Mareblu

I agree with you. I found those questions not only puzzling, because it was Cunard engaging in naval gazing, but also deeply disturbing. I dislike the term "trendsetter". It carries notions of a new shade of lipstick.

More than a no-brainer, Lyle. At that price difference, you'd have to be cerebrally challenged to pay the fare Qantas demands. The pjs are good though, they last for years. We only did BC with Qantas once, but wore the pjs for many winters. We're so looking forward to meeting you and Lynn "off the page". Good luck with your NZ investigations.

Can’t believe we missed each other by 48 hrs. We were in Cobh on Queen Anne last Wednesday. We then had a sea day and disembarked in Southampton Friday. cobh is a lovely town with charming, welcoming people. Woke up in Sydney this morning. Great to be almost home.

York Minster is not only a peaceful haven, its architectural beauty is awe inspiring; the very essence of a place of worship.

Oh goodness that explains so much. How terrible for the patient and their loved ones. We had no idea of that scenario. I feel so terrible for calling out the escalator closure. Healing prayers and wishes🙏🏻

Of course all other inconvenience pales to insignificance in such circumstances, and our wishes and hopes for a recovery for the patient, and comfort for their family, are foremost in our hearts and minds. The unfortunate medical emergency aside, there seemed to be no order at all in this morning’s disembarkation. Our luggage tags were blue 2, and we were assigned the time of 8.30. The first announcement implored people not to assemble on Deck 2 until called. Then we heard blue being called, followed almost immediately by the announcement that disembarkation was suspended due to the medical emergency. What ensued after a necessary hiatus was a combination of people massing on Deck 2 obviously before their due time, and Cunard seemingly losing any sense of the plan. After hearing no more “blue” announcements, and other colours being called, we proceeded to Deck 2, where a Cunard official told us to “just go up and push in ahead. You’re blue”. A kind lady offered the space ahead of her, so we fell into line. Then, and this is the port authority’s breakdown, no escalators were working, and there was only one lift available for the slowly-moving throng. We took the offered option of hauling our carry-ons down the several levels of concrete staircase. On reflection, it seemed to be the perfect storm.

With all due respect, New York is not Italy. I’ve just returned from another trip to Italy, something we do nearly every year. The recipe I posted above is exactly how marinara, or frutti di mare, as another poster noted, is prepared and served in home kitchens, trattorias and ristorante in Italia. Using the term, “the old country” implies an adaptation of something from long ago, and I understand and accept that over time, local cultural mores and tastes do adapt and interpret. I can also attest, from many visits to NYC (which I love, btw) that most locals have absolutely no inkling of how to serve a genuine Italian “caffe”, either. That is not intended to demean in any way. It’s just a fact.

Escaped. It was a bit of a shambles, I’m afraid, but from previous reports, we were anticipating just that. Never mind, we survived, but Cunard really needs to deal with this and get it sorted.

Incorrect. Zuppa di pesce is FISH SOUP. Marinara sauce (with or without tomatoes) is seafood sauce to be served with pasta (which, of course, should always be cooked “al dente”. I much prefer linguine or spaghetti marinara to be prepared “in bianco”, or without tomato. Good extra virgin olive oil, lightly sauteed garlic andchilli (both optional but provide the “pop”), white wine, a variety of fish and shellfish, finish with fresh parsley, freshly ground pepper, and enjoy. In Italy, btw, it’s considered a sin to add fresh parmigiano, but I confess to occasionally being sinful.

You’re welcome.

Our table neighbours had ordered a chicken curry a few nights ago. They would have ordered at lunch the same day for dinner that evening. It was cooked with aplomb tableside by one of our senior staff, who like many of his colleagues, is Indian. It was fascinating to watch his diligence and patience. Of course, the finished dish was then served with all the traditional accompaniments. Our table neighbours proclaimed it “superb, exquisite”.

It’s painful and awkward listening to him. I don’t think he dver could manage a solo.

My desire is always to be there, oh Mull of Kintyre (cue massed pipes and drums). I’m totally ruined for the evening too, now🤣🤣

My thank you vote is for your interesting background information, and not for your apology. There is absolutely no need for you to apologise, nor for you to feel associated with another’s very poor form in any way. I can easily dismiss such behaviour as perhaps a streak of eccentricity, or feeling exhausted, any number of causes, really. I can neither dismiss nor excuse the appalling treatment of our exemplary staff.

Yes, that thought had occurred to me. We are seated to the far right of the restaurant, a short distance past what I now refer to as “the diner-milkbar”, and it’s really a lovely area, spacious, yet with tables near enough for a chat if desired. We’ve had the pleasure and the privilege of the company of all our celebrity guests. We respect their right to privacy, so never engage without being spoken to first. Perhaps the glare of the accustomed spotlight was missing. We’re not sure whether the demand to be moved has been met, but I sincerely hope no guest has been moved to accommodate. I’m just relieved we weren’t there, otherwise I’d be convinced we hadn’t measured up.

I’m sure they’re exceedingly happy now.

We were looking forward very much, after learning before embarkation that Ms Imrie would be appearing “in conversation” (an excellent format for career insights) to attending her event. Now, the reason we definitely did not attend today needs to be couched in somewhat delicate terms: Our section of the QG restaurant was treated last night to quite the diva performance, apparently. We’ve grown to respect and enjoy our dining companions at tables nearby, so we don’t doubt for a moment the exact same tale they all related both last night as we bumped into one lovely lady returning to her cabin as we did, nor the other couples today. It was the first evening dining we’ve missed, as we realised the fireworks pontoon was to be positioned only yards from our aft balcony. We opted for a quick bite in Artisan, which was very pleasant, and back to the balcony with a wee after-dinner dram. I digress to say we feel we had the best view in Liverpool or on The Mersey itself. We felt so lucky as the sky and water merged so spectacularly before our eyes. Demanding to be moved to a window table and addressing, in a prolonged tirade, our wonderful, caring QG staff in a loud and rude manner can only be ascribed to delusions of grandeur, and renders the offending perpetrator not worthy of an audience, we decided by joint agreement this morning. As you would all expect, they attempted to diffuse the situation and manage it with the utmost discretion and respect, and if this we have absolutely no doubt. I haven’t been as delicate ad I initially intended, but my illusion of this incredibly talented actress has been shattered, and I am incredibly disappointed. An unworthy performance indeed.

Andrea always has enough dress sense to cover for everyone.

If only I’d been awake🤣

Oh please, no! Pretty adept at composing though. Mull of Kintyre still brings me to tears

And didn’t you mention your Italian DW would also be able to converse with the machine?

An afterthought @WantedOnVoyage: perhaps you simply need a good Italian caffe, to restore the positivity and happy disposition I’m convinced lurks neglected within😊

No, my Italian husband has always used the machines, both in QE and QA.

Well she’s about Gulliver’s size

BTW, the screen shows our Captain seated in the front row ashore. Who’s steering?🤣