exlondoner

I miss the foot file and the sewing kit. But I admit the latter was wasteful rather than luxurious. And I am happy they do supply a lesser version in times of crisis.

I’m sure they would, but I did notice in any case they were handing them out to those disembarking on one of the several rainy days.

But it shouldn’t matter where you sit, should it?

Strangely, the rugs, towels, and Atlas are all there in QA, but no umbrella. I don’t think the fruit skewers etc, ever appeared, though they did serve tea on the sun terrace. The in cabin canapés were different but nicer. On the other hand the Grills Lounge doesn’t have a view, which I would describe as a vital necessity, not a luxury.

Not much to see in Kirkwall?

Thank you. I was worrying I had been using the wrong glasses intermittently for the last fifty years.

Judging by recent experience in Funchal, there will be 24 hour access, but not 24 hour shuttle buses.

Shocking in a brand new ship, which is not a new design.

The Grills Deck is great with lots of space and lots of shade. If only we had had more sun. There are lots of people wandering about anyway, so, if a few people use it as a through route, I would not find it a problem at all. However, I don’t see why it should particularly attract interlopers, unless class warriors(!), because there are so many other lovely places to sit outside. A few checks on the first hot day of a cruise would probably solve any problem. But I agree it is a silly arrangement.

We weren’t actually at a banquette, but at a table with two chairs next to the banquettes. There was another table with chairs next to us, and we spoke with them a lot. The people on the other side, one of whom sat on the banquette, ate all meals much earlier than us, and were usually leaving as we arrived, so we had little conversation. I did ask whether the banquette was as uncomfortable as it looked and she said it was very comfortable, however. Other adjacent tables at the banquettes seemed able to chat easily.

I must say that, while there have been some changes since Covid, notably parties, I haven’t really noticed any diminution in quality. Oh yes, those horrid polyester bath robes, instead of towelling.

Gosh, I do too.

I have never dared attempt to mix with it. The only people I remember mentioning they achieved success had Italian blood. 😀 Mind you the bath taps almost defeated me.

Interesting to see that Nieuw Statendam, which is the same design, is also there today. Perhaps some pictures of the sisters.

People usually complain there is too much about the Grills, but, if you are really interested, try the thread about QA to the Canaries.

On the bourders of the Atlantic coast of France, I think.

I think you have now turned North. 😀

Exactly. Just to use up time?

Has QA diverged from her course or is Vesselfinder up the spout?

They have a lot of Asian chefs, I think, who will be more than happy to provide.

Yes, for us too, every lunch time we were asked if the evening’s menu was OK, or whether they could do something else. One thing, though, is you never know what is over the horizon. One of my favourite lunches is Cunard’s lasagne, which I adore. I had been sure that would appear some time over the fortnight. It didn’t, and by the time I thought about it, it was too late. Obviously, if I had asked earlier on, they would have made it, but I just assumed it would appear. Cannelloni was nice though.

Yes, you can, and no, they don’t mind.

I thought it looked a little lonely. It would probably love to be worn, if just for a night.

I’m largely with V2. I don’t ever fly. If all four ships were sailing from Southampton on itineraries that were equally agreeable, I would choose QE, then QV, simply because they aren’t so long and the Grills facilities are better. On a cold weather cruise to Iceland and Norway, I might be more tempted by QM2, because who wants a Grills Courtyard in that weather, and the ship is so stable. But I am very happy we have two Med cruises booked on QA, and love many things about the ship, just not the Grills facilities. The Courtyard will be particularly missed on Med. cruises I might use a speciality restaurant if I got a freebie, which we didn’t on the last cruise, as I’ve always enjoyed the pop ups on the other ships, but I wouldn’t pay for one of them. Some nights the QG menu is quite boring, so I might choose one of those.

Very annoying, but I do think the upper decks are glorious outdoor spaces, with a surprising amount of shelter, and some good shaded areas, and great views.