The Eve of Independence Day continues.

After getting out of bed at around 06.00 hrs, with every intention of taking a few pictures and going back to bed, some things don’t quite work out.  Seeing New York for the first time since August 2024, was almost as thrilling as seeing it for the first time ever, which I did in May 1971, when, for the first time, I saw an almost new Queen Elizabeth 2 I think still in original Cunard ownership. (I’ll check on Google later!).  Reaching the Observation Deck of the Empire State Building was much less of palava than today’s huge costs and longer queues.   I never thought for one moment that I would actually sail across not only more than once on QE2, but a number of times on QM2.  It’s almost a commute – brilliant! 

I took photographs some of which are in Blog 210, and my intention to catch some more sleep was not really reallistic.  Instead, for the first time, I enjoyed a full breakfast in the Britannia Restaurant.  Magnificent!  As instructed, I collected my new stateroom card from the Purser’s Office and was advised to stay on board until all non-intransit passengers had disembarked. My new room was ready for occupation three hours before the 12.30 time my room would be available.  This gave me an opportunity to commence unpacking.

Then, it was time to complete U.S. Immigration which entailed disembarkating, presenting the required papers for disembarkation, and waiting with others, for authorisation to embark again.  This process was remarkably smoothe.  It is hot out there!  There is plenty of Sail4th250 paperwork in my new cabin, along with a personised certificate confirming my being on board for this unique voyage.

There is something to be said for remaining on board, rather than attempting to venture into Manhattan.  It is very hot, and Taylor Swift is getting married today. Also World Cup fever deems it unwise to attempt to do anything other than an organised tour today.  This is a pity because the All Aboard time is midnight (23.59 hrs).  Shortly afterwards, QM2 sails for its position in New York Harbour.  Leaving the ship tomorrow will not be possible. 

I enjoyed my usual buffet lunch in a quiet-ish King’s Court eatery. But it wasn’t long before the place began to fill up.  Fatigue inevitably caught up with me as the afternoon progressed but somehow, so far, I have avoided an afternoon nap.  From around 1 pm, sailing craft appeared, but not in a tremendous parade as suggested e.g. in today’s Daily Programme.

The promised hot weather materialised as suggested, but somehow, although in the high 30s Celcius, it was not unpleasant.  But there were plenty of air-conditioned places to duck into.  I ended up in the pool area on Deck 12 where there were plenty of sun-loungers avaiable to relax on. I probably did have a bit of a nap, because I feel somewhat revived now. 

Feeling revived, on impulse, I chose to leave the ship to take photographs similar to pictures taken on a previous occasions.

I was only gone for perhaps twenty minutes and was in good time for dinner in the Britannia Restaurant.

Although the Britannia Restaurant was very busy throughout the evening, I was served quickly and efficiently.

I went to another Royal Court Theatre Company production, Broadway Rocks, which again I thoroughly enjoyed.

I didn’t wait up to watch on T.V. the “ball drop” in Times Square.  But by 07.30 today, I was slowly getting up for today’s one in a quater millennium celebrations.

Many thanks for reading,

David, 12.30 hrs Saturday July 4th, Cunard’s 186th birthday!  I’m by the pool on Deck 12.