This is the penultimate day of the QM2 Sail4th250 or July 4th  cruise.  I’m told that 2,100 boarded at Brooklyn Cruise Terminal six days ago.  380-ish stayed on having boarded at Southampton, around 230 being British.  Some 380 are staying on board for the eastbound crossing back to Southampton and beyond.

There’s no doubt about it, being here for the 250th Anniversary of U.S. Independence was certainly worth what it took for me to actually be there.  The Parade of Sail and the simultaneous aeronautical equivalent was nothing short of breathtaking, and I was able to more or less witness the entire almost three hour spectacular.  I do hope that I will find time to be able to identify the aircraft and sailing ships that I managed to photograph.

Back to Yesterday in Halifax, QM2 ‘s call there is not a regular occurrence and its presence was mentioned in local media.  I have met one or two people with extraordinary claims to fame. A lady with connections to Sir Paul McCartney and a gentleman who saw U.S.Airways flight 1549 in the Hudson, shortly after it ditched there, and who watched in horror as the World Trade Centres collapsed in 2002. 

This morning, I made sure I was in time for Bill Miller’s presentation “Getting There Was Half The Fun.”  Another brilliant and information-packed wonderfully illustrated talk.    In a brief conversation a few days ago, I was reminded that future generations would not have the same fascination in memorabilia as “people our age.”  The thought of my Cunard Imperator menus (1920) ending up in the trash doesn’t bear thinking about.   A dealer in railwayana told me much the same thing encouraging  me to think seriously about my collection.   Nevertheless, I am going to have to seriously think about decluttering at home sooner rather than later. 

Jeff Skiles, Co Pilot of Flight 1549 whose plane he and his Captain successfully ditched in the Hudson was in conversation with Entertainment Director, Chris Thomas in the Royal Court Theatre from 11 am. Although the best seats were taken or reserved (which Cunard prohibit but cannot enforce), I was able to get a decent view from up in the gods.

It’s not overly warm outside, but there’s no rain. I had lunch in the Britannia followed by a decaff latte in a very comfortable armchair in the Chart Room.  2,100 Americans may be bailing out tomorrow, but it won’t be so long before it’s my turn to prepare for disembarkation. 

I hope that I can sleep through QM2’s approach to Brooklyn tomorrow.  Having missed my tour yesterday, I choose to do my own thing in New York tomorrow, although I am unsure as to what that own thing is.  My original booked trip to the New York Edge was cancelled.  Back in the day, I had no problem taking the bus from opposite the Terminal to Borough Hall and then the Subway to e.g. Union Square, close to the home of a late friend and ocean liner expect, some of whose collection ended up in Buxton!  If time and practicality permit, I may just revisit Joe Junior’s, a diner on the corner of East 16th and 3rd Avenue.  The trouble is the All Aboard time of 16.00 hrs.  Getting stuck in traffic could be embarrassing as well as distasterous.  We’ll see.

All of the Showtime performances so far have been supremely enjoyable, the musicians around the ship, all of a very high professional standard.  Perhaps I am getting old, but many of the shows can be over amplified. Janice Martin’s electric violin (and her powerful soprano voice) might not appeal to those with tinnitus. I have never seen an aerial violinist before.  If I had, it would have been Janice Martin, the world’s only aerial violinist. 

I chose to mark the last full day of the July 4th (July 3rd – 10th) cruise by dining in the Britannia Restaurant. I was allocated a table by the window. I could watch as darkness started to take over. 

This was followed by a clear chicken soup, a roast chicken main course, then, fresh fruit and cheese.  I do hope the coffee was decaff. 

Luckily, we have an extra hour tonight as we return to Eastern Standard Time.

Many thanks for reading,

David, 00.22 hrs, Ship’s time at the moment. 10/7/26.