Fort Lauderdale to home

January 22

Woke very early (only had about four hours of sleep) to watch the sail-in to Port Everglades.  We had to meet in the Queens Room by 7:45.  Sat and talked with Linda (dinner companion) until we were called to disembark just after 8.  Found my suitcase quickly once in the terminal and joined the queue to go through immigration.  Took about 25 minutes since there were only two officers on duty (there were two large ships in with maybe 5000 passengers total so our couple of hundred were insignificant in comparison).

As I was headed to get a taxi there was a shuttle van for $11 so I took that along with two couples from the ship.  I was the second to be dropped off.  Delta had curbside check-in so I only had to pull my suitcases about ten feet.  The machine that prints the luggage tags ran out of paper but I didn't mind waiting because it was a beautiful day (sunny, warm, a gentle breeze).  I had decided a couple of days ago to check both suitcases so I didn't have to drag my carry-on around or try to get it in and out of the overhead bins.  It was a great decision and made the whole day easier.

I was given TSA pre-check approval again (didn't have to take off shoes, show electronics, etc.)so was through security in a couple of minutes.  Bought a bagel and coke and used the free wifi until boarding time.

Plane left the gate in Fort Lauderdale and arrived on time in Atlanta.  As I got off the plane I discovered that my arrival gate and departure gate were the same and it was the same plane so  I didn't need to worry about walking the length of the airport.  There was only about a half hour from the time I got off the first flight until I boarded the second.  Departure was again right on time.

Arrived in Richmond a few minutes early.  A friend picked me up and I got home about 6:15 just in time to watch QE sail out of FLL on the webcam.

Now comes the unpacking.  Ugh!

I will have a summary of my cruise in the next couple of days.

Smooth sailing until next time!

At Sea

January 21

Right before I went to bed last night I saw a flash through my balcony door.  Looked out and it was a spectacular thunder storm.  The lightening lit the entire sky.  It was as far as I could see along the horizon off the starboard side.  I had been disappointed that the only thunderstorm last year was at dinner time and I couldn't really see it.  This one more than made up for it.

I stood on my balcony (it was a lovely, balmy night) and watched for over an hour.  Finally decided I needed to go to bed so I lay in the bed watching until I fell off to sleep (about 2:30).  Woke up again at 3:30 and it was still going on.  Found out later from early risers that it was still going on at 5:30.

I went to all four trivias and we didn't win any (second place in the last one).  I am really going to miss my team.  Turned in my prize booklet and for my three stamps I received a thumb drive and a credit card wallet.

After the first trivia I sat outside near the Lido pool under the new awning.  It was a beautiful day with a high of about 75F.

Lunch in the Lido and had one of my favorites, chicken karma with saffron rice and naan bread.  I was disappointed that there were not more crumbles for dessert this year.  The only one I saw was banana and I don't care for baked bananas.  Cunard has changed the warm dessert to individual serving containers instead of a large pan where you helped yourself.

Then it was time for my last Needlework/Knitting group.  I took some pictures and will post when I get home.

I gave my Cruise Critic friend Judith the bottle of Pol Acker (sarcastically called "Chateau de Gangway" by the entertainment staff) that was in my stateroom upon embarkation.  Spent about an hour talking to her (she is doing the full world).

Last dinner in the Britannia Club.  Although I enjoyed the small dining room and the excellent service I would never pay the extra as a solo cruiser.

Our last trivia of the night was something different.  They gave you clues to a year and the faster you figured it out the more points you got.  There were also four questions that pertained to the clue for more points.  We had 320 points and the winners had 330.  What was Elton John's first UK #1?  (Really???)

I tried to find Marina, my favorite server, to say good-bye but could not find her.  Picked up my final orange juice and headed back to my stateroom.  In the corridor I met John (one of my Cruise Critic friends from last year) who was bringing me a note to say good-bye.  Luckily we were able to chat instead.  He and his wife are doing the full world and then a Caribbean cruise on QE this fall in Princess Grill.

I have to admit I played hooky from finishing and posting this and stood awhile on my balcony instead.  I also seem to have forgotten to post this as I just found (1/27)  it as a draft.  Sorry.

Smooth sailing until next time!

At Sea

January 20

I awoke about nine before the alarm went off.  Lucky I did because I set the alarm last night without my glasses and set it for 9:15 PM!

For morning trivia we had a new member, Sally.  Andy left in New York.  We only had 14 correct and the winners had 17.  In May 1930, Ellen Church became the first _______.

Down to the purser's to pick up a print copy of my flight arrangements for Thursday and a printout of my onboard account.  Then went up to lunch to find that I had lost my key card.  Back to the purser's and turns out I had left my card there.

Back to the Lido for lunch and start my next book.  Spent a few minutes on my balcony when I went to my stateroom to get my knitting bag but it was a bit chilly.  The captain had announced at noon it was 57F/14C.

Large group (over 20) at Needlework/Knitting group with many new people who just embarked.  Rumour of the day is that a couple were removed from the ship in NYC because of fighting in their stateroom.

Afternoon trivia was no better than this morning with 15 correct and 18 for the winners.  Who wrote A Time to Kill?

Since I still had $114 onboard credit I picked up a few things in the shop and then went to the Lido for my afternoon ice cream.  Watched a beautiful sunset as I ate.

I was ready before trivia time so I went down to play the slots.  I originally put in $20 and when I reached $22.10 I cashed out taking my $2.10 winnings.

Unfortunately we were not very lucky with trivia.  Out of 23 total we had 16 (winners had 20).  Here is one I actually knew (not sure why) - What do Leonardo da Vinci, Jack the Ripper, and Horatio Nelson have in common?

I arrived at dinner before everyone left.  We have an empty place at the table and the story is they have not been able to get in touch with the missing person (so where did he/she go????).

Late evening trivia was called Jeopardized Trivia.  Just like on Jeopardy there are different categories with varying point values/difficulty.  Different from Jeopardy is that you do not give the question (just the normal answering the question).  There are some questions that you get to bet any amount of points you have accumulated.  Total possible points (if you had every question correct and bet everything on the "Daily Double" type questions) is 300.  The winners had 282.  We only had 84.  What was Michael J. Fox's characters name in the Back to the Future movies?

Did not care to see the comedian/ventriloquist so I watched the dancing in the Queens Room then got my orange juice and went to my cabin.  Stood on my balcony for awhile, looking at the sea and stars because it has warmed up nicely.  As I type this it is 11:45 and we are off the coast of South Carolina.

I have updated some previous posts with pictures.

Only one more day :(

Smooth sailing until next time!

New York City

January 19

Since I had no plans for today (except to call Delta) I did not set the alarm and slept until I felt like getting up which was 10:30.  Dressed and watched the morning show while waiting for a confirmation as to what time we will arrive in Fort Lauderdale.

After being reassured we would be arriving at 7 AM, I called Delta.  Evidently I had booked during a promotion so they had to charge me more but they waived a fee for changing the booking.  I ended up paying $128 but expect to get it back from either the CunardCare travel insurance I purchased or from Cunard (they said to go through your insurance first and then if any trouble, call Cunard).

Walked out on the deck but it was cold and windy (later checked and the Weather Channel said with the wind chill it was 33F/.5C) so I decided to stay on the ship.  It was very calm and quiet onboard with so many passengers off.

I ate at the Lido and then went to sit in the Queens Room before afternoon tea. (Hint - sit in the Queens Room at least 15 minutes before serving starts and you don't have to queue for a seat.)  Love the elegance of afternoon tea with the white tablecloths and napkins, the white-gloved servers, a pianist softly playing in the background, the little pots of jam, and endless tea, sandwiches, pastries, and scones.

A football match (soccer for Americans) was being shown in the pub so the Wipeout Trivia was in the Yacht Club.  Most of my usual team were not present so the one who was invited me to play with the group she had joined.  We came in second with 3200 points to the winners 3600.  Here is one I did not know (although others on my team did) -  What animals live in a drey?

Came back to my stateroom to get ready for the evening as we were set to sail at 6:30.  Turns out we left early (just before 6:10).  Last year I stood out on deck 9 by the Lido Pool.  We had excellent commentary on the places we passed as we sailed-away but it was really cold.  This year we had no commentary so I decided to watch the sail-away from my balcony.  Being on the starboard side, I would be able to see the Statue of Liberty.  It took just over an hour from when we set sail until we passed under the  Verrazano Narrows Bridge.  It was cold on my balcony but there was a little shelter from the wind.

Evening trivia before dinner.  Winners had 17, we had 15.   Brotophobia is the fear of ___.  Only three of us at dinner - Eion (previously misspelled as Ian), Irene (one of the new ladies) and myself.

Late evening trivia was scattegories.  We had 42 points to the winners 49.  David, Fran and I sat afterwards and talked.

The evening show ("Sing") was postponed because the sound system in the Royal Court Theatre stopped working today.

Purchased more internet time (that comes with the World Club program) so I will have enough to post pictures from the last few days.

Smooth sailing until next time!


My afternoon tea

New York City

January 18

An amazingly lazy day.  I slept much better last night and the congestion has not gotten worse so hopefully not a full-blown sinus infection.  Awoke as we were coming up to the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.  It was cold, rainy/snowy and foggy.  Decided it was not worth getting dressed and going to one of the outside decks so I took a nap instead.  We were just passing NCL Breakaway when I woke up and turning into Pier 90.  Quickly dressed and watched us dock just about on time (noon) from my balcony.

Since I knew it would be at least a few hours before I had to disembark for immigration, I took my coat, passport, phone, etc. with me to the Lido to get a table in my favorite area.  Sat there until about two surfing the net on my iPhone (since I am almost out of Internet minutes).

Then I went to sit in Cafe Carinthia.  Read for awhile as well as using my phone some more.

Immigration started about 12:30 for those disembarking for good.  About 45 minutes later they started calling decks to go into the terminal and be processed.  They asked those of us who just wanted to get back on the ship immediately to wait until the "Last Call".  That would reduce the wait time in the terminal until the ship was "zeroed out" (all passengers off).

Last Call just after 4:30.  Instead of letting us off on deck 2 (where the earlier groups were let off and where we were waiting) we had to go up to deck three.  Then wound around waiting in line.  They had a number of immigration officers working and that went fairly fast.  We then walked the length of the terminal to go in at the front to go through security.  We were then given numbers as to when we would be allowed back on (my number was 15).

About the time I sat down it was announced that the ship was ready before reboarding and they started calling numbers.  I sat about 20 minutes before 15 was called.  Back in my stateroom just before six.

Hadn't been to a trivia in over 24 hours so I was having withdrawal.  Got ready for the evening and went down to trivia to get a table about 7:25 (trivia starts at 7:45).  Only four of us tonight - Andy left this morning and Judith was on an excursion.  Here are two we missed.  Doraphobia is a fear of what?  How many muscles does it take to move your hand?

At dinner we had two new table mates, Irene and Sally, both of whom are doing the full World Voyage and are frequent Cunarders.

9:45 trivia was called Brainteasers with some hard ones.  There were five on travel destinations (we got all of those correct), ten general knowledge, and five on literature.  We only had 15 correct and the winners had 19.  Here is your question - Winston Smith is the main character in what novel.

After trivia Fran and I sat and had a drink and talked until after midnight.

I was able to renew my soda card for four days so I got my orange juice and headed back to my stateroom.

Tomorrow I tackle Delta and decide what I want to do in NYC (if anything).

Smooth sailing until next time!

Verrazano Narrows Bridge

the Intrepid

the snow as we docked

waiting in the terminal to reboard

evening view from my balcony

At Sea

January 17

Had a hard time getting to sleep last night as I was getting congested.  I am hoping it is not a sinus infection (I just had one at Christmas).  Finally was able to get to sleep about 2:30 (and that was taking into account the time change) but woke up a couple of hours later needing to sit up for awhile.  Slept sitting up on the sofa for a couple of hours and then back to bed until the 9:15 alarm.

We tied for first place in morning trivia but lost the tiebreaker (When was Pride and Prejudice published?).

At 11:15 the Senior Officers Party was held in the Queens Room for the Platinum and Diamond passengers disembarking in NYC or Fort Lauderdale.  Not all that exciting and only saw a couple of people I know.

Lunch in the Lido and then to Needlework/Knitting group (about 12 present).  We were three below the winners at afternoon trivia (What are you afraid of if you have oneiophobia [sp?]?).

Took an hour nap before getting ready for dinner.  A Cruise Critic friend and I had both received dinner for two at The Verandah so we each invited a guest.  Had a delicious meal (I will post pictures when I get my free internet minutes when we leave New York -  I only have 24 left now).

Went to the Queens Room to watch the dancing after dinner.  I have cruised on this ship for a total of 126 days and this was the first time one of the Dance Hosts asked me to dance.  I thanked him for asking but declined (no rhythm whatsoever and two left feet).  My favorite "Public Room Steward" Marina suggested a drink for me to try - a Peach Melba Martini.  It was very good (vanilla vodka, peach schnapps, raspberry liqueur,  peach puree and a dash of cream) and I am determined to use up my OBC so I am trying different drinks.

When Paul Ritchie and the Queens Room Orchestra finished their last set I went to the pub and picked up my orange juice.

We gain another hour tonight.

You can watch us sail in and out of NYC on the PTZtv webcams.
nyharborwebcam.com
portnywebcam.com

Smooth sailing until next time!

Our trivia team - Andy, Mary, David, Judith, me, and Fran

My meal at the Verandah

amuse bouche

crabmeat starter

champagne sherbet (to cleanse your palate)

beef fillet 

creme catalane

At Sea

January 16

Well, today was an interesting day - not quite like any I have had.

Up at my usual 9:15 but not for trivia.  Last night at dinner I had been invited to a funeral.   Actually, the correct term is " Service for the Committal of Ashes to the Deep".  One of the gentlemen from the dinner table used to cruise frequently with his mother.  She passed away recently and he wanted to scatter her ashes at sea.

He had talked with Cunard before the voyage and was told the arrangements could be made onboard.  He had contacted Janice, the Social Hostess, and she had arranged everything.  Janice escorted us to the rear of deck 3 which had been closed off.  Two of the ship's officers (Deputy Captain and Security Office) met us at the stern.  There was a table covered with a Union Jack and a beautiful floral arrangement on it.  In the base of the arrangement were the ashes.  The Deputy Captain led the service which was very beautiful.

After the service the nine of us in attendance went to the Cafe Carinthia for coffee/tea and a nice talk.  Although a somber occasion it was a very nice morning.

The Captain's noon announcement had some astounding news.  Last night we had 70 knot winds (which, if I calculated correctly, is just over 80 mph) and 10 meter swells.  Because of this we slowed down considerably and there will be more bad weather tonight (though not as bad) so we will not be arriving in New York until noon on Sunday.  We will overnight in NYC and leave Monday at 6:30 pm.  Consequently, our arrival in Fort Lauderdale will not be until Thursday (instead of Wednesday) - I get an extra night onboard!

I have no idea what will happen with my flight home.  Not sure if Delta will charge me for a second ticket, whether the Cunard Care insurance will help cover any extra costs, or what will happen.  I'm just excited to have an extra day onboard (especially after missing half a day with our late embarkation time).

After all the interesting events of the morning I decided to try something else different.  I had lunch in the Cafe Carinthia.  I chose the Laugen Croissant Sandwich which was quite tasty.

Stayed in the Cafe Carinthia after lunch because that is where Needlework/Knitting group is held.  Today we had 13 present.  We were able to listen to the "Singers at Sea" who performed in the Grand Lobby which is just down the staircase from where we meet.

Into the pub for Wipeout trivia.  We had 15 out of 20 correct but wiped out with the final question - In which classic would you find Lady Deadlock?

Up to the Lido for my afternoon ice cream and to do some reading.

Returned to my stateroom to find a letter from the Hotel Manager explaining the changes due to the rescheduled itinerary.  Cunard will pay for a phone call to make new travel arrangements but I am going to wait until we get to New York and use my cell phone.

Just after six an announcement was made that the show tonight, Palladium Nights, would be postponed until tomorrow night.  The variety show scheduled for tomorrow night and the comedian Rhondell Sheridan and the violinists, Elektra, will perform tonight.  Evidently the weather issues tonight will be more like last night's than previously thought.  I did hear people complaining they could not sleep last night because of the weather.  I heard my balcony furniture shifting slightly but I had no problems sleeping.

Tonight is another formal night.  There is a World Club (Cunard's loyalty program) cocktail party tonight.  Those who know me know that chit chat with total strangers is not my strong suit so instead I went to the "Early Evening Brainteaser" trivia.  Only three of us and we came in third or fourth.

We were finished by 8:10 so I went on to the cocktail party although all the free drinks were gone.  As I was leaving I stopped to talk with a couple who had been in the same room at the stadium last week.  Then I talked with Maggie and JT (from last year's World Voyage) and we walked down to the dining room together.

Dinner with Hugh, Michael, Ian (although I found out tonight he spells it the more Celtic way starting with an "E"), and Linda.  It was Beef Wellington/Baked Alaska night but there is no "Parade of Chefs" in Britannia Club (unless it happened before I arrived).

The five of us then went to the Midships Bar and had a couple of drinks (one for me) and a good time talking.  A very congenial group of people (I have been so lucky getting great table mates two years in a row).

Picked up my orange juice and returned to my stateroom at the witching hour of midnight.

We gain another hour of sleep tonight.

Smooth sailing until next time!

Singers at Sea

At Sea

January 15

Once again up at 9:15 (with a non-functioning toilet once more) for trivia.  Our standard team (Fran, David, Judith, Andy, Mary, and I) are known as the "Craft and Quip" team.  We missed today by one - In the Chinese calendar, 2000 was the year of the ________.  There was one question that all my teammates knew and had me laughing because they were so passionate about it.  The question was, "Who was the runner-up in the 1966 World Cup?"

Went to Kate Adie's second lecture with Judith.  Kate talked about her years as a reporter in combat zones around the world.

Lunch in the Lido where I had one of the few poor meals I've ever had aboard.  I chose the pork which was rather dry and unappetizing.  Finished the mystery I was reading during lunch.

Quick trip back to my stateroom for my knitting and to switch books.  On to Needlework/Knitting group where again we only had 13 present.

Afternoon trivia was Wipeout trivia.  We had 20 out of 20 correct on the quiz and we had the wipeout answer correct but so did three other teams.  We lost on the tie-breaker (How many counties are there in the lower 48 states?).

After my disappointing lunch, I had a couple of tea sandwiches and a soft-serve ice cream.

Evening trivia was toughest yet and we only had 12 correct.  Here is one we missed - Which country had the strongest recorded earthquake in 1960?

Only Hugh, Michael, Ian and I dined together (once again the others ate earlier).  Took a gamble  on the slots again afterwards.  I was down to about $7.50 when I won $11.90, so I am back to almost my original $20.  As usual I quit when I was ahead.

Had not yet been to the Commodore Club this cruise so I decided to go there instead of the show (two violinists).  My statement came today and I still have $250 onboard credit to spend so I had a "Rum Barrel" (rum, lime juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, passion fruit and simple syrup) which is just my kind of drink.  Listened to the pianist, Graham Wellard, as I had my drink.  When finished, I picked up my evening o.j. and back to my cabin.  We have hit some rough seas so not all my orange juice made it back to my stateroom!

Smooth sailing until next time!

At Sea

January 14

Woke up at 9:15 to find the toilet in my stateroom was not working.  Called to let them know then went to trivia.  Fran, David, Andy, Mary, Judith and I were a team. We only tied for third place with 18 out of 21.  What two field events for women were added at the Sydney Olympics?

Back to my stateroom (toilet fixed) and a quick (half hour) nap.  Made our reservation for The Verandah Restaurant for Saturday night.  The Verandah is the fancy French restaurant onboard.  I had received free dinner for two as part of my booking deal.  I am taking one of my Cruise Critic friends and another friend from CC (who also got the free dinner) is bringing someone she met onboard.

Lunch in the Lido.  Sat with Judith for a bit but then she had to go to watercolour class.  A few minutes later two other CC friends sat down next to me and we chatted.  Sat in the Garden Lounge before Needlework/Knitting group and watched the rain fall on the glass roof.

Only 13 for Needlework/Knitting group today, the smallest group so far.  In fact, this is the quietest day with no crowds in any of the public areas.

Time for trivia where the regulars (Fran, David, Mary, Andy, Judith and I) only managed 20 out of 22 (there was a three way tie with 21 correct).  Here is a stumper for you.  What does a deltiologist collect?  We missed that one and naming all three wise men (we only had two).  After trivia was finished, Fran, David and I jokingly plotted ways that I could stowaway for the rest of the World Voyage.  Alas, we could not figure a way to get off the ship at the end without a valid keycard.

Hadn't been to the Lido for tea yet so did that after trivia.  Had my favorite Earl Grey tea and a scone with jam and cream.

Heard today that the ship only allows 65 passenger and 15 crew on the internet at any time.   have had no problem getting on but I usually try between midnight and 1 AM.  Many people had trouble logging on yesterday but I did not hear any complaints today.

Formal night tonight.  Being able to go to dinner when I want is nice as I had time for yet another trivia before dinner.  Unfortunately we did not win.  Here is a hard one - Who wrote the book on which the movie 101 Dalmatians is based?

Four of us for dinner tonight (2 had already finished and one was eating in The Verandah).  Went to the show to see the tenor, Benjamin Makisi again and then watched the "London Ball" for a few minutes before getting my orange juice and heading "home".

We gain another hour of sleep tonight.

Smooth sailing until next time!

At Sea

January 13

Was up again about 9:15 to get ready for trivia.  This morning David, Fran, Mary, Andy (new acquaintance of Mary), and I played.  There were 26 answers and we had 25 correct (we missed one of the Seven Dwarfs - can you name them all?).  We tied with two other teams.  The tie-breaker was, "How old was Olivia Newton-John when she starred in Grease?"  The three answers were 31, 32, and 33 and we were the closest (actual answer 29).  That is two winning teams I have been on for those of you keeping score.

Next up was a lecture by Kate Adie a famous BBC News Correspondent.  She spoke on the role of women in WWI.  She was a great speaker but something about the Royal Court Theatre makes me (and I am not alone) sleepy.  I had a choice when the lecture was over - lunch or a nap.  The nap won.

After a refreshing snooze I went for lunch in the Lido.  Then time for Needlework/Knitting group.  There were already a handful of ladies there at 2:30 (the actual start time is 3:00) and I did not get my favorite seat again.  We had about 20 ladies and two gentleman (a new one today - a knitter - as well as the quilter from the other day).

Then it was time to get a seat for trivia.  The Golden Lion Pub was packed.  More people than I've ever seen in there for trivia.  Some tables had two different groups there were so many people.  Fran, David, Andy, Mary, Judith and I had 17 correct and we tied for first place.  Clare from the entertainment department gave stamps to both teams (you turn in your stamp booklet at the end for prizes).  Here is one we missed - Which Pink Floyd album is also the title of a chapter in Wind in the Willows?  (For those reading carefully, you might notice that was two wins in one day!)

It was after 5 by the end of trivia (it started late due to microphone issues) and time to get ready for the evening (informal night).  It is Maggie's, from Cruise Critic and on the World Voyage last year, birthday and I have been invited to her birthday party before dinner.  It was held in the Admiral's Lounge.  Nice party with about a dozen guests and a few officers.  Paul Ritchie, the vocalist in the Queens Lounge, led us in singing Happy Birthday.

Had a nice dinner with five of my tablemates (2 had already finished) then lost $3 more on the slots.  Then it was time for the first performance by the Royal Cunard Singers and Dancers.  It was my favorite show from last year, Hotel Royale, but it was kind of strange seeing the characters played by different people.

Picked up my orange juice and saw Andy (from trivia) who seem to like our team and said he'd be back tomorrow.

Smooth sailing until next time!

At Sea

January 12

Awoke to the alarm at 9:15 and watched the morning show while getting ready.

In the pub for 10:00 trivia.  Fran's husband David joined us and Mary brought her friend, Liz, so we had a full table.  We ended with 18 1/2 points but three teams had perfect scores and had a tie breaker.  The question that got us was "What is the name of the school in Grease?"  The tie breaker was, "How old was Frank Sinatra when he died?"  Here is a stumper for my American friends.  Who was the first Australian cricket player to be knighted?

After trivia, I stopped by the tour office.  The small group tour of NYC I wanted was waitlisted so I put my name on the list.   Then to the second lecture by Diane Janes which was about the history of crime stories.  Andrea and John sat with me.

It was then time to stake out my spot for lunch.  The port side part of the Lido does not serve lunch until 12:30.  If you arrive early you can hear the noon announcements and get a table by the window.

Had to take a short nap after lunch.  The alarm went off as I was having a dream that a teenage boy had stolen my knitting bag and I was trying to get it back.

About 17 ladies and one gentleman (different one from yesterday) were present for Needlework/Knitting group.  Janice, the Social Hostess, came for a few minutes but had to leave for a wedding which was being held.

David, Mary, Fran, Judith and I played afternoon trivia.  We only had 15 correct.  Winning team had 18.  One we missed - Which actor appeared in Kate Bush's video, Cloudbusting?

After trivia I started getting ready for the Captain's Cocktail Party for the Grills and Britannia Club at 6:45.  I did not stand in line to shake the Captain's hand and have my picture taken but found a seat near the bandstand so I could see the Captain introduce the officers.  The champagne tasted better than last year.  Don't know if they are using a different brand or they give the Grills better quality.

Joyce (UK) showed at our dinner table for the first time.  We all stayed and talked until about 9:30.

Decided to play the slots but could not get the machine I wanted and lost $4.00 (if you are new to my blogs, I am not a big gambler).

Tonight was "The Cunard Ball".  Watched the dancing for awhile and then went to the 10:30 show.  Tonight was a comedian, Rondell Sheridan.  He was on a segment last year and he does a good show.

Picked up my orange juice and back to my stateroom.  Want to make it an early night so I can be up for trivia at 10 tomorrow.

Smooth sailing until next time!

At Sea

January 11

Went to bed at 1:27 (after gaining an hour) and slept until 9:32.  I really wanted to roll over and go back to sleep but I had promised myself I would not sleep in every day.  As a compromise I put some pillows behind me and watched the morning show.  It was the usual first day medical talk by Dr. Hawthorne.

You can definitely feel the motion although (knock on wood) not like last year.  The Entertainment Director is calling it "frolicsome".

Went to the 11 am lecture by Diane Janes about Agatha Christie.  She will be doing a series on crime stories (mysteries, as we call them).  The lecture was quite interesting and I plan to go to the others.

Our Cruise Critic Meet & Greet was at noon.  Finally met up with Maggie from last year.  I got to know some of my internet friends.  Judith and Julie and I went for lunch at the Golden Lion Pub.  I had my favorite - fish and chips.

After lunch I went to the library but could not find any new mysteries by any of my favorite authors.  I brought three paperback books with me, so they will probably last me if the other days are as busy as today.

As I was going to Needlework/Knitting group, I bumped (almost literally) into my favorite server, Marina.  She gave me a big hug and asked where my blue was (she called me "the blue lady" because I wear it so often) as I did not have it on today.

Large group for Needlework/Knitting group - about 20 ladies and one gentleman (who is a fellow Virginian).  It was good to see Janice, the Social Hostess, again.

After Needlework/Knitting group, Judith, Fran, and I went to the trivia game.  When we got to the Yacht Club, Mary joined us.  Today it was wipeout trivia - 20 questions worth 100 points each, after being checked, you decided how much to wager on the last question (Jeopardy fans, think Final Jeopardy).  We ended up with a respectable 1500 points but there were at least four groups ahead of us.  The final question was on Phobias.  Now, I hope you are all sitting down because we won!!!  The question was "Papaphobia is a fear of what?"  Somewhere I must of heard or read it because we got it right.  We ended with 3000 points (200 ahead of our closest competitor.  I now have a stamp in my book which I can trade in for a lovely gift (just kidding) before I depart.  The rest of the team is doing the full world so they will likely have a full book of stamps before the end.

Back to the stateroom about 5:15.  Feeling kind of tired (I did get up early for me) so I sat on the sofa and snoozed until about 7.  Then time to shower and get ready for the evening (informal night).

So far this dining when I want has worked out.  I tend to arrive about in the middle so there are others at the table.  We have a table for eight but only 7 present.  Table mates are Elizabeth (retired US teacher), Linda (US), Christine (UK), Ian (retired UK  Royal Navy), Michael (US) and Hugh (UK, works for British Airways).  Ian once was assigned to the ex-Royal Yacht, Britannia, and has some good stories about life in the navy.

Went to watch the dancers and Paul Ritchie and the band perform before the show.  Featured entertainer tonight was Benjamin Makisi, a tenor from New Zealand.  He had a good mix of songs and was very personable.

Got my orange juice for the road (my favorite bartender is not onboard) and headed back to work on the blog.

I am getting up for 10AM trivia in the morning!

My reward book

And my one (and maybe only) stamp!

Smooth sailing until next time!

Embarkation Day

January 10

Back to my old ways and did not go to bed until 2 am.   Woke up at 8  to a dreary, rainy day.  Rolled over and slept off and on for almost two hours then got up.  Watched the news and slowly got ready.

About 11:50 I took my bags down and met Pat in the lobby.  She brought her car around from the car park and it only took a few minutes to get to the stadium.  They took my bags and put them in a truck to take over to the ship.  Pat parked her car and we received numbers for the box we would wait in.  Each one held about ten people and there were dozens of rooms on different levels.  There was tea/coffee/juice, sandwiches and later cookies, candies and chips/crisps.

Pat recognized a magician who is a friend of hers and had her (Mandy) come in and perform for us.  I did not go downstairs to see the Jazz band or the oompah band.

The bigwigs have been by to see how things are going.  The Marketing Director, Angus Struthers and the CEO of Cunard, David Noyes have visited.

I just learned the Grills passengers (suites) were taken to a local hotel to wait while those who arrived late were waiting at the terminal because the stadium was full.

All in all it has not been too bad.  Yes, I would rather be on the ship but I feel Cunard has done its best in a trying situation (and at the last minute).  They have been good to make frequent announcements so we knew what was going on and the staff of the stadium have been great replenishing food and drink and checking if we needed anything.

At about twenty before seven we were told we could wait downstairs.  We were loaded on the bus about seven.  When we arrived at Ocean Terminal, Angus Struthers came on the bus and apologized again.  We had to sit on the bus about ten minutes and then entered the terminal to a long queue but it was moving quickly.  Security was tighter than last year and belts and shoes had to be removed.  Was finally on the ship at just about 8 pm.

My luggage had already been placed in my stateroom.  I read the program and then went to eat and meet my table mates  (more about them tomorrow).

Left dinner about 9:30 so I could walk around the ship and spot the differences after last year's drydock.  Back to my stateroom for my life jacket for the 10:30 muster drill which lasted about 25 minutes.  Before the drill the captain apologized and said that everyone was getting $50 of onboard credit (nice gesture on Cunard's part).  Then to my stateroom to exchange my life jacket for my coat so I could be out on deck for sail-away.


I sat in the Lido awaiting departure which finally happened about 12:24 am.  Walked out by the Lido pool but it was cold so did not stay long.

Back to my stateroom and stood out on my balcony for a few minutes and then unpacked.  Finally got my internet up and working then called it a night.

Mandy (the magician) and my friend Pat

 The pitch in the stadium with lights for growing the grass

The Southampton team

Smooth sailing until next time!

Southampton

January 9

What a nice day I have had!

I was asleep by 10:30 last night.  Got to bed and dropped right off (which is unusual for me).  I awoke  a little after eight to a beautiful blue sky and my view of the car park.

Checked the internet and watched a little of the news (almost all about the tragic events in Paris).  I left my room a few minutes before ten.  Last year I had planned to go to the Sea City Museum which has an exhibit on the Titanic.  (Many of the crew lived in or had ties to Southampton from where the Titanic began her fatal crossing.)  I never made it last year but thought I would go this year.  Originally I planned to take a taxi but when I looked at the map it was only .6 miles (within my walking distance) so I decided to give it a try.  Not too bad of a walk as I now know my way around the city centre of Southampton (the map route said 12 minutes and it took me 21 but I walk very slowly).

I was able to get a senior citizen discount at the museum and began my visit.  First stop was the Titanic exhibit.  It was an interesting presentation with a lot of interactive displays.  After a few minutes a number of school groups (including a home schooling group) showed up and they enjoyed themselves.  The other permanent exhibit is "Southampton - Gateway to the World" detailing how people have passed through or settled in Southampton dating back thousands of years.  The temporary exhibition was on the First World War and links to the area.  I enjoyed the museum a great deal and spent about two and a half hours there. 

A large model of the original Queen Mary in the museum

Decided to have a light lunch on my way back.  I was planning on eating at the cafe at Marks and Spencer but it was packed.  Instead I went to the food hall and picked up an egg mayonnaise sandwich and a couple more cokes and brought them back to my room.

As I was eating there was a knock on my door and there was Pat who I had met last year.  We had a nice chat catching up and then she left to do some shopping.  

About a half an hour later my phone rang and two more of my friends from last year, John and Andrea, were in the lobby.  Went down to see them and two people from the roll call introduced themselves as they were checking in.  Had a good time talking to my friends.

The weather was still nice (where are the gale force winds?) so we walked to Ennio's.  We talked (and drank) at the bar before dinner.  A good time was had by all and we stayed until 11 (we were the last customers in the restaurant).  Walked back and the weather was still nice (the high today was about 53F/12C).

Today's weather update is that QE will not arrive until about 3 pm.  We are to go to St. Mary's Stadium where they will take our luggage to the ship and we will stay until everyone has disembarked the ship.  They will have food, drink and entertainment at the Stadium. They will then transfer us to the ship.  I am imagining check-in to be chaotic.  Open setaing for dinner in the restaurants as soon as boarding starts.  They are estimating a 10 pm departure from Southampton.  Tomorrow will be interesting.

Smooth sailing until next time!

Travel Update

January 7

Received an e-mail from Cunard tonight about embarkation.  Strong winds are due in the next couple of days.  This may cause QE to return to port late.  We were being advised that embarkation will be delayed 5-7 hours (My scheduled time was 12 noon).  More information to follow tomorrow.  (How did we survive without e-mail?)

Stay tuned for an update tomorrow.

Smooth sailing until next time!

To Southampton

January 8

The flight seemed to go on forever.  I listened to the twenty songs on my iPad, I played games on the plane system and on my iPad, I even managed to sleep for about an hour but time dragged.  They came around with breakfast just before 5AM.  I ate a little but was not very hungry.  At about a quarter to six the pilot announced that there were a number of other planes ready to land at six so we would circle until it was our turn.  I was watching the flight map on the console and it was strange watching the little plane going around and around and the information showing our distance to London (going up and down, up and down) and the ETA getting later and later.  We finally were able to land about 6:20.

Since I was close to the front of the Premium Economy cabin I was able to be one of the first off.  Then there was the hike through the airport.  It seemed like a couple of miles but I'm sure it wasn't.  Terminal 3 at Heathrow was not busy in comparison to Terminal 5 last year.  I waited for ages in the Immigration line last year, this year I walked right up to the front and did not have to wait.  The nice Immigration officer asked about my cruise, stamped my passport and I was on my way.  Walked down a few more corridors and down a ramp to the baggage claim area.  Before I was even able to get a trolley I saw my suitcase on the carousel.

On my way out there was an ATM where I could get cash to pay the driver.  Walked through Customs (nothing to declare) and saw the driver from Smiths for Airorts (it is kind of cool to have someone waiting just for you).  He grabbed the trolley and we went out to the car park.  We were headed out by about 7AM.

It was still dark and raining buckets.  If it had been me behind the wheel I would still be driving around Heathrow but the driver got us on the highway headed to Southampton in no time.  It took about an hour and a half to get to Southampton because of the rain, lots of traffic, and some road works.  Arrived at the Premier Inn about 8:45.

Although check-in time is 2 PM, I was able to get a room straight away (just like last year).  They have stopped charging for wi-fi so that was nice.  By 9:05 I was in bed starting my nap (yes, I know you are supposed to continue on to normal bedtime but I get cranky when I am tired so I slept).  Finally got up about 1:30 and found the rainy day of this morning had turned into a beautiful afternoon with blue skies.

Left around 2:30 to walk over to the shops.  First stop was Poundland(Americans, think Dollar Store) where I needed a few things.  Then went into West Quay shopping centre.  Hadn't gone very far when I saw a kiosk that said "The Watch Lab" - just what I needed!  They were able to change the battery in my dead watch for £9.95.  I just had a battery replaced at home for $15 so not a bad deal (I was expecting to pay more).  Then I noticed a Thomas Cook travel agency that exchanged foreign currency.  I have had two £20 Traveller's Checques since the 1990s.  They have gone back and forth with me a number of times.  I had not found any place to use or cash them last year.  Turns out Thomas Cook was going to stop cashing Traveller's Cheques as of the end of March.   The man told me that many banks in the UK had also stopped cashing them.   I gladly cashed them and paid the £3 service charge.  

Walked through the food hall at Marks and Spencer and picked up a couple of Cokes (the machine in the hotel is broken) and then through the car park and back to the hotel before dark.

Spending the evening catching up on the blog, checking out things on the internet and (shock and surprise) going to bed early!

Smooth sailing until next time!

Travel Day

January 7


I started packing last Saturday.  I am not taking many clothes and only two pairs of shoes other than what I am wearing.  One evening bag and one for day use.

My clothes filled about half of my suitcase and I spent the next couple of days throwing in odds and ends (like my knitting).  Shut the case this morning and weighed it.  It was only 30 pounds and quite manageable.  My carry-on weighed 13 pounds and my handbag not quite 5.

Woke this morning feeling like a herd of elephants were stampeding through my stomach (no mere butterflies for me).  Knowing that it would be close to 30 hours before I could sleep again, I made my self stay in bed.  Eventually I fell asleep and woke up again at 7.  Some of the herd had left and I was able to go back to sleep until 8.  Awoke to the sound of waves crashing (from the Nightstand app on my iPad)  A few more elephants had gone.

Did a few last minute chores and left the house about 9.  My friend Carolyn had offered to drive me to the airport and I got to her house and transferred my luggage to her car.  We arrived at the airport just before 10.

There was no line at check-in (flying Delta) although it took a bit of explaining why I did not have a ticket for a flight back to the US.  Checked my watch and realized the battery had died since yesterday (something else to do in Southampton).  Walked on to security.  There was nobody in line.  When I had walked through the maze of barriers I walked right up to the TSA officer, handed her my boarding pass and passport and she told me I did not have to take off my shoes or get out any electronic equipment.  My stuff went through the machine and I walked through the old fashioned style scanner and was through by 10:16 (had to check my phone - you would think an airport would have more clocks).

The elephants have all returned to their proper habitat.  I do this every trip - very nervous until I get to the airport and then I am fine.

I love airports for people watching.  Trying to guess what people do for a living, where they are going and why.   I am sitting in the airport now marveling at how dead the place is.  Although it is called Richmond International Airport, the airport is small with mostly commuter type jets and some just a little larger (no jumbo jets).  In the 45 minutes I have been sitting here I have seen only one plane take off.  Much different than what I will have at Atlanta which is reported to be the busiest in the world.

Boarding started on time and we took off at 12:20 as advertised.  It is only an hour and twenty-seven minutes flying time.  The plane is an MD88 and it is full.  They made a few people check carry-ons that were overly big.

Arrived in Atlanta at 1:54.  Walked through lots of corridors and finally got to the International Terminal by way of the "Plane Train".  It was very well signed and had a late lunch in front of me by 2:30 (ate at the food court and had Mongolian beef which was surprisingly good).

Although the airport has free wi-fi for some reason I can't send an e-mail from either my AOL or Comcast account.

Boarding started on time but was very slow.  There were about ten people wheeled on and a number of people traveling with children (actually a surprising number of school age children). I am in premium economy which is only about half full.  There was a young lady next to me but she asked to move to a vacant row which means I have an empty seat next to me put my stuff on (unfortunately the arm rest is fixed so I can't spread out).

The captain came on around the time we were scheduled to leave to tell us we were going to sit for awhile.  There is a strong tail wind thanks to the cold weather (just like I had last year) and the trip would only take 6 3/4 hours instead of the normal eight.  That would put us into London about 5:15 and, because of a noise abatement law, planes can't land at Heathrow until 6:00.

We finally left the gate at 6:05 instead of the scheduled 5:30.

 The plane to Atlanta

The very quiet runway at RIC

The plane to London

Smooth sailing until next time!