It’s not my fault!    Lisbon, 7th May 2024

I am not sure how many hours I have spent writing an almost daily blog, only for the illustrations to re-arrange themselves and end up with the wrong captions.  So far, I see no way to edit my writings and photographs in the way I used to be able to do with my original WordPress arrangement, which was terminated unexpectedly at the start of last year’s World Voyage.  I seem to be paying dearly for two different arrangements, a situation I shall need to resolve as soon as I return from what is so far, a fabulous  maiden voyage.

Below is a brief summary of my (most favourable) impressions on day 5 of the maiden voyage of Cunard’s M.V. Queen Anne.

This, as well as being my 50th Cunard cruise, is my third Cunard (or any other) maiden voyage.   Not yet being around 200 years of age, I have missed the maiden voyages of Cunard’s other 246 ships! 

M.V. Queen Anne is Cunard’s second largest passenger ship.  However, it can accommodate almost 3,000 “guests,” over 200 more than the Flagship Queen Mary 2. If QM2 can be described as “QE2 on steroids,” I might describe (as a compliment) Queen Anne as the same for both Queen Victoria (2007 and Queen Elizabeth (2010), aboard both of which I have enjoyed lengthy voyages.

Queen Anne seems to be very different in its far less straightforward layout from its two predecessors.  The guest areas are spread over 13 decks, numbered 1 to 14, with no Deck 13,  not all of which run the full length of the ship.  My cabin (thankfully with balcony) is aft on Deck 8, directly under the Panoramic Pool Club, which can be a problem with the scraping and banging noise of sunloungers being set up in the morning.  However, so far,  I have only been disturbed once.  Edgar is my very helpful cabin steward.  Perhaps being in one of the most turbulent parts of the ship, being high up and not amidships, even in the bouncy seas of the Bay of Biscay, discomfort was minimal, and I see no reason to request a cabin change when the ship becomes less full.

I have to disagree with “authoritative” writers and YouTubers who discourage going on maiden voyages.  However, I do find the expectations of some of my fellow travellers unreasonably high. It would be very impressive if, somewhat, boring if everything went perfectly.  My only disappointment is the Cunard souvenir shop in something not much bigger than a phone booth, with very little Queen Anne maiden voyage merchandising.  There was next to none on Queen Victoria either in December 2007.  There was plenty on QM2 in January 2004.  To be fair, however, the Daily Programmes, overprinted “maiden voyage” and at least one special menu (4/5/24) has been made available, along with some tasteful gifts delivered to every stateroom/suite.  I have plenty to bring back!

Apart from (twice!) falling over a low-level seating area between the lifts and bruising my shins on the hidden metal framework, I am thoroughly enjoying this welcome few days in more southerly climes.  24°C is promised for later today in Lisbon.

I am not putting pictures with this blog.  I shall try and post some shortly!  Until then, here is a summary of the first five days.

Day 1

Having stayed overnight in Southampton, my neighbour/friend Roger, who drove me to Southampton the day before,  we visited the Titanic exhibition after a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and coffee in the city centre.  Despite having tons of time, we got stuck in traffic on the way to my joining Queen Anne, which by 4 pm was now a very quick procedure.

I familiarised myself with my accommodation, which will “do” very nicely, before starting to explore some of decks 9 to 11 with its pool restaurants, and Artisans’ Foodhall, equivalent to Kings Court buffet on QM2, and Lido on Queen Elizabeth/Victoria. The Pavilion, midships, is a massive pool area with an enormous retractable glass roof (sometimes referred to as a magradome) sunloungers and a large screen on which I anticipate movies will be shown.

I chose to divide my “dinner” before and after enabling me to watch the spectacular fireworks display just before setting sail and then seeing comedian Mike Doyle in the Royal Court Theatre.  Not everybody found him as funny as I did. An elderly couple seated next to me walked out, unimpressed!

Day 2

At sea, en route for La Coruna, Spain.  It was slightly rough in the Bay of Biscay. I enjoyed the “Insights” presentation by maritime historian Chris Frame. Dinner was in the Britannia Restaurant, where I joined Don (Glasgow), Grace (New York), and Robert (Chesterfield).  It was “Black and White” Gala Night, where formal attire is mandatory.  Missed the show! 

Day 3

La Coruna, Spain. I did disembark, mainly to take photographs and explore a little bit.  The cool, wet, cloudy morning morphed gradually into a gorgeous sunny day with a pleasant cool breeze.

Day 4

At sea, en route to Lisbon.  An opportunity to explore more of the ship and familiarise myself with the location of shops, bars, and other public areas. (Photos to follow!)  Went to the fourth performance in the Royal Court Theatre by Russell Watson.  He was very good, but I came away underwhelmed.  I do like the Royal Court Theatre. where only the audience in front obstructs the view.

Day 5 Lisbon.

Again, it’s a gorgeous day.  I shall have a quick lunch before taking a walk along the banks of the River Tagus.  Yep!  I am walking again in support of this year’s Christian Aid Week.  So far, I am on target.  Details to follow.  Hopefully, photos to follow also!

Many thanks for reading, David, 11.38 B.S.T. Artisans’ Foodhall.