Sydney Arrival

The Sydney Arrival.

We had been advised that there was no room at any of the docks for the QM2 because of it's size. y had to move two ships from their base to make room. As the ship was too tall to go under the bridge, the pilot had to achieve a “Three Point Turn”to park the ship!

The last time the QM 2 arrived in Sydney 120,00 people turned out and the city stopped! This time we crept in at 5:30 am As this was a navel base we were told we would have to be bused with our luggage about 8 miles to Darling harbor to go through immigration.

I do not know what Cunard did but we walked off the ship, they took our immigration forms and directed us to a row of cabs. Many people like us had to wait for station wagon style cable because of the number of cases. When every night requires a jacket and there are 10 formal night you need a few suitcases.

Before I go any further I would like to rate the cruise. Please understand that Cunard is a line unto itself, like no other. When a Cunard ship arrives in a port especially one with a British heritage it is like Royalty. They have a strong following of passengers who enjoy dressing for diner, attending masked balls, listening to lectures about royalty, attend Shakespearian plays, play in bridge tournaments Etc. Etc. Etc.

The QM2 IS A MAGNNIFICENT liner. It is not a cruise ship. It's design is completely different. Apart from a few minor Cunard quirks we had a wonderful trip. We spent 16 days traveling half way around the world in the most elegant surroundings being waited on hand and foot. “What is not to love?”

On Sunday March 1st there will be 5 Cruise ships in Sydney harbor Two of them will have to anchor and tender in the passengers. The town of Sydney has declared a through way day which restricts parking all over the city. The city fathers understand that each cruise ship passenger spends $400 per day. Those on the QM 2 even more. The QM2 was in every local news paper discussing the cost of the world cruise and the size of the ship. Australia's top fashion designer held a fashion show aboard the ship which was also covered by all the news agencies along with the news that on this sailing we ended up raising $100,000 AU for the Red Cross Fire relief fund.

Monday Feb 23rd Auckland.

Monday Feb 23rd Auckland.

We arrived at 8:00 and took a tour including the tower where crazy people Bungee from the top! The tour also included the antarctic penguin and exotic fish display. Auckland is a very pretty clean city. It has population of 1.2 million which is 50% of the total population of New Zealand. The city ids 5th in the world for quality of life. In 2007 it placed 23rd on the list of the world,s richest cities. It is known locally as the city of sails as 20% of the population own boats.

We though we would do well because the exchange rate was 1.85. Not true........the prices were double.

In the evening on the ship we enjoyed a display of Maori dancing, chanting and “Haka” (war dances)

The whole persona of the ship changed today. A new group came on board. It seems to be that they are here to party until they drop? In the theater there were people without jackets! Some had shorts on!
I think the world is coming to an end!

Sunday at sea

We are sitting by the covered pool on deck 12 and cannot decide what day it is? This is what happens! I think it is Saturday, Julie says Sunday and the towel boy says Monday! I look at the daily program and it says Saturday. Then I realize that the evening show is the one we saw last night? This is all caused by the fact that yesterday we crossed the international date line and lost a day.

Julie entered a Black Jack Tournament and placed 4th wining a shirt and a Cunard pen. I was having a problem with the television. All the people's faces were green. I called the pursers office “ Yes Sir everyone has the same problem. Because we are so close to the equator, the magnetic pull of gravity affects the magnets in the television. It will get better' Is this a Cunard quirk or true? Stay tuned!

This morning the shops set up tables for a Watch Spectacular. As soon as it opened it was a mad house.

It is a strange situation the shops on board include Hermes with scarfs costing $2,000. Choppard and Stern watches and jewelry with watches costing $5,000+. Then they set up tables like a swap meets blocking the passage ways. Another Cunard quirk.

Saturday night had a Pacific Nights Ball in the Queens Room and an International Song night in the theater.

Thursday 19th Pago Pago

Thursday 19th Pago Pago

Yesterday was another busy Sea Day. We left the cabin at 7:30 am and got back to change for diner at 5:30 pm.

Today was the Pollywogs and Shellbacks day. We you cross the equator there is a ceremony including Neptune, being smeared with smelling oils and foods and kissing a fish? Try goggling Pollywogs.

The afternoon brought an auction which had been put together in aid of the Australian Red Cross for the fire victims. It raised $25,000 in 2 hours. The ship has a raffle and is running numerous fund raising events.

The evening show was made up of the four singers, full orchestra, string quartet and harpist. It was very enjoyable.

Today the 19th we awoke in Pago Pago 84 F and 92% humidity. We took one of the ships island and village life tours. The method of transportation was a Jitney type vehicle with hard seats and no air conditioning. We were lucky to have a couple of students as guides who were very enthusiastic.
It looked as if there were more churches than people. Also when a family member dies they are buried in the front garden. Samoans do not move a lot!
The trip included a visit to a Village to view singing, dancing, making baskets and other crafts.
On the way back to the ship our guides taught us one of the local songs.

Got back in time for lunch and a swim in the aft pool.

To night we decided to skip diner and the show. Maybe a few dollars in the casino and a bite at the buffet later.

Sunday Feb 15th Honolulu

When we awoke we were docked in Honolulu Hawaii. 72 degree. We were allowed off the ship by 8:00 am.

There were many shore excursions available including Pearl Harbor, Helicopter rides, Altalis submarine and Oahu's north shore.

As we had visited many times before we decided to take the short 10 minute walk to the Aloha Towers market place. Along the way we were able to see many tropical fish that have made their home in the harbor.

The shopping center is beautiful. It is the home to the Don Ho restaurant and has more than 70 stores selling art work, clothing and souvenirs. Right in the middle as an atrium with Starbucks where we were able to pick up a copy of the New York Times for $5.

Julie and I have a pair of very simple flip flops which we have had since our visit to the islands in 1979. They are finally on their last legs. We found replacements. The originals cost $2. Now they are $6.

Julie suffers from Hawaiiitis? The sulpher in the air causes her nasal cavities to drain, we were able to stock up on antihistamine.

We walked back to the ship around noon to find the decks and swimming pools empty of passengers. We went for a swim as if we owned the ship. Then up to deck twelve for a fresh hamburger made to order under the QM2 sign.

At 3:30 we attended a show in the theater of 30 children from the Keiki Hula Halau.

Tonights show was Kevin Devane.

Day 5 Valentine's Day at Sea

Today the sun came and, as we approach Hawaii the temperature has gone up to 70. I purchased a special Canyon Ranch Package containing a massage, facial, shampoo & dry for just under $300. Oh I forgot, it included a rose and a glass of champagne.

I took the opportunity to take my camera for a tour of the ship. I will upload all the photos when I return.

The warmer weather has brought passengers out on the upper decks 12 and 13.

Today I was able to speak to some of the “Old Timers.” They love Cunard and probably will never sail on other lines. THE “Oldies” have reached at least Platinum status meaning they have cruised for more than 150 days. The rewards seem quite humble a Pin, two hours free internet and lunch at Todd English a $20 value.

The oldies do not use the alternate restaurants. They become entrenched in the dining room and the waiters know their special wants & needs within a few days. Oldies love the Valentine's Ball and the Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room with the largest ballroom afloat. They are never leaving Cunard.

As of today I will no longer list the many events going on on board.
If you have any specific questions mike@riverdiscounts.com.

Day four

Today was the first day we were able to obtain tickets for the Planetarium. We laid back in the chairs and watched as Harrison Ford took us on a voyage of discovery to find out if there was life on other planets.

As we had a large breakfast we missed lunch today.

Early afternoon we attended a classical music concert with pianist David Neil Jones.
A Cunard Quirk; If you are a lecturer or a classical musician you are required to have three names?

We missed the fruit and vegetable carving and book club meetings.
We also missed a Wine tasting and a talk on the British Monarchy.

Diner was in the Lotus Restaurant with an excellent presentation on eastern dishes.

The production show included 15 singer and dancers with “Jazz Blues and Rock and roll”

Quite inventive including music from Dave Brubeck, Booker T and even the Elvis arrangement of The Battle hymn and Dixie.
Tomorrow Valentines Day Including the Valentine's Day Ball.

Every morning we have coffee & juice delivered to our cabin. The coffee is very good, served in a carafe with real cream. We watch the QM2 live morning show to review what is going on today.

The television has 15 channels including Fox news and CNN which we still have ¾ of the way to Honolulu.

Off to breakfast in the Kings Court followed by a talk on the Hawaiian Islands.

Todays events include:
Bingo
Shuffleboard
Bridge
Art History lecture
Country and Western Line Dancing class
Planetarium Film passport to the Universe
Darts tournament
And the Casino is open all day.

For lunch we decided to Pub it.
This to me is an experience that happens once in a life time and can only happen on a Cunard ship.

We are in the middle of the ocean between Los Angeles and Honolulu. Eating Shepherds Pie and Chicken Khorma with a half pint of draft Guinness, listening to a pianist play pub songs.

We were booked today for diner in the Chefs gallery:
30 passengers watch the chef prepare and then eat a special menu. Today was Indian food.
There are cameras above the chef as well as mirrors. He is miked and explains the recipe for each dish as he prepares it.
Another Cunard quirk the there are two cameras focused on the prep area and one on another prep area. None of them are over the actual cooking area?

Also a diner at our table had to go and get water as his glass which had been empty for quite a while although the waiters were all standing around watching the chef.

A nice touch a basket of indian breads on each table.
The whole experience was well worth it.

Day 2 At Sea

Heading towards Honolulu at 25 knots. A few waves 4-7 ft. More of a regular roll. This morning attended a lecture on Sir Arthur Conon Doyle. Lunch in the Kings Court. We had tickets for a show in the planetarium but ran out of time to go?
There were so many activities all over the ship. Here are a few;
Tour of the ship
Bridge
Bingo
Art Instruction
Golf
Fitness Center
Canyon Spa Treatments
Table Tennis
Quiz contest in the pub
Gambling
Cha Cha dance Class
Planetarium presentation
Deck Quoits
Team Trivia
All of this before 5:00 pm.
Tonight was the first formal night. There were more tuxedos than I have seen on any other ship. It looked to me that 90% of the passengers were “Formal”
We ate tonight in one of the specialty restaurants, The Carvery. The service here was excellent as well as the food which was imaginative, very well presented and cooked.
Being British I do enjoy the items not usually available on other cruise ships:
Bangers, HP Sauce, Colemans mustard, trifle etc etc etc.
After diner off to the showroom for an excellent pianist comedian. Jon Courtnay.
By this time us old folks are just about done. There was a Black & White Ball in the Queens Room. This took place with the full orchestra and included a special performance by a processional dancing team.
Between 8:00 pm. And 4:00 am. There are seven location with live music around the ship.
If you have any specific questions regarding the QM2 send me an e-mail: riverdiscounts@gmail.com

Day 1 of the Half World Cruise.
We arrived at the Los Angeles World Cruise Center at San Pedro. It was not hard to find the dock. The QM2 even from a distance is a very impressive sight. It is at this time the third largest cruise ship and the number one ocean liner. What is the difference? The ocean liner has a different shape, design and layout.

For instance:
All balcony cabin up to deck 11 have “In Hull” balconies with metal walls instead of glass.
More and larger stabilizers
Larger engines
No top deck lido deck restaurants and swimming pools
A library with 6,000 plus books More than 15 major international daily newspapers.
A table game area with more than 50 games and jigsaw puzzles
More about the differences later.

We did not know what to expect for the boarding experience. For that reason we had completed all we could on line. We gave over our bags and were given a form to complete stating that we were healthy and had not has any 'Gastro” problems in the last 48 hours. Then came a lady who presented us with a piece of paper with the number 18. There were 1,100 passengers boarding in Los Angeles. It took about one hour for us to be called. During this time we managed to talk to several couple from Australia, U.K and other point who were waiting to board all of which were not happy with the process.
Once we were called we proceeded to a line for processing. We reached the front in about 30 minutes. Had our picture taken and our credit card swiped in about 5 minutes. Up the elevator and on to the ship to the cabin where we found a bottle of Champagne some canapés and our luggage. (It pays to have a good travel agent.)

By the time we had unpacked it was time for Lifeboat drill, from there to meet some fellow cruise critic passengers in the Commodore lounge. We had thankfully been place on early dining so we only had a few minutes to get there! A table of 8. 2 Australian couples, one couple had been on since Ft Lauderdale. One couple from Hawaii who had to fly to Los Angeles to board the ship to sail back to Honolulu?

Let me explain that Cunard is Different.

No, I mean Different............................................
Men actually wore Jackets on the first night in the restaurants.
There are many formal nights
The daily program states that after 6:00 pm. You are not allowed to wear shorts or swim wear anywhere on the ship. I do believe that there are groups of Cunard staff members traveling the ship after 6:00 pm. They have giant nets to throw over incorrectly dressed passengers.
In the restaurant we were told that they do not put the baskets of bread on the table because it was a health hazard?

There are 4 non surcharge restaurants which require reservations. The menus change daily. There is a demonstration restaurant and I wanted to attend on the night of Indian food. You have to book days in advance. This is fine but the menus are not published in advance? You have to call to book but the line is always busy. I finally did get through and reserved 3 nights.

After diner on the first night the first show was a ventriloquist Dan Horn who was exceptionally good but not that well received from a tired audience.
The entertainment Director Warren Smith informed us that there were 1,100 Aussies on board, a few hundred from NZ and 600 or so Americans and Europeans.
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Sorry there has been now posting for a couple of weeks. I was waylaid by a cruise. We were invited at the Last Minute on the Playboy straight ahead Jazz cruise on the Holland America Westerdam.

I am sitting in the Candlewood Suites in Ft Lauderdale with "UNLIMITED" internet. So, I am taking advantage after paying $100 for a week of "WEAK" internet access.

I have spent the day looking for the "Alusive" 58" short diner jacket while my wife looks for the perfect dress.

Being country bumkins we visited Neiman Marcus last call store. for a bargai? This means that mens suites which were $3,000 are now only $1,200. I was going to buy a few but apparently if your chest measures more than 42" you are not allowed the shop at Neiman Marcus.

I thought I saw a security guard with a tape measure following me?

Did I mention that Holland America owing to the current economic climate gave me a special offer for our N.Z segment?

An upgrade to a balcony for only $999 per person. The cruise cost was only $1,699?

The answer is there are only two decks of Balconies on the Volendam so the prices are at leas double the outside prices.

A note on how not to spend more than you need for a rental car at FT Lauderdale.

Book to be picked up at the dock.

Do not! Get on the bus you are told to get on and be taken the the car rental unit at the Airport.

You will pay an extra $25-$30 for the airport facilities fees!

More to come!