Blog at Sea On QM2 - Wednesday 19th May 2010 We boarded the Queen Mary 2 very easily on Saturday afternoon. Our cabin is spacious and has a large balcony, with double doors opening out to it so that it is lovely and light in the cabin as well as having a sea vista. After unpacking we went to explore the various levels and see where the swimming pools were and the gym, the bars and general layout. There were 4 large cruise ships in Southampton port that day and all were leaving that afternoon so we saw the other boats sail past with everyone on board waving., and the boats blowing their horns as they cast off.Ours was the last to leave and we were on one of the top deckswith our glass of champagne and the band playing Calypso Reggae type music as we cast off. Very holiday atmosphere.

There are many activities on every day and we get the program the night before so we have to carefully plan the day ahead. It takes a day or so to get the hang of all the things going on and available, and where they are.

Highlights are - going to the Gym , then the swimming pool which is in an enclosed area on the top deck, it also has a lovely hot tub to relax in after gym workout and have a Margarita pre dinner drink. (There are many places to have a pre-dinner drink and we probably won't get around to them all, but we'll give itagood shot.

The food is fantastic. Everything is very high quality, and of course too much if you eat it all. We are trying to have smaller meals but still enjoying it.

I had a trip to the beauty parlor ( thanks to my daughters - mothers day gift)) and had myhair done. The hairdresser is right at the front of the ship so I was looking over the water and waves whilst having my hair done. Very special.

I have been attending the watercolour classes every day and loving it. Jack has been to various lectures about planes and the origins of the universe and other things that interest him. He has been in a table tennis tournament. (got beaten by the only non-grey haired person on the boat - a kid of about 23)

We have TV in our room and could watch movies if we wanted too, only caught one so far, too busy with all the other activities. The library is great too and very nice to sit and read or browse magazines.

We are in the late sitting for dinner and sit with 6 other people, a Canadian couple, and 2 American couples about our age and they are fun and interesting. The meals are fabulous, so we are enjoying very special dinners every night. We have also been to a musical show one night and a Big Band ball another. We are also enjoying the various shows and plays they put on - extremely professional.Going to the Nightclub is also on the agenda. It was fun to dress up in evening wear, the ladies looked gorgeous in their evening gowns. The demographics are varied. There are a large number of the older generation represented, but there are still some young people on board too. There is a large number of German people on board, about a thousand out of 3 thousand, The ship had come from Hamburg so many joined it then.

The weather has been coolish, so lazing in deckchairs on the deck has not been possible, however there are many lovely spots to sit and read or enjoy the passing traffic

In talking to other passengers it seems as though many have travelled on cruise ships before, not just the QM2.though they say it is classier than others.

Anyway we are enjoying all the things on offer and balancing activities with chillout times.