MY CRUISE EXPERIENCE
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12th
In Southampton, I took the Hythe Ferry accross from the Town Quay, and enjoyed the view of the QE2, as we passed by her. I had some pictures taken of me, with the ship in the background. At one point the person taking my picture said "There's more of the ship than there is of you", of which I did not complain
After getting off the Ferry, in Hythe, I went over to the Hythe Marina area, and took another picture of the ship, as well as a picture of me, with the ship in the distance.
A gentleman there was glad I told him he should watch the ship take off from the vantage of the Marina; was thankful I gave him our departure time.
After a quick lunch, I headed back to the Ferry, and sailed back to the Town Quay. Again, people lined up to get pictures of the QE2, as we passed by her.
From there I headed back to my hotel, The Ibis, to retrieve my luggage, and wait for the hired cab. The one downpoint was that when walking back to the Ibis we had a heavy rain, and my umbrella was somewhat battered by the winds.
The cab was on time, and we had a smooth, though slightly slow (due to traffic) ride to the QEII Terminal.
Check in to the ship was quick, as I did arrive around 2:00 PM. They did have postings, though, that this voyage is fully booked, so no cabin substitutions could be made.
The only delay was I had to wait until my embarkation card color and number ("Orange M") was called, and three groups were boarded before my group.
Then, of course I had the "Welcome Aboard" picture taken. I was probably the most casually dressed passenger, wearing only a darkish tan t-shirt and a pair of camouflage green cargo shorts. Yes, that's a thought of "I'm on holiday/vacation, and am being laid-back".
I have purchased my "Welcome Aboard" picture, in a souvenir frame, and now have another picture of the QE2, to keep for posterity.
For me, though, the waiting time meant that my luggage was delivered to my cabin before me, and I was able to unpack everything before the muster drill.
When the drill started, the alarm sound was such that "it could easily waken the dead".
My muster station is the Queen's Grill, so I was glad to see what it was like.
The QE2 staff made sure each passenger properly secured their lifejackets before they were dismissed. I passed on first try.
After that I went to the observation area, and watched as the ship sailed off, and I noted many people at the Hythe Marina watching us leave; same with several people at the end of the QEII Terminal area, in an observation section.
The departure was semi-smooth, as the winds blowing did make it hard to move around parts of the ship; was suprised that the crew didn't eventually order us off the front observation area. We did, though, eventually depart, once the winds got so strong that walking was difficult and the advice of "Hold the handrails!!" did not have to be emphasized.
I stayed out until we passed the harbors barrier forts and the nab platform; then I took a hot shower before getting ready for dinner.
I'm assigned to the Mauretania Restaurant, second seating. I did not, however, that a table assignment card was not delivered to my cabin, so I secured my table assignment when the Restaurant opened.
My table seats six people, and my companions are one man and four women, all from England; thus I am the only American. Everyone is quite pleasant, though, so I think it will be a nice experience, when at dinner.
Everyone agreed that the Mauretania Restaurant has a nicer atmosphere than that of the Britannia Restaurant on the QM2, due to the coziness of the Mauretania.
I saw the Caronia Restaurant, too, and it also looks more cozy a place for dinner.
This morning I had breakfast at The Lido, as I figure I just want to do the buffet for breakfast and lunch.
The Lido service is now food served to you, instead of "help yourself", so as to guard against the norovirus.
I have been using the hand sanitizers whenever I can, to be safe.
This morning there were presentations about the tours being offered for when we visit Lisbon, Alghero, and Cannes. I will probably skip those and see places by myself.
CHEERS EVERYONE!!!!
