Can't keep a good Dame down. Encore trip on the QM2.

[Pushka]

I can't even see where we will berth here. Not much room.



The thrusters are on but we aren't moving.

 

[Pushka]

Mmm. This is the bridge cam. We ain't gonna fit.
(Can't edit a post and add another picture)



I wonder if one of those containers was supposed to have cleared.

 

[Pushka]

Made it. Good to have the hoho bus right at the port.



I'm a fan of them in some cities. We have until 7.30pm today so maybe an option

 

[TomVexille]

I sometimes give live commentary in the Off Topic thread on people at airports or lounges that are extremely loud about themselves. Sometimes I find a real winner.

Loving all the Dame's photos!!! Wonderful trip!

I was tempted to on Monday. TJ was rather self absorbed...

 

[Magpie10]

Thank you Dame1 and Dame2 - just loving your TA. Interesting sharing tables isn't it - it is fine with anytime dining as you know the next night you won't have to put up with poor souls so to speak - but with Cunard set dining can be tricky - but I have to say - I have been very lucky the majority of the time. Loved the photos of the lunch in Carpentia - as I have never had lunch there - just usually a coffee - so good to know that the lunches look good. Just a quick query - do you know of the cost of the spa entry would be the same on all Cunard ships? I am off on QV in June and have never thought of using the spa - but that hydro pool and steam rooms may be just the ticket after a long day of walking.
Keep up the great work I am really enjoying your report...safe travels..

 

[Pushka]

Magpie10 - we paid $130 USD each for a 10 day pass which is excellent value. Purchased on embarkation and we can go in and out as much as we want. Yesterday being wet everyone was inside but this area was a peaceful haven.

Currently on a double decker bus. Crazy parking.

 

[QF WP]

Finally subscribing to this soiree - looking forward to catching up my reading of it over Easter

 

[Denali]

So you sit at the same table with the same people for most formal dinners?

 

[love_the_life]

Dame O regrets her lack of posts. The younger one of us is just too organised. I can report that an 'older' gentleman seemed to be a little confused when using the herbal sauna and perhaps thought it was clothing optional and when he got up to leave I had to avert the eyes!
I also regret that my sniffy nose may in fact be a cold as Dame Y had symptoms yesterday, though thankfully she is fine (according to her) today.

 

[Pushka]

So you sit at the same table with the same people for most formal dinners?

Yes. We are stuck with the couple but the other two couples are delightful. You can try requesting a change though. Most cruise lines these days have anytime dining where there are no such issues but not Cunard.

Excellent day in Sri Lanka. Did the HoHo then requested they drop us off at the beautiful Galle Face Hotel for lunch while the bus went back to port. Blessedly free of cruise passengers.
MrP and I are returning to stay here in July for a few days. Currently using free wifi so will load some pix.
Wonderful British architecture. Colonial.

And new




Beautiful Galle Face Hotel. Classic British.

 

[love_the_life]

Denali, yes we have the same table and companions for all dinners in the main dining room. If we use the MDR for breakfast or lunch we can ask to be seated on our own table or share with others which is good to mix it up and meet others.

 

[amaroo]

I also regret that my sniffy nose may in fact be a cold

Sorry to read that. Hope you get on the mend ASAP

 

[Pushka]

Cheeky boy jumped up onto a table to collect this



And I said earlier to Dame O I had an enduring memory of crows. Now she understands.



The smells from this luncheon buffet of curries was wonderful. Next July.

 

[love_the_life]

Sorry to read that. Hope you get on the mend ASAP

Thanks Amaroo. It's really just a runny nose which is very very annoying (and not highly attractive as a lovely red shade on the edges).

 

[Pushka]

Our lunch by the sea.

Princely sum of $37. And ahem, Dame O's credit card was refused. Oh well, points for me.

Sadly no alcohol served today.





I swear. Seconds before I took this photo there was a rearing cobra. They wanted money for a photo but we were on a double decker and started moving. I thought I'd managed to grab a photo anyway and was very surprised when looking at it he'd managed to pop the lid back on. I didn't see him do it even though the camera was aimed at him.


Back to the ship shortly with a sail out at 8pm. It's our last port before Dubai in five days time.

 

[Pushka]

Beautiful car in the Hotel Museum. And we are going now.

Just a few of the famous people who have stayed here (iPhone photos)

 

[love_the_life]

I have no idea why cc was declined - the bank knew I was coming here and it worked fine in KL. Lucky the younger one had hers! I left the other card on the ship.

 

[OZDUCK]

Cheeky boy jumped up onto a table to collect this

View attachment 95552

And I said earlier to Dame O I had an enduring memory of crows. Now she understands.

View attachment 95553

The smells from this luncheon buffet of curries was wonderful. Next July.

View attachment 95554

View attachment 95555

View attachment 95556

The Ceylon Crow is a particularly nasty pest, out of its natural habitat.There used to be warning posters up around Fremantle Port and the occasional one was shot after hitching a ride on a ships superstructure - in the pre-container ship days when we had lots of visits by Indian registered ships routing via Colombo.

Sri Lankan Curries - mmmm drool! Looks like a lovely lunch choice.

 

[Pushka]

Watching the Cunard presentation on Dubai. The duffer needs to do some research. He continued to pronounce Galle as Galley in Sri Lanka. And with the arrival dates for Dubai he had us arriving on Monday 17 and depart on 18th. Which made me hurriedly check the hotel reservation that starts on 18th. His presentation is, of course, wrong. And now mis pronouncing Jumeirah and Deira.

And I smashed the credit card a little today. Sapphires and diamonds are a girl's best friend

 

[Aus ATC]

Thank you for the trip report - most entertaining and we can live vicariously though your words and pictures.

But a question if I may. We have enjoyed cruising on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. We would (or at least think we would) love to experience Cunard, but our impression is that it might be a bit "stuffy". We don't mind formal nights, but not every night. How does it compare to the more "mainstream" lines in terms of a relaxing holiday and feeling comfortable on board?