Sailing the High Seas on Queen Mary 2
We were in the departure lounge at Southampton Port with our fingers crossed that we would have a negative test from the lateral flow we had to do in the car park. There had been so many changes to travel announced by various governments in the run up to our trip, and we were justifiably nervous. Eventually the text came through telling us we were both negative. We were invited to check in, go through customs and finally we were on board. We were thrilled. Our first experience of Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 was extremely positive. Our stateroom was huge with, fortunately, loads of wardrobe space, a sitting area, two areas we could use as desks, a jacuzzi bath and a large balcony. We met our butler and set off to find the Queens Grill dining room. The food was exquisitely presented, healthy and utterly delicious. Our waitress was charming and knowledgeable and our sommelier (Jugel, like Google with a J) was quite a card.
Our itinerary would have us on board for 28 days, our longest ever holiday, and my husband had been worried that he might get bored. With three theatres, the largest library on the high seas, a large art gallery and entertainment all over the ship, there was absolutely no chance. My husband played bridge every day, we listened to some amazing talks by Sally Gunnel, a Concorde pilot, the naval architect for Queen Mary 2 and an ex Nasa chief. The Clarendon Fine Art Gallery was big and continually changed the works on display. Alex, the on-board art director, held talks most days and turned out to be a truly excellent presenter, with a very lively and amusing style. At dinner in the evenings we were at a table with some very interesting and entertaining people whose company we thoroughly enjoyed.
The hydrotherapy pool was delightfully warm, the treatments took place in a beautifully equipped spa and there was a gym for those who wanted to be more energetic.
My very favourite spot on the ship was a quiet corner in the library where I avidly read book after book – real books too!
The other surprise room was a smoking room. Now, I should start by saying that I have never smoked a cigarette in my life and am very focused on health, wellbeing and fitness. My husband does love Cuban cigars and I was introduced to Café Cremes some years ago which I would occasionally have on a special occasion. There was always a good crowd in the smoking room (mostly men I should add) and I was reminded of bygone years when the men withdrew after dinner and talked about the important events happening in the country. Unsurprisingly the air was filled with smoke. The amazing Sheridan from South Africa, and a veteran of the Commodore bar, kept all our glasses topped up and always had a witty word to contribute. The conversation was wide-ranging, no doubt assisted by the good wine. We also met some absolutely fascinating people on this nightly adventure.
We crossed the Atlantic to New York in a Force 11 gale and we barely felt it. We toured the Caribbean in temperatures of 27degrees C so the weather was quite varied across the whole trip.
Having had a dreadful Christmas and New Year in 2020, the whole experience on the ship was simply a joy. A number of things struck me. Firstly, it was so good to dress up again in formal gowns for gala dinners and in mostly smart attire the rest of the time. Especially having had two years of wearing scruffy jeans and loafing round the house! Secondly watching the ocean is incredibly meditative. Thirdly, being away for four weeks with limited access to the internet was deeply relaxing. It was a time of reflection too as we recognised that the last two years have taken their toll on all of us.
At no point did we get bored. In fact, as we came towards the end of our voyage, we couldn’t quite believe we had been on the ship for so long.
All in all, a wonderful experience.Sailing the