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QM2 TA 2011 Rulocal
3rd July
July 3, 2011 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 22 °C
It's 6.30am in mid-Manhattan and I'm having a coffee and watching the world go by.
This really is the city that never sleeps.
We all got up early yesterday, had breakfast and then walked up to Madame Tussauds in Times Square to pick up the 'HoHo' bus tickets.
It really is a good way to see the city.
We started on the downtown tour, got off at the stop for Ground Zero, I believe most New Yorkers don't like to call it that, they call it the WTC the World Trade Center, which is what it is I suppose.
The re-building work has really come on it looks about halfway built, last year all we saw was the foundations.
We then walked through the Financial district and over to Battery Park and on to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.
This imho is the best way to see the Statue of Liberty as long as you don't want to get off and walk around it and it's completely free.
When we returned from Staten Island we got back on the downtown loop bus and continued with the site-seeing.
We got off at 50th and 8th ave and went for a drink and then back to the hotel for a siesta.
We all came back out about 7 pm and had a bit of a walk, but we were all too tired so Nic and Neeta got a pizza and Aimee got a Mackie D's and went back to the hotel.
Sheila and I went to Dunkin Donuts for a coffee, oh yes we also finished off a box of 6 donuts between us, then went back to the hotel.
New York is definitely not a restful vacation, but it is one of the best places in the world........Read more
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QM2 TA 2011 Rulocal
2nd July
July 2, 2011 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
Guess what I'm up early again, just nipped over to Mackie D's for a coffee, now sitting in the hotel foyer writing this.
After we arrived yesterday we went for a walk, we went up to the Top of the Rock, it was brilliant, much better than the Empire State Building, though not quite as high.
We then walked to the Chrysler Building and Grand Central Station, where we had a coffee. Then it was off again to Times Square and the Toys R Us shop where we took Aimee on the indoor Ferris wheel, it was brill.
Then we had a beer in a Times Square bar, I forget the name.
Then back to the hotel for a rest.
Later that afternoon we walked down to the Highline, which has now been extended to 30th St. Later we went to a local Irish bar in the evening for a few drinks.
Then off to bed... Nite nite...lol.Read more
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QM2 TA 2011 Rulocal
1st July
July 1, 2011 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
Got up at 4 am had a quick shower then went up on deck, we were approaching the Verrazano bridge so I phoned Nic and Neeta, they met me with Aimee on the observation deck for the approach to Manhattan.
It's definitely one of the sights not to be missed.
Aimee was amazed at the statue of Liberty.
Arrived at the hotel early, the taxi ride from the cruise terminal cost less than $10.
Limo men wanted to charge $10pp so keep away from them, lol.
Anyway, all checked in and going for a walkRead more
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QM2 TA 2011 Rulocal
30th June
June 30, 2011, North Atlantic Ocean
Last day, looking forward to NYC.
Yesterday afternoon the RADA company did an adaptation of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, it was one of the funniest things I've seen and I'd recommend it if it's on if you travel on QM2.
In the evening we had dinner in the Britannia restaurant again and it was fabulous.
The girls then went to bed, (that's what they get for drinking in the afternoon...lol.)
Sheila and I went to see the show, La Passionata in the theatre, it was mainly dance and was brilliant.
Sheila then went to bed, so I went to the Golden Lion and did the quiz with John and Marie, stayed for the Karaoke then went to bed myself.

Spent the morning in the indoor pool with Aimee, she's brilliant in the water now, no fear at all.Read more
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QM2 TA 2011 Rulocal
29th June
June 29, 2011, North Atlantic Ocean
It's 5.30am and I'm just having a coffee sitting on the big comfy couches in the atrium.
I love it on board ship in the early morning, went on deck and it's lovely and warm and pitch-black out at sea.
We all went to the Britannia restaurant last night, so Aimee could get something to eat that she liked.
The reason for this is that the buffet restaurant at night is transformed into four themed restaurants, with 3 of them carrying a $10 cover charge with just one being free if you can call it free with the price some of us have paid for this trip.
Last year they did the theme thing with the buffet but there was no cover charge.
I suppose this is one of the downsides to Cunard being taken over by Carnival.
Much as I love America, not all things are good...
There endeth the lesson..... LOL.
The rest of the evening was passed watching the singer Jordan Bennet in the theatre and then doing the quiz in the Golden Lion pub..... Oh yes, I nearly forgot the Captains, or on this trip it's the Commodores cocktail party for past passengers, which we all attended mainly for the free drinks.
No make that only for the free drinks, why else would you want to socialise with the staff.....lmao.Read more
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QM2 TA 2011 Rulocal
28th June
June 28, 2011, North Atlantic Ocean
Well, we're over half way to New York, weather not to bad today, but don't think we'll get in the outside pool again :-(
Yesterday Nic and I went to the Britannia restaurant for lunch, it was lovely.
We sat with four Americans who were great company...... Later we all went to see the RADA production of Hamlet, it was very good but not my cup of tea. I'm glad I went though, at least I can say I don't like Shakespear with honesty having seen a proper RADA production.
Obviously, I'm not as cultured as I thought I was...LOL. In the evening we went to see an Irish comic called Adrian Walsh, he was very good.
Then later on Sheila Nic and I joined Marie and John in the pub to watch Chris Giffords songwriting group who sang lots of cover versions, all on the theme of London and New York. They were fantastic and the place was rocking.
Simon the drummer from Squeeze came over for another chat, he's a really nice and genuine guy.
That was about it for yesterday, if I think of anything else I'll let you know........
Spent about 5 hours in the pool with Aimee this afternoon, she's so confident in the water now.Read more
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QM2 TA 2011 Rulocal
Sea Day
June 27, 2011, North Atlantic Ocean
It's a bit cloudy again this morning, so no outside pool again today... Aimee will be gutted, she can't wait to go outside for a swim...... Last night we went to the Chinese buffet in the lotus, though I must say it wasn't the best we've had..... The production show in the theatre was Viva Italia, and it was brilliant, the four main singers have all got great voices, sometimes you can get one that's a bit iffy, but these are all good, and the dancers, as usual, were fab..... We finished 2nd in the music quiz...... Went to the karaoke later on and it was a good laugh... Well that's about it for now....ttfnRead more
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QM2 TA 2011 Rulocal
Day 2 Sea Day
June 26, 2011, Celtic Sea
Sunday morning and I'm up early again 5 am in fact. Then again it's really 7 am as the clocks went back another hour last night..... I'm getting very star struck on this cruise, as we've met Jerry Springer and the drummer from Squeeze his name is Simon, his surname escapes me at the moment. But both were very approachable and didn't mind saying hello etc. In fact, Simon came over and chatted for a while. Although I must admit he was drunk at the time...LOL, Nice guy though. We all went to the Britannia restaurant last night, the food was excellent, although Sheila and I do prefer to eat in the Kings Court buffet, mainly because Sheila can pick exactly what she wants to eat and we haven't got to go through all the explaining about what she can and can't eat. The weather is better today skies are sunny and blue with just a few clouds, though it's still chilly...Aimee learned to swim today, she can now do a length of the pool...on her own. Although we still go in with her just in case. She'd spend all day in the water if she could! Lol......Read more
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QM2 TA 2011 Rulocal
Southampton Port Day 1
June 25, 2011 in England ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
Well, this is the first morning onboard... Last night was a good night met some people, John and Maria, from Liverpool. Also a couple from Cape Town, South Africa, Herman and Marta, all lovely people.
On Thursday night we stayed at the Etap hotel in Southampton, a very cheap hotel but clean modern and had everything you need.
Our George turned up he happened to be working nearby. That's if you call an hour away nearby.....lol. It was good to see him and it made Sheila's day.
Anyway back to the trip, this, as I said, is the first morning, the weather is very misty and it's raining, but nevermind I'm sure it will pick up. The saving grace is New York is hot and sunny so we can look forward to that. That's all, for now, will be back later if something exciting happens....lol. Nearly forgot to tell you this... At the sail away party last night, the actor Alan Cumming was there and our Nic tried to say hello to him, but the ignorant bugger was very standoffish. Gave the impression that he was too good to speak to us mere mortals.
Gets my goat when these so-called celebrities think they are above everyone else. They choose to be in a profession that puts them in the public eye, so they should at least be civil to their fans. Right, that's it for now, I'll put the soapbox away.....lol.Read more
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2011 Oriana Caribbean TA Rulocal
Costa Rica (Limon)
March 6, 2011 in Costa Rica ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
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2011 Oriana Caribbean TA Rulocal
Panama Canal
March 4, 2011 in Panama ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
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2011 Oriana Caribbean TA Rulocal
Curacao
March 3, 2011 in Curacao ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
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2011 Oriana Caribbean TA Rulocal
Grenada (St Georges)
March 2, 2011 in Grenada ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
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2011 Oriana Caribbean TA Rulocal
Barbados (Bridgetown)
February 28, 2011 in Barbados ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
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2011 Oriana Caribbean TA Rulocal
St Lucia (Castries)
February 28, 2011 in Saint Lucia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
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2011 Oriana Caribbean TA Rulocal
Antigua & Barbuda (St John's)
February 28, 2011 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
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2011 Oriana Caribbean TA Rulocal
Nevis Island
February 27, 2011 in Saint Kitts and Nevis ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
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2011 Oriana Caribbean TA Rulocal
St Kitts & Nevis
February 27, 2011 in Saint Kitts and Nevis ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
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2011 Oriana Caribbean TA Rulocal
St Johns, Antigua
February 26, 2011 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Early up again and watched the ship pull into Antigua still amazes me how the drive these huge ships into these tiny ports.
The weather isn't brilliant at the minute, we've got the Caribbean Liquid Sunshine... we know it as rain...
But it is warm and going to rise to around 80° according to the weather forecast.
Anyway I believe the weather at home is rubbish at the moment....so that helps....LOL.
Boy has the weather changed its 10am ish and its topping at least 80°.
Just going to have a walk around the town, which is normally all we do at these ports, unless there's something we really want to see.
The ship and the getting there is the best part..in my humble opinion anyway
..... First impressions of St Johns, which is where we are in Antigua, are good, people seem really friendly as normally is the case in the Caribbean.
Even the taxi and minibus drivers are very polite when you refuse them.
The reply from them is always "have a good day sir".
Had a look around the old cricket ground which I must have seen on tv 70s or 80s, right across the road is the fire station with its two immaculate fire engines
Then just around the corner is the prison, which was built in 1735 and is still in use and has 300 inmates.
After about an hour or so I took Sheila back to the ship and I went exploring, looking for a local bar.
I don't like the tourist type bars they have by the ship in any port you go to.
They are not really authentic.
Anyway I found what I was looking for...it was called "Vics Place" and I was the only white face.
I had a brilliant hour or so watching cricket on tv with the locals.
The evening consisted of a quiz (again)... a brilliant singers and dancers Broadway show. And chatting with some great company we've met.Read more
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2011 Oriana Caribbean TA Rulocal
Tortola (Road Town)
February 23, 2011 in British Virgin Islands ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
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2011 Oriana Caribbean TA Rulocal
St Thomas ( Charlotte Amalie)
February 22, 2011 on the U.S. Virgin Islands ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
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2011 Oriana Caribbean TA Rulocal
Day Six
February 21, 2011, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
Up early again 6.30, glad I did though, the sunrise was beautiful.
The weather is lovely, but looking to the south ( all my cruise training enabled me to suss the direction out).
There are some very black clouds, but hopefully they'll go, fingers crossed anyway.
This is ten minutes later and the sun has turned those grey clouds white as the song almost says.
I know it should be grey skies blue but that didn't fit as it was only the clouds that were grey not the sky.....ok, I'll shut up and just say that it looks like its going to be a lovely day, lovely day, as the song does say....lol.
This is what we signed up for, beautiful sunshine.
Sheila's sunning herself while reading her magazine.
I'm as usual sitting in the shade I'm not really a sun sitter.
I'll get my sun when we get to the islands and I can have a walk.
Just come inside for the Battle of the Sexes, another half hour of chauvinistic mayhem.
We, the men, won again...4 games to 2 the men are winning.
We've all agreed that the women should stick to cooking cleaning and ironing...he he.
Off for lunch now...god more food !!
Brian Connolly was the theatre act tonight, very funny.
I think hes a latter day Tommy Cooper.
Came second in the syndicate quiz, I think I really need to get a life.Read more
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2011 Oriana Caribbean TA Rulocal
Day Five
February 20, 2011, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Nothing very eventful today, just the usual Transatlantic chill out.
Been to a talk and a couple of quizzes, (you may have guessed that I like my quizzes)...
I'm now just having a quiet minute on the promenade deck, enjoying the sunshine and the calm deep blue sea....and it is a beautiful dark blue.
Went to the singers and dancers production show last night, it was excellent.
Maybe not as big and bold as on the bigger ships but very entertaining and professional.
You could tell at a lot of work went in to it.
Also went to a couple of quizzes again, with people we've met on board.
It's different people for different quizzes, and its all a good laugh.
Although as usual there are some stern and miserable faces around the room.
Maybe i'm a tad to loud and to forward for them, then again i'm not the only old bugger enjoying himself and having a laugh.
There's another Dave who's from Scarborough who's determined to enjoy the cruise too, we'll probably be chucked off at the first port....LOL.Read more
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2011 Oriana Caribbean TA Rulocal
Day Four
February 19, 2011, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Lovely calm seas again this morning.
I've even been for a walk around the deck outside.
Plenty of afternoon stuff to do, ie deck games, line dancing, bridge lessons, a couple of speakers, one on films the other on women in mortor racing, didn't go to either...
There is a decent cinema on board prob holds 100 or so, has a different film each day and they're quite modern movies.....anyway off to lunch.......this compulsory eating is going to kill me.....lol .
Played the battle of the sexes this afternoon, great laugh, very chauvinistic.
The men won, needless to say...lol
Evening much the same as last few, quizzes etc..
Magician on theatre but didn't bother going.Read more
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2011 Oriana Caribbean TA Rulocal
Day Three
February 18, 2011, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Weather better today, sun shining and the sea a lot calmer.
Been for breakfast and then went to see Duncan McKenzie in his one man talk, again very funny and interesting.
Going for a quiet chill and read in the Thackeray room, which is a lovely quiet room with big comfortable seats, just off the library on deck 7.
That is a good thing about the ship, there are lots of quiet places to sit.
Great female singer on in the theatre tonight Tracy Quinn, if you see her about she's well worth a look.
Off to do a couple of quizzes this evening...Read more
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2011 Oriana Caribbean TA Rulocal
Day Two
February 17, 2011, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Up early again, just having a coffee in the conservatory, the seating area runs down both sides of the ship with the service area across the middle.
I suppose it could seat about 500 people there is more seating outside, but to cold to use it at the min.
Roll on the Caribbean...lol.
The stop at the Azores has been cancelled due to bad weather, sailing further south to avoid the worst of it.
Went to see the talk with Duncan McKenzie this afternoon, seen him before but he's interesting and very entertaining.
Evening entertainment is a bit samey at the min, after the comedian in the theatre, who was Mick Miller, it just seems to be ballroom dancing in the caberet lounges.
We'll see how it goes as the trip goes on. :-)Read more
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