2 Old Dames on the best Dame in the World - Queen Mary 2

[love_the_life]

What was the instruction on the dress code, no budgies?

I most fervently hope not, not even round the pool. Some people just have no idea what they look like! I am glad to hear that instructions have been given on what is expected attire for the evening. No excuse for men turning up 'sans jacket' to the main dining room.

 

[Pushka]

What was the instruction on the dress code, no budgies?

No shorts or jeans on deck after 6pm. Casual only in Kings Court and jackets required in MDR. Ladies in coughtail or smart pant suit.

Horn blowing at last.

 

[Pushka]

Good grief. A guy with double walking sticks has just arrived on the gangplank they've hurriedly put back up. Delayed the ship. Everyone cheering him. Sigh. Usually they run. This guy had to stop halfway for a breather.

 

[Pushka]

Ropes are down and Ch7 chopper here.

 

[Pushka]

We're off. Now it's begun at last.

Love that horn. Three times just for the spectators.

 

[Pushka]

The Bridge.

 

[zig]

We're off. Now it's begun at last.

Love that horn. Three times just for the spectators.

Bon Voyage !!

 

[erkpod]

Safe travels!

 

[Pushka]

So the first night proceeded well. 8.30pm sitting for dinner. Everyone showed up on our table of 8 except for 1 person. That's a good turn out as there are other dining options and no need to dine in the MDR. It was a non formal dress night but everyone had dressed with care.

So who was the missing person? It turns out I'm on a hosted table. Hosted on formal nights by an Officer. In our case, Chief Engineer. Ok, that's very pleasant and will be interesting to listen to him. He's a Scottish fellow. But it also means the Officers select and host the wine for the evening. And the Officers do not like to skimp on their wines. Our second night (tonight) is a formal night - the others on our table were not sure if the Officer was attending this formal but was certainly attending the next one. There are 7 formals on my sector assuming my table isn't changed. It shouldn't be but life is never certain. It also means that love_the_life will share the joy when she embarks as our reservations are linked. So the old dames should be dining in style. Is this a DYKWIA moment. . Clearly Cunard do

Our table mates are very pleasant but there are only 3 of us continuing past Sydney. And love_the_life makes four. Assuming the same table of course.

Last night we were rocking from side to side. That's quite pleasant. Usually it's the pitching forward and back that causes people to become unstuck. If that is combined with rocking and is bad enough then the brown bags appear in hallways.

On that matter there is a pack of "comfort" bags in the cabinet on the left side of the bed. There are no such bags on the right side. So clearly that means that sleeping on the left side of the bed is more conducive to motion sickness than sleeping on the right so that's the place to sleep. It seems to do the trick.

At the moment there is a general crew drill. Pretty much all crew are involved. Shops are all closed. Bars closed. Stateroom attendants are "checking" every stateroom. Dogs have all been taken from their kennels. (dogs are allowed on Transatlantics but obviously not World Cruises.) Children from the care centres. (surprisingly children are allowed on all voyages ). Numerous announcements and emergency alerts. Crew in life jackets and warm clothing. Fire doors shut. It's been going now for almost an hour and getting the sense it's going for a while longer. All important if course. But passengers kind of wandering around aimless. All up it lasted just over the hour.

Currently we are on Maritime on our phones. It's basically international roaming at sea. I've turned mobile data off but can still receive texts. I've put this into a note folder and briefly used the wifi to check emails and have posted this later.

Ok. Enough for now.

 

[gazzman]

We're off. Now it's begun at last.

Love that horn. Three times just for the spectators.

Three horn blasts -ship going astern. And as the ship is a lady, we've all seen lady's attempting to reverse. Hence the warning

 

[Timtammi]

Really enjoying the trip report Pushka! I've done 2 WC segments on the QM2, the first was Sydney-Dubai and the 2nd Hong Kong-Sydney. Both were about the 20 day length and both fantastic! Your report is really taking me back and making me want to book another one! Quite envious of your hosted table, I've done 4 Cunard cruises (done QE and QV as well) and have never been on a hosted table . Looking forward to hearing more..

Cheers

Timmi

 

[Pushka]

Just arrived into Melbourne and berthed at Webb Dock.

The Celebrity Solstice is arriving now into Prime location.

Had a most excellent formal night last night. Not one but two Officers at our table. Delightful gentlemen who once they worked out we were just into great conversation regaled us with lots of funny stories. The conversation went from things passengers have done through to flip flops, thongs and fanny packs and bum bags. Peals of laughter at some of the ridiculous things passengers (and crew - oh my lord!) have done.

It was the Captains last night also and another Captain in charge tonight. His table was huge. 12 I think. At the end of the night they all stood and linked arms and sang Auld Lang Syne. Thankfully it didn't degenerate into lots of NYE hugs and kisses. There are only 3 hosted tables out of say 150? So very lucky.

ReLoad, captains table is 85 in Britannia. It's the large one you see directly central to the tapestry. Our table is one over. I'm doing an Abs class on Deck 13 this morning right near the Funnel so this will probably be on your tour. Enjoy your time.

Yesterday was spent doing the various fitness classes, manicure, afternoon tea at the zoo of a buffet, movie, dinner and then a show. Got to the stateroom at 11.30 and my key wasn't working. Finally sorted around 12.30pm.

Today, a couple of classes then on the free shuttle to the CBD. Being berthed at Webb deck has caused some angst from people onboard and those embarking here. and everyone is a bit miffed. I can't see where they are processing new passengers. At least it isn't hot I guess.

Just being told the Immigration situation at present.

 

[TomVexille]

You're on the live webcam! Ok, not you, just the QM2...

 

[Pushka]

You're on the live webcam! Ok, not you, just the QM2...

Oh. Just for a moment I thought I'd been sprung on the balcony in a bathrobe. Heart rate down now.

Melbourne looks like it's having a Melbourne weather day. Here's the Solstice in our spot.

 

[get me outta here]

Oh. Just for a moment I thought I'd been sprung on the balcony in a bathrobe. Heart rate down now.

Pushka, I'm sure that a bathrobe suitable to be on a Queen is very sophisticated and filmy with fluffy slippers to match.

 

[TomVexille]

Oh. Just for a moment I thought I'd been sprung on the balcony in a bathrobe. Heart rate down now.

Give us a wave?

 

[Pushka]

Just checking out the webcam. I've put a green ribbon on the balcony.

 

[Pushka]

Oh. Just for a moment I thought I'd been sprung on the balcony in a bathrobe. Heart rate down now.

Pushka, I'm sure that a bathrobe suitable to be on a Queen is very sophisticated and filmy with fluffy slippers to match.

Ha ha. Poor crew delivering breakfast if that was the case. Best kept behind a heavy duty towelling robe methinks.

 

[Pushka]

Just checking out the webcam. I've put a green ribbon on the balcony.

Ah. I'm Portside. I'll post a picture from the wharf when I get off to show where I'm staying for the next 3 weeks.

 

[AngieP]

Pushka - I saw you go by Cape Bridgewater near Portland in 2012! I was lucky enough to be at Bridgewater Bay Beach on the Sunday that the QM2 rounded Cape Bridgewater and headed towards Portland! It was an amazing sight to see both the Endeavour and the QM2 framed by Cape Bridgewater and Cape Nelson! Luckily I had my binoculars with me and was able to see the QM2 close up - it is an amazing looking ship! Best wishes for your exciting journey!