Friday, May 9
We arrived very early and I slept through the Happy Birthday to QM2. Awoke a little after 6 and we were docking in Southampton. I took some pictures and then went back to sleep for awhile. Left my stateroom at 8:00 and went to the Britannia Restaurant on deck 3 where platinum and diamond members could sit and wait.
I met Phyllis and her husband and we sat and talked and I also said goodbye to Jim. They made an announcement that they were running behind a little before 9:00. My scheduled time was 9:15. They started calling different color tags and about 9:20 they said any remaining people could disembark so I got in the queue.
It took about 10 minutes to get into the terminal. Two of my suitcases were near each other and the other two were scattered. Once I found them I realized that there was no way I could stack four large cases on the trolley. I then started looking for a porter. I asked a Cunard rep where to get a porter and she directed me to the right place.
The queue to get out of the terminal was very long so it was taking the porters quite some time to get people out and come back in. I was the third person in line. Unfortunately, the person ahead of me was a ship's officer and needed four porters for about 25 bags (not sure who they belonged to). Then a person in a wheelchair showed up and they tried to give the next porter to her even though there were now three people ahead of her. The porter had other ideas and said he was going with me. He quickly scooped up my bags and took us to the front of the line to leave the terminal. I did not complain although on my own I would never cut in line.
We quickly found the driver from Smiths for Airports and we had to go to the car park. I tipped the porter £10 and wished I had had more to give him. The ride to London was uneventful (luckily the traffic was all going in the other direction) and I arrived at the flat about 12:15.
Carolyn and Gary welcomed me and Gary was a real trooper and got my luggage in the minuscule lift and up to the second floor.
Evidently my luggage was more than the lift could take and by the time we left to go out around one it had died. Gary e-mailed the landlord (we chose a flat with a lift specifically).
We walked to Selfridges and had lunch then back to Marble Arch tube station to purchase our Oyster Cards for the tube and buses. Took the bus to Big Ben and looked around and took pictures. Sat in the square for awhile (my shoes were rubbing my feet) then back to Oxford Street. Since we had a late lunch we decided to visit Marks and Spencer's food hall and pick up dinner to be eaten in the flat tonight.
When we returned, the lift was still broken and I had to hoof it up the spiral staircase. We enjoyed a quiet evening.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Day 118 - At sea
Thursday, May 8
Last full day onboard :( :(
Having gone to bed at 2, I did not get up until 10. It was another cloudy, foggy, rainy day. I watched the last "Rise and Shine with Amanda" then organized the clothes I needed for London and what was going into the last big suitcase. I also decided I could cram a few more things into the suitcase I packed last night.
We can start putting bags out at 5pm so I am going to wait until then to pack the biggest case (it is already tricky walking around the stateroom with two packed bags in the way).
Last lunch in the Lido and then sat in the World Voyage section for the last time.
Went to Needlework/Knitting group around 2:00. We eventually had about 18 present. I will really miss the daily meetings.
Played trivia with Mike and Judy but we only had 11 1/2 correct (What does the A. A. mean in A. A. Milne?).
Talked to Linda and Richard about CC for awhile in the corridor and then packed the biggest suitcase. Finally, I started the suitcase I will be using in London and my carry-on. I am glad I did not wait until today to pack all four cases.
Early evening trivia gave me 11 out of 19 correct.
All seven of us were present for dinner and there were lots of hugs all around. Came back and changed clothes so I could put out my last case before 11 (the deadline is midnight but they asked if all bags could be out by 11).
Went to the Variety Show which had a singing duo called Elite (two ladies who have been in a number of West End shows), a comic named Adrian Walsh, and the Royal Cunard Singers and Dancers.
Picked up my last OJ and then repacked my carry-on. Looks like I will be carrying my handbag, a tote bag, my coat and my rolling carry-on.
I am going to have a few posts on London and I hope to be able to summarize the World Voyage experience in the next few weeks.
Many thanks to those who followed me on this wonderful voyage.
Smooth sailing until next time!
Thursday, May 8
Last full day onboard :( :(
Having gone to bed at 2, I did not get up until 10. It was another cloudy, foggy, rainy day. I watched the last "Rise and Shine with Amanda" then organized the clothes I needed for London and what was going into the last big suitcase. I also decided I could cram a few more things into the suitcase I packed last night.
We can start putting bags out at 5pm so I am going to wait until then to pack the biggest case (it is already tricky walking around the stateroom with two packed bags in the way).
Last lunch in the Lido and then sat in the World Voyage section for the last time.
Went to Needlework/Knitting group around 2:00. We eventually had about 18 present. I will really miss the daily meetings.
Played trivia with Mike and Judy but we only had 11 1/2 correct (What does the A. A. mean in A. A. Milne?).
Talked to Linda and Richard about CC for awhile in the corridor and then packed the biggest suitcase. Finally, I started the suitcase I will be using in London and my carry-on. I am glad I did not wait until today to pack all four cases.
Early evening trivia gave me 11 out of 19 correct.
All seven of us were present for dinner and there were lots of hugs all around. Came back and changed clothes so I could put out my last case before 11 (the deadline is midnight but they asked if all bags could be out by 11).
Went to the Variety Show which had a singing duo called Elite (two ladies who have been in a number of West End shows), a comic named Adrian Walsh, and the Royal Cunard Singers and Dancers.
Picked up my last OJ and then repacked my carry-on. Looks like I will be carrying my handbag, a tote bag, my coat and my rolling carry-on.
I am going to have a few posts on London and I hope to be able to summarize the World Voyage experience in the next few weeks.
Many thanks to those who followed me on this wonderful voyage.
Smooth sailing until next time!
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Day 117 - At Sea
Wednesday, May 7
Went to bed last night around 1:30 and expected to sleep until about 10 but I started having a series of dreams about not being packed to disembark. So, I got up a little before 9 to a cloudy, rainy day which went along with my outlook on packing.
Watched the morning show while I figured out where I wanted to start packing and which case I would pack first. I finally decided to start with my souvenirs and put them in the case that has a hard bottom and is expandable. I started pulling things out of the under bed drawers. Did I really buy all this stuff? I found things I had totally forgotten.
I switched over to watching John Bridcut's lecture on Hillary Clinton as I packed. I rearranged things a few times and finally finished around 10:45. One down, three to go. Ugh!
Left the stateroom about 11 and went up to the Lido area to use up a few more internet minutes. Had lunch with Hilda and then went to the World Voyage lounge to finish my book.
At 1:45 I headed down to deck three to queue up for UK immigration. They opened a little before two and since I was about the twelfth in line I was through by 2:00. They only asked when I was going home and if I had a place to stay and a ticket home.
Then to Needlework/Knitting group early. Only had about twelve people today.
Trivia was fairly hard and I only had eleven correct (none of my team was there). I will be interested to see next year on HAL if I will do better since I am expecting more US/Canadian questions (although I still will be no good with sports questions).
Tonight was our last formal night. It was also the Parade of Chefs and Lobster or Beef Wellington and Baked Alaska night. We received our copies of the menus and I had a waiter take a picture of the seven of us plus our waiter, assistant waiter, and wine steward.
The show was a repeat so I surfed the net again trying to use up minutes. Then went to the Purser's Office to get envelopes for the extra tips I am leaving. The nice young man, Pascal, who helped us find the lift in Naples was working the desk. I am turning in one of the "You Have Been A Star" cards for him.
Picked up my OJ and came back to pack my formal wear. Two down two to go.
Smooth sailing until next time!
Wednesday, May 7
Went to bed last night around 1:30 and expected to sleep until about 10 but I started having a series of dreams about not being packed to disembark. So, I got up a little before 9 to a cloudy, rainy day which went along with my outlook on packing.
Watched the morning show while I figured out where I wanted to start packing and which case I would pack first. I finally decided to start with my souvenirs and put them in the case that has a hard bottom and is expandable. I started pulling things out of the under bed drawers. Did I really buy all this stuff? I found things I had totally forgotten.
I switched over to watching John Bridcut's lecture on Hillary Clinton as I packed. I rearranged things a few times and finally finished around 10:45. One down, three to go. Ugh!
Left the stateroom about 11 and went up to the Lido area to use up a few more internet minutes. Had lunch with Hilda and then went to the World Voyage lounge to finish my book.
At 1:45 I headed down to deck three to queue up for UK immigration. They opened a little before two and since I was about the twelfth in line I was through by 2:00. They only asked when I was going home and if I had a place to stay and a ticket home.
Then to Needlework/Knitting group early. Only had about twelve people today.
Trivia was fairly hard and I only had eleven correct (none of my team was there). I will be interested to see next year on HAL if I will do better since I am expecting more US/Canadian questions (although I still will be no good with sports questions).
Tonight was our last formal night. It was also the Parade of Chefs and Lobster or Beef Wellington and Baked Alaska night. We received our copies of the menus and I had a waiter take a picture of the seven of us plus our waiter, assistant waiter, and wine steward.
The show was a repeat so I surfed the net again trying to use up minutes. Then went to the Purser's Office to get envelopes for the extra tips I am leaving. The nice young man, Pascal, who helped us find the lift in Naples was working the desk. I am turning in one of the "You Have Been A Star" cards for him.
Picked up my OJ and came back to pack my formal wear. Two down two to go.
Smooth sailing until next time!
Day 116 - Lisbon, Portugal
Tuesday, May 6
How can this possibly be our last port?
I was up early (6:20) to watch the three Queens sail in but could not find a good location to see both of the other two so I gave up and came back and took a snooze on the sofa. Woke up about 8:45 to see us dock.
My tour (Lisbon by Land and River) did not start until noon so I wasn't sure if I wanted to attempt to get into the downtown area and back before noon. I finally decided to do so ( I still had Euros to spend) but when I got to the shuttle bus we were told that the traffic was so bad that you could walk it in 15 minutes (for me 30-45). [Note to Carnival Corp. - Is it really a good idea to put five of your ships (1 HAL, 1 Princess, and 3 Cunard) in port on the same day? P&O Arcadia was supposed to be in port as well but I never saw her.]
Since the bus was going to be so slow I set out walking hoping I would find some shops before going to far. About halfway to the main square I did find a shop and had no trouble spending most of my money. Walked back to the ship and had a late breakfast.
At noon I walked through the terminal (which I had not had to go through on my earlier walk) and joined my tour group. We started with a bus tour around the city hearing its history and seeing some of the beautifully painted or tiled buildings and the mosaic walkways.
Next we joined a River boat with two other tour groups. We sailed past the three Cunard Queens and then back under the 25 de Abril Bridge. We saw the Belem Tower, Monument to the Discoveries, the monument to Christ the King (looks like the one in Rio but smaller), among others.
We were given a snack of a ham and cheese roll, a meringue and one of the Belem Custard Tarts which are a specialty of the area.
The traffic in Lisbon was so bad that it took us over an hour to get back to the ship. This was once when I was very glad that I was on a ship excursion. If you are late, they will wait for you. We finally made it back at 4:30 and all aboard was at 5:00. I was out on deck 9 aft at 5:00. There were British flags being passed out, Nexus was playing and the place was packed.
The Captain made an announcement that I could not hear but eventually word passed down we would be late sailing. At 5:50 we saw why. Four bus loads of people on excursions arrived back to QM2. She finally set sail around 6:10, then we left and finally QV. There was lots of flag waving and patriotic British songs being played once Nexus finished. I finally left my last sail-away for the World Voyage around 7:15.
Joanne, Allison, Lynn and I ate dinner together although I thought I would be eating alone for the first few minutes. Decided against the show and used up some of my internet minutes instead.
Views of Lisbon
Smooth sailing until next time!
Tuesday, May 6
How can this possibly be our last port?
I was up early (6:20) to watch the three Queens sail in but could not find a good location to see both of the other two so I gave up and came back and took a snooze on the sofa. Woke up about 8:45 to see us dock.
My tour (Lisbon by Land and River) did not start until noon so I wasn't sure if I wanted to attempt to get into the downtown area and back before noon. I finally decided to do so ( I still had Euros to spend) but when I got to the shuttle bus we were told that the traffic was so bad that you could walk it in 15 minutes (for me 30-45). [Note to Carnival Corp. - Is it really a good idea to put five of your ships (1 HAL, 1 Princess, and 3 Cunard) in port on the same day? P&O Arcadia was supposed to be in port as well but I never saw her.]
Since the bus was going to be so slow I set out walking hoping I would find some shops before going to far. About halfway to the main square I did find a shop and had no trouble spending most of my money. Walked back to the ship and had a late breakfast.
At noon I walked through the terminal (which I had not had to go through on my earlier walk) and joined my tour group. We started with a bus tour around the city hearing its history and seeing some of the beautifully painted or tiled buildings and the mosaic walkways.
Next we joined a River boat with two other tour groups. We sailed past the three Cunard Queens and then back under the 25 de Abril Bridge. We saw the Belem Tower, Monument to the Discoveries, the monument to Christ the King (looks like the one in Rio but smaller), among others.
We were given a snack of a ham and cheese roll, a meringue and one of the Belem Custard Tarts which are a specialty of the area.
The traffic in Lisbon was so bad that it took us over an hour to get back to the ship. This was once when I was very glad that I was on a ship excursion. If you are late, they will wait for you. We finally made it back at 4:30 and all aboard was at 5:00. I was out on deck 9 aft at 5:00. There were British flags being passed out, Nexus was playing and the place was packed.
The Captain made an announcement that I could not hear but eventually word passed down we would be late sailing. At 5:50 we saw why. Four bus loads of people on excursions arrived back to QM2. She finally set sail around 6:10, then we left and finally QV. There was lots of flag waving and patriotic British songs being played once Nexus finished. I finally left my last sail-away for the World Voyage around 7:15.
Joanne, Allison, Lynn and I ate dinner together although I thought I would be eating alone for the first few minutes. Decided against the show and used up some of my internet minutes instead.
Views of Lisbon
the international railway station
one of the beautifully tiled building with wrought iron balconies
street art
one of the mosaic sidewalks (all set by hand and all different)
interesting paint job
more street art
Church of Santa Engracia
Edward VII Park
one of the Electicos - the old electric trams
the Coat of Arms of Lisbon
Smooth sailing until next time!
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Day 115 - At sea
Monday, May 5
Since I had no internet last night I went to bed about midnight. Woke up this morning at. 8:40 so I decided to try and get on - still not working. After watching the morning show twice I got dressed and headed off to the internet centre. There was a sign up that they could not connect to the satellite service.
Sat in the Garden Lounge for a bit but then decided it was too nice outside to stay in. It was a little cool to swim, so I sat in the sun and read. Stayed out until noon and then went in to hear the noon announcements (you can't always hear them to well on deck 9 aft and some people talk right through them).
Saw someone using a computer so I decided to try again. Finally I was able to log in and post yesterday's blog entry. Stayed on until about 12:45 when I decided to eat. After lunch I moved to the World Voyage section of the Garden Lounge and went back online until I lost the connection.
Switched locations to Cafe Carinthia where we have Needlework/Knitting group. Others began to show up and at about 2:35 we passed the Rock of Gibraltar. I went up to deck three and snapped a few photos then back to knitting.
Played trivia with Mike and Judy but it was really tough. We only had 11 correct. My main contribution was the name of the diner on Happy Days.
It was such a beautiful afternoon I decided to sit on my balcony instead of having afternoon tea or an ice cream. I could just see Queen Mary 2 behind us. Tomorrow we will sail into Lisbon with the Queen Victoria going first, then us, then QM2. We are supposed to be docked in a line with 40 meters between us (according to the Captain's announcements today).
Joanne, Allison, Keith, Mans, and I ate at the Lido alternative tonight. It is a $10 extra charge but I had received a voucher for a free meal a couple of months ago. They alternate menus and tonight's was "Jasmine" a blend of Asian cuisines. It was good but not my favorite meal on the ship.
At 10:30 the crew talent show was performed. There were many good performances and the end number was funny.
We turned the clocks back for the final time so I had time to stand on the balcony and watch QM2 which had come up parallel to us. Once again I could not get on the internet.
Smooth sailing until next time!
Monday, May 5
Since I had no internet last night I went to bed about midnight. Woke up this morning at. 8:40 so I decided to try and get on - still not working. After watching the morning show twice I got dressed and headed off to the internet centre. There was a sign up that they could not connect to the satellite service.
Sat in the Garden Lounge for a bit but then decided it was too nice outside to stay in. It was a little cool to swim, so I sat in the sun and read. Stayed out until noon and then went in to hear the noon announcements (you can't always hear them to well on deck 9 aft and some people talk right through them).
Saw someone using a computer so I decided to try again. Finally I was able to log in and post yesterday's blog entry. Stayed on until about 12:45 when I decided to eat. After lunch I moved to the World Voyage section of the Garden Lounge and went back online until I lost the connection.
Switched locations to Cafe Carinthia where we have Needlework/Knitting group. Others began to show up and at about 2:35 we passed the Rock of Gibraltar. I went up to deck three and snapped a few photos then back to knitting.
Played trivia with Mike and Judy but it was really tough. We only had 11 correct. My main contribution was the name of the diner on Happy Days.
It was such a beautiful afternoon I decided to sit on my balcony instead of having afternoon tea or an ice cream. I could just see Queen Mary 2 behind us. Tomorrow we will sail into Lisbon with the Queen Victoria going first, then us, then QM2. We are supposed to be docked in a line with 40 meters between us (according to the Captain's announcements today).
Joanne, Allison, Keith, Mans, and I ate at the Lido alternative tonight. It is a $10 extra charge but I had received a voucher for a free meal a couple of months ago. They alternate menus and tonight's was "Jasmine" a blend of Asian cuisines. It was good but not my favorite meal on the ship.
At 10:30 the crew talent show was performed. There were many good performances and the end number was funny.
We turned the clocks back for the final time so I had time to stand on the balcony and watch QM2 which had come up parallel to us. Once again I could not get on the internet.
Smooth sailing until next time!
Monday, May 5, 2014
Day 114 - Palma, Mallorca, Spain
Sunday, May 4
After my exceedingly early bedtime last night I woke up around seven as we were pulling into port. My balcony is overlooking a German ship "Mein Schiff II" and the beautiful harbor. We docked around 8:00 but I waited until nine to get off hoping I would not be fighting the excursion groups getting off. There were some groups in the Queens Room still waiting to go but I was able to get right off.
The shuttle bus took us to an area right across from the Cathedral. We were a little earlier than this city gets going (my kind of place) and the street vendors were just setting up. I then noticed a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus and thought that would be a great way to see some of the city. The bus only cost €17 and a complete loop took about 75 minutes. I was glad I did this as I got to see much more than if I had just walked for awhile.
When we had made a complete loop I walked around the Cathedral area and purchased a few souvenirs. There were a number of street performers out that I watched. By then I was thirsty and hungry so I took the shuttle back at about one. Picked up a Pepsi and then back to try to post yesterday's blog. Once again I could not get into the Cunard system.
Ate in the Lido and then went to the World Voyage area and tried to get on the internet. Took me close to fifty minutes to finally be able to log in (I think it is a conspiracy so I can't use the rest of my minutes!).
Talked with Keith (one of my dinner friends) about his walk all over Palma today. It was then off for sail-away (#37). There were an amazing number of people out there (I was one of the few at the last one) maybe because it was an early one (3:30). Nexus was playing and a few people were actually dancing.
After we were out of the harbor it was time for my afternoon ice cream. I surfed the net for awhile and read parts of two other world cruisers' blogs. Then my CC friends Andrea and John came by and we talked for some time.
Tonight is a formal night and the last World Voyage Cocktail Party. I have decided that I am not a cocktail party person. I had a nice time however sitting and talking with two of my CC friends, John and Gloria.
Only Lynn, Hilda and me for dinner. The show was another repeat so I just picked up my regular at the pub and made it an early night. Usually on World Voyage Cocktail Party nights we get a gift but not tonight.😞
Once again it is not possible to even get to the log in screen so this post will be late.
I want to wish my sweet granddaughter, Kat, a very happy birthday on May 5.
Views of Palma
Smooth sailing until next time!
Sunday, May 4
After my exceedingly early bedtime last night I woke up around seven as we were pulling into port. My balcony is overlooking a German ship "Mein Schiff II" and the beautiful harbor. We docked around 8:00 but I waited until nine to get off hoping I would not be fighting the excursion groups getting off. There were some groups in the Queens Room still waiting to go but I was able to get right off.
The shuttle bus took us to an area right across from the Cathedral. We were a little earlier than this city gets going (my kind of place) and the street vendors were just setting up. I then noticed a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus and thought that would be a great way to see some of the city. The bus only cost €17 and a complete loop took about 75 minutes. I was glad I did this as I got to see much more than if I had just walked for awhile.
When we had made a complete loop I walked around the Cathedral area and purchased a few souvenirs. There were a number of street performers out that I watched. By then I was thirsty and hungry so I took the shuttle back at about one. Picked up a Pepsi and then back to try to post yesterday's blog. Once again I could not get into the Cunard system.
Ate in the Lido and then went to the World Voyage area and tried to get on the internet. Took me close to fifty minutes to finally be able to log in (I think it is a conspiracy so I can't use the rest of my minutes!).
Talked with Keith (one of my dinner friends) about his walk all over Palma today. It was then off for sail-away (#37). There were an amazing number of people out there (I was one of the few at the last one) maybe because it was an early one (3:30). Nexus was playing and a few people were actually dancing.
After we were out of the harbor it was time for my afternoon ice cream. I surfed the net for awhile and read parts of two other world cruisers' blogs. Then my CC friends Andrea and John came by and we talked for some time.
Tonight is a formal night and the last World Voyage Cocktail Party. I have decided that I am not a cocktail party person. I had a nice time however sitting and talking with two of my CC friends, John and Gloria.
Only Lynn, Hilda and me for dinner. The show was another repeat so I just picked up my regular at the pub and made it an early night. Usually on World Voyage Cocktail Party nights we get a gift but not tonight.😞
Once again it is not possible to even get to the log in screen so this post will be late.
I want to wish my sweet granddaughter, Kat, a very happy birthday on May 5.
Views of Palma
View from my balcony
very small electric rental cars
the final resting place of the earphones from the HOHO bus tours (it is the canopy over a bus stop)
Street Performers
the view as we sailed out of the harbour
Smooth sailing until next time!
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