I’m writing this in the early hours of 25th August.

Outside, it has been beautiful with immensely calm seas.  My energy levels felt sapped, so I took  this this opportunity to catch up on blogs, which I had difficulty putting together presumably because I overloaded one of the pages.

The 400th crossing was marked today by two very interesting lectures, which I thought that I had attended on previous voyages.  Deseigner of Queen Mary 2, Dr. Stephen Payne delivered a fascinating talk dispelling many inaccurate theories on the sinking of Titanic in 1912.  While I have heard this lecture before, it was far from a straight repeat.  There was much new information, particularly on material covering other  events at the time of the tragedy.

“Mr Oceanliner,” Bill Miller followed with his consistently brilliant account of Floating Palaces.  Again, there was much insight with which I was unfamiliar. Some of his well tested humour was well received.  I spent most of the rest of the day enjoying lunch, afternoon tea, and a Gala Dinner marking the 400th crossing of Queen Mary 2.   I ask myself, “Will Queen Mary 2 achieve the 1,001 crossings the 1936 Queen Mary completed by 1967 ?”  Not running a year-round service like her predecessor, it’s unlikely although I’m sure that she might well exceed her actual mileage.

Tonight was Black and White Gala Night, which several people  I met prior to joining the ship expressed not only their enthusiasm for joining  who would make a great and convincing effort.  A few didn’t bother as is always the case.  I sympathise. I have lugged around North America suitable formal ware, dinner jacket, black shoes etc.  Dinner was slow tonight but very nice. Cunard really needs to retime the second show to 10.30, so both dinner and entertainment can be enjoyed in a leisurely manner. 

The best time to visit the Purser’s Office is usually when most passengers have gone to bed or are at a late night bar, in this case, the G32 night club/disco aft of the Queens Room.  I went along to have my loyalty status corrected from “Newcomer” to “Diamond” status.  However, the little bit of O.B.C. (that is onboard credit) did not materialise.  Although only 60 Bucks, it’s better in my pocket than theirs!  

A relaxing and slightly over indulgent day. Five more to go!

Many thanks for reading,

David, 03.25 hrs.  Updated 08.40 hrs.