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!