A Right Royal Cruise with Walking Difficulties

[fabnfortysomething]

 

 

Several years I started a series of blogs relating our adventures[and misadventures] of cruising with someone who has walking difficulties ie my husband.

For anonymity I call him 6.

You may remember the 70s series about Steve Austin an astronaut who was severely injured and rebuilt with bionics to the tune of 6 million dollars.

Well as a result of Rheumatoid arthritis hitting him in his 40s he has had replacement hip surgeries totalling nearer £6000.[although rising]

We took to cruising around 2008 as a low mobility option to travel and were hooked ,cruising at least once a year and making some great friends along the way.

A brain haemorrhage in 2019 added insult to injury but we still managed a round UK and Ireland cruise that year.

That turned out to be our last cruise for a while for obvious reasons.

We both have a quirky sense of humour so this review is light hearted but focusing on issues relating to walking difficulties.

We have mainly cruised on NCL but this was our first Cunard cruise on QM2 and it was interested to compare and contrast.

 

Our Daughter Son in law and 2 Grandaughters aged 23 months and 2 months live near London.We travelled from our home in North East England to spend a few days with them en route to Southampton.

It was a great few days but we were ready for a cruise for the rest and relaxation!

The intention was to spend a few days on way back with them so left his mobility scooter with them.Cunard only allow mobility scooters in accessible cabins and they were all sold out.

We had brought a rollator type walker with seat to use around the ship but booked wheelchair assistance for embarkation and disembarkation.

Cruise was Friday Southampton to New York round trip[rearranged from 2020]

 

Thursday evening we drove the hour South to the Doubletree Hilton where had booked a cruise stay package with 15 days parking for £274

This was also the opportunity to exorcise a few ghosts as I spent nearly 5 weeks at this hotel in 1996 on the training course from hell!

It was a good start when reception staff apologised that they were unable to give me upgrade to King suite as part of loyalty scheme as the rooms were undergoing maintenance.

However the Queen suite was quite acceptable with a £20 reduction and seemed a good omen.

There was a wedding going on in the hotel and alpacas were special guests in the garden as photo opportunities!

We had a meal of fish and chips and a few drinks in the bar and retired to bed.      

[Victoria2]

We too have walking difficulties so I look forward to your comments.

 

[fabnfortysomething]

Friday day 1

Our boarding time was 2.15 and hotel checkout was 12 noon so we had a leisurely breakfast and chill out morning.

It was a sunny warm day so feeling good.

 

The complimentary taxi arrived 1pm and we were at Mayflower terminal 1.15.

This was an hour ahead of time but porters took our cases and directed us inside.

The walker got its first outing as 6 mobility issues are mainly around his ankle and knees.

 A weekly injection of a biologic has slowed down progress of disease but leaves him immunocompromised and therefore clinically vulnerable.

 

Inside the terminal they checked passports and print out of boarding card and a green sticker put on.

We also had to show proof of Covid vaccination but not evidence of negative test.

They merely asked us if we’d done one -spoiler alert-big loophole for people to hide suspicion they may be ill.

 

We checked in at the assistance desk and a very nice gentleman talked us through what to expect .He suggested it would be easier for 6 to use provided wheelchair and I pushed the walker

The check in desk we were directed to was reserved for wheelchair users and people checking in their pets!

Apparently many people relocating to USA or UK use the kennels facility on board.

At the check in desk we were again required to show passports and boarding cards as well as ESTA forms and proof of travel insurance required for UK passengers.

We could then put away all documentation except stamped boarding cards saying clear to sail.

Wheelchair assistance allows fast track avoiding snaking lines but still have to go through security scanners

Our wheelchair pusher escorted us onto the ship right up to our stateroom where our room cards were in slot by door

 

The stateroom had a spacious balcony with table  and 2 chairs

Actual room airy and spacious and decorated mainly in Blue and gold

It also appeared slightly larger than NCL ships

Muster drill would be 4.30 but to avoid mass congregation we were merely asked to produce room cards for scanning at allotted station some time before that.

 

I had a quick explore of the ship -level 7 was main restaurants and my destination-the Spa!

It was inside so no sea views and fairly small but I purchased a week pass for $149

 

Passes were limited but they were also allocating 2 hourly slots in advance to ensure not crowded.

8-10,11-1,2-4 ,5-7-With hour in between for cleaning

I chose 2-4 next day

 

Back to stateroom and cases arrived

This was our first formal cruise so more outfits than would normally take

However smart attire code on non gala nights was what we would normally change into on NCL.

 

We sat out on the balcony watching activity on the docks and 6 signed up for the internet package $250 for 14 days-this was sporadic and couldn’t connect in stateroom but occasionally on balcony and better in public areas although slow.

We had already pre purchased the full beverage package so those stickers were on our cards.

 

4.30 the muster and safety announcements were done via the stateroom tv and tannoy

We were due to sail 5pm but finally pulled  away from dock 5.25

There was a complimentary half bottle of Pol Acker fizz in the fridge so we drank that as sailaway celebration

It was surprisingly palatable-much better than NCL “champagne” which needs lots of orange juice with it!

 

We had early dinner setting 6pm and originally supposed to be on shared table for 6

However most people were seated with their own party with exception of solo travellers

We had a table for 2 at a regular spot and same waiters throughout cruise and that suited us fine

The food was good and served in timely fashion-by 7.15 we found our way to the Golden Lion pub which would prove to be our go to place listening to entertainers

 

Most frequent in this venue were the Watson Duo a husband and wife vocalist/pianist

There was a break 9pm for trivia quiz which we did very badly on

Incidentally masks were worn by all staff and recommended for passengers in crowded areas except when eating and drinking.

We relaxed our mask wearing for first time in nearly 3 years except for when surrounded by strangers

This would prove to be a mistake on our part.

End of first day with good usage of beverage package and time for bed.

[fabnfortysomething]

Saturday day 2

 

Woke to find we were just off Cornwall coastline -cloudy day and 17C-no sunbathing today.

Room steward had provided bathrobes the previous evening along with the glossy daily programme. A nice touch was a daily mini newspaper with either main headlines of UK and USA papers depending on your country of origin.

Glancing through activities on offer there is certainly a variety of things to do on board!

 

We had breakfast at Kings Court buffet 9.30 then I went to explore the  ship a bit more.

I had booked a ships excursion 4 hour sightseeing tour of New York for turnaround day but friends from New Jersey were going to meet us and go to restaurant in Times Square so headed to tour office to cancel booked tour.

 

We spent most of the morning sitting in the atrium people watching.

There were long lines at the pursers office-presumably these were urgent issues or I would have thought would be easier to come back later.

There was always a lovely floral display in centre of lobby which we saw being assembled .Or rather it came out mostly assembled and it took 2 people 10 minutes reorganising it!

The atrium was very pretty and 5 stories high.

I noted the atrium view windows of the inside cabins which look a good compromise from a fully inside cabin.

 

11am the guest celebrity speaker in Grand Theatre was Niki Campbell .Probably means nothing to Americans but she’s mainly known in UK as a judge on Pop Idol many years ago!

I poked my head in at the back for a few minutes and she was talking about her experience managing the Spice Girls and Amy Winehouse

 

There were a few clashes with activities I was interested in

Ladies pamper day in spa 12 noon versus insights lecture in planetarium 12.15

Also hobby corner 3pm would clash with my spa session.

 

The Captains address at 12 noon was very interesting but quite difficult to hear as people chatting loudly.

He always had an interesting tale to tell of the origins of certain phrases such as shake a leg sailors in port were allowed to have their lady friends share their hammock

Next morning when asked to show a leg if it was smooth and silky you were left alone. If hairy you were rudely tipped out to report for duty.

Tip from Captain was for men to shave their legs!

 

I headed to the Planetarium aka Illuminations 12.15 for the insight lecture on the Solar system.

Masks were highly recommended but only about ¼ were wearing them including me. Fortunately there were plenty of empty seats so was able to socially distance.

Speaker was John McLean of the royal Astronomical Society .He started by joking he doesn’t scale skyscrapers but was a very entertaining speaker. I made a note to listen to his next talk on Monday on the likelihood of extra terrestrial life.

 

I then went on a hunt for 6-I tried pub first but was very crowded so wasn’t surprised he wasn’t there.

I found him in the Carinthia lounge on deck 7.This was usually quiter and he was is process of making friends with the bar waiters.

 

The spa was adjacent so I headed there for my 2pm session.

There were about 12 people in there. There is Finnish sauna,steam room and a herbal room.

Pool with bubble pool and lounger bars as well as separate whirlpool.

About 12 padded loungers.

I did a circuit and lounged for a bit but 45 mins was ample. Chatting to girl on reception desk I rebooked for 11-1 next day. She agreed most people just want to do a quick session perhaps twice a day but with requirement to clean between sessions it just isn’t possible yet.   

 

I rejoined 6 who had done the 2pm trivia quiz by himself and scored 28/40.

 

We headed back to room 4.30 to shower and get ready for the first Formal Gala night-theme black and white.

I had purchased a tuxedo for 6 from ebay for £30 and black bow tie from Amazon

I had purchased 2 dresses for our ill fated 2020 cruise so got chance to wear them

This first one was a knee length fitted dress with lace sleeves-I must admit we scrubbed up well and had a photo session done.

Our 6pm restaurant sitting in Britannia restaurant was full of being in their finery.

We then retired to Golden Lion to listen to Watson duo and the 9pm quiz where we scored 14/20[winner got 19.

We swapped papers with A Father and daughter dressed up and spent rest of night chatting to them

 

[Host Hattie]

Thanks for posting such detailed reports, these are great.

[GeorgianGal100]

I'm enjoying your serialised Cunard adventures very much, thank you for posting.  I think we must have a similar sense of humour as we called our Land Rover 'Steve' because it was costing us at least the equivalent of six million dollars to run.  Lesson wasn't learned though and we now have 'Steve 2'.

 

[fabnfortysomething]

Sunday day 3

 

Woke to calm seas and slightly foggy

The clocks had gone back 2am so 8am was actually 7am.

After breakfast in Kings Court I went to explore the ship.

The fog had thickened and ships foghorn sounding

 

I found the Pavilion pool on deck 12 with a small pool and padded loungers .The covered roof makes it more suitable for transatlantic voyages like this than Mediterranean cruises where would expect crowds in sunny weather.

Down to deck 11[our level]

Aft area there was an outside area reserved for Grills passengers-empty in this weather.

Forward is the observation deck -again empty and not much to see in the fog!

Launderette facilities are available on each stateroom deck with 2 rooms either side containing 3 washers and 3 dryers-all in use.

I prefer NCL method of offering fill a paper bag for $15 [or free with status level]and it comes back clean and pressed. Got better things to do than laundry on holiday.

Deck 3 has upper level of Britannia restaurant, on board shops and several lounges such as chart room which have comfortable couches and tend to be quiet areas during the day.

Deck 2 has lower level of Britannia restaurant, golden lion pub photo gallery and the lobby area

Grand theatre is accessed from decks 2 and 3

Illuminations aka planetarium is behind theatre and accessed by a ramp area following windows with sea view and seats for people to gaze out.

There are photos and information boards all around the ship with history of Cunard ships including of course Titanic.

 

10am was the daily watercolour painting class repeated at 2pm

I missed day 1 but was able to join in and purchase an art set for $35

This was extremely good value as included travel watercolour kit,3 brushes, watercolour paper ,pencil, sharpener and eraser.

It was fun but my still life of a flower didn’t look much like it!

Putting this masterpiece[not] back in room I grabbed my swimming costume and headed to spa ,passing 6 on the way who was  happily sat in Carinthia lounge .

 

There are signs in spa stating that swimming costumes are required.

Opening the herbal steam door I discovered one gentleman who hadn’t read or understood that sign.

I made a note to avoid sitting in that same cubicle!

He was later seen strolling round the open area wearing that same birthday suit.

His large beer belly prevented him from seeing what the rest of us could[note to that unknown gentleman-it’s nothing to brag about but then again you probably haven’t seen it in years]

 

Joined 6 in the Carinthia lounge and listened to a pianist for a while.

1.45 a large group of people crowded in to get scavenger hunt papers. This was the first time I felt uncomfortable and reached for mask as it had all hallmarks of Covid mingling.

2pm we did the trivia quiz on songs and bands and scored 27/40

We swapped papers to mark with couple next to us who scored 34 but just missed out winning. We got chatting to Nand A and  ended spending time with them for rest of cruise for quizzes and evenings in golden Lion.

 

I had brought along a knitted cardigan in progress for one of my granddaughters so looked for likely candidates for hobby corner.

I was joined by a lady embroidering mini civil war flags for an event back home.

She had been away 90 days researching ancestors from Germany.

We chatted about children and grandchildren and only realised when got up to go that other hobbyists were sat round corner-agreed to look for them tomorrow.

 

We had a 4pm appointment to view the photos taken previous night.

They had set up stations all over ship but after having taken several the photographer  suggested we might like a black screen session with the chief photographer.

Of course these were far superior and we ended up purchasing 5 photos in frame and memory card for $430

 

Well we did have $300 OBC and a lot more interesting to say we had put it towards this rather then Daily Service Charge or the internet package!

NCL we usually pre pay Daily Service Charge but not an option on Cunard.

 

We showered and changed for dinner where we were greeted by our familiar waiters and enjoyed a good meal and out to Golden Lion pub before an early night.    

 

[D&N]

56 minutes ago, fabnfortysomething said:

Opening the herbal steam door I discovered one gentleman who hadn’t read or understood that sign.

If he had just boarded in Hamburg; That is common in Germany. Some sauna/spa suites prohibit any clothing beyond the entrance area where they provide lockers.

[Windsurfboy]

Funniest post for years

[carlmm]

2 hours ago, fabnfortysomething said:

Sunday day 3

 

Woke to calm seas and slightly foggy

The clocks had gone back 2am so 8am was actually 7am.

After breakfast in Kings Court I went to explore the ship.

The fog had thickened and ships foghorn sounding

 

I found the Pavilion pool on deck 12 with a small pool and padded loungers .The covered roof makes it more suitable for transatlantic voyages like this than Mediterranean cruises where would expect crowds in sunny weather.

Down to deck 11[our level]

Aft area there was an outside area reserved for Grills passengers-empty in this weather.

Forward is the observation deck -again empty and not much to see in the fog!

Launderette facilities are available on each stateroom deck with 2 rooms either side containing 3 washers and 3 dryers-all in use.

I prefer NCL method of offering fill a paper bag for $15 [or free with status level]and it comes back clean and pressed. Got better things to do than laundry on holiday.

Deck 3 has upper level of Britannia restaurant, on board shops and several lounges such as chart room which have comfortable couches and tend to be quiet areas during the day.

Deck 2 has lower level of Britannia restaurant, golden lion pub photo gallery and the lobby area

Grand theatre is accessed from decks 2 and 3

Illuminations aka planetarium is behind theatre and accessed by a ramp area following windows with sea view and seats for people to gaze out.

There are photos and information boards all around the ship with history of Cunard ships including of course Titanic.

 

10am was the daily watercolour painting class repeated at 2pm

I missed day 1 but was able to join in and purchase an art set for $35

This was extremely good value as included travel watercolour kit,3 brushes, watercolour paper ,pencil, sharpener and eraser.

It was fun but my still life of a flower didn’t look much like it!

Putting this masterpiece[not] back in room I grabbed my swimming costume and headed to spa ,passing 6 on the way who was  happily sat in Carinthia lounge .

 

There are signs in spa stating that swimming costumes are required.

Opening the herbal steam door I discovered one gentleman who hadn’t read or understood that sign.

I made a note to avoid sitting in that same cubicle!

He was later seen strolling round the open area wearing that same birthday suit.

His large beer belly prevented him from seeing what the rest of us could[note to that unknown gentleman-it’s nothing to brag about but then again you probably haven’t seen it in years]

 

Joined 6 in the Carinthia lounge and listened to a pianist for a while.

1.45 a large group of people crowded in to get scavenger hunt papers. This was the first time I felt uncomfortable and reached for mask as it had all hallmarks of Covid mingling.

2pm we did the trivia quiz on songs and bands and scored 27/40

We swapped papers to mark with couple next to us who scored 34 but just missed out winning. We got chatting to Nand A and  ended spending time with them for rest of cruise for quizzes and evenings in golden Lion.

 

I had brought along a knitted cardigan in progress for one of my granddaughters so looked for likely candidates for hobby corner.

I was joined by a lady embroidering mini civil war flags for an event back home.

She had been away 90 days researching ancestors from Germany.

We chatted about children and grandchildren and only realised when got up to go that other hobbyists were sat round corner-agreed to look for them tomorrow.

 

We had a 4pm appointment to view the photos taken previous night.

They had set up stations all over ship but after having taken several the photographer  suggested we might like a black screen session with the chief photographer.

Of course these were far superior and we ended up purchasing 5 photos in frame and memory card for $430

 

Well we did have $300 OBC and a lot more interesting to say we had put it towards this rather then Daily Service Charge or the internet package!

NCL we usually pre pay Daily Service Charge but not an option on Cunard.

 

We showered and changed for dinner where we were greeted by our familiar waiters and enjoyed a good meal and out to Golden Lion pub before an early night.    

 

I really enjoy your report. Thank you!

Only one remark re laundry: Of course self-service laundry is just an option. You can also send all the laundry in to be done for you.

[fabnfortysomething]

25 minutes ago, carlmm said:

I really enjoy your report. Thank you!

Only one remark re laundry: Of course self-service laundry is just an option. You can also send all the laundry in to be done for you.

ah didnt see that  option!

actually we jsut washed through smalls and hung on line in shower

[exlondoner]

35 minutes ago, carlmm said:

I really enjoy your report. Thank you!

Only one remark re laundry: Of course self-service laundry is just an option. You can also send all the laundry in to be done for you.

 

The laundry service is excellent, but you do need to ask for lists and a bag, another post-Covid change.

[fabnfortysomething]

Monday day4

Woke to an overcast day and a slightly choppy sea-not going to be a sunbathing crossing!

 

Art class 10am was very busy as many people going to do royal Shakespeare company workshop at 2pm

Places available helped by several people turning up an hour late thinking the clocks went back again-this was the one day they didn’t.

Todays class was landscape and turned out slightly  better.

 

I left just before 11 to catch John Mcleans insight lecture in illuminations on the likelihood of alien life

Theatre was full so word had obviously spread how good he was.

Question-do aliens exist-yes probably

Question have they visited or could they from another solar system?

By laws of physics it would take several generations to get here

So you send a family on a mission and by time their ancestors arrive there are a few issues

Firstly a high degree of interbreeding!

Secondly it’s the usual family trip “are we nearly there yet?”

Thirdly by the time the descendents arrive they would have forgotten why they came in first place so just have fun doing a few crop circles

 

I left to hunt through the bars to find 6-no success

Found him in stateroom-all public areas were too crowded for his comfort[an after effect of brain haemorrhage he finds it difficult to filter out background noise.

 

We headed back to Carinthia lounge 12.30 for guitarist Brian who did the cruise classic Sweet Caroline as well as Hallelujah and Bohemian Rhapsody

 

I had spa booked from 2-4 but came out to join hobby corner for 3pm and met S and K two lovely ladies who had known each other from schooldays and were on holiday together away from husbands

We would end up spending a lot of time in Golden Lion on the following evenings along with N and A

We formed our own quiz team but still didn’t manage to win

 

6pm restaurant seating and our waiters greeted us and bar waiter guessed our order-we are becoming predictable!

 

In Golden Lion the 9pm quiz was a bingo style where you had a sheet with songs and artists unique to each team

This was not a success due to technical difficulties and taking ages to get a winner

Several people got bored and left

It was a relief when one team eventually ticked off all and we could get back to the Watson duo who finished off the evening for us.

 

One of the things we like about late night at sea is enjoying a nightcap on the balcony and listening to the waves-was just too cold and foggy for that!

[fabnfortysomething]

Tuesday day 5

 

Awoke 9am or is it 8am due to clocks going back again at 2am.

Again the ships fog horn sounding.

The ships TV screen shows we are just off coast of Newfoundland and showing position of RMS Titanic to the South of us.

No Icebergs seen!

 

For a change we decided to go for breakfast at Britannia restaurant .

We were at a table for 2 but the adjacent table had a couple whose accent we recognised

They live 30 miles North of us.

This was their first cruise and unlikely to be their last.

They were attending a family wedding in USA and he refuses to fly

He’s already converted to cruising!

 

We chatted for the next hour until I headed upstairs to the art class and then spa for 11-1 session-again spent just under an hour in there.

Next day slots were either 8am or 5pm-too early and too late so passed this time.

 

I found 6 in Carinthia lounge listening to a string trio and we joined up with Nand A for the afternoon trivia quiz-score 30 out of 40-winners got 34!

3pm I joined hobby corner and learned that whales or dolphins were spotted this morning

I managed to connect to cruise critic on my laptop and posted on the roll call for people joining next week with some tips.

 

Golden Lion trivia quiz was officially our team of 6 with S K N and A and we needed to think up a team name

We still didn’t win but had a fun night and watched Watson Duo and got to know each other a bit better-now friends on facebook!

 

[TheOldBear]

I was wondering if I could ask a favor on behalf of Mrs Bear.

 

The next time you go to the Spa Reception, could you check if they still offer 'fill in' service for gel nails? [gel over acrylic].

[exlondoner]

16 minutes ago, TheOldBear said:

I was wondering if I could ask a favor on behalf of Mrs Bear.

 

The next time you go to the Spa Reception, could you check if they still offer 'fill in' service for gel nails? [gel over acrylic].

 

I think the poster is posting retrospectively. QM2 is approaching the Elbe at present.

[TheOldBear]

11 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

 

I think the poster is posting retrospectively. QM2 is approaching the Elbe at present.

Pity - I thought it was a live update 😕

 

[fabnfortysomething]

1 hour ago, TheOldBear said:

I was wondering if I could ask a favor on behalf of Mrs Bear.

 

The next time you go to the Spa Reception, could you check if they still offer 'fill in' service for gel nails? [gel over acrylic].

sorry the ship internet is too bad to attempt a live review

[exlondoner]

5 minutes ago, fabnfortysomething said:

sorry the ship internet is too bad to attempt a live review

 

And, anyway, it sounds as if you were having far too busy a time enjoying yourself.

[fabnfortysomething]

Wednesday day 6

 

Spoiler alert

6 tested positive for Covid on disembarkation day so with 10 day incubation period today would have been day of exposure.

Theories are what 6 calls the breakfast zombies-the clueless people who come to a halt suddenly with no regard for those around them and him unable to find a quiet corner most of the time

Other theory is when it became crowded for times of quiz

But who knows?

 

I checked out spa availability for next day and there was a cancellation for 11-1

 

There was also a $10 sale in shops and I abought a beach bag and cute fringed handbag.

 

I found 6 in Golden Lion listening to guitarist Brian and decided to try their fish and chips-very nice-proper chips not French fries.

 

Tonight was masked ball for gala evening and 4pm there was a mask sale for those who hadn’t brought their own

$3 for simple elasticated ones and $15 for more ornate

I treated myself to black and white with feathers and 6 a silver mask that made me think of Phantom of the Opera!

 

I also checked out other ship areas not yet seen-Queens room where ballroom dancing and the G32 nightclub behind it

Very quiet at this time and a few people using it as an area to read or play cards

 

The evening was great fun seeing most people dressed up in formal gear and masks-2^nd outing for 6 tuxedo!    

 

[Host Hattie]

I don't want to drag this off track into a Covid discussion but a 10 day incubation period seems long.

[exlondoner]

21 minutes ago, Host Hattie said:

I don't want to drag this off track into a Covid discussion but a 10 day incubation period seems long.

 

I believe 10 is about the max, while 5-6 is average, but who knows? When I had it, the medical department only wanted to know whom I had been in contact with over the previous two days.

[fabnfortysomething]

29 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

 

I believe 10 is about the max, while 5-6 is average, but who knows? When I had it, the medical department only wanted to know whom I had been in contact with over the previous two days.

 

I hope so as I have been testing each day and on day 8 after husband tested positive I'm still negative 

[exlondoner]

4 minutes ago, fabnfortysomething said:

 

I hope so as I have been testing each day and on day 8 after husband tested positive I'm still negative 

 

I do hope he is OK.

[Host Hattie]

14 minutes ago, fabnfortysomething said:

 

I hope so as I have been testing each day and on day 8 after husband tested positive I'm still negative 

I hope you're both OK now.

Thanks again for your posts