Wednesday 14^th January - Day at Sea.

 

Happy birthday Rebecca!

 

Finally managed to get tickets for the Planetarium tonight and after three days actually found the pub on board!! (Hard to believe, I know) Took part in a trivia quiz and were rubbish….

 

 

The “Passport to the Universe” show in the Planetarium was a bit dated even though Tom Hanks narrated. (Not in person, unfortunately)

 

When we got to the restaurant tonight the Sommelier produced another bottle of Malbec to beat the fact that an additional 10% Spanish VAT needs to be added to all drinks sold whilst in Spanish waters! Thought it was rude to refuse – so agreed to buy it now and drink it tomorrow when we’re in Barcelona.

 

The show tonight was “Power of 2” featuring Ilia and Elena. Didn’t sound promising but was actually very good. They are a Russian couple who trained as gymnasts, have been triathletes and have worked in the Russian State Circus and more recently in the Cirque Solei in Paris. Nesta says she was impressed with Ilia’s buttocks – although she wouldn’t recognise his face if he came to sit next to us!

 

 

Thursday 15^th January – Barcelona.

 

When we arrived, we parked next to The Norwegian Spirit again! Bit of a coincidence - wonder if they’re doing the same cruise as us?

 

We were due to sail away tonight at 5-30pm but as it was a nice day the Captain decided we could stay until 11-30pm! The fact that we were taking on (cheaper than Southampton) fuel all day may have had something to do with this decision but we like to think the Captain is being nice.

 

As we’ve previously visited Gaudi’s cathedral and Las Ramblas, we walked to the World Trade Centre and then went to Port Vell and then along the boardwalk to Barcelonetta beach as far as Port Olympic – about three and a half miles! The sun was shining but the breeze was cool – good tanning weather, hopefully. Better than the snow and ice we see parts of Blighty are suffering at the moment.

 

The terminal building advertises free Wi-Fi so we hope to update the blog (and possibly skype the kids) tonight.

 

Unfortunately when we got there, the place was in darkness and we couldn’t get any Wi-Fi coverage … so it was back to the ship and update the blog there – but no! We couldn’t even get on-line in the ship. What a disappointment.

 

We dined in the Britannia Restaurant and then decided to give the MacDonald brothers second show a miss, because the G32 (the QM2’s nightclub) was advertising a “Stones and Who” night. When we got there, though, the music was mainly soul, motown and reggae. Not bad, but not enough for us to “strut our stuff”!

 

The ship finally finished taking on heavy fuel, gas-oil and drinking water at about 1-30am and so we set sail for Italy at shortly before 2am.

 

 

Friday 16^th January – Day at Sea.

 

We had a lazy morning followed by brunch in the “Kings Court” – form of self-service restaurant. When we returned to our cabin we discovered that we had been invited to a World Voyage Cocktail Party with the captain on Sunday evening…..so, looking forward to “hobnobbing” it with the “hoi-polloi” once again.

 

In the afternoon, Nesta went to choir practice – Ian decided he would give this a miss! We discovered that our wine-tasting trip tomorrow starts at 7-55am, which is a bit early – even for Nesta!

 

We ate in the Kings Court and went to the early show by the ship’s entertainment crew. They have 12 dedicated dancers and 4 singers. Altogether a more professional than the team on Voyager, although if VoD had spent the money on sets and costumes that Cunard have, we’re sure Jade et al would have sounded better too!

 

 

Saturday 17^th January – Civitavecchia, the port of Rome.

 

Up before dawn! The ship parked at 7am and we were off on our trip by 8-15am.

 

As we took our seats on the coach we thought that something wasn’t quite right… and then we realised what it was. Austin wasn’t sitting in the seat in front of us – so how could we be 100% sure we were on the right trip? But then again, when we thought about it, Austin probably wouldn’t be on this trip would he - because as we all know…. You don’t really drink, do you Austin?!

 

We travelled to Marta, a small fishing village on the banks of Lake Bolsena (a dormant volcanic caldera). Today is St Anthony’s Day where they celebrate their animals by building a giant bonfire! We thought it was rather too near to the shops but they’ve probably done it before!

 

We then went to Montefiascone where the winery is.

 

We started the tasting with “Est Est Est” a local wine that went well with the tomato bruschetta and olive oil. So, we bought a bottle….

 

We then were given a taste of “Pensiero”, which went well with the pork pate and salami provided. So we bought two bottles…..

 

Finally we had the “Don Carlo” which is the signature wine of the place. This complemented the local meats we were given and whether it was due to the fact that we were a little tipsy or that it was a really nice red wine…. We bought three bottles!

 

After returning to the ship and re-hydrating we walked the mile and a half into Civitavecchia itself. We found a McDonalds so we could use Wi-Fi but our bad luck continued. We could not register with the Italian network without a smart phone (laptops are so old-hat now!) so it was back to the ship, so Ian could listen to the football scores!

 

Interesting football fact!! Today is the first time that Tranmere have won back to back home games since we were away on our last trip in March 2013!!

 

We ate in the Kings Court again and then went to see Pete Matthews - billed as Britain’s funniest (only?) juggler…. Didn’t have high expectations but he was actually really humorous and entertaining.

 

 

Sunday 18^th January 2015 – Day at Sea.

 

After morning tea, we went to the church service again. This week there was a different pianist and he played all the right tunes – but very slowly! Third time lucky next week?

 

We arrived off the small island of Stromboli at 11-30am and the Captain assured us that its volcano was inactive but a flash of lightning and a loud thunderclap immediately after he had spoken gave us reason to doubt him!

 

We picked up a pilot to guide us through the Straits of Messini between Italy and Sicily which are only 1.9 miles wide. Nesta managed to video him coming aboard and took some pictures of him disembarking an hour or so later. There were Force 6 winds and a choppy sea but as with all pilots we have seen he made the transfer down a rope ladder from the ship onto a moving boat appear very easy.

 

 

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!

Saying goodbye to the children!

How high?

Saturday 27^th April – Day at Sea.

The weather was a little calmer (but not much!) so after breakfast we sat in Scott’s Lounge again and played cards.

Tonight was supposed to be the Formal Night (our ninth, and this time real, Captain’s Farewell Party) but at midday it was announced that because of the bad weather it had been postponed until Monday as a better weather forecast had been received.

Well – what an effect a simple announcement like that had!

People immediately began complaining to the Cruise Director and Reception…Examples of complaints were: - How were they supposed to have their packed suitcases outside their cabin doors by midnight if they were in their tuxedos and posh frocks until 11-30? How could the photograph with the Captain and the cruise DVD be produced in time for an 8am arrival at Portsmouth? And, more to the point for us, eleven of the fifteen “lifers” had booked into the posh Explorers Club Restaurant for a final night meal…and the Explorers is closed on Formal Nights!!

Suffice it to say - after many discussions/negotiations with Paul (Assistant Cruise Director), Ben (Food and Beverage Manager)  and Martin, Austin and Sue & Wally – we have managed to arrange for the Explorers Club to be opened - so this means we can go to the Captain’s farewell “do” followed by Martins cocktail party AND have the posh meal…Phew!

In the evening we went to support Kelli-Ann, one of the entertainers, who was doing her first ever solo singing spot and then went in for the quiz but unfortunately it was too hard for us and we were unable to add to our collection of prizes.

Sunday 28^th April – Day at Sea.

The sea was a lot calmer this morning (hooray!) and we both went to the church service at 9-45am.

A long time ago (I think it was in Barbados) we noticed Paul and the entertainers rushing off ship and getting into taxis. When we enquired, they explained that the first thing they ever did in port was get to the nearest burger bar!

Apparently rich food every day can become tedious after a while…

Regular readers of our blog will know that Bill arranged for us both to have a burger and chips meal in our cabin one day, so we asked why the entertainments team couldn’t have burgers on board. Apparently, this was not possible as the ship does not possess a “burger making machine”! To cut a long story short we have been trying to arrange for them to have such a meal ever since and today was the day! After the main restaurant closed at 1-30pm a table for 10 was laid and Nesta and Ian joined the eight entertainers in their own very special double cheeseburger and real chips meal!!

In the afternoon we packed our cases and then went to the Captain’s Farewell Party… Latest joke from the captain: - What is the difference between an optimist and a pessimist? An optimist looks forward to the future – a pessimist is a well-informed optimist!

After that we had champagne in martin’s suite and went into the Explorers for our final evening meal. The food was good, the wine plentiful and the company great. We will miss our fellow “lifers”.

Finally we went to the quiz (in which we were terrible again) and watched the entertainments team’s “best of” show and then to bed… L

 

                             Finally - the team get their burgers!!

Monday 29^th April – Portsmouth, England.

147 days after leaving Portsmouth, we return to it.

It’s been a fantastic trip and we have met lots of nice people and seen places neither of us thought we would ever see.

Thank you for following this blog – we have really enjoyed reading your comments and hope you’ve been entertained along the way.

Cheers,

Nesta & Ian

Wednesday 24^th April – Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, Azores.

The weather wasn’t too good – low cloud and intermittent rain – which meant that some of the amazing views were non-existent and it is still too early in the year for there to be many flowers out… We saw a lot of the island, though, and the natural hot springs were spectacular – especially the sight of steam coming out of the drains in the main street!

After a small lunch on board, we braved the rain and went ashore. One of the ship’s junior bridge officers was on the shuttle bus with us and when he heard that we had been on board since the beginning of December asked us if Voyages of Discovery were paying us!

We found a really good supermarket where we topped up with last-minute essential “supplies”!

                              Hubble, bubble etc

                               Is that sulphur I can smell??

                           This is a really diverse island - they grow pineapples here as well

                               and tea! (The variety they grow is called char!!) Honest...

Thursday 25^th April – Day at Sea.

The first of four and a half days at sea back to Portsmouth…The weather is still too bad for the “outside areas” of decks six and eight to be opened and as the lectures were not of much interest we spent some time playing cards and talking to other passengers in Scott’s Lounge.

The “old lags” or “lifers” as the 15 of us doing Portsmouth to Portsmouth have become known were invited to a special reception and lunch in recognition that we’ve been on board for longer than the crew!

The lunch was really lovely (no pork in sight!) and the wine flowed freely.

Martin came to the drinks reception but didn’t come to the meal as “he doesn’t do lunch” so Glynis was invited to the photo-shoot and also got to stay for the meal.

In the evening, Ian stayed up after the quiz (in which we came second) to listen to “Bogdan plays Elvis” whilst Nesta managed to sleep with the aid of some medicine…

 

Friday 26^th April – Day at Sea.

Weather is still a bit “lumpy” but not as bad as feared. (Force 7 with a swell of 7.5 metres). Fortunately the wind is in the “right” direction but this ship rolls around on a flat sea, so you can imagine what it’s like in rough seas…

Two bits of good news: Firstly the clocks go forward tonight – so we’re on the same time now as home and secondly we won the quiz again. We are going to have to do something with all these Voyage of Discovery Pens… We’ve tried to give them away, but not even the other passengers want one!

 

 

 

 

Monday 22^nd April – Day at Sea.

Another rough day but not as bad as yesterday and actually became a bit calmer by evening. It was still too lumpy for Nesta though and even Ian’s planned haircut was postponed because of the weather!!

Another day where no lectures or activities were attended…

They actually showed a film in the Darwin Lounge in the evening – “Les Miserables” – and lots of us were!!

 

Tuesday 23^rd April – Horta, Faial, Azores.

Horta is the main town on the small island of Faial in the Azores and we arrived at 7am. The weather was mainly cloudy and showery with a temperature of 18 degrees but even though this meant layers of clothes and waterproofs, it was so nice to be walking on “terra firma” again!

We did a trip in the morning around the island seeing the extinct caldera of a volcano and also the additional 3 sq. kilometres of land created when another volcano erupted in 1957.

In the afternoon we walked around the port area and found a chemist that sold us 60 double-strength Sturgeon for 3 euros… Result!

In the evening we drank with Wally & Sue and took part in the Great British quiz…Unfortunately it was about “famous” buildings and works of art – so we didn’t score very highly.

Our final port of call is tomorrow L

                 Horta - a lovely little town on an island that seems to be still in the 1950's

                   The additional piece of land that was created in 1957 when a volcano erupted.