Liner Lady

QUEEN ELIZABETH 2

WORLD CRUISE SEGMENT

SAN DIEGO – SOUTHAMPTON

JUNE 24, 1990

CABIN 1005

Interesting to note here is the fact that with the arrival of the QE2 in San Diego, she had recently come from her extended charter by a Japanese group for the last six months.  She had been docked in Japan for overnight stays alternated with one week voyages.  The Japanese fell in love with her, buying tons of stuff from the shops.  One person told me that Liberty scarfs were a very hot item, and the prices were raised double for the  Japanese market, and still these items flew off the shelves.  Actually, the shop people were hard pressed to keep the Western style items and souvenirs amply stocked! 

 Sunday, 24 June, 1990

After Chris and Cherie delivered me and baggage to the Embarkation place at the Civic Center, I then spent three or four hours in the Motel till two o’clock.  I then strolled across the street and learned the QE2 would be in at three o’clock.  Sure enough we spotted her coming around the bend and up to the dock.  I waved the red umbrella, but to no avail.  I waited around a long time till I spotted Muredach.  We greeted and he told me he is just going on leave.  I boarded at 4:30 and proceeded by myself to cabin 1005, way up forward on Starboard.  All my bags are safely in the cabin.

Someone at the Lido told me my friend C. was transferred to Yacht Club bar, so I checked, but he was out, and when I returned to my cabin I found a note under the door.  I had just missed him, alas.  Anyway, I returned to the bar and just as I entered, we spied each other.  He had been working since 4:30 a.m. and won’t get off till 12:30.  He had to resume work so I again went to the cabin and unpacked.  I got my table assignment, Columbia 292 from John Douglas.

I was ravenous, so I went in to eat as soon as the doors opened.  My waiter is Nick, from Greece.  He seems very eager to please and has only been working a month.  At my table are three men, a Scottish widower from New Zealand, an Australian and an American, Steve.

I had shrimp cocktail, steak and vanilla soufflé.  The Scot is quite delightful and I enjoy his brogue.  He recites Burns well.  Afterward, I attended the Cabaret show, which is a 150^th anniversary celebration, then went to check on C. who wearily, but briskly tends to his customers.  The bar became very busy after the show, and a young pianist-singer entertained at the translucent white piano.

The ship left the dock an hour or so late, and I never knew when.  I fell asleep pretty quickly and didn’t wake until 7:30.

 Monday, 25 June.

I went to breakfast at the Magrodome and sat with an Australian man traveling alone.  The boat drill came at 10:30.  I am at Station 5.  I then took a walk around Boat Deck and spied C. standing in a line of life-jacketed crew on the bow.  John Douglas was being taught how to use the little crane to lower rafts.  They all marched off in line when it was over.  I walked back along Boat Deck to check out the shops and much to my disappointment the Logo shop has discontinued the voyage diaries!

I gravitated to the Yacht Club bar at noon to attend the singles party.  We were given free champagne and I commandeered an orange juice from C., who was loading up trays to pass around.  I met Steve, my tablemate, who was most yucky and complained of about five things at breakfast, service-wise.  He is sissyish I think.  When that party was over, I was about to leave, and Walter (the Scot) found me and we sat a very brief moment in Queens Room, then went back through the Yacht Club bar to play shuffle board, then paddle tennis.  Both were fun, and I expect we will play some more.

We had lunch in Columbia.  A new couple, George and Barbara joined us and we had very good conversations about singing, choirs, New York City churches, the Wee Kirk, Presbyterianism and what an anthem is.  By three o’clock we adjourned and I returned to the cabin to rest.  C. came near four o’clock all rested and ready for work.   As five o’clock approached C. left for work and I set out on my project of walking the entire length of each alley of each deck.  The computer Center is closed for renovation and 5 Deck has new blue carpet. 4 Deck has red, and 2 Deck has red.  1 Deck has blue.

I saw Walter at the shuffleboard and I played a bit with him.  He called for me at cocktail party time and we met the Captain – Robin Woodall.  We danced quite a bit and then went to dinner.  I had asparagus soup and lamb chops, which took a long time to cook.  It seems they are short handed in the dining room.  I left before desert because I wanted to listen a to Anne Marie Albregeti’s show.

I watched the movie, “Shirley Valentine” in the theatre and had a good cry, because I identified well with her (Pauline Collins).  Then I returned to the cabin for the night. 

Tuesday, 26 June.

I awoke at seven o’clock but lingered an hour or so.  I then went to breakfast at 292.  Only Steve and Walter were there.  We have a new waiter named Warren.  He is English and really knows his business.  Walked around a bit then spent over an hour in Midships Lounge playing the piano.  I am afraid I rove out a Japanese bunch.  I think Elizabeth Pinter of 2094 offered to accompany me, so we tried it and she is willing to practice too.  Walter found me there and we walked the Boat Deck circuit a few time in the hot, humid air.  I looked out ahead each time round.  Eventually we caught up to a huge freighter.

We had lunch with the Elders and Walter, and we are all set for our big meal tonight. 

There is repair work going on in the next cabin with much banging in the tub room and just inside the door on my partition.  I went on my deck-walking excursion, stopping at the Purser’s Office to volunteer for the Sunday Service.  At five I had a punch in Yacht Club bar.

Dinner for me was shrimp cocktail, sorbet, Beef Wellington and Mt. Vesuvius (flambé).  I had Warren save a slice for C. and I went back to tell him.  He took a break and we dashed to the Pig.  I met Neil’s Mom again and Ian Bradshaw. 

I was ready for bed when I received a call from C. saying he wants me to meet someone in Yacht Club, so I dressed and returned to meet Danielle and three other girls plus an accounts officer for the restaurant.  In short, they encouraged me to talk to Robin Waldron about a job.  Back in the cabin I went to bed.

Wednesday, 27 June – Acapulco.

I returned the dinner plate from last night to Columbia too late for breakfast, but had a chat with our waiter from Portugal.  I then went on Boat Deck to survey Acapulco Bay in the oppressive, muggy and glaring sun.  I photographed the bay and the launches, then headed for Grand Lounge to cool off.  Earlier I had breakfast on the Lido.  I saw Mr. Williams from our table (Australian), in the bar.

While strolling I heard a lady playing the piano by the map, so we chatted a bit, comparing musical activities.  An oboe player joined the discussion.  We sang two songs and got applause from waiters and onlookers.

When I returned to the cabin (1005) I was amused that Christophe, my steward has left 22 soft drinks for me in place of the champagne.  Now, there’s service!

C. and I went in the tender to Acapulco around three o’clock, primarily for a meal.  We found a café on the banyan tree square and enjoyed orange juice, beer and enchiladas.   We had only time to snap a photo of each other and inspect some shops before boarding the tender at 4:50.  He bought shell earrings and a pin. We parted on 5 Deck, and  I returned to bathe and then I went up to the deck under the bridge to watch them haul up the anchor and depart.  They paint some of the chain links as they raise the anchor.  When we were just about out of the harbor, I lay down on a deck chair and fell asleep till 7:20, then reluctantly got up to go to dinner.  Brochette, crab cocktail, gazpacho, English apple-berry crumb pudding with custard sauce.  The movie tonight was “Stanley and Iris.” 

 Thursday, 28 June.

I got up around 8:30.  Breakfast at 292.  Lecture on Curaçao and St. Thomas.  Practiced with Kathy Kelley.  Lunch with my gang in Columbia.

I watched “Dead Poets’ Society.”  Followed by dinner at seven o’clock; lobster tails, avocado stuffed with crab and sorbet.  C. called for me around nine o’clock, and we went to the Pig.  He has an appointment with a Cunard Officer about a Bistro to be opened up.  He wants to manage it.

 Friday, 29 June.

I skipped breakfast.  Rehearsed with Kathy Kelley.  I had lunch at Lido deck, helping myself to salad stuff and roast beef.  The desserts were very rich pastries all around, and I chose a chocolate cream cake and berry tart, lime pie.  Yum Yum!

I checked in with C. who was about to go on break, then returned to the cabin.  I fell asleep watching the Panama Canal documentary.  At 2:30 I attended the computer lecture, then returned to watch more of the documentary, followed by tea with Walter Moffat who then took me to the shops and bought me a Liberty card case gift.  I then visited him in his cabin 2113, which is a single with bath and dark paneling and two portholes, like Hampton Bynam had two years ago.

At the World Club cocktail party I told John Waldron I want a job and he said “see me tomorrow.”  I said I brought my resumé and he said “Great.”   Today was Barbara and George Elder’s thirty-third Anniversary and we all toasted them at the table. Again I left the table before dessert so I could join C. on his break, and we went to the Pig.  We walked back to work via his cabin (6002).  He has an upper bunk.  We then went down the “alley.”  I then strolled through the Grand Lounge on my way back to the cabin, and heard a lady singing badly by the puzzle.  I then ran into the Elders who were dancing in the Queen’s Room.  Walter came along and joined us, then I went to my cabin, changed to shorts and walked the Boat Deck with Walter – Fantail too.  I think the ship is only going on one prop.

Saturday, 30 June – Panama Canal Transit:

I awoke at six thirty so I went topside in time to see us approach and pass under the Balboa Bridge.  We went into and through the first chamber of Mira Flores locks and were in the second chamber by the time C. appeared, and then we went up to the Funnel area, where the view was magnificent.  We leaned on the railing for about an hour.  I had breakfast in the Lido next to Ruth.  Seeing the land so close in the Galliard cut inspired me to take several pictures off the stern through the Lido windows.

As I sat in Grand Lounge, Mrs. Little came by so we chatted while she had tea.  We then went up to Yacht Club to see C.  He sat us down in a remote part of the no smoking section and we both eventually had fruit punch.  We next went to her cabin (1289), which is a single with bath for Queens Grill.  It is not much different from Walter’s – dark paneling, one porthole and two nice chairs, but the rest quite undistinguishable.  She showed me her son’s wedding pictures and we parted for lunch.  Only Walter and I were at our table, and we sat so we could see the scenery go by.  I had two rice puddings.

 I returned to the Grand Lounge to observe from a cool vantage point the descent in the Gatun Locks.  While there they had a spelling bee and I did a terrible job!  Got my photos and returned to the cabin.  I noticed the anchor flag on the bow picture so went up to check it out.  Sure enough we are anchored.  Rain.  Lots of ships anchored off the city of Colon.  Refueling I think.

There was a Panama Canal quiz today and here are the answers:

1.  Ancon – First ship to transit in 1914.

2.  Goethels: Chief Engineer.

3.  Colombia and Costa Rica border Panama.

4.  Barbados – workers from there.

5.  1942 – Panama Hattie.

6.  Balboa 1513 – Pacific Ocean.

7.  Gatun Dam

8.  Freshwater for locks.  Purpose of the Dam.

9.  “Mules”  name for the diesel engines.

10. Noon, December 31, 1999.  Turn over control to Panama.

11. Panamax – measurement applies to the largest ship that can fit into the locks.  QE2 is Panamax.

12. Teddy Roosevelt – First US President to leave the US in office.

13. $.36 – the cheapest charge to transit.  R. Haliburton swam it.

14. William Gorgas. Army physician who eradicated yellow fever.

15. Southeast to Northwest.

16. Mira Flores – lowers roof for QE2. (also I saw a hinged roof at Gatun.)

17. Suez – twice as long.

18. Queen Mary was the first ship that was too big.

19. 85 feet up and down.

20. Panama hat is made of screw pine.  I found out later that the true Panama hat is made in Equador!

I fell asleep till seven and dashed to get to dinner by 7:30.  All except Colwyn Williams were present, but the special meal is postponed.  Salmon.  I eventually went to Yacht Club and we two went to the Pig.  I met BJ.  Ian Bradshaw was very talkative.  C. and Ian talked shop till ten o’clock when he had to return to work.  I walked him there and stayed at the bar talking with Col and later a man from Massachusetts who knew all my Worcester County haunts.  Walked up to the bow lookout.  The wind was stiff and very warm, but pleasant.  Then I went back to the fantail to watch the wake in the moonlight.  Back by 11:30, when I washed my hair and went to bed.

Sunday, 1 July – At Sea.

I was up in time for a late breakfast, followed by my attendance at the church service.  I shook hands with Captain Woodall afterward, hoping to make enough impression that he may recognize me at his party tonight.  I then headed for Yacht Club to check on C., who gave me a punch, and when I said I didn’t sign for it, he said I won’t be signing any more.  I guess he I paying for them.  Col Williams sat with me till one o’clock, when I went down to lunch.

At three thirty C. and I met at 5 Deck A Stairway and he took me to his cabin to show me his photos and stuff.  He gave me a Sheseido QE2 kit and a marvelous photo of him in his kilt.  His photos are spectacular depicting scenes from Taiwan, Bali, Thailand, Djakarta and Hong Kong.

I delivered letters to the Staff Captain and John Waldron regarding my desire to work on board.  We’ll see what happens.  I showered and watched “When Harry met Sally”, then went to the Captain’s cocktail party in his quarters up forward under the bridge.  They are through officers accommodations on Boat Deck opposite Queens Grill.  His office is a nicely appointed room with long sofas, his desk, pictures on the walls of former Cunard ships, trophies, Japanese presentations etc.  I personally was bored and felt awkward.  I left when I dared at eight o’clock and joined my tablemates for the beef bourguignon and shrimp cocktail.  The service was wretched with our table split in half.  I left at 8:45 and soon met the Elders who reported they all had left before salad and dessert, which would have been trifle.

I met up with C. and we went to the Pig and Whistle (its full name).  I met Suzanne, a lovely German girl and Angus, then Ian Bradshaw came and added life to the group.  At ten o’clock we dropped drinks at his cabin then walked the entire alleyway aft to the lift.  I left him at work to return “home.”  I went to bed and at 12:15 or so C. phoned to say we’re going to the Pig.  So I got dressed and met him at 2 Deck A Stairway, where I opened the “private” door and there he was waiting on the steps.  The Pig was very full and noisy.  I met Paul someone, C.’s former cabin mate and later the Queens Grill Paul came to say hello.  C and I talked with each other quite a bit.  We soon left because most of the crew departed for a Canada Day party upstairs.  We went to his cabin to see all of his purchases from kimonos, shoes, chopsticks, terra cotta warriors and so on.  He gave me a pajama case and a silver bracelet for which I thanked him heartily.  Around three o’clock we packed up everything and he walked me along the alleyway and straight up 6 decks to the door by my cabin area and said goodnight.

Monday, 2 July – Curaçao.

I was up by eight o’clock for breakfast, then I rendezvoused with my tablemates for a shared taxi rider along the storage tank-lined road into Willemsted, Curaçao.  The ship is docked way out of town at the fuel storage area because she is too large for any of the city accommodations.  Smaller ships can anchor or dock inside the pontoon bridge area.  The architecture is of Dutch influence and pastel colors.  We were let out right down town and split up to do our own explorations.  Walter and I walked across the pontoon bridge, saw the band review, explored the public buildings; strolled up to the “Cara Costa” – a Carnival line ship I think.  We then took a ferry back across the harbor because the pontoon bridge had been swung open to let boats pass.  I think outboard motor-type propulsion swings it.  We walked along the market quays where men had brought their bananas, mangoes, limes etc. to display on slabs for sale.  Their boats were shaded by sails or tarpaulins.  We met up with the Elders and Steve at 11:30, and were very ready to return to the ship.  We got an air conditioned van and drove back along the parallel road to the central one and saw many large houses that had once been quite magnificent but are now pretty far gone.  By the way, I saw prickly pear and Organ pipe cactus all around near the oil storage area near our dock.  Barbara Elder went swimming very near the ship and actually touched the hull!

Walter and  I had a drink in Yacht Club before lunch and lunch together, then C. met me at my cabin and we went up to the top deck to watch our departure.  However, we were up there over thirty minutes and nothing happened.  I got my camera and returned to the top where I took several snaps of the broader view of Curaçao and marina as well as general scenes of top deck.

I went swimming in the Lido pool and found it a delight.  Rested a bit on a chaise then chatted with Warren Tate re: the dining problems.  Back to shower and get caught up in the log.

Peter, a former Restaurant Manager, has been recalled, and he has done wonders returning things to normal and humming to perfection.  We are all very pleased.  At the Pub C. and I talked amongst ourselves, then walked the alleyway again at ten o’clock.  We spent some time on Sun Deck before returning via Grand Lounge to the cabin. 

Tuesday, 3 July – Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.

I met C. around ten- thirty by the gangway.  I had been talking with the tall black Cruise Director about applying and interviewing for a Cunard job, and he gave me some tips to follow.   Redo the resumé to emphasize your pertinent experiences, like office work, tour guide experience etc.

We finally got a launch to the town and immediately took a taxi to Lunestra Resort and Beach.  We first had a drink under the lanai, then swam in full view of our ship and the aircraft carrier, “Roosevelt.”  While C. sunbathed and slept, I sat there scanning the busy waterfront with passing motorboats and sailing yachts.  We enjoyed  a buffet lunch in the lanai and saw many QE2 crew all over.  Several iguanas came near our table to eat food tossed for them.  Back to the beach for C. to cook his backside and sleep again, while I sat happily soaking in the aquatic scene and admiring my favorite ship!  I talked with a couple, who had just bought gold bracelets, so we were inspired to pursue our own gold.  We changed to clothes from suits, and then took a taxi back along the very mountainous road along the high coast to town.  There we commenced the gold searching.  C. bought a lot of booze and we finally found special meshed chain bracelet for him and also bought a matching necklace.

We had a quick drink at Sparky’s and went back to the hired launch for the return to the ship, where we parted.   I went to dinner just as we were pulling away from St. Thomas.  Again, I left before my dessert was delivered because they were all preparing for the Vesuvius parade.  C. was just ready to go so we went to the Pig and were alone for most of the time.  He was silent and rested his eyes.  Says the bracelet has been greatly admired.  We agreed it was a very beautiful day together and special. At ten when C. went back to work,  I went to bed quite exhausted.

 Wednesday, 4 July.

I was up for breakfast by eight o’clock and all the tablemates were present.  I played shuffleboard with Walter and the Elders, then went to rehearse the talent show piece with Kath Kelly.  I then went to the Yacht Club for a soothing drink. I ate at the Lido because I wanted lime pie, which doesn’t regularly appear in the dining room.  I sat with Walter in Columbia while he finished his meal, then we went to his cabin.  He gave me the photo of us two in Curaçao, and I returned to my cabin to rest and prepare for the talent show.  It was mostly a poor showing but a few good singers.  I did all right and got a few compliments.  C. was visible back there an he was the first to mention the shaky start, caused by Kathy stumbling over non-working sustain pedal.

I enjoyed a lovely American roast beef for dinner, and was done by nine o’clock (key lime pie).  C. and I went to the Pig again.  We may get some time together tomorrow, a meal out perhaps.  At ten o’clock I went to the Queens Room and sat with Steve watching the dancers.  Glow sticks were given out and finally I left for a brief stroll aft on Boat Deck (very humid) and to Yacht Club for a short visit before returning to my cabin.

 Thursday 5 July – Port Everglades

We were already in Port Everglades before I emerged for a late breakfast. I had a quick one with Walter and George, then went on deck to observe the environment.  All sorts of cruise ships are in: ” Emerald Seas,” ” Sea Escape,” ” Mardi Gras” and various cargo ships.  We are berthed in the same place as last time. I walked the deck with Walter and Steve and later the Elders joined us.  We watched a launch being lowered to the pavement for refueling and maintenance.

I went off briefly to phone Chris and Cherie plus John Q. and was thoroughly drenched in humidity.  At about 1:30 or later C. appeared at my cabin dressed in his trim white Gucci outfit, so we headed out by taxi to the Galleria where we walked all around hunting for a restaurant with clam chowder to no avail.  We ended up in the Jordan Marsh dining room.  We had shrimp scampi and Popeye salad.  By the time we finished talking about the Inland Waterway, taxes and houses, poll tax, etc. it was time to head back to the ship.  We found a little shuttle bus direct to QE2.

I freshened up and walked around looking for Walter.  I found Steve and we went inside the Lido, and Steve griped loudly about a man smoking a pipe in a no smoking zone.  (He was a Cunard person, executive or something like that,)   As we were heading round the pool we found Walter who invited us to join him for a drink by an outside window.  We saw the “Mardi Gras” go out, then we dispersed to dress for dinner.  I gave both of them some of my bottles of soft drinks.

I went on deck to see and hear us go out the channel and both senses were rewarded by greetings and signals from land to which we responded three times with three blasts of the whistle.  Dinner followed soon after and I finally got Crème Caramel, but I almost had to miss it since time was running out to nine o’clock.  However, my two portions on a plate with two raspberries and a strawberry were fully worth the wait and in fact, I had to wait a few minutes at Yacht Club for C. to be relieved.  We then went to the Pig and enjoyed the relaxing time alone, and later with Angus Howe from Dundee.  We talked of New York plans. 

I joined the Elders at the piano singing songs with Jon Barker.  C. brought me a punch and soon after, I faded out and prepared for bed. 

 Friday, 6 July.

I arose about nine o’clock and went on Boat Deck to take the air in sunshine and humidity.  I sat on a cushionless deck chair, which didn’t feel good, so I stood a while under the bridge looking forward.  The newcomers had boat drill but it didn’t include crew, so around ten thirty I went to Yacht Club.  C. was busy dusting and tidying, so we chatted a bit re: his late night and the stars.  He had to start serving so I sat a while, then he brought me a punch, and made arrangements to see him topside at 1:45, then I watched the silly horse races in the Grand Lounge..  Some of them were named Chuck and Di, Crooked Mike etc.

Earlier I bought souvenirs at the Logo Shop, a key chain and T-shirts for Karen and Greg if they want them.  I joined Walter for tea on the Lido, and while there C. happened by for a table cloth, so we said hello, then a few minutes later he returned asking me to get his glasses from his cabin, so I proceeded with Walter at my heels all the way into crew’s quarters.  Having found them we returned triumphantly to deliver them. I stayed in Yacht Club for a drink then dressed for dinner – our gala last dinner with 292 mates.  At nine o’clock I joined C. in the nightly visit to the Pig where we chatted with Ian.

When we parted, I went to see “Shirley Valentine” again, then went to Yacht Club to join my whole table for drinks and song.  Around one o’clock C. got off, so we went back to the Pig, out to the bow deck and clear to the stem well deck.  We also hovered behind the spare anchor enjoying the emerging full moon and stars in a clearing sky.  We nearly froze in the brisk night air.  We went inside to retrieve C.s jacket from the pub then we called it a day, agreeing to rise for the dramatic silent entrance to the Verrazano Bridge and New York Harbor. 

We went to the bow deck at 4:45 and watched us go into the harbor.  We emerged in time to see the Bridge Pass over us, and the Statue of Liberty.  It was so chilly that C. got his Japanese sweater and black GO DOWN sweatshirt plus camera.  By 5:30 we had seen enough so we parted at 4-5 Deck to catch some sleep.