January 4th,5th,6th

On the afternoon of Thursday, January 4th, I found my way to the gym, which was way down in the bowels of the ship! Not a lot of equipment and therefore a need to book ones time on each machine. I was delighted that on this occasion I was able to exercise my needs there and then, probably because most passengers were suffering the effects of the rough sea. The pool was closed at this time, but looked inviting. Another formal evening and delicious dinner, with more guests appearing around the ship as they found their sea legs! We had quite a laugh in the Golden Lion pub watching the karaoke until midnight when we put our watches back for the third time, after which we relocated to the Yacht Club for the 60’s rock n’roll dance. The sea continued to roll us about when we awoke on Friday, January 5th, and the Captain announced that it was unlikely to change for the next 24 hours. Alan had been out and about since 5.00am and had dared to venture out on deck for some fresh air, finding a sheltered corner where he wouldn’t get blown overboard! We strolled around the ship’s shopping mall (not without spending) as there was a jewellery show prior to a talk on ‘gem stones’, which we attended before lunch. In the afternoon Dr Terry Waite, CBE, gave his first of three lectures about his experiences as a hostage in Beirut. Alan stayed for Ted Scull’s lecture specialising in New York’s railway and maritime subjects and I returned to the gym before our black and white formal evening. The ships dress code has to be strictly adhered to from 6.00pm daily, but in comparison to the Queen Mary 2 I do not think that female guests dress as elegantly, there are far fewer glamorous gowns! The Queen’s Grill lounge offers superb canapés with drinks pre dinner so we found a pleasant seat and enjoyed the moment. Our evening entertainment was opera singer JC Fisher, an interesting hour, one of many choices. However, choosing between pianist, harpist, two vocalists, dancing or karaoke gave us little to get excited about. I think this ship is for classical music enthusiasts. The theatre company are still rehearsing as they embarked at Southampton, so as yet they have not put on a show! I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to boarding Queen Mary for their entertainment schedule! I haven’t been to the casino so that pleasure has yet to come and the films showing are not of particular interest to me.
After putting back our watches again we awoke just south of New Foundland on Saturday, January 6th, to a calmer sea and thick fog, but at least we felt little of the ships movement, the squeaks were greatly reduced, our picture now hung still and our doors did not need to be secured. Alan had his first early morning swim as the pool was now open. I am enjoying late breakfasts in our suite whilst Alan eats in the Queens grill every morning. We were invited to the Captains World Club member’s cocktail party at 11.30am where we were introduced to Mrs Muller, who has been a resident on the ship for 13 years! The Captain was unavoidably detained due to the thickening fog. Air temperature outside was 3degrees and the fog was caused through the cold water coming south from the St Lawrence River and meeting the relatively warm air of the Atlantic. (It had been 12 degrees all the way across the ocean from the UK) We were several miles north of where the Titanic went down, but very confident in the Queen Elizabeth2! After lunch a leisurely afternoon before exercising the calories away and preparing for the evening red, white and blue ball.

January 2,3,4. 2007

We boarded the QE2 on January 2nd 2007 at 1.15pm and were shown to our suite, which was very elegantly decorated with separate dressing room and bathroom incorporating full suite and shower. We were pleased to have so much space and after lunch we unpacked quickly before taking our first trip around the ship. Through negotiating the scooter we have discovered that the port side is wheelchair friendly but on the starboard side the steps remain without additional ramps. I guess we have to travel on the left! The Police Brass Band played all afternoon around the ship and then at 5.00pm there was an incredible firework display on the starboard side, which we watched from our cabin window. The band returned to the quay to continue their ‘sail away’ serenade. Unfortunately, stores were still being loaded due to the ships late arrival (woman overboard on New Year Eve) and so we did not sail until 7.00pm. However, the Captain said we would soon make up our time – and we have!
The evening dress code was informal and we were very pleased to find our table for two in a good position when we went to the Queen’s Grill restaurant for the first time at 8.45pm. The couple adjacent were chatty and the meal was excellent. Afterwards we strolled into one of the lounges and listened to a harpist playing whilst we had our night cap. The sea had a swell when we went to bed but by morning it was at force 8 strength and increased as the day progressed. We both enjoyed a ‘talk’ in the late morning – Alan’s by Benedict Allen, an English adventurer, and mine was an introduction to the Spa and beauty facilities followed by the Tanzanite show, after which I sat and watched the ballroom dancing until we met for lunch. The ship was by then bouncing about a bit and we both decided to prepare for worsening weather by taking a ‘Calm’ – which was a good idea and so was a snooze in the afternoon! It was a formal dress evening and we went to the gold/platinum members Captains welcome cocktail event before dinner where Alan was approached by Terry Waites who found great interest in his scooter and they chatted a while. By now the ship was bobbing up and down and not many guests came out to play! Dinner was most enjoyable and later we went to hear the Broadway star, Jerri Sagar, sing songs from her shows. Again, not many guests had ventured far from their cabins! Overnight the sea calmed a little but by morning the swell was quite strong again and the picture on our wall was swinging along with the movement, even I was feeling a bit wobbly. Not to be beaten we both went to a demonstration before lunch. I have just logged on to QE2 Internet connection so I hope it works! We have put the clock back twice and will do so again this evening so at least we are getting a lay in every day! First impressions of the ship are that she is very elegant but too small for me, I think 10 days will be enough!