At Sea
May 16th, 2024
It looked like the ship was hardly moving. I wondered why we were going so slowly. I mean I am used to QM2 whizzing along, and not going at a snail’s pace. Maybe we had to go slowly because we were running in the engines. Like you used to do in the old days when you bought a new car. Maybe you still have to, although I don’t remember running in my last car, but that was back in 2009. Maybe there is something wrong with our engines, and we simply can’t go any faster. Maybe we are not going to be allowed into any ports. All sorts of scenarios are out there.
Then Captain Inger made her noon announcement. Clearly others had been concerned as well. She let us know that our average speed was 8 knots, but that rest assured, we are still moving, and the engines are fine. She also pointed out that the rocking and rolling of the ship was nothing to worry about as there was a strong swell on the stern, and this was the normal behavior of the ship.
The highlight of the day was the wine tasting.
It took place on the upper deck of the Britannia restaurant.
As usual there were hordes of people, and it definitely had the feel of going though a production line. A group of us were given a glass each and tasted 2 white wines and 2 red wines.
Half way though there was a bit of cheese and fruit,
and then we were done. I can’t say I learned anything, but the wines were OK, and I suppose I should be happy that they still do the wine tasting. On this cruise and the maiden voyage there has been no mention of the senior officers party. I wonder if that has been done away with.
I took the opportunity to take some photos of the Britannia dining room while we were there.
I wasn’t that impressed with the room when I first had dinner there, but back then I was comparing the room to the other Queens Britannia dining rooms. They are all magnificent rooms, especially QM2; Queen Anne’s Britannia dining room certainly isn’t magnificent. I don’t feel the urge to enter the lower level by making a grand entrance down the sweeping staircase from the upper level. But it is pleasant enough and fits in well with the rest of the décor of the ship.
Our second formal night was the masquerade ball. It is so wonderful to see that almost everyone was in formal dress, and there was a great atmosphere around the ship. Something seems to change when everyone is dressed up, I love it. It makes me want to drink champagne and dance.
On the maiden voyage we had missed the first production of Noel Coward’s Brief Encounter, but we were able to see it tonight. It is a remarkable production, extremely well staged, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The entertainment has been excellent so far, and very varied. I would like a boy band or two, but you can’t have everything alas. I’m just happy with being on board, and having wonderful, magical formal nights.
You seem underwhelmed by this ship. We love QM2 and QV and have a 4 night taster cruise booked on QA in October. We always sail in PG. I have the feeling that whilst any cruise is good, she is not going to be our cup of tea.
I do prefer QV and QM2, but that’s just my opinion! QA is a lovely ship, and I am sure the will get a dedicated following in time. The secret to enjoying her is not comparing her to the other Queens. I like her much more now I am doing this, and the bathrooms are a huge plus! The PG restaurant, especially the tables near the windows is lovely, and I do love the Grills Terrace, and spend a lot of time in the hot tubs. The Grills lounge is disappointing, but then so is the lounge on QM2 :). QA may not be your cup of tea, but you never know – our next trip is on QV, but I would book QA again if the itinerary looked good, and it was a warm weather cruise.