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!