I edited my video down to about 7 minutes capturing the events of the trip and the changing weather conditions. Apologies for the shaky video in the first section. The camera seems to have a problem when zoomed in and it is windy outside. You can view it here:
http://youtu.be/lGa5bR79LJc
Enjoy!
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Saturday
Disembarkation at Brooklyn was a bit of a nightmare. I was in the second to last group scheduled to leave at 1010. We waited in the Queens room and by 1045 we were still there. We were told immigration was slow. I was off the ship and through immigration just before noon. And then the traffic chaos that is the Brooklyn cruise terminal kicked in. So many cars and no where for them to go, the car I had ordered had long left so I checked out the taxi line. It was looping back and forth at least four times and without any taxis able to get in, it would be a multi hour wait. I called the car company back and they were able to send another car which I cut off before he got too close to the terminal and needed an extra 30 mins to get out. Another reason to consider smaller ships in smaller ports. I hadn't experienced this in the last two crossings. I feel bad for the people staying on the ship for the trip back and planned a day in NYC. If they got 3 hours in the city they would be lucky.
Friday evening I went to a concert at Jazz at Lincoln Center. The music was a bit to modern/abstract for me but the musicianship was great. Best part is the stunning view from the Appel room overlooking Columbus Circle. What a spot!
Saturday
Went for a jog in Central Park, something I've always wanted to do. It was a beautiful day, and I certainly wasn't the only one out. In fact there are running lanes in the roads it is so popular.
Now at LGA waiting for flight home. So that's it for this year. I may post pictures and videos later.
Friday evening I went to a concert at Jazz at Lincoln Center. The music was a bit to modern/abstract for me but the musicianship was great. Best part is the stunning view from the Appel room overlooking Columbus Circle. What a spot!
Saturday
Went for a jog in Central Park, something I've always wanted to do. It was a beautiful day, and I certainly wasn't the only one out. In fact there are running lanes in the roads it is so popular.
Now at LGA waiting for flight home. So that's it for this year. I may post pictures and videos later.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Last day
Well I didn't expect to get a sunburn but that's what happened yesterday. It was warm and I spent too much time in the sun. I look a little foolish today. It was just too nice to go inside (or put on sun screen for that matter!)
The sun decks were full and everyone was enjoying it. If it had been like that the entire crossing it would have been great. I watched a school (pod?) of dolphins swim by the ship. There must have been 10 or so, jumping together. I kept watch for a while longer but no more appeared. There were reports of whales too but I didn't see any.
Friday
Set the alarm for 415 am to get on deck and watch the arrival in to ny. There were light showers but nothing serious. It was foggy though, so the vzn bridge wasn't visible until we were close to it. I've seen videos of qm2 going under the bridge but it really does look like a close call when seeing it in person.
We swung round and got a nice view of the Statue of Liberty and then maneuvered into place in Brooklyn. I went back to bed for an hour and then got up, had breakfast and packed the rest of my things.
The sun decks were full and everyone was enjoying it. If it had been like that the entire crossing it would have been great. I watched a school (pod?) of dolphins swim by the ship. There must have been 10 or so, jumping together. I kept watch for a while longer but no more appeared. There were reports of whales too but I didn't see any.
Friday
Set the alarm for 415 am to get on deck and watch the arrival in to ny. There were light showers but nothing serious. It was foggy though, so the vzn bridge wasn't visible until we were close to it. I've seen videos of qm2 going under the bridge but it really does look like a close call when seeing it in person.
We swung round and got a nice view of the Statue of Liberty and then maneuvered into place in Brooklyn. I went back to bed for an hour and then got up, had breakfast and packed the rest of my things.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Thursday
When I was looking at which cruise I would take this year, the two negatives that I could think of for this one were :
1. Too short. Last two years I had taken 10 night itineraries and found it to be a good duration. A week can be short and it has indeed flown by. I could use a couple more days but this length is fine, especially with a night in NYC.
2. Too cold. The last two years I have experienced wonderfully warm days at sea and it is very nice. I had breakfast outside and could lie out in the sun during the day. This year has been very cold, much colder than my first crossing on qm2 . Weather is always a "luck of the draw" thing but I think this is fairly typical for this route, in this time of year. The sun came out yesterday and that made it nice enough to sit out...in my warm coat. I have no regrets but I have a feeling that if I do another crossing next year, it will be a warmer route.
Yesterday was the keynote lecture by Stephen Payne, the designer of this ship. He was really good, telling the story of how he wanted to design ships since he was a young boy and almost did not get into the field because passenger ships were in decline. He not only designed this ship , but also the seaboard Quest series. He is immensely proud of this ship, as he should be.
The sun came out and the wind died down a little Wednesday afternoon and everyone was dying to get out. The promenade was packed and people were even out playing shuffleboard, despite the cold temperatures. I walked many laps and went to the top sun decks taking photos. We also saw a few cargo ships, a sign we are getting into busier waters.
Thursday
Another sign is the baggage tags that were delivered to my room. Don't want to think about packing.
Seas are calm this morning and the wind is down too. It is pleasant enough that the crew has out the cushions out for the deck chairs. It's not really warm but it feels much better than other days. The promenade deck is too busy to jog, perhaps later afternoon.
By noon the skies had cleared and the temperature rocketed to 20. I lied out by the pool for a couple of hours enjoying it. What a gorgeous day. I will be outside for the rest of the day I'm sure.
1. Too short. Last two years I had taken 10 night itineraries and found it to be a good duration. A week can be short and it has indeed flown by. I could use a couple more days but this length is fine, especially with a night in NYC.
2. Too cold. The last two years I have experienced wonderfully warm days at sea and it is very nice. I had breakfast outside and could lie out in the sun during the day. This year has been very cold, much colder than my first crossing on qm2 . Weather is always a "luck of the draw" thing but I think this is fairly typical for this route, in this time of year. The sun came out yesterday and that made it nice enough to sit out...in my warm coat. I have no regrets but I have a feeling that if I do another crossing next year, it will be a warmer route.
Yesterday was the keynote lecture by Stephen Payne, the designer of this ship. He was really good, telling the story of how he wanted to design ships since he was a young boy and almost did not get into the field because passenger ships were in decline. He not only designed this ship , but also the seaboard Quest series. He is immensely proud of this ship, as he should be.
The sun came out and the wind died down a little Wednesday afternoon and everyone was dying to get out. The promenade was packed and people were even out playing shuffleboard, despite the cold temperatures. I walked many laps and went to the top sun decks taking photos. We also saw a few cargo ships, a sign we are getting into busier waters.
Thursday
Another sign is the baggage tags that were delivered to my room. Don't want to think about packing.
Seas are calm this morning and the wind is down too. It is pleasant enough that the crew has out the cushions out for the deck chairs. It's not really warm but it feels much better than other days. The promenade deck is too busy to jog, perhaps later afternoon.
By noon the skies had cleared and the temperature rocketed to 20. I lied out by the pool for a couple of hours enjoying it. What a gorgeous day. I will be outside for the rest of the day I'm sure.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Wednesday
It got colder as the day went on with lots of mist and spray. I went for a jog after lunch and the promenade was not too busy. Nice weather for jogging though. I went for 30 mins and then went to the gym to cool down and stretch. A quick rinse and then I did use the outdoor hottub as it was actually hot...well, warm anyway. I had it to myself and was able to enjoy the expansive ocean views.
I watched part of a movie I downloaded on my iPad and then got ready for dinner, another informal night. I went to the chart room fora drink and talked to a fun couple from Leicester. I've found that I've met one or two people every time I sit down at a bar. It's been fun. Before long it as time for dinner. They were dining in the Princess grill after they got upgraded. They thought food was as good in brittania, the main dining room where I am. As I said earlier, I have found the food to be better than my other crossing. No complaints.
I went to the show and then listened to the jazz trio again. They are really good. I went for a short walk on deck after midnight, it was very peaceful and not too windy.
Wednesday
The weather on the other hand, was much better on my 2011 crossing. Clearly, that crossing was exceptional. Today the temperature has dropped further to 7. Yikes! Wind is up and the seas are moderate . I am writing this from the indoor pool area on deck 12. When the sun does come out we get the greenhouse effect and it is actually warm. As I look around, there must be a dozen people sleeping. Nice and warm with some gentle rocking , sleep seems to come easy.
Unfortunately the days are numbered now as we get closer to New York . Here are a few more photos from yesterday.
I watched part of a movie I downloaded on my iPad and then got ready for dinner, another informal night. I went to the chart room fora drink and talked to a fun couple from Leicester. I've found that I've met one or two people every time I sit down at a bar. It's been fun. Before long it as time for dinner. They were dining in the Princess grill after they got upgraded. They thought food was as good in brittania, the main dining room where I am. As I said earlier, I have found the food to be better than my other crossing. No complaints.
I went to the show and then listened to the jazz trio again. They are really good. I went for a short walk on deck after midnight, it was very peaceful and not too windy.
Wednesday
The weather on the other hand, was much better on my 2011 crossing. Clearly, that crossing was exceptional. Today the temperature has dropped further to 7. Yikes! Wind is up and the seas are moderate . I am writing this from the indoor pool area on deck 12. When the sun does come out we get the greenhouse effect and it is actually warm. As I look around, there must be a dozen people sleeping. Nice and warm with some gentle rocking , sleep seems to come easy.
Unfortunately the days are numbered now as we get closer to New York . Here are a few more photos from yesterday.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Tuesday update
The wind picked up during the day to the point where the promenade deck was closed in the evening.m. I walked three laps around 530 and it was very difficult to walk. On one side there was so much spray that it felt like rain but it wasn't. By the third lap there were very few people out and I went up to the terrace pool on deck 7. There, it is quite sheltered, and the pool and hot tubs were open...though I don't think anyone has been in the this trip, it is too cold. But the sun through a small opening in the clouds and it looked tempting so I went back to my cabin and changed into my swim suit. Back to the pool, I had a find palace to put my shirt so that it wouldn't blow away, I ventured to the hot tub, only to find out, as I walked in, that it was no hotter than the pool. I tried the second one and it was the same. If it had been hot, it would have been amazing but instead I got out and quickly wrapped myself in a towel. I did some applause for my effort from a lady smoking outside in a sheltered spot.
It was a lazy day otherwise as I spent a couple hours reading and relaxing.
There was a magician performing before dinner but I wasn't too impressed. Fairly boring actually. Dinner was good again, and as we were finishing , one of the entertainers onboard, a tenor singer, stood up and sang along with a violinist. People got up from their seats and went over to hear him fill this huge room with his voice. He sang a bit of "oh Danny boy " and the room erupted in cheers and applause when he finished . He has quite a voice, it was a memorable moment.
Tuesday
We had a regular 24 hour day so I slept in to 930, had a quick breakfast and went to a talk by Stephen Payne again, this time about Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth. Clearly the ship is full of ship geeks as his lectures and full, even in the large theatre. People were sitting in the aisles. He is very good and tomorrow he gives his main talk about designing this ship. I will need to get there early.
Wind is down this morning and seas are calmer, no whitecaps that I can see. It is cloudy though, some sun would be nice.
It was a lazy day otherwise as I spent a couple hours reading and relaxing.
There was a magician performing before dinner but I wasn't too impressed. Fairly boring actually. Dinner was good again, and as we were finishing , one of the entertainers onboard, a tenor singer, stood up and sang along with a violinist. People got up from their seats and went over to hear him fill this huge room with his voice. He sang a bit of "oh Danny boy " and the room erupted in cheers and applause when he finished . He has quite a voice, it was a memorable moment.
Tuesday
We had a regular 24 hour day so I slept in to 930, had a quick breakfast and went to a talk by Stephen Payne again, this time about Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth. Clearly the ship is full of ship geeks as his lectures and full, even in the large theatre. People were sitting in the aisles. He is very good and tomorrow he gives his main talk about designing this ship. I will need to get there early.
Wind is down this morning and seas are calmer, no whitecaps that I can see. It is cloudy though, some sun would be nice.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Monday update
The seas got smoother as the day went on Sunday to the point that I went for a jog on deck around 5 pm. The wind, however, was still very strong, especially on one side of the ship. It was so strong that my earbuds would not stay in my ears and I had to really lean forward to make any progress. Still it was nice to get some real exercise.
Even some staff members told me they found it to be some of the roughest seas they have felt. The better weather improved the mood on the ship, it was obvious to tell in the bars and restaurant. Speaking of people, I find it to be a much younger crowd than my last time on board. There are a few families with children, and many more in their 30s and 40s. There is lots of activity in the bars for pre and post dinner drinks.
From talking to people a couple of days ago, I found that the colour of your key card equates to your level in the Cunard loyalty program. I had a red striped card which means I am on for the first time. Gasp! The indignity! I went to the purser's desk and had it rectified. I now carry a silver card!
I went to two lectures yesterday, the first by a woman who has been a social hostess on Cunard for 35+ years. She started on the original queen Mary all the way to Queen Mary 2, and many ships in between. She had many interesting stories to tell, and was quite entertaining. The second lecture was given by Stephan Payne, the architect of this ship. He spoke about the Lusitania and Mauritania , two great Cunard liners. Very interesting talk. The Lusitania used to consume 900 tones of coal per day. Compare that to Qm2, at five times the size, consumes about 300 tons of fuel per day. And because it was coal, it would take 6 days to clean it and load it with more coal for a return ride, amazing!
It was the second formal night last night. It was another great meal and we had commemorative menus we could keep. Came back to my room to find a hard cover book about the ship as a gift, a very nice touch.
This morning I woke to calmest seas yet. The wind has died down but still brisk and cold on deck. I hope many of the closed off sections of the ship will be open today.
Even some staff members told me they found it to be some of the roughest seas they have felt. The better weather improved the mood on the ship, it was obvious to tell in the bars and restaurant. Speaking of people, I find it to be a much younger crowd than my last time on board. There are a few families with children, and many more in their 30s and 40s. There is lots of activity in the bars for pre and post dinner drinks.
From talking to people a couple of days ago, I found that the colour of your key card equates to your level in the Cunard loyalty program. I had a red striped card which means I am on for the first time. Gasp! The indignity! I went to the purser's desk and had it rectified. I now carry a silver card!
I went to two lectures yesterday, the first by a woman who has been a social hostess on Cunard for 35+ years. She started on the original queen Mary all the way to Queen Mary 2, and many ships in between. She had many interesting stories to tell, and was quite entertaining. The second lecture was given by Stephan Payne, the architect of this ship. He spoke about the Lusitania and Mauritania , two great Cunard liners. Very interesting talk. The Lusitania used to consume 900 tones of coal per day. Compare that to Qm2, at five times the size, consumes about 300 tons of fuel per day. And because it was coal, it would take 6 days to clean it and load it with more coal for a return ride, amazing!
It was the second formal night last night. It was another great meal and we had commemorative menus we could keep. Came back to my room to find a hard cover book about the ship as a gift, a very nice touch.
This morning I woke to calmest seas yet. The wind has died down but still brisk and cold on deck. I hope many of the closed off sections of the ship will be open today.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Update 2
Day 2
Saturday was probably the roughest seas I have ever experienced. The captain called them "quite rough" and the wind was force 8. I think that is close to 100 Km/hr. Plus when you are traveling directly into the wind, it feels much stronger. Many decks were closed, and the promenade, while open, was a challenge. I took some video I can share later. My mid afternoon the ship was moving quite a bit but I can now say that this ship really does sail through it like no other that I have been on. (Even though there was as the odd shutter as it pitched forward in a large swell!) Any other ship would have been having a great deal of trouble with it but not this one. The captain didn't alter course, we just went exactly where he wanted to go. It was sunny most of the day which made it very beautiful, even thrilling at times.
It was also very cold as a result of the wind. Good Canadian winter wear would have been perfect.
Luckily I did take the miracle drug avomine last night in anticipation so I was able to enjoy it. I did not, however, run outside, or get much exercise for that matter. Walking was difficult outside and withe the gym in the front of the ship, there is no way I could have used the treadmill without needing a trip to the medical centre shortly after. I will need to find a way to exercise tomorrow. By dinner time the waves had subsided slightly but there were still "heavy swells". The captain said it should last through most of Sunday.
But it was a great day overall and I did two things I did not do last time on board.
1. i saw the bridge. There is a viewing area that I did not know about before. It is interesting and boring at the same time. It is a big area with lots of panels, computer screens and a great view forward. But nothing happens as the people there are really "on the watch."
2. I experienced afternoon tea. It is quite the spectacle with tea served in the ballroom by white gloved wait staff and lots of accompanying food including scones and clotted cream and those great sandwiches with the crusts cut off!
I had dinner I the main dining room tonight. I am at a table of 8 though only 7 were there tonight. It's a good mix of people from the uk, US and the lone Canadian.
I think it will be a good group. And the table has a nice view by the window, where on a couple of occasions, the wave actually came up and covered it!
Food was really good today, even better than I remembered it. I had four courses for dinner including a mushroom puff pastry with balsamic reduction. But all courses were done really well. I nice bottle of Bordeaux also helped.
Sunday
Happy Mother's Day to my Mom, and to my sister Cathy who is also celebrating a birthday. Best wishes to you both from the high seas of the North Atlantic!
We set the clocks back an hour for the second time last night but I still slept until 9. I do love the 25 hour days. I opened my curtain to reveal sun and similar seas.
A couple lectures today including one about two famous Cunard ships , the Lusitania and Mauritania.
All for now.
Saturday was probably the roughest seas I have ever experienced. The captain called them "quite rough" and the wind was force 8. I think that is close to 100 Km/hr. Plus when you are traveling directly into the wind, it feels much stronger. Many decks were closed, and the promenade, while open, was a challenge. I took some video I can share later. My mid afternoon the ship was moving quite a bit but I can now say that this ship really does sail through it like no other that I have been on. (Even though there was as the odd shutter as it pitched forward in a large swell!) Any other ship would have been having a great deal of trouble with it but not this one. The captain didn't alter course, we just went exactly where he wanted to go. It was sunny most of the day which made it very beautiful, even thrilling at times.
It was also very cold as a result of the wind. Good Canadian winter wear would have been perfect.
Luckily I did take the miracle drug avomine last night in anticipation so I was able to enjoy it. I did not, however, run outside, or get much exercise for that matter. Walking was difficult outside and withe the gym in the front of the ship, there is no way I could have used the treadmill without needing a trip to the medical centre shortly after. I will need to find a way to exercise tomorrow. By dinner time the waves had subsided slightly but there were still "heavy swells". The captain said it should last through most of Sunday.
But it was a great day overall and I did two things I did not do last time on board.
1. i saw the bridge. There is a viewing area that I did not know about before. It is interesting and boring at the same time. It is a big area with lots of panels, computer screens and a great view forward. But nothing happens as the people there are really "on the watch."
2. I experienced afternoon tea. It is quite the spectacle with tea served in the ballroom by white gloved wait staff and lots of accompanying food including scones and clotted cream and those great sandwiches with the crusts cut off!
I had dinner I the main dining room tonight. I am at a table of 8 though only 7 were there tonight. It's a good mix of people from the uk, US and the lone Canadian.
I think it will be a good group. And the table has a nice view by the window, where on a couple of occasions, the wave actually came up and covered it!
Food was really good today, even better than I remembered it. I had four courses for dinner including a mushroom puff pastry with balsamic reduction. But all courses were done really well. I nice bottle of Bordeaux also helped.
Sunday
Happy Mother's Day to my Mom, and to my sister Cathy who is also celebrating a birthday. Best wishes to you both from the high seas of the North Atlantic!
We set the clocks back an hour for the second time last night but I still slept until 9. I do love the 25 hour days. I opened my curtain to reveal sun and similar seas.
A couple lectures today including one about two famous Cunard ships , the Lusitania and Mauritania.
All for now.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Update 1
Friday
I did get up at 4:50 and walked to mayflower park. I got there as Queen Elizabeth turned and docked. Queen Victoria came in shortly after. Finally QM2 arrived, led by a tug boat water canon salute. The only problem was that it was all around the berth for Qm2, not the Mayflower Park as they had said. So my views were from a distance. The helicopters got a much better view and Cunard quickly posted a great video.
I walked back to the hotel and had a couple hours more sleep, got up and had breakfast. This day was quite, nice so I went for a jog through the Southampton parks. It wasn't long but enough to wake me up again.
After a shower I went walking to the shopping centre and then the maritime museum. It is nice but largely focused on titanic. I found it more depressing than I expected as it was very personal to Southampton, showing how the disaster impacted the community. I guess it had the proper effect on me. I never expected it to be a nice, cheery display, but this really shows the deep impact it had.
I had lunch at a nice Italian spot on Oxford st., walked back and got a taxi to the terminal. Thinking I was late enough to avoid the crowds, I was wrong . Perhaps it was due to prince Phillip being there for lunch, but the terminal was full. Still, it was very civilized and I read magazines while I waited for "green W" to be called, about an hour later. I boarded and my luggage had been delivered. I cracked the Pol Acker champagne and unpacked. I then walked around the ship and it looks great. It could be the refit they did two years ago or just because of event, but it does look good.
I booked dinner at Todd English so that I could the fireworks at 10pm. Not much choice for vegetarians but a salad and mushroom flatbread was plenty, and very good.
At 930 pm we pulled back into a spot behind the two other Cunard ships to get ready for the fireworks. It was very cold and I never did get gloves yesterday. I could have used a parka and torque though! At 10 I had a great spot lined up on deck 8 at the rear of the ship near the terrace pool. Only problem, when the fireworks started, I could only hear them as they were being launched from in front of the ship! Two events in one day I was in the wrong position for! Along with a multitude of others climbed the stairs to deck 12 and from there got a nice view of an impressive display. It lasted 10 minutes with symphonic music playing. It was quite a scene.
I listened to I the jazz trio in the chart room and called it a night.
Saturday
I slept well and woke not feeling much movement even though the captain said we would have moderate seas. I looked out and there were lots of white caps so it is very windy. The room I have on deck five midship definitely negates any movement. We are still in the English Channel due to our late departure. There is a mix of sun and cloud and 13 degrees. It is quite beautiful when the sun is out, quite a view having breakfast .
Not too much on the agenda that interests me. Will probably find a spot to watch the sea and read. All for now.
I did get up at 4:50 and walked to mayflower park. I got there as Queen Elizabeth turned and docked. Queen Victoria came in shortly after. Finally QM2 arrived, led by a tug boat water canon salute. The only problem was that it was all around the berth for Qm2, not the Mayflower Park as they had said. So my views were from a distance. The helicopters got a much better view and Cunard quickly posted a great video.
I walked back to the hotel and had a couple hours more sleep, got up and had breakfast. This day was quite, nice so I went for a jog through the Southampton parks. It wasn't long but enough to wake me up again.
After a shower I went walking to the shopping centre and then the maritime museum. It is nice but largely focused on titanic. I found it more depressing than I expected as it was very personal to Southampton, showing how the disaster impacted the community. I guess it had the proper effect on me. I never expected it to be a nice, cheery display, but this really shows the deep impact it had.
I had lunch at a nice Italian spot on Oxford st., walked back and got a taxi to the terminal. Thinking I was late enough to avoid the crowds, I was wrong . Perhaps it was due to prince Phillip being there for lunch, but the terminal was full. Still, it was very civilized and I read magazines while I waited for "green W" to be called, about an hour later. I boarded and my luggage had been delivered. I cracked the Pol Acker champagne and unpacked. I then walked around the ship and it looks great. It could be the refit they did two years ago or just because of event, but it does look good.
I booked dinner at Todd English so that I could the fireworks at 10pm. Not much choice for vegetarians but a salad and mushroom flatbread was plenty, and very good.
At 930 pm we pulled back into a spot behind the two other Cunard ships to get ready for the fireworks. It was very cold and I never did get gloves yesterday. I could have used a parka and torque though! At 10 I had a great spot lined up on deck 8 at the rear of the ship near the terrace pool. Only problem, when the fireworks started, I could only hear them as they were being launched from in front of the ship! Two events in one day I was in the wrong position for! Along with a multitude of others climbed the stairs to deck 12 and from there got a nice view of an impressive display. It lasted 10 minutes with symphonic music playing. It was quite a scene.
I listened to I the jazz trio in the chart room and called it a night.
Saturday
I slept well and woke not feeling much movement even though the captain said we would have moderate seas. I looked out and there were lots of white caps so it is very windy. The room I have on deck five midship definitely negates any movement. We are still in the English Channel due to our late departure. There is a mix of sun and cloud and 13 degrees. It is quite beautiful when the sun is out, quite a view having breakfast .
Not too much on the agenda that interests me. Will probably find a spot to watch the sea and read. All for now.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Southampton
Flight arrived a bit early to heathrow this morning. That meant we had to wait for our gate for, well, enough time to put us on time. It was pouring rain, a typical English day. I had a driver pick me up and drive to Southampton. I heard of this company from cruisecritic people: Smiths for Airports. If you ever need a driver in London , I highly recommend them. I've used them before and they are always on time, clean cars and professional. Anyway, I got to my hotel is Southampton around 1230 and had to wait an hour for the room to be ready. Apparently they were full last night, probably due to their being 3 cruise ships in port today. I'm sure they are full tonight too with the 3 queens coming in tomorrow.
After a nap and shower I went for a walk towards the docks. Royal caribbeans "adventure of the seas" sailed around 430.
As I was taking some pictures in the cold wind, I remembered what I forgot to pack: gloves. With the wind coming off the sea, it was chilly. Given the cold spring we've had in Ottawa, there's no excuse for forgetting them. M&S here I come!
5 pm: happy hour! I started to walk towards a area with restaurants and pubs. To get there I walked through a small park where there was a man playing with his dog. The dog came over to see me and we had some fun. Chatting with the man he looked familiar. As I walked on it hit me, he was the captain of the cruise I did on Azamara in 2012. I didn't go back to confirm my theory but I'm quite sure it was him. Here I am in Southampton to take a cruise, watching the ships sail, talking to someone who I sailed with across the Atlantic before...this is weird.
I stopped at a pub for a pint and talked to a couple who were on the Royal Princess which was making a stop here. They were saying people were doing excursions to London (2 hour drive each way). Tomorrow they are in le Harve France where people can do excursions to, you guessed it, Paris. Why anyone would do this is completely beyond me. What a horrible way to spend a day a day.
Had a nice dinner at the White Star tavern. I assume named after the company that built the titanic and later merged with Cunard. The food was very good but by 730 I was falling asleep. Will set the alarm early but not sure if I will make it for the sail in.
After a nap and shower I went for a walk towards the docks. Royal caribbeans "adventure of the seas" sailed around 430.
As I was taking some pictures in the cold wind, I remembered what I forgot to pack: gloves. With the wind coming off the sea, it was chilly. Given the cold spring we've had in Ottawa, there's no excuse for forgetting them. M&S here I come!
5 pm: happy hour! I started to walk towards a area with restaurants and pubs. To get there I walked through a small park where there was a man playing with his dog. The dog came over to see me and we had some fun. Chatting with the man he looked familiar. As I walked on it hit me, he was the captain of the cruise I did on Azamara in 2012. I didn't go back to confirm my theory but I'm quite sure it was him. Here I am in Southampton to take a cruise, watching the ships sail, talking to someone who I sailed with across the Atlantic before...this is weird.
I stopped at a pub for a pint and talked to a couple who were on the Royal Princess which was making a stop here. They were saying people were doing excursions to London (2 hour drive each way). Tomorrow they are in le Harve France where people can do excursions to, you guessed it, Paris. Why anyone would do this is completely beyond me. What a horrible way to spend a day a day.
Had a nice dinner at the White Star tavern. I assume named after the company that built the titanic and later merged with Cunard. The food was very good but by 730 I was falling asleep. Will set the alarm early but not sure if I will make it for the sail in.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Birthday plans
Cunard finally unvieled their birthday plans for Queen Mary 2 via their facebook page this week. It starts early that day as the 3 Cunard ships sail in to Southampton together. They post the times so that the locals can catch a glimpse of this ship parade. Those in Ryde will see the ships sail past at 3:30 am while those of us who will be in Southampton will be able to sleep in a little bit later. The sailby happens around 530 am. Not sure if I will be up to see this or not. I think I will set the alarm and if the weather is good I might grab the camera and take the short walk from my hotel to the Mayflower Park. I think it will be interesting to see how many people show up for this. With the maritime heritage of Southampton, I think there could be a large turnout.
If people don't get up early, I am quite sure there will be a large turnout for the evening's events which will include bands, fireworks and sailbys from the 3 Cunard ships. To have fireworks means that we will be sailing later than the usual 5 pm. The plans say fireworks at 10 and then sail out of the harbour shortly after. Given that my dining time is the late 8:30 pm sitting, I have decided to have dinner earlier in the Todd English Restaurant. I didn't try it last time on board so it is a good excuse to experience it this time.
I really hope the weather holds so everyone can spend time out on deck during the fireworks and sailaway. The forecast currently calls for a mix of sun and showers. Fingers crossed!
If people don't get up early, I am quite sure there will be a large turnout for the evening's events which will include bands, fireworks and sailbys from the 3 Cunard ships. To have fireworks means that we will be sailing later than the usual 5 pm. The plans say fireworks at 10 and then sail out of the harbour shortly after. Given that my dining time is the late 8:30 pm sitting, I have decided to have dinner earlier in the Todd English Restaurant. I didn't try it last time on board so it is a good excuse to experience it this time.
I really hope the weather holds so everyone can spend time out on deck during the fireworks and sailaway. The forecast currently calls for a mix of sun and showers. Fingers crossed!
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Queen Mary 2 - 10th Anniversary Sailing
In one month, Queen Mary 2 will be making it's first transatlantic crossing of the season, and also celebrating it's 10th birthday. I am lucky enough to be able to be part of this event. This ship is one of a kind, and the last of a breed of ship, designed for the primary purpose of traversing the Atlantic seas. It makes her a very different ship than the cruise ships of today. Here are just a few ways.
1. Speed. In the era of transatlantic liners, getting passengers across the ocean faster than the competition meant everything. The QM2 followed that tradition and has a top speed of nearly 30 knots. It's not the fastest ship ever built, is the fast ship currently at sea. When first put into service, Cunard used QM2 for the New York - Southampton route on a six night schedule. Today, when fuel costs are high, and the crossing is used more as a vacation than pure transport, the crossing is 7 nights. But the extra power and speed of this ship mean it can take different routes to avoid bad weather and make up the time.
2. Stability. A true ocean liner will be built to provide the smoothest ride, even in the roughest of seas. I'm no marine architect but it it pretty clear to me that when you look at the outline of the QM2 and compare it to today's modern cruise ships, the sleek lines, long bow, and lack of cabins in the rear look much more stable. And as one QM2 regular said to me, "no other ship sails like Mary."
3. Interior space. Weather crossing the Atlantic is cool so more people spend time inside. The ship has more great rooms inside the ship for concert, lectures, movies etc. There are no outdoor dining options but the main Brittania dining room is spectacular. Further, given the need for stability, there are far fewer cabins, and therefore passengers that other ships of that size. All this adds up to a ship with many great interior spaces to relax, be entertained or watch the sea.
The festivities for this anniversary crossing include a sailaway from Southampton with the other two Cunard ships, fireworks and special lectures. I also hear that Prince Phillip will be on board, though I doubt he will be speaking.
Let the countdown begin!
1. Speed. In the era of transatlantic liners, getting passengers across the ocean faster than the competition meant everything. The QM2 followed that tradition and has a top speed of nearly 30 knots. It's not the fastest ship ever built, is the fast ship currently at sea. When first put into service, Cunard used QM2 for the New York - Southampton route on a six night schedule. Today, when fuel costs are high, and the crossing is used more as a vacation than pure transport, the crossing is 7 nights. But the extra power and speed of this ship mean it can take different routes to avoid bad weather and make up the time.
2. Stability. A true ocean liner will be built to provide the smoothest ride, even in the roughest of seas. I'm no marine architect but it it pretty clear to me that when you look at the outline of the QM2 and compare it to today's modern cruise ships, the sleek lines, long bow, and lack of cabins in the rear look much more stable. And as one QM2 regular said to me, "no other ship sails like Mary."
 |
| Queen Mary 2 |
 |
| A Princess cruise ship. Note the cabins at the rear overhanging the ship. |
3. Interior space. Weather crossing the Atlantic is cool so more people spend time inside. The ship has more great rooms inside the ship for concert, lectures, movies etc. There are no outdoor dining options but the main Brittania dining room is spectacular. Further, given the need for stability, there are far fewer cabins, and therefore passengers that other ships of that size. All this adds up to a ship with many great interior spaces to relax, be entertained or watch the sea.
The festivities for this anniversary crossing include a sailaway from Southampton with the other two Cunard ships, fireworks and special lectures. I also hear that Prince Phillip will be on board, though I doubt he will be speaking.
Let the countdown begin!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)