A 2-line World Cruise--Around the World on Amtrak, Crystal, and Cunard

[rafinmd]

1 minute ago, Host Hattie said:

3 hours late and no wifi & we think we have terrible trains ! As a matter of interest do you get any compensation for delays ?

Enjoying your reports as always

No compensation.  The US is a huge country and most trains have wifi but at least not yet on the really long distance ones (mostly to and from Chicago).  New York to Florida trains did not have it for many years but got it within the last couple of years.  No doubt though, trains here are pretty much orphans.  As it was I had a long layover in Los Angeles and should reach Queen Mary as scheduled.

 

Roy

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thought I had posted yesterday -- guess it didn't take.  Or maybe I screwed up.

 

Wonderful reports and pictures.  Glad you planned with extra time so that you would not miss your cruise with all those delays.  

[rafinmd]

Day Amtrak4, Saturday, January 18, 2020, Arrive Los Angeles, Transfer to Long Beach

Crystal Serenity begins a 2-day call in Cabo San Lucas.    Queen Mary 2 is at sea from Messina to Hafia, Israel.

I slept pretty well my final night on the train.  I was feeling pretty good when I woke briefly about 4 and found we were in California, but after checking the schedule we were actually about 10 minutes further behind than in Albuquerque.

While the trip was general west bound our final leg was to the south and the sun came up just after 7 on our left side.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/dawn0118.jpg

When the Southwest Chief is on time breakfast is very early, I think 5:30-6:30.  As dinner ended Friday evening it was announced it would be pushed back to about 6:30 to 9, depending on the train's actual progress.  I went in about 7:30 for scrambled eggs and potatoes,.  While eating the conductor announced an estimated 10AM arrival but while at the table it was obvious that we were moving very slowly.

A freight train had derailed and progress slowed to a crawl and when we reached Union Station it was about 11:10.  Cynthia had indicated it would be a long walk to the station and I agreed to use a Red Cap.  It turned out to be a good move as he asked if we wanted to go to the Metropolitan Lounge.  I had never known there was one in Los Angeles but it was quite decent while pretty well hidden from common view.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/loungelax.jpg

 

My planned layover before the bus would have been very long but arriving 3 hours late shortened it considerably and I took advantage of the internet for a while and took a short walk in the station area.

At my age carrying 2 backpacks totaling 46 pounds is a bit of a challenge but I manage fairly well for short distances.  The lounge called a Red Cap to help me to the bus but all he did was point me in the right direction (I had already found the bus stop).

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/lastride.jpg

The connecting bus primarily serves passengers coming from Bakersfield where the train stops at mountains and is lightly used on the last leg from Los Angeles to Long Beach.  It arrived in Los Angeles promptly at 2:35 and departed promptly at 2:45.

We stopped first at the Catalina terminal in San Pedro and then continued to Long Beach.  There was a Princess ship in San Pedro, and as we crossed the bridge to Long Beach I got my first view of Queen Mary.  In addition to QM Carnival ships often dock there.  I didn't have my camera but behind Queen Mary was Carnival's newest and largest ship, the Panorama.  It's just a bit smaller than QM2 but I was surprised that it seemed to dwarf Queen Mary.

I was dropped off at the Long Beach transit center and it was about a block to the free Passport Shuttle.  Free has it's costs as the main transit stops all have benches to wait but not the Passport.  It was less than pleasant waiting for the bus with 46 pounds on my back.

I arrived at Queen Mary about 4.  As I walked from the bus to the gangway I could hear loud music from the Panorama.  I am in an oceanview room on A-deck (A148).  There is a bit of a passage way from the door to the main part of the room.  I suspect initially there was an inside room or 2 on the section near the corridor.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/a148entry.jpg

The room was not big but had all the necessities.  A sealed doorway suggests it once connected with what is now A150.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/a148room.jpg

I left about 6PM for a bit of shopping and dinner.  From the Passport stop the ship looked pretty all lit up.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/qmnight-1.jpg

I must have been pretty tired because I dozed off for a while instead of working on my blog.  I officially went to bed after the 11PM news.

My parting shot today is that when I checked into the hotel I had a long string of emails waiting about the storms at home.  It looks like things were bad enough to have the schools closed but not so bad that most events couldn't be relocated, especially a long awaited Eagle Court of Honor for one of my scouts.  Congratulations Hunter.

Roy

 

[rafinmd]

3 hours ago, Krazy Kruizers said:

Thought I had posted yesterday -- guess it didn't take.  Or maybe I screwed up.

 

Wonderful reports and pictures.  Glad you planned with extra time so that you would not miss your cruise with all those delays.  

Actually, I could have left several days later without worry about missing the ship.  I was more concerned, since I had planned this to circle the globe without flying that I would need to fly to get to Long Beach in time if there was a missed connection.  In the meantime, I missed what sounded like a pretty nasty day in Maryland.

 

Roy

[DeeniEncinitas]

4 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Day Amtrak4, Saturday, January 18, 2020, Arrive Los Angeles, Transfer to Long Beach

Crystal Serenity begins a 2-day call in Cabo San Lucas.    Queen Mary 2 is at sea from Messina to Hafia, Israel.

I slept pretty well my final night on the train.  I was feeling pretty good when I woke briefly about 4 and found we were in California, but after checking the schedule we were actually about 10 minutes further behind than in Albuquerque.

While the trip was general west bound our final leg was to the south and the sun came up just after 7 on our left side.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/dawn0118.jpg

When the Southwest Chief is on time breakfast is very early, I think 5:30-6:30.  As dinner ended Friday evening it was announced it would be pushed back to about 6:30 to 9, depending on the train's actual progress.  I went in about 7:30 for scrambled eggs and potatoes,.  While eating the conductor announced an estimated 10AM arrival but while at the table it was obvious that we were moving very slowly.

A freight train had derailed and progress slowed to a crawl and when we reached Union Station it was about 11:10.  Cynthia had indicated it would be a long walk to the station and I agreed to use a Red Cap.  It turned out to be a good move as he asked if we wanted to go to the Metropolitan Lounge.  I had never known there was one in Los Angeles but it was quite decent while pretty well hidden from common view.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/loungelax.jpg

 

My planned layover before the bus would have been very long but arriving 3 hours late shortened it considerably and I took advantage of the internet for a while and took a short walk in the station area.

At my age carrying 2 backpacks totaling 46 pounds is a bit of a challenge but I manage fairly well for short distances.  The lounge called a Red Cap to help me to the bus but all he did was point me in the right direction (I had already found the bus stop).

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/lastride.jpg

The connecting bus primarily serves passengers coming from Bakersfield where the train stops at mountains and is lightly used on the last leg from Los Angeles to Long Beach.  It arrived in Los Angeles promptly at 2:35 and departed promptly at 2:45.

We stopped first at the Catalina terminal in San Pedro and then continued to Long Beach.  There was a Princess ship in San Pedro, and as we crossed the bridge to Long Beach I got my first view of Queen Mary.  In addition to QM Carnival ships often dock there.  I didn't have my camera but behind Queen Mary was Carnival's newest and largest ship, the Panorama.  It's just a bit smaller than QM2 but I was surprised that it seemed to dwarf Queen Mary.

I was dropped off at the Long Beach transit center and it was about a block to the free Passport Shuttle.  Free has it's costs as the main transit stops all have benches to wait but not the Passport.  It was less than pleasant waiting for the bus with 46 pounds on my back.

I arrived at Queen Mary about 4.  As I walked from the bus to the gangway I could hear loud music from the Panorama.  I am in an oceanview room on A-deck (A148).  There is a bit of a passage way from the door to the main part of the room.  I suspect initially there was an inside room or 2 on the section near the corridor.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/a148entry.jpg

The room was not big but had all the necessities.  A sealed doorway suggests it once connected with what is now A150.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/a148room.jpg

I left about 6PM for a bit of shopping and dinner.  From the Passport stop the ship looked pretty all lit up.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/qmnight-1.jpg

I must have been pretty tired because I dozed off for a while instead of working on my blog.  I officially went to bed after the 11PM news.

My parting shot today is that when I checked into the hotel I had a long string of emails waiting about the storms at home.  It looks like things were bad enough to have the schools closed but not so bad that most events couldn't be relocated, especially a long awaited Eagle Court of Honor for one of my scouts.  Congratulations Hunter.

Roy

 

Thank you for my first sunrise you took in California!! I am very impressed with Southwest Chief.

Queen Mary is fun!!! We have stayed on her when we had friends having a Anniversary where a huge group of us stayed on her!! The room looks familiar as ours! I love the promenade and the nostalgia of old world cruising!!

Have a nice trip into San Diego And heading on Crystal on the 22nd!

Denise😊

[Copper10-8]

It was great seeing you again today on the Queen, Roy and on behalf of Maria and I, thanks again for the nice brunch at 1:00 PM! That former Soviet Foxtrot-class sub off the Queen's port bow is not looking too good 😉 See you on Wed at 10:00 AM for the short ride to San Pedro and the Crystal Serenity and the start of your new adventure at sea

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[rafinmd]

Day Amtrak+1, Sunday, January 19, 2020, Hotel Queen Mary, Long Beach

Crystal Serenity concludes a 2-day stay in Cabo San Lucas.  Queen Mary 2 begins a 2-day stay in Hafia, Israel.

I had a very good and long sleep, not waking up until about 6:30.  I had hoped to catch a sunrise from Queen Mary but it was not to be.  I was out on the sun deck right around 7 but it was coming up directly behind the Carnival Imagination and in any case I had forgotten to put the memory card back in my camera.  I don't expect a picture Monday either since the Inspiration will probably come in between me and the sun but I have my hopes up for Tuesday or Wednesday.

When in Long Beach 3 years ago I worshiped at Covenant Presbyterian Church and that was my plan again.  Oversleeping put me a bit behind the 8-ball and it was almost 15 minutes into the 8AM service when I arrived.  It was still a good experience and I especially appreciated the postlude, Bach's Gigue Fugue.  I have tapped my toes to it many times but never before in an actual worship setting.  Bravissimo!

After church I stopped at Vons (California's version of Safeway), a block away from the church and at an ATM before taking the Passport back to Queen Mary.

I did a bit of exploring later in the morning.  The staff does their best but keeping up an 80-year old ship is a challenge, as might be noted by peeling paint around the lifeboat stands.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/lifeboat.jpg

The highlight of the day was brunch.  It is served each Sunday in Queen Mary's First Class dining room.  I was joined at brunch by a cruise critic friend (Copper10-8) and Holland America security officer and his wife.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/salon.jpg

A band provided music and a man dressed as a Captain circulated around the ship greeting the guests.  He told me that he is an occasional speaker on the Cunard Insights speaker.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/theband.jpg

There were about 5 buffet stations including almost anything one could want for brunch.  I feasted on waffles, bacon, mac & cheese, pork rib, 2 types of cake, and a cookie.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/buffet1.jpg

After brunch we walked around the ship.  There's an old Russian submarine that has been on exhibit but has deteriorated to a point where it is almost certainly destined for scrapping.  

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/russian.jpg

This sailaway addict heard the general emergency signal from the Imagination indicating the start of the muster drill.  I went up to the promenade deck about 5:15 to watch her departure.  

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/imagination.jpg

On the way back to my room I passed the wedding chapel (the former second class smoking room).  

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/wedding.jpg

The gym was originally on the sun deck but is now inside the ship near the main staircase.  Some of the original equipment is in a small window display.  The stationary bike is a far cry from what is used in today's spin classes.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/thebike.jpg

I took the Passport shuttle into town for a light dinner at Burger King, and was back on the ship a little before 8.

Monday is the Martin Luther King holiday in the United States.  May it be safe and pleasant.

Roy

 

[Krazy Kruizers]

Wonderful reports Roy.

 

Yes -- many areas in the east got hammered on Friday and Saturday.  North of us had many bad accidents.  We were fortunate to get only a dusting of snow that blew away quickly.  Winds have been bad and temperatures are terrible.

 

Love the pictures.  All that food for brunch!!

[DeeniEncinitas]

8 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Day Amtrak+1, Sunday, January 19, 2020, Hotel Queen Mary, Long Beach

Crystal Serenity concludes a 2-day stay in Cabo San Lucas.  Queen Mary 2 begins a 2-day stay in Hafia, Israel.

I had a very good and long sleep, not waking up until about 6:30.  I had hoped to catch a sunrise from Queen Mary but it was not to be.  I was out on the sun deck right around 7 but it was coming up directly behind the Carnival Imagination and in any case I had forgotten to put the memory card back in my camera.  I don't expect a picture Monday either since the Inspiration will probably come in between me and the sun but I have my hopes up for Tuesday or Wednesday.

When in Long Beach 3 years ago I worshiped at Covenant Presbyterian Church and that was my plan again.  Oversleeping put me a bit behind the 8-ball and it was almost 15 minutes into the 8AM service when I arrived.  It was still a good experience and I especially appreciated the postlude, Bach's Gigue Fugue.  I have tapped my toes to it many times but never before in an actual worship setting.  Bravissimo!

After church I stopped at Vons (California's version of Safeway), a block away from the church and at an ATM before taking the Passport back to Queen Mary.

I did a bit of exploring later in the morning.  The staff does their best but keeping up an 80-year old ship is a challenge, as might be noted by peeling paint around the lifeboat stands.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/lifeboat.jpg

The highlight of the day was brunch.  It is served each Sunday in Queen Mary's First Class dining room.  I was joined at brunch by a cruise critic friend (Copper10-8) and Holland America security officer and his wife.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/salon.jpg

A band provided music and a man dressed as a Captain circulated around the ship greeting the guests.  He told me that he is an occasional speaker on the Cunard Insights speaker.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/theband.jpg

There were about 5 buffet stations including almost anything one could want for brunch.  I feasted on waffles, bacon, mac & cheese, pork rib, 2 types of cake, and a cookie.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/buffet1.jpg

After brunch we walked around the ship.  There's an old Russian submarine that has been on exhibit but has deteriorated to a point where it is almost certainly destined for scrapping.  

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/russian.jpg

This sailaway addict heard the general emergency signal from the Imagination indicating the start of the muster drill.  I went up to the promenade deck about 5:15 to watch her departure.  

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/imagination.jpg

On the way back to my room I passed the wedding chapel (the former second class smoking room).  

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/wedding.jpg

The gym was originally on the sun deck but is now inside the ship near the main staircase.  Some of the original equipment is in a small window display.  The stationary bike is a far cry from what is used in today's spin classes.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/thebike.jpg

I took the Passport shuttle into town for a light dinner at Burger King, and was back on the ship a little before 8.

Monday is the Martin Luther King holiday in the United States.  May it be safe and pleasant.

Roy

 

Good morning Roy!,

Finished my coffee and so enjoying your report in my home town where I was born!

Saw Johns pictures he took of the Queen Mary and the picture of the Grand Dining Room is where we had a anniversary reception and it has reminded me of pictures of Cunard on your last cruise. Thank you for your pictures and me going down memory lane!

Denise😊

 

[DeeniEncinitas]

2 hours ago, Krazy Kruizers said:

Wonderful reports Roy.

 

Yes -- many areas in the east got hammered on Friday and Saturday.  North of us had many bad accidents.  We were fortunate to get only a dusting of snow that blew away quickly.  Winds have been bad and temperatures are terrible.

 

Love the pictures.  All that food for brunch!!

I can not imagine all the snow! Always lived in San Diego and I don’t think I would do well back East! There brunch is really good too!

Denise😊

[rafinmd]

Day Amtrak+2. Monday, January 20, 2020, Hotel Queen Mary, Long Beach

Crystal Serenity is at sea from Cabo San Lucas to Los Angeles.  Queen Mary 2 concludes a 2-day stay in Hafia.

I will start with an attempt to deal with a question from a blog reader about the Passport Shuttle:

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/passport.jpg

 "I have a question if you don’t mind...we are thinking of taking the flyaway bus from lax to Long Beach transit hub and I’m wondering if it’s a problem/hassle taking luggage aboard the Passport Shuttle....would you recommend it upon arrival or do you think an Uber is better (3 people, about 5 bags)?"

I'm not familiar with the bus from LAX but it sounds like it might drop you off on First Street just west of Long Beach Boulevard.  If that's correct it would be a short walk to the Passport stop on Long Beach Boulevard between First and Ocean Boulevard.  It's about another 500 feet to walk between the end of the line and the hotel entrance.  Suitability for luggage will depend on the size of your bags, your ability to handle them and who else might be on the bus.  I'm attaching a photo of the bus interior;  the steps behind the back door probably total about 16 inches.  Just in front of the picture there are 2 lengthwise benches with some vacant space in the middle but it might or might not be available when you board.

 

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/ppinterior.jpg

I stepped up to the promenade deck aft around sunrise time but the Carnival Inspiration was already docked, and it was quite cloudy anyway.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/inspiration.jpg

On the way up the stairs I passed a gate that I think is original.  The sign now says "Hotel Guests Only", but I expect back in the day it was a sign of a pretty rigid class separation.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/gate.jpg

Coming back from viewing the Inspiration I passed a display with a diagram of the class areas on the ship.  While today pretty much (including Cunard) groups cabin categories by deck the classes were much more contiguous and covering several decks.  In the photo, the blue is First Class and midship, the orange is second class and to the aft, and the yellow is far forward and third class, and each class spans several decks.  The classes were contiguous and separate, while I have often stayed in inside Britannia cabins directly across the corridor from Grills suites.  A big change in how things work on ships.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/classmap.jpg

Most of the day was spent away from Long Beach.  I took the Passport Shuttle into town at 8 and rented a car.  My nephew lives in San Diego and I drew a Kia Soul for the drive down there.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/theride.jpg

While traffic was not heavy and there were few delays, especially on the way down, I still found it much less than relaxing driving along with 4 busy lanes of traffic.  I left Long Beach around 9:15 and was at Keith's house perhaps 11:20.  

He and Tracy have twins, about 3 ½ years old.  The last time I saw them they were just about ready to crawl, so it has been a very big change.  They are now pretty much bundles of undirected energy and quite a handle.  They will be going on their first cruise Saturday (Majesty of the Seas out of New Orleans).

I think originally just Keith, Tracey, and I were going to lunch but in the end the twins and the nanny came along also, and I believe there was a change of venue.  The place we ended up I think was called Tender Greens, with salad based entrees along with meat and vegetables.  They also had a couple of soups which I chose along with chicken and mashed potatoes.  The kids are still reticent about meeting strangers but it was a good lunch.  

After lunch Keith needed to return to work and I headed back to Long Beach.  The traffic was a bit heavier but still not a serious problem and I got a little shopping in before returning the car.  By the time it was done it was after 5 and I decided to stay in town for a light dinner at Burger King.  I was back at the Queen Mary a little before 7 and pretty much spent the evening in my room.

My parting shot will be a wish for a wonderful first cruise for Keith, Tracy, and the children.

Roy

 

[Krazy Kruizers]

How nice you were able to spend time with your nephew, his wife and their twins -- even had lunch.

 

Great pictures.

[DeeniEncinitas]

Glad you had a wonderful visit to San Diego Roy! I remember the photo you took of the twins when they were crawling the last ime you were here several years ago! 
Sorry our weather yesterday was very over cast! Woke up to rain from last night.

Doing a lot of construction along the 5 South on the freeway with expanding and the speed goes down to 55 starting over by where we live into Del Mar area. Hope you had no problems there coming and going?

Denise😊

[rafinmd]

1 hour ago, DeeniEncinitas said:

Glad you had a wonderful visit to San Diego Roy! I remember the photo you took of the twins when they were crawling the last ime you were here several years ago! 
Sorry our weather yesterday was very over cast! Woke up to rain from last night.

Doing a lot of construction along the 5 South on the freeway with expanding and the speed goes down to 55 starting over by where we live into Del Mar area. Hope you had no problems there coming and going?

Denise😊

Ah!  you're a bit further out than I had assumed.  I don't remember Del Mar but do remember passing Encinitas and thinking it was quite a long way yet from Downtown San Diego.

 

Sorry I didn't include any pictures.  I blow hot and cold a bit about privacy concerns posting photos of kids.

 

Roy

[DeeniEncinitas]

We’re in Encinitas Roy and if you saw the exit you would see the ocean.

Have a wonderful cruise 

Denise😊

[DeeniEncinitas]

Forgot to say we live down on old Hwy 101

so we take a coaster commuter train along coast to go downtown’ our daughter lives downtown.The port is right there! Doing a lot of new construction since 2018 and a long way from completion.

Denise😊

[rafinmd]

9 hours ago, DeeniEncinitas said:

Forgot to say we live down on old Hwy 101

so we take a coaster commuter train along coast to go downtown’ our daughter lives downtown.The port is right there! Doing a lot of new construction since 2018 and a long way from completion.

Denise😊

As I sit here after dinner and watching marinetraffic my ship is just about to pass your house (I assume far out to sea).

 

Roy

[rafinmd]

Day Amtrak+3, Tuesday, January 21, 2020, Hotel Queen Mary, Long Beach

Crystal Serenity is at sea from Cabo to Los Angeles.  Queen Mary 2 is at sea from Hafia to Aqaba, Jordan.

While Monday had been a major travel day Tuesday was the time to stay local.  In the morning I was pretty much in my cabin bringing my credit card balances up do date with just a quick visit to the Midship Marketplace for a muffin and coffee.

I left about 11 for what was likely my last visit to Long Beach proper.  I visited the bank, the post office, and bought a few more supplies (mostly packaged snacks), and stopped by McDonalds for a quick lunch.

Once back on the ship it was an hour or 2 before I finally got back to my cabin.  I walked along the shoreside walkway to find the actual location of my cabin.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/myroom.jpg

The walkway ended at a lower entrance to the ship and I toured a bit of the engineering spaces.  On modern ships on behind the scenes I have sometimes visited the engine control room, now a quiet temperature controlled console.  On Queen Mary it is down among the engines with a small instrument panel, a telegraph from the bridge, and pretty direct manipulation of the machinery with an array of wheels and levers.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/control.jpg

There were places down there where I saw the bare inside of the hull and even an opening to see one of the propellers (a fixed pitch unlike modern ones).  The light was insufficient to get a good photo of the propeller.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/thehull.jpg

Returning further forward I browsed one of the shops on the Promenade deck.  A sign indicated the room was originally the First Class library.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/oldlibrary.jpg

The bridge is accessed from the sun deck.  It is a far cry from today's sophisticated bridges but a blue console was an early version of an auto pilot.  While actual bridge visits are now rare on QM2 one can easily get a look at the progress in bridge design from a window far forward on deck 12.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/thebridge.jpg

The officers quarters are behind the bridge.  The Chief Engineer had a nice 2-room suite.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/engineer.jpg

The Staff Captain's quarters were a step better than the Chief Engineers but the really nice suite was for the Captain.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/captain.jpg

The day had started out cloudy and there was no visible sunrise but it cleared up as the day progressed.  The bow of the ship is accessed from A deck forward and was the perfect place to watch the sunset.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/dusk0121.jpg

A large room in A-deck forward was devoted to Cunard history, and while the ship has little or no formal connection to Cunard there was even a corner with a supply of Cunard brochures.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/cunardstuff.jpg

My last dinner for a while on my own was attached to land but still floating.  I would like to have had dinner at Sir Winston's but it is closed Monday and Tuesday so I visited the Chelsea Chowder House.  I believe much of the space is the former second class smoking room but the dining area is a part of the former enclosed promenade on the starboard.  There was a lovely view across the harbor to downtown Long Beach.  I chose a (huge) pork chop entree.

https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/dinner21.jpg

I am hoping to get a good start on packing to transfer to the Crystal Serenity if I don't get too drowsy.

Today's parting shot will be a wish for a quick and effective response to the coronavirus.

Roy  

 

[DeeniEncinitas]

Roy,

Your sunrise pic on Queen Mary 👍

2nd, your parting shot new coronavirus can be transmitted between humans. Just read this on my CNN app. I have been following this development for almost over a month reading  CDC reports and now they are setting up areas around the world at the major airports to screen incoming planes from Asia. Wuhan is the site hope for a quick response and recovery.

Your pictures of Queen Mary aboard brought back memories and your dinner looked good also.

We wish that the cruise ships could come closer out in the water so we could enjoy seeing them pass by while we are outside

relaxing but my husband says there is a 20 mile zone no cruise ships nor TANKERS can enter it is restricted due to our Navy

that we see always there ships go by.

Today is the big day !! 
Have a good embarkation aboard Crystal 

and a great 👍 BON VOYAGE TOO.

I will be thinking of you and look forward 

to your journeys ahead.

Sincerely,

Denise😊

[Krazy Kruizers]

I loved all the ship's pictures.  Captains have always been known to have big, lovely cabins once ocean liners and cruise ships started to enter the market.

 

That pork chop could feed 2 people.  It would make a nice meal for DH and I to share.

 

Today is the day!!  Hope embarkation goes smoothly. 

[rafinmd]

My ship has arrived.  I checked it on marine traffic just after 5 and she was edging up to the dock.  I thought I might see her from Queen Mary''s bow but no such luck.  It's not a warm day here, 51F.  I popped in on the Holland America sailaway thread for Ft. Lauderdale and it's just 42 there.

 

Roy

[Happily@Sea]

We were supposed to hit 26F last night - but have appeared to only have reached 31F and the wind has dropped significantly, making it feel warmer than yesterday morning. 

 

Bon voyage and smooth sailing - SD is not usually known for calm seas. [not when I've used it anyway.

[Happily@Sea]

I just realized I moved your port - I've never sailed out of LA/Long Beach area - not even as a port of call - I hope it is a smoother ride than I usually get out of SD.

[Host Hattie]

Bon Voyage

[Vict0riann]

How nice that you could stay on QM in Long Beach.  We have walked that street, and we know why it is called Long Beach!

 

We are booked for one night in the ss. Rotterdam after our next cruise.  It will be like stepping back into history!