Day 36 of 102, Day 37 of 102

If I am not much mistaken, we have entered the third segment of our World Voyage. Several disembarked and probably a similar embarked yesterday, at Singapore, after joining Queen Mary 2 at either Southampton or Dubai.  This part of the cruise includes two sea days, two full days at Laem Chabang (for Bangkok), a further three sea days, one day at Phu My (for Ho Chi Minh City), and a further two sea days before returning to Singapore on 23rd February. Six days later, I will turn 74, ye gods!

I have not felt inclined to book shore experiences yet, although I really ought to. I am unlikely to come this way again. In fact, it’s for that very reason, I have now booked an excursion/experience in both places, the “Small Group Bangkok in a Day,” trip, and a scenic tour from Phu My in Thailand, thus deeming that part of my travel blog just a little bit more interesting. Also, I have to acclimatise myself to two early morning train departures when I leave QM2 in Sydney!

This first sea day from Singapore is glorious. The sea is gentle, and especially this afternoon, the sun is shining in only slightly cloudy skies. Energetic walkers pass me in droves on the Promenade deck, especially as I keep needing to stop rather more frequently.

Suddenly, I felt the need of a haircut! I went up to the Mareel area on Deck 8 and was attended to immediately.

My dodgy voice is still very croaky, but far better than during the last few days. Paracetamol, honey with boiling water seems to do the trick.

As per tradition, the first sea day of a Cunard cruise or segment of a longer voyage is a Gala Night, this evening honouring or marking the Centenary of Laconia’s historic first round-the-world voyage of any one passenger ship. Out will come a freshly laundered white tuxedo, which should fit just a little bit better after having completed well over 400,000 steps.

Day 37 of 102

It seems the call at Singapore served several purposes. For many (presumably) locals, a nine day cruise from and back to Singapore would make an ideal vacation. Some have flown from the U.K., an overnight flight which I would never conremplate except, possibly in First Class. One lady I met at dinner (from S.W. UK) joined QM2 at Singapore and flies to Sydney from Singapore on 23rd February. She then catches the daytime train to Melbourne, just as I have arranged to do in March. A couple from Liverpool who also joined the day before yesterday are continuing through to Southampton. They had spent five days in Singapore before joining the ship.

Dinner last night was a special Gala occasion celebrating 100 years since the first World Cruise, which I keep referring to. Unusually for me, I was not overly impressed with the actual dinner, served rather hurriedly by waiters who appeared under pressure. And, what I chose (the lamb dish) felt much of a muchness. The show afterwards, however, Be Our Guest, was performed with the superhuman slickness one now expects of the Royal Court Theatre Orchestra, Singers and Dancers, as well as the sound and light team, who thankfully, had dropped the volume ever so slightly. (Sorry, pictures/video not allowed!)

Ship’s time went back an hour at 2am, in preparation for our arrival in Laem Chabang. I will need to be up early tomorrow for the “Small Group” trip to Bangkok. Originally, I had no intention/inclination to make the long journey. I changed my mind at the last minute yesterday, feeling more refreshed than in previous days. However, I have had to give up on my honey with hot water to treat my QM2 cough, which even today is still affecting my voice. I felt as if my blood sugar reading was through the roof despite keeping away from all things sweet.

As I write, tropical rains fall outside from leadened skies. With luck, all will be fine this afternoon, and I may continue my walking challenge. Even as the rain falls, determined keep-fit fanatics run, jog, and walk around the drenched decks.

I met Jo briefly this morning. She is much happier now that I can join her on tomorrow’s nine hour trip to Bangkok. However, I felt the need for an hour or so in my darkened stateroom to catch up on some shut-eye.

This afternoon, the sky remains grey but a little brighter than at midmorning. Thus, I shall continue walking for Christian Aid. I continue to be ahead of schedule by almost nine days. This means that while in Australia, I can relax a little. 14.53 hrs,Thu 16 Feb.

We have come a long way since January 11th. And I do like being in the South China Seas even if it is dull and humid today.

The ship feels much busier. I am told that around 900 boarded in Singapore. Certainly, the casino, is doing a roaring trade as the far too complicated for me fruit machines clatter out their modest jackpots, and crowds gather around the gaming tables, as the roulette ball lands where it shouldn’t!

The plan tonight is to have an early dinner, watch the 8 o’clock show, and then have an early night in readiness for tomorrow’s tour at 8.am.

Many thanks for reading, David 15.49, 16/2/23, Carinthia Lounge. Deck 7.