Days 89, 90, and 91 of 102.

Compiled Tuesday 11th July over breakfast in the Kings Court Buffet from 10.57 hrs.  (Day 91)

Well done to Cunard, who made a point of marking not only Good Friday with acts of worship for different faiths in various parts of the ship at 5.15 pm on that day, but made a point of marking Easter Sunday with a very well attended special service at the usual time of 10 am.  An Easter Order of Service was provided, which could be retained as a souvenir. Regular ship’s pianist Campbell Simpson played the hymns with the lessons read by two travelling clergy. Passengers received a Lindt Easter bunny during the day, and the bedtime chocolate was in the form of a tiny chocolate rabbit, a nice touch even if being diabetic precludes me from enjoying them!

I don’t remember much else about Easter Sunday on board, the rest of the day being fairly routine, as far as I remember, just two days later.  Oh yes! I did enjoy the lunchtime Sunday roast in the Britannia Restaurant! 

This morning, after a long and wonderful day yesterday, I needed a lie-in. Not for the first time did I just make it in time for breakfast before the buffet closed in preparation for lunch.

Yesterday morning, I was in luck. Queen Mary 2 was unable to recover the five hours lost due to the late departure from Cape Town. Thus, my Seals and Dolphins cruise in Walvis Bay, Namibia, was retimed to two hours later than the original 8 am. meeting time in the Royal Court Theatre. I had been on the same tour in 2018 and was determined to go again if the opportunity presented itself. Yesterday, it did, but I was far from the only one taking this trip for at least a second time. This shore experience provides a rare opportunity to be on a small vessel in what can only be described as a sea full of noisy jumping seals, which actually sound like a flock of bleeting sheep!

We mustn’t forget the pelicans and the seagulls!

Beer, sparkling wine, liqueur, and sherry were part of the deal, including a fine finger buffet.

It was ascertained that there were no dolphins close enough to be seen, which is very unusual and rather a pity. But, the abundance of wildlife on offer made this still a worthwhile journey, which I hope to embark on a third time. We returned to the ship an hour earlier than I expected. However, the trip was completed in full (as much as possible), and thus, an opportunity was provided to do something else in the afternoon. Jo had told me about colonies of flamingos in huge numbers. There was nothing to stop me from hiring transport (just for me!) to take me to the flamingos. Outside the ship, just one person was left trying to sell afternoon trips. I couldn’t sum up any interest from those returning to the ship. Therefore, I chose to do business with the gentleman who promised me a good trip for $20.00. I got the impression I would be back at the ship in less than an hour. I climbed into his minivan, who, shortly after, pulled over, explaining his wife would continue the trip. Immediately, a smart 4WD Toyota pulled up in front, and I changed vehicles. Bertha, his wife, then showed me around much of the town of Walvis Bay before venturing out towards a flat landscape of sand, grass, lakes, and dunes in the distance. Sure enough, massive gatherings of mainly flamingos appeared in at least three different locations. She took me as close as possible to all three as possible, and I took as much time as I needed to take photographs and videos.

This wonderful day had to end. I felt very privileged to see such wonderful natural habitats and hope that my pictures will aid future memories of this brilliant day. Reluctantly, I reboarded the ship!

But, back on board, I would catch up with Jo, have a simple dinner in the Kings Court Buffet, and end the day watching a screening of the 1985 film Out of Africa. My day did have to end, this morning at around 01.30 hrs. That’s why I was up late this morning.

Unbelievably, just one more port of call remains of this 102 night voyage, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Today is the first of eight sea days, during which we shall leave the Southern Hemisphere and have time to reflect on recent adventures.

As ever, many thanks for reading, David, Kings Court Buffet, 13.25, debating what to have for lunch. I started writing this just before 11 am.

Published Wednesday 12th April, 11.15 hrs Kings Court Buffet.