This is day 3 of our trip and we’ve managed to explore the ship and take advantage of options offered to us:
When we signed up for the tour the only staterooms remaining were the inside rooms with no window. We’re okay with it. Our room is very well laid out with lots of storage space. We’re near the end of the ship, by the stairs and elevators on deck 4. The ride has been very smooth so far.
BREAKFASTS:: We used room service breakfast our second day on board ship because we knew we needed the extra time to get up and going in the morning. We were both sleep deprived from HI and CA and were afraid we would get caught in traffic. We had to be in class by 10:00. We were more organized the second day and ate in the buffet, deck 7.
CLASS: Our classroom is on deck 2. We’ve been enthralled by the lectures of Giles Ramsey. He’s the consummate teacher, storyteller and actor. Our first lecture started at the beginning of time, showing us stories from cave paintings. We whisked through the Greeks and their playwrites, then on to the Romans and the Medieval period. He does a masterful job linking history with the drama produced during these periods . Dull? Not at all. He makes us laugh and we cling on to his every word. He draws us into the story of drama. Today we learned about Christopher Marlow, one of the great Elizabethan playwrights. Look him up and read how he died a rather remarkable death at age 29. Tomorrow it’s Shakespeare. Can’t wait!!
Kevin, our group leader, keeps on us track. Here he’s reminding us to go to immigration with our passports and room keys. He gives us recommendations of things to do and see and watches out for us. Yesterday one of the ladies was concerned about the lateness of her husband at dinner, so he accompanied her to their stateroom to make sure he was okay. He was! We have dinner together in the main dining room each night.
if you read the information behind Kevin on the screen, you can read about Giles and see his website. It’s worth a peek. No, this is not a commercial.
We’re free at noon and we choose from the myriad of afternoon activities available. Yesterday we went to a lecture about TV during the 60s from a man who produced many of the shows, then attended “ Cunard Street,” which gave a history of the liner with old photos, narration and music. Today we enjoyed “Watson,” a one man show depicting the life of Dr Watson, the sidekick/ roommate of Sherlock Holmes. We also attended a lecture on the life and influence of Salvadore Dali. Some of his artwork is for sale in the art gallery.
We usually eat a light lunch late afternoon, when tea and cakes are being served, because the lectures have been more interesting than the food. The food is very good, though. We need to go to the traditional 3:30 tea service served in the Queen’s Room, an opulent lounge. We tried yesterday but it was filled. Hopefully we will get there before the ship docks.
EVENING: The main show is on at 8:15 and 10:15. Yesterday’s show was called “Apassionata,” and had all kinds of dancing, from ballroom to ballet to swing and jitterburg to Celtic Irish clog dancing. It was so great that we went to both shows! We stopped by to hear a jazz combo in between the two performances and finished the evening watching ballroom dancers at the Queen’s Room
Tonight we listened to two tenors sing a variety of songs, some in Italian and some in English.
We stopped by the posh Commodore’s club to hear lovely piano music.
Our internet here is quite strong and I am able to write in bed. My strength is waning, however, so I must turn off the light and get some sleep so I can enjoy yet another day at sea.
What shop, Karen?
We are on the Queen Mary 2. Cunard line. It’s a huge ship with a fascinating history, the only true “ ocean vessel” to sail the Atlantic.
This is so interesting and gives a better insight to your experience on this cruise.