I started a post about the disproportionate amount of time one gets on the internet on longer voyages. I did not get much sympathy, but hey ho, we live in a world of increasing technology. If this had been a 3 night voyage, I would have had exactly the same allocation.🙄 if the “powers that be” in Cunard are reading this, please take note. Just because we do not have a turnaround day over the 24 nights, we certainly loose out.
 
Now on our way to St Thomas, and if we are awake at midnight we have been told we will be able to see the QM2!
 
 
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The shuttle issue seems like a force majeure for Cunard, although the taxi bait-and-switch should definitely be brought to the attention of Cunard staff so whatever corrective action might be taken on Martinique.

 

I probably would have paid the 5€ but only with a receipt and taxi number.

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Yesterday was the beautiful island of St Vincent, but very quiet as it was Sunday. This caused annoyance to some as the shops were closed but there is so much to see just getting away from the port. Some found the poverty in the port area disconcerting ( soup kitchens after church service) but if only they would be prepared to spend a few $$ and take a taxi  or tour it would help these island people who we found so friendly. 
Barbados today and our last port before the journey home. It has been extremely hot with some showers and the humidity was oppressive. Had a little hiccup with a booked taxi not turning up, but that is very unusual, and departure being very late made no difference. The Oceania Riviera and Jewel of the Seas have also been in port.
The Christmas decorations are now complete and look splendid. It is hard to think this is the festive season when enjoying mostly cloudless skies and being in summer clothes.
We have seen some very discourteous people on board, especially to the crew. Fortunately there are not many like that. The other day when walking rounded the promenade 2 ladies had put their steamers right in the middle to keep in the sun, causing walkers to squeeze past. Some of the antics on the rear sundeck when it comes to chair/cabana saving, are taking on new dimensions! 
We are now on our way home with the expectations of fair Atlantic weather, at least for the first few days, according to Capt. Love.

Apologies for the day late posting, but in Barbados cruise port the free wi-fi was impossible to connect to as was the situation on the QV last night!
 

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4 hours ago, GillCC said:

What a wonderful summary thank you.  Could I ask which beach you went to in Antigua please?

We went to a most fabulous restaurant (Jackie O’s) at Lovebeach, just past Darkwood beach. It took about 30 minutes in a taxi.

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