This crossing was the right choice. After an intense month traveling in the Balkans and Central Europe, getting on and off planes (transiting Vienna airport three times), moving hotels, and mostly spending time with people with whom we had shared … Continue reading Crossing Coda
For more than two weeks I could not really write about my experiences in Tirana and Belgrade. So much had changed and so much was the same. But as we sailed into New York, past the Statue of Liberty, blurred … Continue reading Blurred Liberty
Almost before we got off the ship, I had one of those “How are we doing” questionnaires from Cunard. One of the questions they asked was did they create a “sense of occasion” on the crossing? That’s an unqualified “yes” … Continue reading A Sense of Occasion
One of the joys of an Atlantic crossing is sea days. Cunard provides a lot of diversions with lectures, music, games and plays. But for me one of the joys is being outside and enjoying a walk around the deck, … Continue reading Sea Days
Holland America boasts millions of dollars’ worth of “museum quality” art on its ships. But what type of museum? Some museums are a hodge podge of stuff, granny’s attic. Others have a lot less stuff, replaced by interpretive sign boards … Continue reading Museum Quality
Cunard is quick to point out that Queen Mary 2 is an ocean liner and not a cruise ship. It was designed for both purposes. QM2 can’t earn enough going back and forth between Southampton and New York to pay … Continue reading QM2, Ocean Liner
We had a lot of stuff, including, because we were on a Cunarder, a sports coat, dress shirt and two ties. The evening dress code was either “Gala” or “Smart Attire.” They defined Gala for gentlemen as wearing either a … Continue reading Preparing to Cross
I normally don’t succumb to advertising that forces me to make a snap decision. “Act Now or else.” I usually get buyer’s remorse. This time was different. Cunard was offering a “Memorial Day Flash Sale” on some of its Queen … Continue reading A Flash Decision