Nesta and Ian’s Travel Diary

Southampton to Dubai.

Saturday 10^th January 2015 – Embarkation in Southampton.

Our chauffeur picked us up in good time and transported us safely to Southampton (thanks Graeme). The Queen Elizabeth (coming from the direction we would be heading) was delayed due to bad weather so we should have had the terminal all to ourselves. Two and a half hours later (!), we were through registration and security and on board the Queen Mary 2.

Our cabin (or stateroom as they call them on this vessel) seems very nice and the sheltered balcony is indeed a balcony - as we can stick our heads through the opening and look down at the sea!

After life jacket drill we went up on deck to watch and listen to a brass band playing patriotic British tunes and then there was a fireworks display to wish us Bon Voyage.

Back down to our cabin for the complimentary bottle of champagne (well, half-bottle of fizzy wine) and watch the shores of the Solent slide past as we sailed out. We saw the stricken car transporter but thankfully our Captain didn’t decide to join it!

The dress code for dinner was “informal” which is possibly more formal than “formal nights” on other ships - so we tried to look smart! Robert and Leo introduced themselves as our waiters and we were then introduced to the section chief, the head waiter and finally the Maître D!  So far Cunard seem to treat grand voyage passengers better than Voyages of Discovery did!

After our meal we decided against exploring the ship and went back to the cabin for a night cap (as our stash of booze had been successfully smuggled onto the ship!)

When we got there we found out that we had received an invitation to join the Captain and senior crew in a welcome reception for the world cruise passengers on Sunday morning at 11-30. Think we’re going to like this holiday!!

 Our balcony!

Sunday 11^th January 2015 – Day at Sea.

We had a good night travelling down the English Channel. It was a little “lumpy” but the QM2 managed it in a far more ladylike fashion than Voyager. A few creaks from the ship and a few howls from the wind was all that disturbed us.

Strangely though, there have been tales of sea-sickness this morning and one of the lecturers has postponed her talk because she is ill! (Am I cruel to think that the imbibing of alcohol at the lecturers welcome party, rather than the moderate swell of the sea, was more to blame for her illness?)

Went to an interdenominational church service led, as tradition demands, by the Captain. Unfortunately the pianist had downloaded the music for the hymns from the internet and they were NOT the British versions!! The Captain called a halt to the piano and we all sang the correct tunes unaccompanied! Cunard may now be owned by an American company – but come on!! Some things go beyond the pale!!

After church it was time to change into smart clothes again for the welcome party. Cocktails and canapés abounded and after smiling at the right waiter we managed to get a few more extra portions!

There seem to be a lot of people doing the whole trip. Nesta estimated about 100 whereas Ian thought the number was nearer 200. So far, though, we haven’t found any “like-minded” passengers to socialise with but we’re sure that will change when Nesta finds the “smokers group”!

Later on that afternoon, it was time to decide what to wear at our first formal evening (although it was really easy for Ian!)

Thought it would be rude not to have wine tonight so ordered the cheapest Malbec (Scottish ancestry coming out?) which came to more than $43!! For the first time in our lives, we only drank half a bottle so that we can finish it on Monday night!

After dinner we decided against going to the 175 Ball so went to see a show instead. The MacDonald Brothers are a Scottish traditional folk combo who were quite good and at least could hold a tune and play lots of instruments unlike some other ships entertainers we know!

Monday 12^th January 2015 – Day at Sea.

Happy 11^th Birthday Queen Mary 2!

The sun is shining and the sea is blue with only a slight swell although it is still cold. We actually made breakfast this morning, so were therefore too full for lunch! After careful investigation we have discovered that it is only between the hours of 2am to 4am that there is no food being served on board! Thank goodness for the 24 hour room service!!

Nesta went to a lecture entitled “Space the final frontier” and was somewhat disappointed (not really!) to find it wasn’t about Star Trek but about current space exploration. We tried to get into the Planetarium this afternoon but all the tickets had gone. What a shame. Still we’ve still got another 110 days to go so we’re sure we’ll get in sometime.

In the afternoon we visited the Atlantic Lounge on Deck 11 forward. This is for the use of world cruise passengers only and we have our own concierge! It is very plush and there are copious amounts of posh sandwiches and cakes but it only seats about 40 people. We asked the concierge how many passengers were doing Southampton to Southampton and the answer was 244!

After enjoying a superb chateaubriand in the restaurant we went to see John Martin who apparently holds the world record for non-stop joke telling… He is of a certain age and hails from Liverpool. He was very funny for 25 minutes – unfortunately his act lasted 40!

Tuesday 13^th January 2015 – Malaga.

After a very calm overnight we arrived in Malaga a little later than expected as we had to wait for a cruise ship, The Norwegian Spirit, to park first.

The weather is beautiful. Sunny and 21 degrees. We took the shuttle bus to the port gates and when we saw the queue for the “hop on, hop off” bus decided to give it a miss and explore on our own.

Went to the Cathedral and Saguaro church and then walked to the Alcazaba where we saw the remains of a Roman Amphitheatre which is still being excavated. After this we walked up towards the Castle of Gibralfo but when we had got half way up decided that it was too hot (honestly!) to continue so we admired the view and made our way back towards the ship in the sunshine.

Hopefully there is Wi-Fi in the port so with a bit of luck the first part of our blog will be uploaded this afternoon!

Just found this picture of our stateroom! Should have been uploaded on Saturday!