Written 24/8/24

It all feels like a dream.  As arranged by my travel agent, a chauffeur driven car was to take me to the Cruise Terminal at Red Hook, Brooklyn, where, as I was expecting, Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 was berthed having arrived in the early hours, and most, if not all inbound passengers disembarked. I had enjoyed my final breakfast on U.S. soil, my bags were packed and I had forgotten nothing.

When eventually I was settled in my cabin, I received a letter-card welcoming me as a “first- time Cunard guest!”  That explains the confusion at the check-in where I was told that I was not entitled to priority booking.  Seemingly, I have slipped off Cunard’s radar!  No bunch of flowers or chocolates for me this time!

I tell people quite frequently that I don’t like flying. This is partially true.  I have little objection to flying during the day west-bound. Returning eastbound from North America overnight – no chance!    An eastbound sailing on the world’s only ocean liner at a similar cost is a no-brainer. There is still that sense of occasion arriving by car at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in the “salubrious” district of Red Hook.  There, Cunard’s 20 year old Queen Mary 2 awaits, longer taller and everything else than any other liner before her.  It’s a piping hot day today, and thus, it’s a great shame to be leaving the U.S.A.  Despite its recent refurbishment, the harsh north Atlantic has taken its toll on some of the exterior paintwork, and sadly, rust is evident in the hard-to-get-to places.

I saw historian Bill Miller in the Kings Court Buffet.  He will be giving his flamboyant must-see lectures during this 400th crossing, which I just overheard as being its 400th anniversary!   I would love to be around for the 200th anniversary in 2040.

Now settled in, my suitacses unpacked and stowed under the bed, this is more the start of a new adventure rather than merely going home.

I did what was required of me, getting my card scanned at the wrong muster station and ordering some food from Room Service.  The Kings Court doesn’t stay open as long as I thought. 

In the evening, I found that my allotted table was the very one I was allocated to on the 2018 120 night World Voyage.  It remains (in my opinion) one of the best situated tables in that massive restaurant.  I joined Scots couple Bruce and Janet, who were immediately good company.  I assume the remaining three will join us tonight for the Black and White Gala night.  I have to take this sort of thing seriously, you know! 

That should be my blogs up to date!

Many thanks for reading,

David, 19.20 hrs, GMT -3