Photo credit Stuart DeSpain
We’re on our second day aboard the Queen Mary 2. The Trans-Atlantic voyage goes well, and we’re not bored (much to our relief). There is a lot to do, and it is enjoyable, although I can’t say we’d be choosing these activities were we in London or New York.
First, I must write about the ship. The QM2 is beautiful. The grand lobby is luxurious, the hallways are richly decorated, and everything is spotless. The crew tirelessly cleans around the clock; it is really quite impressive. Our cabin is roomy and comfortable, with a private balcony overlooking the port side, near the aft of the ship. We’re quite high up on deck eleven (or thirteen) which makes for a quieter voyage. Even the little desk at which I am presently writing is perfectly sized for the task.
The food is, well, adequate. It must be an incredible challenge to serve thousands of guests at the same time. That the quality is good and taste reasonable is a testament to the skill of the galley chefs. We choose our own time for breakfast and lunch. We’ve done breakfast in our room so far, but may try a sit down meal tomorrow. Lunch has been a bit of a challenge, but fish and chips at the Golden Lion pub was a welcome discovery.Â
Our late dinner seating in the main hall has been good so far. The staff has struggled, a bit, with consistent service but they’re getting there. As is often the case aboard cruise ships, we’re seated with a collection of fellow voyagers. Natalie, accompanied by her sister Alice, is sailing with her dog (a rescue made famous on Animal Cops SF). We’re also sitting with a three-star General, Eric, and his wife Suzette. Eric’s background is quite amazing: his father was a film and television director who had worked with celebrities like Bette Davis and Faye Dunaway. Loretta and Gene sit the farthest away from us, so we don’t know too much about them (yet). I gather Gene was a teacher and he and Loretta live on Staten Island. Needless to say, dinner conversations have been delightful.
Tina and I have spent the days attending astronomy lectures given by Mark Butterworth (from the International Astronomical Union). Sadly, Mr. Butterworth is not the most engaging speaker, leading to a few near-miss nod-offs. We’ve also been to the ship’s planetarium and a dance revue entitled Apassionato (yes, a dance revue; you can guess how that went). I even got a haircut, today, so you’ll note shorter locks in upcoming self-portraits.
We even have internet access on the high seas. Will wonders never cease? Of course it’s a bit expensive so we’re rationing it. But it has allowed us to get little treasures like this one: Astrud in training while we’re away:
The voyage has been very restful and is doing exactly what I’d hoped it would: giving us a needed pause for getting our heads around what is to come.Â
Below are a few pictures taken from departure and our first day on the Atlantic.Â