Saturday 30 Sept 2017

The water taxi booked to take us to the Cunard terminal couldn't dock at our hotel door due to the high tide. The cabin of the taxi wouldn't clear the bridge so our helpful porter took charge of the luggage and manoeuvred us through 11:30am tourist traffic over the offending bridge to a large public dock. All ended well!

The trip across the Grand Canal to the large terminus took about 35 minutes, through exhilarating water chop, I was very grateful for my "wrist-bands" (the ones that avoid sea sickness, or any other motion sickness, our companions on every trip!). We both stood up holding onto the roof of the cabin, facing the direction of travel, it was so good, tinged with a little sadness at leaving our beautiful Venice.

At the terminus, a Cunard porter took charge of our tagged Cunard luggage, which we would't see again until it was delivered to our cabin.

That left me free to concentrate on the formalities of passport/security control points (two between leaving the our luggage and finally boarding QV). It was all terribly efficient and comforting and in these times, no-one seemed to mind. There was a refreshment station in the terminus to assist in the "moving along the crowd control aisles").

That's Italian "design" for you!

At the end of this process we had our passports checked, our photos taken and were issued with an "account/room access cards" which would be the "currency" for the entire trip, oh, and Phil's credit card was processed!

Everything from this point would be charged against these little "magic" cards. It is empowering, a real "freedom" feeling knowing you spend away, no-one asks for money!

Once on board we were enthusiastically greed by smiling faces attired in Cunard uniforms, ensuring no-one took a wrong turn. It was at this point we were regularly asked to show our id, and for a very good reason.

You were directed to the correct elevators, depending on your cabin number!! I suppose everyone felt they were getting the best cabins, we certainly did!!

Our cabin (or "stateroom" referred to by Cunard personnel) didn't disappoint. It was sufficiently large to ensure no cramped feeling with a view that drew your eyes straight away to the ocean outside. That is, after sighting an ice bucket and complimentary bottle of champers sitting on the occasional table, thank you very much Cunard!

The outside balcony sufficiently large to comfortably stage two patio deck lounge chairs and small table. A glass panelled barrier meant an unobstructed view.

The king bed, working desk, fridge, the same purposely designed tray/kettle that was in our Venice suite, ensured we could make a cuppa whenever we wanted.

Top quality Twinings assortment of teas will ensure our basic needs are met and dear Phillip can continue the routine he is accustomed, making me a morning cup of tea! It might seem only one of us is on holidays but that isn't the case. I do spoil him too!

The bathroom was loaded with top quality bath products and adequate shower cubicle together with thick towels in all the necessary sizes, bath slippers and thick bath robes (albetit for figures much more trimmed than ours that would remain in their plastic bags) completed the decor!

They provided more than adequate storage, with heaps of hangers (not normally seem in top hotels!), large walled TV, mirror, hair dryer everything to ensure we will be comfortable.

We were met by our Steward, Bryan, born in the Phillipines, who explained the necessary things, like working the phone, his call button for service, where our life jackets were housed and our "muster location" for the 5pm fire drill procedure, and his best wishes for a wonderful time on board Cunard.

During our conversation and 20/20 questions we realised how difficult life in Phillipines must be. Bryan would be in his early 30's, he is newly married. His wife also works for Cunard, however on Q Mary, transmitting the Atlantic route. They won't see each other for twelve months. I bet their story is not unique to those on board in the "service-industry". Obviously they are building a better future for their families.

Makes you think though?

We didn't wait more than 15 minutes for our luggage to arrive, placement on the large suitcase was done by Bryan, laid out on the large plastic cover, over the bed (to avoid marks/damage to the beautiful white linen). Bryan explained the cover would be removed when he returned to "turn down" our bed in the evening (he didn't say and "leave chocolates on our pillow"……but he did)!!!

After unpacking the two cases slid nicely under the king bed.

There was an announcement by the Commodore, fully explaining the compulsory fire drill that would be taking place at 5pm sharp. We were to collect our life jackets and follow instructions from the crew placed along the route to our assigned "muster" area, just happened to be Queen Victoria Ball Room! All went exceeding efficiently. Our ID's were scanned so this "compulsory" drill would show those absent! We now feel able to save ourselves in the event!!!

Sunday 1 October

The Commodore conducted a non-demoninational morning prayer in the Royal Theatre, however we didn't attend.

We did however attend an address by world-renown author Bill Bryson who is a guest speaker of Cunard. He was so funny, telling antidotes of his life spent balanced between US and UK, with a great love for Australia.

Our assigned dining room is the Britannia Club Restaurant, offers excellent choice of menu. We do have assigned table and initially at time of booking we elected to sit at table of eight. However, first evening, only the two of us were there. I'm not sure why other guests didn't turn up, however we then had second-thoughts and asked for a table for two. This is now our assigned table and I'm am much more comfortable just dining together.

We have already "sussed" out that the great number of passengers are from UK, some we have met along our way are from NZ and some Aussies. There are also noticeably Chinese and Japanese guests.

Certainly no where the number of "oldies in wheel-chairs and walkers" as were the case on Queen Mary. We surmised that Queen Victoria is not "rich old persons home", but rather holiday makers, a blessing really!! We aren't the oldest though, a pleasing factor to P!

The menu is extensive and beautiful and we do look forward to trying many dishes during our two weeks.

Tomorrow....our first excursion, Dubrovnik, Croatia. We dock at 8am and leave the ship 9:45am. Really looking forward to it.

Weather to date.....just lovely, probably 20-23 and sunny!