Wednesday 1st May 2024.

Really?!  It feels like late January outside, or at least it did as I set off for Church this morning.   Attending church on a Wednesday is a more recent part of my post retirement routine, now that time, although still precious, is more plentiful these days. 

Late yesterday afternoon/early evening, Cunard’s 249th ship, the much anticipated Queen Anne appeared in U.K. waters for the first time, eventually berthing at Southampton’s Mayflower Terminal where on Friday, its first ever passengers (sorry, guests!) will embark on its long-since sold out maiden voyage, me (with luck) among them.   Thanks to the wonders of YouTube, I was able to watch for (if I wished) up to well over two hours as Queen Anne sailed gracefully along the Solent to its home port. 

Queen Anne was actually due on Saturday morning at around 09.00 hrs.  I did think about going down to join one of the flotilla.  This would have meant travelling to Cowes the day before and boarding a special tourist boat to witness and possibly accompany Queen Anne as she headed to her home port, rather too early for my liking!  Yesterday, she was retimed to berth at Mayflower Terminal at 15.00 hrs, her arrival being again rescheduled to 20.00 hrs.  It was possible to watch all this on YouTube. However, far better footage is now available, and although a cruise-ship rather than genuine ocean liner, Queen Anne certainly catches the eye – a block of flats in Cunard livery?  If so, I would certainly like an apartment!  

I think I have just about completed the packing.  Both tuxedos fit very nicely into the suitcase I purchased in Cairns to replace one whose carrying handle snapped off on the way from Brisbane.  Even without the Covid regulations, Cunard’s checklist would make a third testament of the Bible. (I exaggerate).  Despite this being my 50th voyage with Cunard, including two previous maiden voyages, I remain uncertain until the time I am on board.  I assume my down (or is it uploaded) boarding pass plus a genuine passport and evidence of appropriate travel insurance will ensure my actually making it to my deck 8 aft balcony stateroom. 

By way of celebration, I treated myself to a rather nice meal at my maiden visit to The Brasserie in Buxton.  Off menu, they produced an excellent fresh fruit salad.

Tomorrow is another day.

Many thanks for reading,  David,  20.27 hrs, The Brasserie, Buxton.