Thursday 9th May 2024, 11.11 hrs, in the gorgeous environs of the Carinthia Lounge, deck 3, starboard, looking out onto a calm Bay of Biscay.

I slept well last night, despite a weird dream about driving my car to a place somewhere in Buxton, from where it was impossible to reverse or turn around without demolishing a nearby house – explain that one, Freud!

For the first time, I paid for a designer coffee in one of the numerous luxurious public areas on this (as far as I am concerned) fabulous cruise- ship, on its sold-out first voyage.  I attended the last of Chris Frame’s excellent lectures. this time, looking at the period from the very first steam ships of the late 1830s to a grand finale illustrating the construction of what our captain is instructed to refer to as the “beautiful” Queen Anne.  It’s a great pity that he is not allowed to over-run the three-quarters of an hour allotted to all the guest speakers.  His skill in delivering so much information in the time allowed is quite remarkable.

13.56 hrs, in the Artisans’ Foodhall.

I did contemplate lunch in the Britannia Restaurant, but after some “dithering,” I chose to go to my usual eatery on Deck 9, managing to secure a window seat affording splendid sea views.  I was joined by table companion Grace and welcomed the company.  However, I have some walking to do.  At 15°, outside feels quite cool.  Unbelievably, at home 53°N, Buxton basks in the low twenties Centigrade. 

On my walk around the Promenade Deck, right at the aft end, I came across two female personnel watching over a highly polished box draped with a Red Ensign.  It seems that a scattering of ashes at sea was about to occur, and the area was soon blocked off. 

This isn’t going to please a lot of people.  Perhaps I’m easily satisfied, but I am finding it difficult to find things I don’t like.  My stateroom on Deck 8 fourth from the end, where some of the big suites are, is delightful with an attractive, well-stocked en-suite.  The huge bed is extraordinarily comfortable, and the glass fronted balcony will come into its own in the good weather or during scenic cruising.  The problems of being directly under the Panoramic Pool Club are minimal – so far.  The setting up of the sunloungers and other furniture has awakened me just once.  It took me a day or two to realise there is no onboard newspaper delivered each evening.  I’m not sorry.  And, one needs a “degree” in modern technology to work the T.V.  I have, more or less, got my head around that now!

The Artisans’ Foodhall is no more chaotic than its counterparts on the rest of the fleet.  I am told the Queens Room offers less opportunity for ballroom dancing.  That “complaint,” if valid, I can understand, although my two left feet and coordination of a derailed train precludes me from ever venturing beyond the surrounding seating!  I agree also that the Promenade Deck is narrow with much of the view obscured by lifeboats, tenders, and other necessary equipment. But, it’s interesting to see all this brand new.  But at least, there is a Promenade Deck that encircles the entire ship, and the lifeboats don’t obstruct the view of many, if any, staterooms. 

Catering on the first two, maybe three days, was chaotic and slow.  I didn’t notice on day 1. I was more concerned with seeing the fireworks.  Service was slow for some the following day.  However, my table was attended to just that bit more quickly, being away from the centre of the restaurant.  These problems were acknowledged and seemingly addressed as the maiden voyage progressed.  It’s just after 6 pm, and I’m writing this from a window seat in an empty Artisans Foodhall.  It’s time for perhaps a couple more laps of the Promenade Deck (Deck 3).  With the sun going down aft, I assume we are now in the English Channel.

DISEMBARKATION DAY (for some)

Friday 10th May 08.54 hrs, at a port-side window table in the Artisans’ Foodhall.

Here endeth the MAIDEN VOYAGE of Cunard’s Queen Anne.

It was “special,” but for much of the time, it was merely a pleasant week-long trip to Spain and Portugal. Clarendon Art marketed limited edition prints, some several hundreds or thousands dollars in price.  Sam’s “Controversial Arts” lecture would have been well received had it been April Fool’s Day!  While being convincingly enlightening, Hans Christian Andersen’s The Emperor’s New Clothes came to mind – frequently!

This morning, Disembarkation Day has gone “pear-shaped!”  This is because (according to the announcements) there are multiple cruise ships in port and the terminal(s?) are struggling with overcrowding.  Great!  I can go cruise-ship spotting!  Checking online, it appears that just Queen Anne and Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas are in Southampton today.

I need to have my injured leg looked at.  A peculiar red rash close to the bruising incurred during a fall needs to be checked out.  Being in Southampton, this can be looked at either at a pharmacy or A & E, without incurring onboard medical charges, which wouldn’t please my Travel Insurance Company!   It’s now close to 09.30, and nobody has left the ship yet.  Connections are going to be missed, and already disgruntled passengers will have some justifiable cause for further indignation. 

Many thanks for reading, David, still enjoying a decent coffee in the Artisans‘ Foodhall.

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