Liner Lady

Friday, 29 April – New York Harbor

We were at the dock by the time I awoke and emerged for breakfast.  We were supposed to eat at seven, but the waiters went on strike because John, the Columbia Restaurant manager was sacked last night.  They hoped to get action, but now their jobs are on the line.  At eight or so we were allowed in and the men in black suits were serving.  Waiters trickled in, so Guy and Darren explained the situation.  We support them.  I said goodbyes to friends, helped Emma off to the limo and returned to the ship.

Upon returning to the ship I met the chief Hygiene Officer (David Hamilton) who has invited me to his cabin 3006.  I am apprehensive, but couldn’t get out of it. I let the invitation pass.  Went to open seating lunch in Columbia and sat at a large round table by Starboard windows with a couple from Honolulu, and two ladies who got on in Port Everglades.  The other lady was from Auckland – quite a rugged individual.

 When QE2 started away from the pier and into the Hudson ship channel, I kept the tape recorder from my position on bow Observation Deck going to get the sounds – especially that great whistle.  Walked aft and found Fred Boaden so we went out the channel chatting and taking pictures.  He had been off shopping.  The weather has been crisp, but as we headed out the channel, the wind became quite cold.  I can now wear my warmer clothes.

After dressing for dinner early, I walked around the different public rooms to see new people.  At the Lido, I met Edward somebody, and  we talked enthusiastically about QE2 – his many trips, upgrades, experiences with different classes etc.   I went to dinner at 7:40.  Guy is still serving at my table, but Darren has been transferred and we have a surly Irish boy from Dublin.  Peter and June, Nigel and Dorothy are my new tablemates – 3 English and one from Walnut Creek (an American).  Guy didn’t serve us much, and the other waiter was quite ungracious.

I attended the entertainment in Grand Lounge, which to my surprise and pleasure, included Nancy Booth from Tucson my home town.  We know each other, but I didn’t know she did the cruise ship circuit.  She looks great and sang beautifully.  Gershwin and Strauss.  C. came for me after eleven and after admiring the white roses, we went to the Pig.  Mark was there for a while, then we went up to the buffet. 

 Saturday, 30 April

We are now on the historic Atlantic crossing, and I awoke early then went back to sleep till nine o’clock.  I then arose to walk around the decks.  Joined the boat drill. – up stairway A to the area outside Queens Grill. When the drill was over I again wandered this time to Grand Lounge at just the right time to encounter Nancy Booth.  We chatted.  She had just been talking with my waiter friend back there who told her I was looking for her.   Next I went to the Great Houses of Britain lecture in the Theatre.  Otley House, Saffron Walden, Ancient House (parquetry), Wilton, Sion, Kenwood.

I returned to the cabin for my Passport, but then had to wait till Columbia restaurant group’s turn.  I talked with Bob Doherty.  What’s the verdict?  “Okay, good work, but no time to schedule another recital.”  Not even time for a Nancy to do one beside her Cabaret stuff.  I then attended the lecture on “The Only Way to Cross” by John Maxtone-Graham.  I was so sleepy I fell asleep a while. I managed to stay awake through the Titanic narration and through Michael York’s introduction  to the film, “Cabaret,” but left for a nap from four till about six o’clock.  When I awoke, I thought it was the next day.

Showered and dressed for formal dinner, then went up to Queen’s Room to see how the cocktail party was going.  A waiter from the Isle of Wight served me hors d’oeuvres.  I had two orange juices, and chatted with a social hostess who was trying to include me should I be lonely. I was actually sitting back to enjoy all that was going on before me!  She came yesterday from the Carnival Line to work on QE2 with the youths, till June.

I attended the Cabaret again.  Nancy did country western, opera and “Cats” songs,  “Somewhere over the rainbow,” all superbly.  I returned to 4019 by 10:20 to wait as usual.  C. called for me after eleven and we did the pub bit, inviting our friends to a party we plan for his cabin.  Went to 6036 to sort and take inventory of his stuff.  To my cabin by 2:45 – he back to his to sleep.

Sunday, 1 May

We are presently sailing off the Province of Newfoundland and the fog persists as usual.

Awoke at 9:30 to the sound of the officer of the watch’s report.  I then heard the foghorn, so dressed quickly and went on Boat Deck to record the sound.  It goes about every minute.  Froze my hands and feet.  I then joined the queue for immigration.  The officer asked me how long I intend to stay and when I said six months, he asked me how much money I have with me.  Not satisfied enough with that he asked further info, and I told him.  I am now sitting starboard side next to Queen’s Lounge to write and read my book.  I can hear the foghorn every minute.

As I was milling around Grand Lounge and looking at the photos, I saw Fred Boaden, who was on his way to play for the Interdenominational Service, so I went in with him.

Officers conducted the service.  We sang four hymns including the seaman’s hymn.  Fred’s postlude was Jerusalem (Blake).

I returned to my cabin at noon and wrote a complimentary letter to the Hotel Manager, all the while hearing the foghorn every minute.  This letter was an attempt to counteract all the complaints I was hearing from various passengers.  It seems nothing is right as far as some people are concerned.  I have nothing but raves about my voyage, and wanted him to know so!

I then went to lunch at one o’clock, where I delivered the party invitation to Guy.  Steve is the new waiter, and is easing up with me now.  Had tomato juice, hamburger and salad, plus Sacher Torte with ice cream and chocolate sauce.  Yum.   Peter and June came in as I was finishing up, but I stayed to chat.  They told me about Flanders and Swan records I must get.

I next attended the second John Maxtone-Graham lecture, then went to Boat Deck all bundled up to listen to the foghorn again.  When I returned to the cabin, Julie came in with orders to close portholes because of ice chips in the water that might flip up and hit the glass.  Hummmm!  I received a letter asking for comments and received a grateful phone call from the Chief Purser.  Soon after, I received a lovely floral bouquet addressed to World Cruiser.  After supper I found a QE2 miniature jug of whiskey.

I did a preliminary packing of summery clothes, got ready for dinner, and was so early that I sat in some of the public rooms.  Lido, Theatre Bar and walked all around in between.  Dinner was a bit of a drag with Dorothy ( the one from Walnut Creek) but when the Dunbars came it perked up.

I went back to the cabin to watch television and await the night’s events.  Near one o’clock the phone rang and it was Chris and Cherie calling on Marisat.  We had a fairly good chat, but my voice faded so we cut it short.  I never did hear form C. and the party never came off.  I finally went to bed near two a.m.