It’s that time again.  Tomorrow, I shall return to R.M.S. Queen Mary 2 for a voyage to Belgium, Norway, and Iceland where a total eclipse of the sun will darken the Land of Fire and Ice at around 16.47 hrs, 12th August 2026.

Not for the first time, Roger, my friend and neighbour over the road was ready to drive me to Southampton in my car, an arrangement which dates back to January 2018 when he offered to drive me to Southampton for a lengthy voyage on the still notable Queen Mary 2’s World Voyage.  This was a joyous pre-cruise two days, an arrangement that we enjoy to this day. 

Tomorrow’s voyage was booked more than two years ago, marketed as a rare opportunity to see a total eclipse of the sun in or near Reykjavic.  This would be a “first” as in my 77 years, I have never seen the daytime sky go dark, except possibly during a lousy summer in northern England. 

The U.K. has joined much of Europe in unusually hot weather, a continuing series of stifling back-to-back heatwaves. Driving south from North Derbyshire, green fields were no longer green, but  scorched shades of brown.  Tree foliage had generally maintained healthy shades of green, but, for how long?   The drive to Southampton was almost trouble free with insignifent delay and an earlier than anticipated arrival at the hotel, fully refurbished to a brand new establishment in 2025.  This place is magnificent with a high-end restaurant featuring badged crockery. 

Decent weather is promised for up to and including our first call at Zebrugge.  Thereafter, clouds and rain are assured, particularly in Norway and Iceland, on our eventual way to New York.

I have a respectably early boarding time tomorrow at 12.30. This gives me plenty of time to settle in my 13th Deck stateroom and enjoy a bonus full Day 1 on board QM2.

Many thanks for reading,

David, in his hotel room 23.25 hrs 3/8/26.