March 26, 2010 Cape Town, South Africa
After a good night rest we were entertained by the local naval band followed by breakfast with 3 couples that got on yesterday, we took the shuttle and hopped on the “Blue tour” bus for the approximately a 2-1/2 hour trip with the running commentary of several highlights. One of the sites was the hospital where the 1st heart transplant was performed. This was also very beautiful & informative. We then did a short shopping walk. After a late snack back onboard there was a very entertaining local bagpipe & drum corp. At the program, there was an exchange of gifts between Captain Bates & Cape Town reps since was the inaugural visit of the QM2.
Day 81 is complete, leaving a mere 20 days left. The internet did not work while we were in port.
We’ll arrive in St. Helena approximately 9:00A.M. Tuesday (3:00 A.M EDT Tuesday).
Friday, March 26, 2010
March 25, 2010 Cape Town, South Africa
The exchange rate $1 equals 7 Rand
The QM2 was welcomed by a naval band playing patriotic songs for several countries. We caught the shuttle to the V & A Waterfront where we bought 2 day tickets on the Hop On double decker bus, Hop Off which we rode to the Table Mountain Cableway. The cable car rotates on the way up. Even though it was overcast, we enjoyed the tremendous view on top. The bus gave us ear buds with a running commentary of several highlights the entire 2 hour “Red tour” round trip. This was much better than ship sponsored excursions. Cape Town is a beautiful, very clean, & modern city. Fox news broadcasted that Cape Town is the 3rd most dangerous city (behind 2 Mexican cities) with 6 deaths per day, but we’ve felt very save in both of the South African Cities. Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa and largest in land area.
The World Cruise Banquet started at 5:30 in the evening with a cocktail party in the Queens Room followed by an hour journey by bus (8 in our convoy) to the Vergelegan Wine Estate accompany with police escort. Once there we waited another ½ hour to get off the bus. Actually, we did better than others who had longer times. They started serving before many voyagers arrived. At our table only 3 of 9 were seated. Our table included 4 passenger couples plus Social Hostess, Freda Singleton (she did the most work to making the banquet as pleasant as it was). Our table was in the center and behind the table with President & Managing Director Peter Shanks, Desmond Tutu (who gave the opening prayer) & his wife, and the balance of that table were passengers who had the most time traveling with Cunard. Captain Bates’ table was to our left. The food was the poorest we’ve had of the cruise. The wines were good and plentiful. Ray Rouse, Captain Bates, and President Shanks gave brief speaks. I enjoyed having a classy, elegant, and beautiful date in Jan! The entertainment was good and many danced to the orchestra.
The exchange rate $1 equals 7 Rand
The QM2 was welcomed by a naval band playing patriotic songs for several countries. We caught the shuttle to the V & A Waterfront where we bought 2 day tickets on the Hop On double decker bus, Hop Off which we rode to the Table Mountain Cableway. The cable car rotates on the way up. Even though it was overcast, we enjoyed the tremendous view on top. The bus gave us ear buds with a running commentary of several highlights the entire 2 hour “Red tour” round trip. This was much better than ship sponsored excursions. Cape Town is a beautiful, very clean, & modern city. Fox news broadcasted that Cape Town is the 3rd most dangerous city (behind 2 Mexican cities) with 6 deaths per day, but we’ve felt very save in both of the South African Cities. Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa and largest in land area.
The World Cruise Banquet started at 5:30 in the evening with a cocktail party in the Queens Room followed by an hour journey by bus (8 in our convoy) to the Vergelegan Wine Estate accompany with police escort. Once there we waited another ½ hour to get off the bus. Actually, we did better than others who had longer times. They started serving before many voyagers arrived. At our table only 3 of 9 were seated. Our table included 4 passenger couples plus Social Hostess, Freda Singleton (she did the most work to making the banquet as pleasant as it was). Our table was in the center and behind the table with President & Managing Director Peter Shanks, Desmond Tutu (who gave the opening prayer) & his wife, and the balance of that table were passengers who had the most time traveling with Cunard. Captain Bates’ table was to our left. The food was the poorest we’ve had of the cruise. The wines were good and plentiful. Ray Rouse, Captain Bates, and President Shanks gave brief speaks. I enjoyed having a classy, elegant, and beautiful date in Jan! The entertainment was good and many danced to the orchestra.
March 24, 2010 Sea Days
We attended Ray Rouse’s questions & Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s answers in the
Royal Court theatre. Very interesting. Jan played bingo unsuccessfully but an acquaintance was 1 of 4 to split the $1600 (she taking winnings & getting off in Cape Town. We had dinner with Cunard’s President & Managing Director Peter Shanks and Social Hostess Freda Singleton. How we keep getting these invites we don’t know. We enjoy the social with nice people from other countries, the food, and the overall experience.
We attended Ray Rouse’s questions & Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s answers in the
Royal Court theatre. Very interesting. Jan played bingo unsuccessfully but an acquaintance was 1 of 4 to split the $1600 (she taking winnings & getting off in Cape Town. We had dinner with Cunard’s President & Managing Director Peter Shanks and Social Hostess Freda Singleton. How we keep getting these invites we don’t know. We enjoy the social with nice people from other countries, the food, and the overall experience.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
March 20, 2010 Durban, South Africa
The exchange rate $1 equals 7 Rand
We started the day with breakfast in the Britannia. When we were entering the port there was about a dozen kayaks plus other small boats observing the QM2 arrival and when we left there many boats giving a big send off. Everyone had to go through immigration starting at 6:45. We finally got through after 40 plus minutes and went to shore. The queue was worst than last year in L.A. Durban is a beautiful & clean large & modern city similar to Hong Kong but better & wider rode & streets. We took a taxi ride to & from Moses Mabhida Stadium. While there we rode the Sky Car to the top over the stadium. It’s a wonderful view form there over looking the city. The stadium is very new with canvas removable top and will host some preliminary matches for the World Cup (soccer). The finals will be in Cape Town. The stadium is in a large sports complex with a separate stadium for rugby and another stadium for something. There are cricket fields and other sports fields. We got back for lunch and Jan took the shuttle to the shopping mall. Our evening dinner table helped the Stokes celebrated their 53rd anniversary. We then enjoyed “the Blind Side”. We’ll arrive in Cape Town, South Africa approximately 8:00A.M. Thursday (2:00 A.M EDT Thursday). .
The exchange rate $1 equals 7 Rand
We started the day with breakfast in the Britannia. When we were entering the port there was about a dozen kayaks plus other small boats observing the QM2 arrival and when we left there many boats giving a big send off. Everyone had to go through immigration starting at 6:45. We finally got through after 40 plus minutes and went to shore. The queue was worst than last year in L.A. Durban is a beautiful & clean large & modern city similar to Hong Kong but better & wider rode & streets. We took a taxi ride to & from Moses Mabhida Stadium. While there we rode the Sky Car to the top over the stadium. It’s a wonderful view form there over looking the city. The stadium is very new with canvas removable top and will host some preliminary matches for the World Cup (soccer). The finals will be in Cape Town. The stadium is in a large sports complex with a separate stadium for rugby and another stadium for something. There are cricket fields and other sports fields. We got back for lunch and Jan took the shuttle to the shopping mall. Our evening dinner table helped the Stokes celebrated their 53rd anniversary. We then enjoyed “the Blind Side”. We’ll arrive in Cape Town, South Africa approximately 8:00A.M. Thursday (2:00 A.M EDT Thursday). .
March 21 & 22, 2010 Sea Days
More socializing, attending lectures, movies, and other miscellaneous activities. We went to another wine tasting. They explain taste, clarity, and smell about 3 white & 3 red wines. Also explained is where, history, and miscellaneous information about the wineries. Monday Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu spoke to an overflowing packed Royal Court theatre. His presentation was also show live on TV. His talk was very informative and humorous as he told it like it was. We ate at Todd English for lunch. Food was very good & plentiful with a nice atmosphere. We sat by a window overlooking the pool area on deck 8; the view away from the atmosphere.
More socializing, attending lectures, movies, and other miscellaneous activities. We went to another wine tasting. They explain taste, clarity, and smell about 3 white & 3 red wines. Also explained is where, history, and miscellaneous information about the wineries. Monday Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu spoke to an overflowing packed Royal Court theatre. His presentation was also show live on TV. His talk was very informative and humorous as he told it like it was. We ate at Todd English for lunch. Food was very good & plentiful with a nice atmosphere. We sat by a window overlooking the pool area on deck 8; the view away from the atmosphere.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
March 20, 2010 Port Louis, Mauritius
The exchange rate $1 equals 31.44 Rupee (day 75).
We had breakfast in our stateroom thanks to room service. We took the complimentary shuttle to Cauden Waterfront and walked through many shops of which many took the U.S. dollars & many didn’t (this saves money). We tried to mail post cards but couldn’t buy the necessary postage stamps. One vendor was trying to charge $15 for 9 stamps. Most vendors would negotiate prices. Temperature got up to 87.8.
A couple more days at sea before arrive at Durban, South Africa approximately 8:00A.M. Tuesday (2:00 P.M EDT Tuesday). Then we’ll be only 6 hours ahead of the home time down from the maximum of 18 hours not that long ago.
The exchange rate $1 equals 31.44 Rupee (day 75).
We had breakfast in our stateroom thanks to room service. We took the complimentary shuttle to Cauden Waterfront and walked through many shops of which many took the U.S. dollars & many didn’t (this saves money). We tried to mail post cards but couldn’t buy the necessary postage stamps. One vendor was trying to charge $15 for 9 stamps. Most vendors would negotiate prices. Temperature got up to 87.8.
A couple more days at sea before arrive at Durban, South Africa approximately 8:00A.M. Tuesday (2:00 P.M EDT Tuesday). Then we’ll be only 6 hours ahead of the home time down from the maximum of 18 hours not that long ago.
March 15 thru 19, 2010 Sea Days
Its 5 days of socializing, attending lectures, and other miscellaneous activities. I saw flying fish while doing my walking on deck 7. On the 16th, we were invited to a dinner with Entertainment Director Ray Rouse & his lovely wife, Lise, plus 3 other couples. This was a very enjoyable evening. New entertainers (minus one) got in Fremantle. They were very good. The fifth performance was presented by all 4 (super).
Its 5 days of socializing, attending lectures, and other miscellaneous activities. I saw flying fish while doing my walking on deck 7. On the 16th, we were invited to a dinner with Entertainment Director Ray Rouse & his lovely wife, Lise, plus 3 other couples. This was a very enjoyable evening. New entertainers (minus one) got in Fremantle. They were very good. The fifth performance was presented by all 4 (super).
Thursday, March 18, 2010
March 14, 2010 Perth (Fremantle), Australia
The exchange rate $1 equals 1.03 Australian dollar.
We took the free shuttle to Norfolk Hotel in downtown Fremantle and stroll around a bit. Then we jumped on the free city bus for a tour around the town. We got off by the train station. None of the ticket machines worked so we got a free ride to Perth. Perth is the capital (at the mouth of the Swan River) of the Australian state of Western Australia. We talked to an informative but young man on the train getting advice about Perth. When we got off the train he and his senior citizen parents walked us several blocks to a bus stop so we could catch the right bus to Kings Park. Very helpful, nice and friendly people. We decided to walk after they left. It’s a beautiful park with a wonderful view of the bay from high up. We walked back & bought tickets to catch the train. We got off the train near the QM2 & enjoyed the partying of the locals & others from near by areas. We’ve never seen so many people giving the QM2 a salute on the departure.
The exchange rate $1 equals 1.03 Australian dollar.
We took the free shuttle to Norfolk Hotel in downtown Fremantle and stroll around a bit. Then we jumped on the free city bus for a tour around the town. We got off by the train station. None of the ticket machines worked so we got a free ride to Perth. Perth is the capital (at the mouth of the Swan River) of the Australian state of Western Australia. We talked to an informative but young man on the train getting advice about Perth. When we got off the train he and his senior citizen parents walked us several blocks to a bus stop so we could catch the right bus to Kings Park. Very helpful, nice and friendly people. We decided to walk after they left. It’s a beautiful park with a wonderful view of the bay from high up. We walked back & bought tickets to catch the train. We got off the train near the QM2 & enjoyed the partying of the locals & others from near by areas. We’ve never seen so many people giving the QM2 a salute on the departure.
March 12 & 13, 2010 Sea Days
Friday: I met Cheryl Sinclair who sang last night and I told her she was the best performer of this year’s cruise. We were invited to eat at the hotel manager’s (David Stephenson) table. He canceled but the Chief Purser and her superior the Purser Quest Services were very good hostesses. It was a very enjoyable evening with the two ladies. One couple was form Maryland & Rhode Island. The other couple was from Sydney are a Prince & Princess. He is of Russian royalty & she by marriage. The Purser Quest Services got engage of New Years Day to the First Officer who was driving the QM2 at the time.
Friday: I met Cheryl Sinclair who sang last night and I told her she was the best performer of this year’s cruise. We were invited to eat at the hotel manager’s (David Stephenson) table. He canceled but the Chief Purser and her superior the Purser Quest Services were very good hostesses. It was a very enjoyable evening with the two ladies. One couple was form Maryland & Rhode Island. The other couple was from Sydney are a Prince & Princess. He is of Russian royalty & she by marriage. The Purser Quest Services got engage of New Years Day to the First Officer who was driving the QM2 at the time.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
March 11, 2010 Adelaide, Australia
The exchange rate $1 equals 1.03 Australian dollar.
From New York to Adelaide we’ve traveled 26173.5 Nautical miles & it’s day 66.
Adelaide is the capital and the most populous city of the Australian state of South Australia and is the fifth-largest city in Australia with a population of more than 1.28 million.
We took the 40 minute shuttle into Adelaide and walked about 1-1/2 blocks to catch the free C99 bus. The bus driver gave a rounding narrative on the highlights we passed. We got off after riding it most of the way and walked to the zoo. We enjoyed seeing pandas, kangaroos, wallaby, koalas, quokkas, orangutans & varieties of monkeys, tapir giraffes, emus, bears, meerkats, wild cats, and many other animals & birds, but no elephants or zebras. A good zoo experience.
We headed back to near the shuttle drop off point where we shared a $7 Subway foot long. Prices are higher for very similar items in Australia and Zealand. Jan was getting her hair done and I rode the shuttle back. Jan’s hairdresser got her education by phone, her dad worked in the coal mines, and that there no jobs for women unless they work in the coal mines. This confirms what a lecturer said that kids in rural & outback area get their education by phone because of lack of local schools. Both Sydney and Adelaide are very similar to the USA except prices are a little higher with businesses such as Pizza Hut, KFC, Target, Shell, and Subway to name a few. Adelaide even had a Woolworth and Ikea; and ones similar to Burger King & Texaco. Jan was a dolphin went got back and also earlier in the week. While writing this blog I had the balcony door open and a very fly entertained for a while trying to get rid of it. Today and yesterday we had 24.5 hour days. We’ll arrive in Free Mantle, Australia approximately 8:30A.M. Sunday (6:30 P.M EDT Saturday).
The exchange rate $1 equals 1.03 Australian dollar.
From New York to Adelaide we’ve traveled 26173.5 Nautical miles & it’s day 66.
Adelaide is the capital and the most populous city of the Australian state of South Australia and is the fifth-largest city in Australia with a population of more than 1.28 million.
We took the 40 minute shuttle into Adelaide and walked about 1-1/2 blocks to catch the free C99 bus. The bus driver gave a rounding narrative on the highlights we passed. We got off after riding it most of the way and walked to the zoo. We enjoyed seeing pandas, kangaroos, wallaby, koalas, quokkas, orangutans & varieties of monkeys, tapir giraffes, emus, bears, meerkats, wild cats, and many other animals & birds, but no elephants or zebras. A good zoo experience.
We headed back to near the shuttle drop off point where we shared a $7 Subway foot long. Prices are higher for very similar items in Australia and Zealand. Jan was getting her hair done and I rode the shuttle back. Jan’s hairdresser got her education by phone, her dad worked in the coal mines, and that there no jobs for women unless they work in the coal mines. This confirms what a lecturer said that kids in rural & outback area get their education by phone because of lack of local schools. Both Sydney and Adelaide are very similar to the USA except prices are a little higher with businesses such as Pizza Hut, KFC, Target, Shell, and Subway to name a few. Adelaide even had a Woolworth and Ikea; and ones similar to Burger King & Texaco. Jan was a dolphin went got back and also earlier in the week. While writing this blog I had the balcony door open and a very fly entertained for a while trying to get rid of it. Today and yesterday we had 24.5 hour days. We’ll arrive in Free Mantle, Australia approximately 8:30A.M. Sunday (6:30 P.M EDT Saturday).
March 7 & 8, 2010 Sydney, Australia
The exchange rate $1 equals 1.03 Australian dollar.
Sydney is the capital of the Australian state of New South Wales and is the largest city in Australia with a population of more than 4.28 million.
Captain Bates’s crew took the QM2 as close to the Opera House as possible before turning around and docking at the Garden Pier. We took the free shuttle to Castlereagh Street 4 times.
Sunday night we scouted the Darling Harbour area along both sides of the water. Monday morning we walked to the Opera House, took the ferry round trip to the zoo (didn’t go to the wonderful zoo as we’ve been there before), and then walked though a large portion of the Royal Botanic Gardens. While in the gardens we saw the largest bats we’ve ever seen with wing spans of at least 2 feet. Both the bats & the trees are on the endanger list. The bats are partial to blame for status of the trees. Before we left the garden and headed back to the QM2 we came across Ibis. These birds have long and a curvy beak and are bigger than chickens and smaller than Flamingo and we’re told they are dirty. After lunch we went back out and enjoyed shopping with the Websters. We grabbed a quick bite and went to town the fourth & final time. We walked through Darling Harbour to China town. We finished by each having a beer on top the Sydney Tower enjoying its 360 revolution and seeing the QM2 and sights of the city. Now we graduated to diamond status and have received our pins. This means we get more internet time and can eat at Todd English free once each segment.
The exchange rate $1 equals 1.03 Australian dollar.
Sydney is the capital of the Australian state of New South Wales and is the largest city in Australia with a population of more than 4.28 million.
Captain Bates’s crew took the QM2 as close to the Opera House as possible before turning around and docking at the Garden Pier. We took the free shuttle to Castlereagh Street 4 times.
Sunday night we scouted the Darling Harbour area along both sides of the water. Monday morning we walked to the Opera House, took the ferry round trip to the zoo (didn’t go to the wonderful zoo as we’ve been there before), and then walked though a large portion of the Royal Botanic Gardens. While in the gardens we saw the largest bats we’ve ever seen with wing spans of at least 2 feet. Both the bats & the trees are on the endanger list. The bats are partial to blame for status of the trees. Before we left the garden and headed back to the QM2 we came across Ibis. These birds have long and a curvy beak and are bigger than chickens and smaller than Flamingo and we’re told they are dirty. After lunch we went back out and enjoyed shopping with the Websters. We grabbed a quick bite and went to town the fourth & final time. We walked through Darling Harbour to China town. We finished by each having a beer on top the Sydney Tower enjoying its 360 revolution and seeing the QM2 and sights of the city. Now we graduated to diamond status and have received our pins. This means we get more internet time and can eat at Todd English free once each segment.
Friday, March 5, 2010
March 4, 2010 Auckland, New Zealand
The exchange rate $1 equals 1.83 New Zealand dollar.
We’ve advance our clocks another 3 hours over the last few days making us 18 hours ahead of Indiana. That should be the last of the 23 hour days and will start getting 25 hour days working the way back home including 2 days before we get Sydney.
Another whale was spotted and we attended another wine tasting during our see days.
Jan & I went separate today as she did sightseeing and I got my first haircut (must have lost weight) since Indiana and some drugs for my lingering cold. I found Lloyd waiting for his first haircut and we kill the morning together. Lloyd and Gloria had lunch together and then the 3 of us took the shuttle back Britomart Transport Centre again where Gloria purchased a phone card to call her sick granddaughter (also in New Zealand) and then she got a pedicure while us guys killed time walking, having cappuccino and sitting. They’re very good company. The people here are very friendly and helpful. At 5 P.M. a local show presented “Haka – the legend” which we also saw last year. Then had a very good dinner and called it a night.
March 5, 2010 Bay of Inlands, New Zealand
The exchange rate $1 equals 1.32 New Zealand dollar.
Today we tendered to and from Paihia Wharf. We walked around the little village and then along the lovely beach to where they were setting up a circus. It was fun watching people of all ages enjoying the beach & water. The elementary schools were observing the QM2.
Another school was performing songs & dances close to the tender dock. Paihia area has wonderful landscape.
Tonight t the entertainment was Pingxin Xu playing beautifully an unusual instrument of a dulcimer.
We’ll arrive in Sydney, Australia approximately 7:00P.M. Sunday (3:00 A.M EDT Sunday).
These are approximate times as we often get in early. You can watch from the port side of the bow of the Queen Mary 2 as we travel by using: http://www.cunard.com/bridgecam/qm2_cam1.asp.
The exchange rate $1 equals 1.83 New Zealand dollar.
We’ve advance our clocks another 3 hours over the last few days making us 18 hours ahead of Indiana. That should be the last of the 23 hour days and will start getting 25 hour days working the way back home including 2 days before we get Sydney.
Another whale was spotted and we attended another wine tasting during our see days.
Jan & I went separate today as she did sightseeing and I got my first haircut (must have lost weight) since Indiana and some drugs for my lingering cold. I found Lloyd waiting for his first haircut and we kill the morning together. Lloyd and Gloria had lunch together and then the 3 of us took the shuttle back Britomart Transport Centre again where Gloria purchased a phone card to call her sick granddaughter (also in New Zealand) and then she got a pedicure while us guys killed time walking, having cappuccino and sitting. They’re very good company. The people here are very friendly and helpful. At 5 P.M. a local show presented “Haka – the legend” which we also saw last year. Then had a very good dinner and called it a night.
March 5, 2010 Bay of Inlands, New Zealand
The exchange rate $1 equals 1.32 New Zealand dollar.
Today we tendered to and from Paihia Wharf. We walked around the little village and then along the lovely beach to where they were setting up a circus. It was fun watching people of all ages enjoying the beach & water. The elementary schools were observing the QM2.
Another school was performing songs & dances close to the tender dock. Paihia area has wonderful landscape.
Tonight t the entertainment was Pingxin Xu playing beautifully an unusual instrument of a dulcimer.
We’ll arrive in Sydney, Australia approximately 7:00P.M. Sunday (3:00 A.M EDT Sunday).
These are approximate times as we often get in early. You can watch from the port side of the bow of the Queen Mary 2 as we travel by using: http://www.cunard.com/bridgecam/qm2_cam1.asp.
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