alc13

Christmas preparations are mostly still on the horizon for us. Now that we are in Maine, where we have a large piece of property, we go out a week or two ahead of the big day and find a nice small tree to cut and bring back into the house. This is not honestly not my favorite holiday, but the sight of a decorated tree with twinkly lights in a warm house is so welcoming, and makes me happy.

How exciting for all of you who live there. Go Wales! - Oh, wait a minute...

I didn't know the Mississippi water levels are so low, BigMike. It is, as you say, America's great river. I once read a wonderful piece by the nature writer John McPhee about an effort by the Army Core of Engineers to reroute this great river, in an attempt to protect something or other. The Engineers didn't stand a chance.

Finally reporting back. The QE2 is sublime!

We were on QM2 for two days just before you, Southampton to Hamburg. Objectively there were some flaws, most notably internet that was unavailable almost all of the time because of server upgrades. But such a joy to be on board.

The starting bell has sounded!

You said it better than I did! That's how I read it, too.

We are now three days out from embarkation and I can see the Health Declaration. It says Within 10 days of sailing on your cruise, have you tested positive for COVID-19? No Yes - which begs the question of whether a test - highly recommended but not required - was actually performed. I guess Cunard is more and more relying on people to behave responsibly. In any case, we tested negative this morning.

All true. Not trying to get out of a test, just trying to understand the requirements. I have a very literal brain.

So the fact that they ask for confirmation of a negative test result doesn't contradict the fact that they are only recommending a test? I may be the only one confused by this since I haven't seen other questions on it.

Cunard's guidance on this is confusing to me. Is an antigen test required, or not? 1) All fully vaccinated guests aged five years and over are highly recommended to take a lateral flow/antigen test within three days prior to arrival at the embarkation terminal. 2) Guests will also be asked to confirm that a test has been taken, with a negative result, as part of the pre‑boarding health declaration at the cruise terminal.

I'm enjoying your daily reports, travails and all. Assuming Mr HH tests negative soon, will he have time to enjoy some freedom before the cruise is over?

Thanks for the suggestions, duly noted!

We are now a week and a half out from boarding QM2 for a 2-day cruise, and I can't wait. Our time on board is short, so we don't have time to sample through the cocktail menus. What do others especially like? Mr ALC usually goes for martinis and manhattans; my favorite is a negroni.

Oh, my; sorry to hear your husband came down with covid. Hope he recovers quickly and you remain well. Damn virus.

You have a dream trip planned! Allow yourself to be distracted during the flight by the pleasures of Singapore Airlines business class, which are reputed to be the best of the best. Perhaps that will ease your anxieties. And do let us know how it went afterwards.

Bliss!

Stay safe, @Tonopah!

Funny you should ask. We booked a 2 night cruise in Britannia Club, and were told we were first in line for a free upgrade. We got a call 3 weeks before the cruise that we could have an upgrade to PG for another $700. Apparently we were in fact on a free upgrade list, but they weren't offering those yet... or something. Anyway, based on our experience you won't hear anything for several more weeks.

I watched on and off today, some live, more in taped clips after the fact. So very beautiful; somber, dignified and moving. And the military - just grand. I hope the Queen would have been proud. I'm glad to have been here for her reign.

She personified dignity and respect for duty. And she loved her family and was well-loved in return. Lots to admire there. I'm very sad today.

I worry, too. She looked so frail greeting the new PM. She is widely, deeply loved.

giggle

Have fun - I hope you'll let us know how it goes! I just looked at their website. Some wonderful itineraries.

Wonderful review!