Wednesday 8th May, at sea en route for Southampton.

I didn’t mean to maybe annoy the elegantly dressed lady sitting next to me at breakfast this morning.  Like me, she had been on the Maiden Voyage of Queen Mary 2 just over twenty years ago and expected this to be similar in terms of celebratory festiveness.  I kind of agree.  But I am not going to let Cunard’s parsimonious philosophy ruin my enjoyment of this magnificent ship and its maiden voyage.   I do feel that Cunard has missed  numberous  publicity and promotional opportunities, even if passengers have received one or two goodies.  A signed and framed maiden voyage map is available as a limited edition – online!   How widely is this known?  There was bitter and vociferous annoyance in the totally inadequate Cunard souvenir shop when the entire stock of Queen Anne teddybears sold within minutes, apparently with customers bulk buying them as investments?!  I don’t need a teddy bear with Queen Anne sewn in.  While other small souvenirs have sold out and now appear on eBay, along with other give-aways, the teddybears seem to be stashed in private archives or given to grandchildren.  So far, I have not seen them on eBay.

What a glorious day it was in Lisbon yesterday. The promise of 24°C soon materialised (and then some) after a cool, clear, and dry start.  I had a light lunch before going ashore with the intention of walking a short distance along the River Tagus towards the April 25th Bridge.  I also wanted to take the photograph illustrated here.  I took a vintage style car (very rough riding) for a 40-minute exploration, with a very friendly tour guide who pointed out as much as she could in the time I paid for.

I continued my river walk, researching possible short river trips for a future holiday.

There are numerous al fresco eateries along where I walked, one at which I enjoyed a pizza and pot of green tea, with a distant view of Queen Anne tied up.   All of a sudden, it was time to head towards the ship.  I didn’t need to hurry, but I did feel a sense of relief once back on board.  Yesterday was real summer without the cool breeze. 

Today, the seas are not quite flat as we head up the west coast of Spain and into a less turbulent Bay of Biscay.  It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is the last full day of this maiden voyage. Either today or tomorrow, I shall indulge in a champagne afternoon tea.  This is by way of my travel agent who booked me on what had become my 50th Cunard cruise.

I do like what I have seen and experienced so far ìììíof Queen Anne. Obviously, there are certain niggles, most of which are compensated by new features, e.g. the Pavilion with pool sunloungers, screen, possibly for movies, with huge retractable roof covering two levels of midships area for rest, relaxation and refreshment.   

I turned up  for “Champagne Afternoon Tea” before time, and already the Queens Room was full, with “overspill” being accommodated in the gorgeous Britannia Club Restaurant.  This special treat was by way of a generous gift, paid for by my travel agent.  Embarrassingly, said (champagne) afternoon tea was unavailable, and I was advised to arrange a refund or alternative at one of the numerous bars.  Apparently, the voucher remains valid for the time I am on board, not just for this first voyage.  Perhaps I may be able to share the bottle with those at surrounding tables on a future occasion. 

It’s 17.43 and already, First Sitting guests are in the Britannia Restaurant for their dinner, retimed to 5.30 pm to enable smoother organisation of both early and late dinner sittings. It seems to work better.  At this moment, I am trying to, belatedly today, continue my sponsored Christian Aid Week walk.  It is very breezy on the boat deck, but actually, it’s not unpleasant. Both bruised shins still hurt from tripping over the low-flung seats near the lift a couple of days ago.  I rather think that I am not yet used to the limitations of my vary-focals. 

Writing the following morning, Day 7, in my room at 08.07 hrs.

Last night, for the first time, all six showed up for Gala Night dinner in the Britannia Restaurant.  Beef Wellington and Baked Alaska were among the traditional Cunard offerings on the menu, but there was no Parade of the Chefs on this occasion.  Conversation was lively, particularly when we had finished eating, with over-my-head  “debates” about U.K. and U.S. politics, the state of both countries, etc etc.  Strangely, we were not the last to leave.

For most of the passengers, today is their final full day.  I understand that we are still transiting the Bay of Biscay, which thankfully is almost calm. 

Many thanks for reading,

David, 08.23, 9/5/24 (already!) having only recently woken from.a deep sleep.