On QE to Cape Town

[LadyL1]

This morning we opened our balcony door to see a damp Namibia: our personal rain cloud is definitely with us! At least we are keeping the locals happy. 
We departed the ship just before 8.00am with another couple for a tour we had booked privately, and was not disappointed. Driving along the empty roads of this desert land, our driver would just go off-roading in order to see the wildlife and take us to the dunes. We had a great and informative tour of Swakopmund, stopping just wherever we wanted. It would have been enjoy able to walk along the coast near the dock after lunch, but afraid mobility did not afford that pleasure. The free shuttle buses took passengers to a local mall if they wanted dry land without an excursion. Some birds we observed are beautiful, the pink and mauve jellyfish are lovely to watch from the ship and the seals are mesmerising. This country is still raw to tourism, so it is gratifying to see no high rise hotels by the coast along with tacky shops: in Walvis Bay take it as it is, and thankfully we did not see grinding poverty, as in many cruise destinations.
The sun did make an appearance later in the day, and at this time of year, for those from the Northern hemisphere, the warmth is idyllic.
We watched the QE manoeuvre away from the quay for our last leg to Cape Town. A fascinating departure as you see the desert stretching right to the coast, which looked haunting in the last rays of the sun.

[LadyL1]

Last sea day, and we awoke to sun, the QE making 21 knots, with 45 knot winds. The pools are netted again, the sun beds remain stacked and lashed. This is not to everyone’s liking on board, but sitting on the Commodore Club after breakfast we found it very pleasant indeed. There was also a full crew drill taking place.
Just some snippets! We have both had treatments in the Mareel Wellness Spa, and what I found refreshing was that there was no hard sell of the products that had been used. There are often mentions of slow service at breakfast in the MDR,  but we have  not found this at all. We had hoped for more breakfast and lunches on the balcony, but the weather has been far cooler and windier than we expected and others have commented likewise.
After lunch we viewed some of the arts and crafts on display, produced by the passengers  who had signed up for the courses. Very impressed by some of the work,  and it seems these were well attended. At afternoon tea, we spoke with an elderly couple who were still somewhat peeved at remaining on late sitting, as their change request had been declined. A lesson to be noted!

The little white bags are still strategically placed; it will be interesting to see if the restaurant is quieter tonight. Air and sea temperature are both 17 degrees, and conditions still rough, although abated a little since this morning.

[luckymal]

A short while ago I was told Cruise Director Sally would be joining the Queen Elisabeth  after her vacation, has she arrive yet? 🍷🥃

[LadyL1]

4 minutes ago, luckymal said:

A short while ago I was told Cruise Director Sally would be joining the Queen Elisabeth  after her vacation, has she arrive yet? 🍷🥃

Yes, she is here😁, and has been for the past 2 months.

[Elephant1151]

Cape Town Safari and Winelands Pre Cruise

We arrived on Sunday direct flight from Heathrow with BA.  Met with a private transfer to the Commodore Hotel. There will be 11 in our group but some are yet to arrive. 

After check in we went to our rooms and shortly after were given our itinerary for the tour.  With just 30 minutes before the lunch we got showered and changed.  The first stop was at Bobo's for a delicious lunch then onto a drive to the Company Gardens, House of Parliament and then a drive to  Bo-Kaap. Back to the hotel by 5pm and time to get ready.

At 7pm a larger group. 9 now went to Gold and African restaurant for a 16 course meal, taster menu and entertainment.  Back by 9.30pm.

Our guide Ebrahim is very knowledgeable on the history of South Africa.

It was. 7am start for Aquila Game Reserve but the opportunity before the drive began to have breakfast or coffee.  The safari was good we saw zebras, rhino, elephants, Buffaloes. Even a shy lion sunning himself on a rock. Back to the lodge for a late lunch then a 2 hour drive back.  On our return we went to the V and A to browse the stores.  We also had dinner at the Waterfront.

So far we have thoroughly enjoyed this package provided by Akorn Abercrombie and Kent in South Africa. In 2002 we toured the Garden Route pre cruise and as then it is a slick operation.  Value for money too.  We paid £600 each, our son paid £900 for single occupancy, but with 3 breakfasts 3 lunches and 1 dinner and all transfers and tours it would not be much cheaper to DIY it.

Today off to Stellenbosch and 2 wineries and a picnic lunch.  We leave to go to the ship tomorrow at 10am.  When the post cruise party will be coming in.

[LadyL1]

This morning we opened our balcony to a view of Table Mountain behind the cruise terminal, which is under construction. It should be very impressive when finished.
A hasty breakfast in our room before the sightseeing began. I still have limited mobility as the moon boot is needed when in crowds and uneven on surfaces, as is found on the V&A  waterfront.
Cable cars are not my favourite form of transport but it was only 4 minutes in duration to the top of the mountain, and certainly cooler on exiting the revolving gondola. Fabulous views, and only for about 10minutes did the must roll over, but not oblitering the city below. After this, we lunched and took in the waterfront. All very clean, and one felt safe although plenty of security people in evidence. It felt good to be in the sun again.
We thought it would be a tragedy to be in Cape Town and not visit the new iconic hotel The Silo! In need of some rest we visited this impressive restoration and had afternoon cocktails on the 6th floor. Another visit is a must for either lunch or dinner, although a multitude of establishments abound. After leaving the QE we will be staying in CT for another 2 nights and that will be enough as much prefer the open countryside and looking forward to the wine regions, a safari and back to CT along the coast.
We have enjoyed the passage to the Southern Hemisphere,  but the weather was rather disappointing for much of the time. The service we received from our waiters at table 506 on the upper floors MDR, was splendid: this team worked very well together. Also, a young man by the name of Junior who is on his first contract as a wine waiter, is a great acquisition for Cunard  as he his manner and knowledge is perfect for this company. We hope he does well. Lastly our steward has also been efficient, unfailingly polite and helpful. 
We are scheduled to be off QE at 8.15am, and wish all well for the onward voyage to Australia. 
 

[Host Hattie]

Thank for taking us on your journey, I have really enjoyed following along.

I hope someone can keep us up to date with Queen Elizabeth during her time away.

[Mickb]

LadyL1

Thank you for a most entertaining account of your trip. Apart from the weather, it sounds as if you had a great time.