I slept well last night and awoke more refreshed than for some time.  Two days celebrating the quarter milenium anniversary of U.S.A. Independence from the UK can very exhausting, especially the very early arrival at Brooklyn on 3rd July.  I wouldn’t have missed being on board Queen Mary 2 at the time of Sail4th250 for anything, would I?   And, although still recovering from two long days, I really did enjoy my all too brief time in Newport Rhode Island yesterday.  Even better than Syracuse! 

Today, we steam at 15 knots towards Halifax, Nova Scotia. I have been before and it will be good to see the place again.

It’s no longer warm outside. However, there were two good illustrated lectures to attend, one by Jeffrey Skiles who delivered a phenomenal account of what is known as the Miracle on the Hudson.  He received an appropriate standing ovation for his most informative and at times humorous address.

“Mr. Oceanliner,” W Miller gave a fresh updated version of his wonderful presentation Floating Palaces.  It was nice to be remembered as the Train Man, when we met briefly in the Kings Court. 

Tonight is Gala Night, and perhaps, I will make the effort. Again, I am invited to the Captain’s Cocktail Party, which requires formal or Gala attire.  While this was much like any other, I did enjoy meeting more people than I usually do at these events.  Captain Aseem Hashmi adressed the tuxedo and ballgown-clad gathering with a warm Cunard gratitude and appreciation of our loyalty.  The bunch of flowers for the passenger with the most nights on Cunard ships went to…

Ye gods! That’s 2,000 more than me!  I think that tonight, my total is 895, which I feel is a bit impressive! 

At dinner, my solo table was close enough to a gentleman from Maryland travelling with his younger sister, for convivial conversation during much of the meal.  The ship feels more full than I ever remember. And with most having dressed formally for the Black and White Gala Night, Queen Mary 2 has taken on an elegant ambience.   At Showtime tonight, I was seated next to one of two couples who had been married for 70 years.  And at the Captain’s Cocktail Party, a lady aged 103 gave us all a bow!  This bodes well for my longevity!   I chose to have a coffee in the Chart Room during a late night jazz session after dinner.

Tomorrow is the first of two days in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I have been here before more than once.  I shall take an excursion to Peggy’s Cove tomorrow, and the next day, the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, resting place of some Titanic victims.  I might also find the Nelson Hotel and Murphy’s when not on a tour.

Many thanks for reading, David, 00.20 hrs, the Chart Room, QM2. 7/7/26.