exlondoner

Or just ask your steward. As you say, they still have them.

And, if you get a taxi, depending on the route the driver uses, you will probably get a chance to admire the wonderful view of London in both directions from Waterloo Bridge. Worth the price in itself.

I think one of the things about Cunard is the mix of nationalities. Obviously, this applies on TAs, where there are many Americans and sometimes Canadians, but I have also sailed with over 500 Germans on a TA, and 400 Australians on a European cruise, as well as numbers of many other nationalities. We once waited hours at Hamburg for the arrival of a train from Spain with many passengers for a Norwegian cruise.

No, that was my thought. And I think there are probably echoes of other things. I have seen that fish somewhere before. As I say, intriguing.

I think all QGs have a butler now, for what it is worth. And some booze in the cabin.

The best Underground route is Victoria Line from St.P/KX to Oxford Circus and change to Bakerloo for Waterloo. It is a very easy change, about 40 yards on the flat. Nonetheless, if you have suitcases, I would simply get a taxi, much more expensive, but infinitely more relaxing, and should not take too much longer. There are usually oodles of taxis at St. P. If the Eurostar is on time, you should get the 2.05 without anxiety. If you want time for a snack, book the 2.35. There is no catering on the train.

I know the 303 past Stonehenge is a traffic nightmare, and, it appears, likely to remain so. Nonetheless, the sight of the stones as one approaches is mind-blowing. I have never forgotten the first time I saw them. Less fun if it is your every day journey.

I think it is really rather intriguing. I don’t dislike it, but wouldn’t want it where I could see it all the time. The bathroom perhaps, if the colours matched.

I used to hate it on QE2 when they escorted you to your cabin. Firstly, I hated the fight to be allowed to hang on to my hand luggage, which I wanted in my grasp, then it was so tedious when they sometimes had no clue where the cabin they were supposed to be taking you to actually was. Much calmer letting you find it yourself.

Those cups look horrid, and don’t match the saucer.

Just out of interest, have you got somewhere nice lined up for lunch?

Customs is very unlikely to hold you up, immigration might, as you are arriving at such a busy time. I think the order is Avebury, Stonehenge, Salisbury, Southampton.

And, from what I read, the delineation between the classes is much more marked on some other lines.

I’m not sure if this is recent enough, but we went last August and she was fine, and we would happily book again, if she were sailing from Soton in the summer. She didn’t seem worn or tired, but that may say more about my housekeeping standards than anything.

Sorry, that should be PBE, but the autocorrect thought otherwise.

As ever, I have enjoyed your voyage, though the uniformity of cruets has been something of a disappointment, along with the total absence of pineapples in any form. What does pre mean: it could be pineapples bring ecstasy, but I rather think not. Looking forward to joining you next month. Hope all goes well for your mother.

She was on the Thames for a while in the last century.

Sydney Greenstreet.

It did come back, but it took a while.

The best thing is that your sense of taste hasn’t been affected. A friend of mine couldn’t bear the taste of wine for a while.

And imagine the possible litigation.

I don’t think leaving you alone is really an option for a shipping company. They need to know you can get out without help in an emergency, or, if not, what help you would require.

One thing I am baffled by is ‘they were there to serve in the most colonial way possible.’ What on earth is a colonial way of serving, let alone a most colonial way? My own experience of service in Cunard restaurants is one of warmth and efficiency.

Μy thoughts exactly.

And perhaps a very discreet gold ring with a ruby? 😀