Day 20 of 102, Monday 30th January

This cruise celebrates the Centenary of the first round-the-world voyage of a passenger liner, R.M.S. Laconia, between November 1922 and April 1923 . And, I am pleased that this historic event is remembered today in the form of branded souvenirs, a tasteful special logo, and some onboard events.

I was rather delighted that Captain Hashmi had stamped and signed the portfolio of my reproduced archive from the First World Cruise of 1922/3. He handed me back the copy and, quite surprisingly, spoke with me during coffee for well over half an hour. We covered several topics in that time. 

Outside, a welcome cool breeze, but by no means cold, caresses the open decks.  I think we are in the Gulf of Oman as we head in the direction of Abu Dhabi.  The sea is as calm as a millpond. 

I don’t mean to cheese-off any of my readers in Sunny Britain or North America.  We hit 31°C a couple of days ago!  On board, all is sweetness and light as covid-19 rears its ugly head and masks become mandatory inside, in the theatre and on shore experiences. 

Yesterday, I tried to write some kind of newcomers’ guide to Queen Mary 2, really for those who have recently accessed my blog.  I hope that, a few blogs from now, I may just have been able to give some further idea of life on board and what is available to guests, lectures, concerts, decks-ports, quizzes, and even bingo.  Today, I continue with a few more pictures, which may give some further idea of what to expect.  When it comes to dining, Queen Mary 2, like all cruise ships these days, offers several different options. 

Passengers in “Britannia Class” can dine in their alloted restaurant (illustrated) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at set times. The Kings Court Buffet offers an excellent self-serve alternative, which, being popular, can be chaotic at times. Lunch is also available in the Golden Lion Pub on Deck 2, and in the Verandah aft on Deck 8, for a supplementary fee. Dinner in the Verandah attracts a supplement of $45 but is well worth it for a special occasion.

Today, we entered the Gulf of Oman from the Arabian Sea, transited the Straits of Hormuz, finally entering the Persian Gulf. The seas were millpond smooth, and the sky, almost cloudless. Strangely, I dined alone tonight in the Upper Britannia Restaurant. This happens very occasionally and can be very tranquil. After dinner, I returned to my room to complete this Blog. Before finally getting my head down, I shall venture to the high Deck 13 to see how starry the sky has become. (In fact, I just walked a little on the Promenade Deck and enjoyed the therapeutic breeze, rather like gentle air-conditioning.

I have just hit a quarter of a million steps in my Walking Challenge in support of Christian Aid Week 2023. This was covered tonight in the first 20 days of this 102-day voyage (and train journey in Australia).

Many thanks for reading, David, 23.36 hrs outside on Deck 7. The sky was not as starry as I had hoped!