Mickb

The choice of line is a matter of personal taste. We have cruised 5 times with each line and the more formal approach of Cunard suits us better as we coast into the evening of our lives. Food also is very subjective - I was not overjoyed to see Meatloaf and Jerk Chicken in the HAL dining room. Although nominally a British line , Cunard tends to bridge the gap between US and UK tastes better than modern day HAL does.

If you have a port side P1 cabin midships, I would stick with PG. The south side of the ship is noticeably warm and brighter than the north. We found the PG experience better than the QG - the other passengers were friendlier and not bragging about how many crossings they had made. There was still the opportunity to order off menu, albeit there was a wider choice in QG. Service was very good in both grills although slightly more formal in QG.

Both are a wonderful travel experience - smooth sailing  with which ever you decide on😁

Westerdam is also heading back across the Atlantic to Florida - she has been in the yard in Holland and was in Southampton as well.

I think there will a merger of some of the Carnival brands. At the moment each brand has its own management/ head office set up. IMO the Princess brand is tarnished  and I wander how long Cunard can stand alone with only 3/4 ships. I know there is some back room crossover between Cunard and Princess but once the bean counters really rev up, I can see cuts/mergers right left and centre,

According the lecture that I listened from Captain Albert,  N Statendam and Westerdam are 2 of the 6 ships which are being relocated back to the US to prepare for the advent of no longer than 7 day cruises from US ports only when the CDC allows.

Zaandam and Volendam remain in Torbay and presumably will be able to pick up European cruising itineraries when HAL decide to resume. 
I suspect that when the go ahead is given, there will be a wholesale rearrangement of itineraries and ships to fit in with what is permitted.

On 11/28/2020 at 2:37 PM, Rotterdam said:

I would pick a trip on QE2 OR FRANCE over QM2. I enjoyed my 3 cruises on QM2 but certainly couldn't compare w her predecessors.🚢

Interesting. I have sailed on France ( once 50 years ago) - several times on QE2 and QM2. Although a traditionalist, I would rate the QM2’s seakeeping qualities much higher than QE2 and there is no comparison on the facilities - except maybe grills restaurants which I thought were more attractive on the QE2

We are lucky enough to have several ships ‘resting’ in 2 of our local bays at the moment. By far the 2 prettiest are Zaandam and Volendam, Nieuw Statendam actually looks surprising good despite the extra decks above the bridge. The Emerald Princess, the Azura and the Ventura ( sisterships for different operators) have to be some of the uglier ships afloat. QM2 is in a class of its own - a true Atlantic liner.  Queen Victoria and Arcadia at least look like ships!

She is in the yard in Brest at the moment. There is a thread further down the page saying that she is one of 6 ships that HAL are repositioning to the US for the eventual resumption of cruising 

In view of the pause in cruising till 31st March - I think that HAL may well end up selling Zaandam and Volendam to Fred Olsen to run alongside the ex Rotterdam and ex Amsterdam. That would be an ideal fleet for olsen

Tuned into a very interesting Zoom lecture on the current situation with HAL given by Captain Albert Schoonderbeek. His opinion was that when cruising eventually restarts in the US  voyages will not be longer than 7 days and will not stray too far from home ports. This will not initially suit the typical HAL cruiser who tends to book longer cruises.

Today is Remembrance Sunday here in locked down England.

Here in Torbay we have the Neiuw Statendam, Westerdam, Volendam, Zaandam and Emerald Princess at anchor waiting for things to get better.

At the 11th hour - all 5 vessels sounded their horns to signal the start of 2 minutes silence. At 11.02 they sounded their horns again to signal the end of the 2 minutes.

The sound echoing around the silent bay was both haunting and strangely appropriate given the current circumstances.

It was a wonderful tribute to those who gave so much for us.

Bravo the Captains of these ships!

Being a Cunarder is entering any Cunard ship and uttering a sigh of relief as the beauty and atmosphere of calm luxury engulfs you. Cunard Eros feel stress slipping away as they find their favourite spot in the ship. It’s enjoying a more formal atmosphere with great friendly professional service and great food that doesn’t include meatloaf or jerk chicken. You will probably not find drunken passengers in shorts arguing and fighting in the bars.

pits just great to be on board a Cunard ship!

Nieuw Statendam is on the move in the eastern part of Lyme Bay heading ( roughly) due east in the direction of Southampton. 
Zaandam is at anchor off St Vaast la Hougue in France - very sheltered .

Westerdam is heading north from St Vaast towards Southampton.

the weather is very windy 40/50 knot gusts.

Nieuw Statendam is still in Torbay.

Apparently Westerdam, Volendam and Zaandam are headed here to the N coast of France as well 

QM2 & QV have left Lyme Bay. Blowing very hard but anchorage is still sheltered as long as anchors can hold.

Westerdam is not in Torbay this morning.

54 minutes ago, richwmn said:

today is Carve a Pumpkin Day, Halloween, and Increase Your Psychic Powers Day

 

Sweater, n.:

             A garment worn by a child when its mother feels chilly.

Meal suggestion for today - Cauliflower & Broccoli Carbonara

 

Drink of the Day - Bourbon Pumpkin smash

 

Wine of the day - Warre Vintage Port vintage 2016

at sea English Channel
Volendam destination Marsaxlokk eta 10/31
She actually now shows a destination in Canada, but arriving 10/31 which is not realistic
Zaandam destination Vaast La Hogue

 

at sea Mediterranian
Zuiderdam destination Malto Opl Anchorage eta 10/31

Balboa Anchorage
Koningsdam

Caracas Bay
Nieuw Amsterdam

Katakolon Greece Anchorage
Noordam

Torquay GB
Nieuw Statendam
Westerdam

Willemstad
Eurodam
Oosterdam

 

 

Will do

They look lovely illuminated at night but up close they are beginning to show the lack of ongoing external maintenance. Still they are protected and safe here in Torbay.

Neiew Statendam, Westerdam and Zaandam are all still in Torbay 

One thing for sure - the 2 P & O ships have got to be the ugliest vessels on the seas. A classic case of function over form, whereas the HAL ships at least look like ships !

the QM2 just looks like a classic Atlantic liner!

Zaandam left Torbay this morning. I think she has gone to Southampton for stores.

Westerdam is not off Torquay today, she left for Southampton for stores etc yesterday afternoon.

Here are the 2 V ships in Torbay. New Statendam and Westerdam are further out.

I live in Torquay where New Statendam joined Westerdam, Zaandam and Volendam this morning. Torbay is very sheltered from all winds except the south east. The prevailing winds are southwest so the ships can sit in comparatively calm water even if it is blowing a gale. It is an overnight sail to Southampton for storing. Zaandam and Volendam are closest in - Zaandam is about a half a mile from the shore, Volendam is a little further out then Westerdam then New Statendam. They are a magnificent if unusual sight.

In the next bay are Queen Mary 2, Azura and Ventura.