Live from QV to the Canary Islands.

[BigMac1953]

We were supposed to leave La Palma at 1630 hrs, but at 1625 hrs an ambulance on blues turned up and loaded a gurney on to the ship.

 

No idea what's happening.

[LadyL1]

We have had a beautiful day on this charming Atlantic outcrop. Awaking to a fabulous blue sky and temperatures you can only dream of, back in the UK, and most likely much of Northern America.
It was our usual routine of having breakfast delivered and then off to the pool for my daily swim. Many were taking their fayre on the open deck aft of the lido. The dampness of the overnight rain rapidly evaporated and all was set for another perfect day.
There was a shuttle bus to the port gates but most took the flat walk there and onwards to the little town of La Palma. How pleasant it was to be on the seafront in short sleeves, and if you wished to partake in a little refreshment, there were many cafes and bistros to choose from.
After the ambulance departed from the dockside, we left for Madeira about 50 minutes late, and will be making headway at about 18knots. Slightly cooler tomorrow, but then we will be further north. Funchal is another place I am always pleased to visit, even if it is just to admire the flora!

It is going to be hard adjusting to the colder weather when we head for Southampton, but we are very comfortable onboard on sea days. I do so hope that an excellent speaker will have embarked to enlighten us on some special subject.

And now, after G&T’s on the balcony, we can look forward to another gorgeous dinner!

[majortom10]

Goodbye La Palma. 

[LadyL1]

The view from the bow!

[LadyL1]

We have had the most splendid, sunny day in Madeira. After lunch we had to refrain from the balcony as it was just too hot, but no complaints as there is always a shady spot to be found on the terraces.
Funchal is a great cruise stop, as not only is it an attractive port, but the island is so lush and interesting especially if one is a keen gardener.
Once we leave here, we are heading back to Southampton: Captain Tomas Connery has informed us we should have another warm day tomorrow, 20 degrees +, and making a speed averaging 16 knots. We departed at 6.00pm, just as the Funchal Christmas lights came on. If it had been a little darker, the show would have been better.

Last night the Queen’s Room was heaving and alive with an Irish duo. Seats had been placed on the dance floor and extra seats on the side. As I walked through it was refreshing to see this space fully utilised, and the bar staff truly busy. There was dancing in the Yacht Club for those who have “twinkle toes”. Tonight I am sure the purists will be happy to have the “Ballroom Blitz “ evening back in the deck 2 Queens Room venue.

A few small snippets of info, that some might be interested in! There are probably no more than 20 under 18’s on this trip, some of which are babies. The QV, considering her age, is still looking good: (not sure when her next refit is). 

For those who might be reading this, and have not been on QV before, you have a lot to look forward to!

I am happy to answer any questions if I can.

[sfred]

1 hour ago, LadyL1 said:

We have had the most splendid, sunny day in Madeira.

Funchal is a great cruise stop,

 

Thanks or your report and photos, @LadyL1.  The Madeira holiday decorations look very nice. 

 

We too had an excellent day in Funchal from QE back in September.  We departed at dusk, and enjoyed sailaway from our balcony.  We have an enduring memory of all the lights on the hills as we went around the island to depart to the northeast.

[LadyL1]

Our journey northwards continues at a leisurely pace, and think I saw FO’s Balmoral going south on the starboard side not so long ago. It is still warm with people in costumes sunbathing on the open decks: how we are going to miss this in a few days time! Yet another early morning swim, and for the first time I had to share the aft pool after breakfast on the balcony. The Pavilion pool had been empty and netted for the previous 36 hours, but it is open again and being used.

Our first inkling of going back to reality arrived today with the case departure tags being left in the letter holders. For some reason we have been given the earliest departure, rather than being asked what would be a convenient time. So it looks as if we will get the tail end of Southampton rush hour when leaving the CPS site.

Late this afternoon we have an invite to the Captain’s and senior officers party, at the strange time of 5.15.  Not sure who gets on this list but if it is not a  shoulder to shoulder squash, we will attend in the Queens Room. With the mention of that venue,  last night the Latin Dance was sparsely attended (but enjoyed by those there) considering this is  an almost capacity sailing. What a difference to the night before.

For many hours we have watched the ocean, but we have not once seen anything other than a few birds. Some were talking in the restaurant the other day and said porpoises had been seen. It seems the sea swell will increase a little later today and maybe hit 3m in the Bay of Biscay, so nothing dramatic expected.

For now we continue with this winter idyll, and will do the same again next year on the Queen Anne. 

 

[seasickphil]

On 11/26/2023 at 11:58 AM, BigMac1953 said:

We're mid-ships and haven't felt any movemenrt whatsoever. A bit disappointing.

You may be getting your wish, [i sincerely hope not for the rest of the passengers] according to todays shipping forecast Gale force 9 winds with rough seas are predicted later today in the Trafalgar/FitzRoy areas. I truly hope [as my username might indicate i certainly wouldn't enjoy the predicted conditions] that the gales do not materialise and everyone onboard remain safe, well and enjoy your last few days aboard QV.

[D&N]

1 hour ago, LadyL1 said:

last night the Latin Dance was sparsely attended (but enjoyed by those there) considering this is  an almost capacity sailing. What a difference to the night before.

Was it just Latin?

 

That would seem stupid. Most afternoons/evenings of general dancing held in Central Scotland would be about 75% ballroom and 25% latin, sequence and party dances. There are certainly folk who specialise in latin dancing but they're unlikely to fill the floor.

I find it hard to believe that the Irish duo wouldn't play some numbers suitable for ballroom or latin. We dance 90% ballroom & latin to the bands and disco music in G32.

I disapprove of them putting chairs on the dance floor though. That reduces the number of people that can dance at any time and risks having sticky drinks spilt on the wood.

 

Nice to read your posts. Hope it's not too cold when you return. The forecasters are even threatening us with 1°C some mornings this week!

[Winifred 22]

22 minutes ago, D&N said:

Was it just Latin?

 

That would seem stupid. Most afternoons/evenings of general dancing held in Central Scotland would be about 75% ballroom and 25% latin, sequence and party dances. There are certainly folk who specialise in latin dancing but they're unlikely to fill the floor.

I find it hard to believe that the Irish duo wouldn't play some numbers suitable for ballroom or latin. We dance 90% ballroom & latin to the bands and disco music in G32.

I disapprove of them putting chairs on the dance floor though. That reduces the number of people that can dance at any time and risks having sticky drinks spilt on the wood.

 

Nice to read your posts. Hope it's not too cold when you return. The forecasters are even threatening us with 1°C some mornings this week!

Been -1 most mornings here near Southampton. Bit better today. 

[LadyL1]

3 hours ago, D&N said:

Was it just Latin?

 

I find it hard to believe that the Irish duo wouldn't play some numbers suitable for ballroom or latin. We dance 90% ballroom & latin to the bands and disco music in G32.

I disapprove of them putting chairs on the dance floor though. That reduces the number of people that can dance at any time and risks having sticky drinks spilt on the wood.

 

The night before last, it was just entertainment by the singing duo in the Queens Room, which was highly appreciated and the venue packed. There may have been ballroom dancing later on, but as I posted, dancing was in the Yacht Club. Last night it was Latin and other ballroom dances in the QR.

[Bell Boy]

Re the 5.15pm 'Senior officers party',  it might be wise to double check with 'Voyage Sales' or Concierge  (don't waste time at the Pursers desk) to confirm if there is a later reception at 7.15pm .

Last month there were two, my  travel companion friends received 5.15pm and I received 7.15pm , we were all dining at 8.15pm .  

[Wimborne Lad]

1 hour ago, Bell Boy said:

Re the 5.15pm 'Senior officers party',  it might be wise to double check with 'Voyage Sales' or Concierge  (don't waste time at the Pursers desk) to confirm if there is a later reception at 7.15pm .

Last month there were two, my  travel companion friends received 5.15pm and I received 7.15pm , we were all dining at 8.15pm .  

That's useful to know.  Thank you.  (We had a similar experience the other day with different dates for the Wine Tasting event - which,  in my opinion,  is a pale shadow of what it was in the QE2 years!).

[CABINET]

We’ve received our luggage labels and have a disembarkation time but no location to sit and wait?

 

As we are Platinum we used to have a dedicated location with coffee and pastries and, if I remember correctly, priority disembarkation but now I don’t know if such a perk exists.  

[exlondoner]

4 minutes ago, CABINET said:

We’ve received our luggage labels and have a disembarkation time but no location to sit and wait?

 

As we are Platinum we used to have a dedicated location with coffee and pastries and, if I remember correctly, priority disembarkation but now I don’t know if such a perk exists.  

You wait in your cabin until your time. At least that is what we did in August. Worked very well.

[Host Hattie]

9 minutes ago, CABINET said:

We’ve received our luggage labels and have a disembarkation time but no location to sit and wait?

 

As we are Platinum we used to have a dedicated location with coffee and pastries and, if I remember correctly, priority disembarkation but now I don’t know if such a perk exists.  

The letter with the labels and the time should say that you disembark direct from your cabin. 

[CABINET]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.  

[BigMac1953]

3 hours ago, Bell Boy said:

Re the 5.15pm 'Senior officers party',  it might be wise to double check with 'Voyage Sales' or Concierge  (don't waste time at the Pursers desk) to confirm if there is a later reception at 7.15pm .

Last month there were two, my  travel companion friends received 5.15pm and I received 7.15pm , we were all dining at 8.15pm .  

 

We received a 5:30 pm invitation.

 

Unfortunately, did not realise there was another, so had to kick our heels for nearly a couple of hours after the "party" fizzled out.

 

"Senior Officers" mingled with each other in a couple of groups.

 

As usual, no sign of any cocktails at the "Senioir Officer's Cocktail Party". We ordered our own.

[LadyL1]

Some more news from the QV, and we really know we are on our way home with the temperatures dropping!

We did go to the officer’s party in the Queens Room early last evening. It was not overly crowded and unlike BigMac found wine, fizz, G&Ts and cocktails in abundance. The hot canapés were delicious and also plentiful. It was a chance to get to chat with folk we had not come across before, and we honestly enjoyed ourselves. Will be chatting later with BigMac! 

The theatre performance was a 60s tribute band, and they were good. It was nice to see a near packed house. They will be performing in the Queens Room for the farewell bash!

Last night the ocean had some attitude and at noon the wave swell was 4.5m: the little “white bags”  were in evidence and strategically placed in the public areas. This morning’s turn around the prom, was more of a challenge in the wind and only a few hardy souls outside.  The steamers were devoid of padded cushions, and everything on the upper decks lashed down. Sadly for me, both pools were netted, so I think I have had my last swim for this trip. 

As I write, it is much calmer and mostly blue sky. 

I noticed that the proverbial “pop up stalls” on deck 3 were selling silly hats for our Roaring 20s evening: I guess another money spinner. The previous 2 formal evenings saw classy participation, and I do so hope that will be the same for this evening. After dinner, before the Christmas show, perhaps I will go for a spot of people watching 👀!

I will report tomorrow.

There have been some interesting “amuse bouches” which made for a nice photo.

Edited December 4, 2023 by LadyL1

[LadyL1]

Last night’s “Roaring 20s” formal evening had glitz and gowns in profusion! I would think at least 60% of the ladies made some kind of effort towards the theme, from simple long strings of pearls and a few feathers to flapper dresses or the truly elegant formal wear. A few men were in flat hats, red braces and even spats, but most just with evening black tie outfit. People seemed to be enjoying the occasion and the theatre production was a Christmas show, that added to the atmosphere.

This morning was bright and breezy and a walk around deck 3 was certainly enough to blow any cobwebs away and the woolly hat made an appearance for the second time!

So now we have to pack, and dream on until the next cruise. I will admit that this is my favourite ship of the 3. There are so many crew we are always delighted to see again, and the service has been exemplary as always.

A few observations and what I would like to see on QA. I know this has been aired before and there is always debate on this subject but nothing stands still. I do so hope the stateroom entry system is upgraded, rather than fiddling with the slide in keycard. Wi-fi enabled or click release on approach would be wonderful. I am sure I have read that all Grills areas will have regulated access, which I am in favour of, but the keycard system in the lifts needs radical updating that modern technology is capable of. Over the past few days it has often taken at least 3 attempts to get the higher buttons to register. I find this rather discomforting while others watch or even ask what we are doing.

I would love to see  Cunard commission a smaller ship, to be able to enter ports away from the modern mega ships, but I am sure that is just too much to expect. As it is I am happy to wait with anticipation for our first trip on QA.

Thank you for those who have taken the trouble to read this blog, and it is not too late if you wish to ask me any questions, before our early arrival in cold Southampton.

A Merry Christmas to all and happy cruising in 2024!

[exlondoner]

It is slightly warmer today. 
 

I so agree about access to the Grills via the lifts. The relief I feel when I enter to find someone has already activated the button is ridiculous. I disagree about accessing cabins though. I don’t want my door opening unless I (or my spouse, I suppose 🙂) has taken some positive action. The idea of it opening when it senses my (or his) approach is horrendous.

 

Hope the packing doesn’t ruin your last day.

[Wimborne Lad]

I know I'm in the minority but I would prefer being able to load my cruise card onto my phone e.g. via Google wallet, so I could pay for a coffee through that.  Furthermore,  similarly to our house burglar alarm automatically disarming,  I'd enjoy having my stateroom door being Bluetooth-enabled so it unlocks as I get near - and howabout the facility to  whisper, "Queen's Grill," into my phone as I approach the lift to avoid any embarrassment! However, I quite understand traditionalists who'd rather have a big key and a wad of cash - we're all different and that is what makes us interesting. 

[exlondoner]

18 minutes ago, Wimborne Lad said:

I know I'm in the minority but I would prefer being able to load my cruise card onto my phone e.g. via Google wallet, so I could pay for a coffee through that.  Furthermore,  similarly to our house burglar alarm automatically disarming,  I'd enjoy having my stateroom door being Bluetooth-enabled so it unlocks as I get near - and howabout the facility to  whisper, "Queen's Grill," into my phone as I approach the lift to avoid any embarrassment! However, I quite understand traditionalists who'd rather have a big key and a wad of cash - we're all different and that is what makes us interesting. 

When did anyone last carry a wad of cash around  on a ship? Certainly before my first cruise in the 1990s. All that would mean you have to carry your phone around, assuming you have one with you, much more trouble than just carrying a little card in your pocket.

Edited December 5, 2023 by exlondoner

[Host Hattie]

I hope you're enjoying your last evening on board, thanks again for taking us with you.

[Victoria2]

1 hour ago, exlondoner said:

When did anyone last carry a wad of cash around  on a ship? Certainly before my first cruise in the 1990s. All that would mean you have to carry your phone around, assuming you have one with you, much more trouble than just carrying a little card in your pocket.

Quite rightly bearing in mind not all of us take a phone away with us and not everyone has a phone capable of opening doors or paying for stuff anyway, I can't see open sesame by phone, just yet.