First of all, I have read through my first two blogs, 204 and 205, something I should have done far more attentively before publishing.  Fortunately, mistakes can be corrected, and parts re-written to flow a little better.  These “corrections” transfer to those who receive these blogs automatically.

I “needed” that extra hour in bed last night, being punished periodically for again eating too much, too late yesterday.  This evening is the first of the themed Gala Nights where the dress code is “formal.”  However, I am reluctant to commit to a celebratory dinner at the moment.

My stateroom aft on Deck 6 is inside with no windows.  Ascertaining the time of day can be challenging if you don’t look at your watch or check on the T.V. (The time on the T.V had not been altered this morning!)  The big advantage is being able to achieve the same darkness, whatever the time of day.  Jeff is my stateroom steward, and excellent he is, too. 

Being Sunday, there is a church service, unusually this time, in Illuminations, forward on Deck 3, where movies are shown most evenings and lectures delivered during the day.  The seating capacity is 500 including seats beneath the out-of-order Planetarium, just under 100 more than at St. John’s Buxton.  The Royal Court Theatre, immediately aft of Illuminations can seat 1,105, and did so when Shirley Bassey performed there during the maiden voyage in January 2004.  I remember it well! 

Prior to the Merchant Navy version of Matins (Mattins if you prefer), my stomach permitted just three plain croissants for breakfast, and seems to appreciate not being bombarded with tons of delicious cruise cuisine.  No outsized bananas this morning then, nor a bowl of Cunard oatmeal.  While the buffet is closed, I have found a nice bay window seat from which to admire another grey ocean with colour-coded sky.  Few seem to have taken to deck walking although it is not bitterly cold outside.  Coffee and other beverages are available from numerous machines throughout the day.  My night may not have been the most comfortable, but right now, I cannot recall feeling more relaxed and contented.  The multi-toned grey of outside has its own calming beauty. 

Is it already 22 years since QM2’s maiden voyage? I remember 12th January 2004 like I do 11th August 1968, the date of British Rail’s Last Day of Steam, or for that matter, my birthday! 

Ministrone soup, a couple of small rolls and some fancy toast item in the Carinthia Lounge may suffice for lunch.  I felt that I should vacate my nice bay window table in the King’s Court and head for the Carinthia Lounge next door. Light hot and cold dishes are available during lunch time. None appeal at the moment.

From what I gather, most of the passengers (guests in modern parlance) are North Americans returning from vacation in Europe.  All tell me of their struggles with the recent Europe-wide Heatwave.  All, however, have thoroughly, and made the very most of their visit, like I try to do when visiting the U.S.A. and Canada.  Some have been away for several weeks and tell me that they are glad to be going home now.

With the ambient noise in the King’s Court “buffet” it was difficult to hear the Captain’s noon-day address.  I think that we have sailed so far around 830 nautical miles, the closest land being the (twice missed on previous cruises) Azores.  (Third time lucky in January 2028, maybe).  Unbelievably, the average depth of the North Atlantic is 2.3 miles according to Google, or 12,100 ft. 

After a very minimal lunch, I attended a lecture in the 500 seater Illuminations at 1.30 pm on the fascinating history of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. 

I was more than ready for a little more of something to eat afterwards. A small helping of “mac-‘n-cheese” and a thin slice pizza eliminated the developing pangs of hunger for the time being.

The Queens Room was again packed for Afternoon Tea as the pianist crashed his way through a repertoir of popular melodies.  The lady I joined showed me, and a couple from Arkansas, her fine pictures painted on board, on board ship that is!

After a most pleasant afternoon tea, but by no means a full one (I didn’t even finish the scone!) I adjourned to my room and caught up on lectures that I had not attended. One, by QM2’s designer, Dr. Stephen Payne must have been from a previous voyage. It was a suitably updated version, 2026 being referenced.  I watched a re-run of this afternoon’s lecture on the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This seemed better on the T.V. than in person.  Soon it was time to shower and change for a small almost snack-like evening meal.  I still  couldn’t handle dining in the main restaurant tonight,

A bowl of lentil and white been soup, and a not massive plate of vegan mixed veg and boiled rice, which I didn’t quite finish, a couple of slices of wholemeal bread and a little cheese half an hour later, I think will do the trick.  Outside, there is no trace of the heat of three days ago. The last time I checked, it was paltry 13°C and chucking it down with rain outside.  But, I don’t recall being anymore content and relaxed than I am tonight. 

My choice now is to go to bed early or sneak into the show in the Royal Court Theatre at 10.15.  Thankfully, the formal dress code does not apply to the Royal Court Theatre. I’m sure that it used to.  The Cunard Singers and Dancers who are always good are on tonight. And it’s still raining cats and dogs!

Many thanks for reading.  Hopefully, I have proof-read this blog enough to not have to be corrected!

David. 21.38 hrs in the King’s Court Buffet.