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
When I traveled on Furness (A little younger than Liam) and the United States Line (a little older than Liam) with my grandfather I don’t remember much of an organized kid’s program. We could play shuffle board, quoits (you can … Continue reading Crossing With Kids
This is Suzi’s family letter. With her permission I am posting it to give you her take on the voyage. She says she is not posting pics but I have added a few that I took that illustrate the point. … Continue reading Suzi’s Letter
White Star Service on Cunard includes the use of tea bags. My grandfather, an old White Star man, would not have approved. A proper teapot with a strainer is the way he made tea. Sometimes he would use a tea … Continue reading White Star Service
The traditional mariners’ service was clearly Anglican. The alter cloth was the British Red Ensign, the nation’s merchant marine flag with the Union Flag in the upper left corner of a red field. It was billed as a “traditional maritime … Continue reading O God Our Help in Ages Past
In Mid-July it costs less to travel to the United Kingdom in an ‘enclosed’ balcony room on the Queen Mary 2 than it does to spend the same number of nights in an Anchorage hotel (Fairfield, Marriott’s low-end brand) and … Continue reading A 21st Century Crossing — QM2