Wednesday 10 September 2025
What a glorious week we had Queen Mary 2, Cunard’s flagship, a most civilized method of transportation between the North American and European continents. We spent this past week enjoying the comforts of such a passage, our fourth aboard this very ship. Cunard Insights talks are among the features that set Cunard head and shoulders above other cruise lines we’ve sailed. This time the we enjoyed four talks by Rutgers Art Historian Seth Gopin covering the history of London in 45 minute segments from the Stone Age to Modernity in Architecture. John MacLean of the Royal Astronomy Society took us through the 13 billion year history of the universe with closer looks at the Milky Way, our solar system, and the potential for intelligent life beyond earth all in four 45 minute sessions. Because there just wasn’t enough time we attended fewer sessions presented by Anthony Inglis on board as conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra , Captain Andy Wyatt former RAF Red Arrows pilot, and Dr. Paul Stickler former UK policeman and historian but all the talks we fascinating. Additionally we enjoyed Afternoon Tea in the Queen’s Room, lunch in the Golden Lion, specialty tea in Carpathia Lounge, dancing in the Queen’s Room, cocktails/mocktails in the Chart Room, countless engaging conversations with fellow travelers over sumptuous meals, walks round and round the promenade deck, orchestral concerts by UK’s National Symphony Orchestra, and most of all we enjoyed the stability of this amazing ship as we looked out at the rough seas surrounding us. We’re delighted to know that we have quite a few more nights aboard the QM2 to look forward to but now it’s time to disembark and make our way from Southampton to London.
Beautiful photos and commentary! Enjoy!
Jim and Susan
Enjoying following the updates!
Dearest Karen & Steve
Wow!! Extraordinary writing of your newest adventure and absolutely marvelous photos – especially of both of you in your gala attire— that sexy gown and handsome tuxedo! Oo lala! I wonder if we could dress like that during a tab rally and start a new way of experiencing camping ? lol)
This was just the perfect read for me today, especially as I am diving headfirst into our basement of “stuff “ — realizing the importance of downsizing sooner than later so that Rich and I are free to do these sorts of extraordinary excursions. Our three week cruise around Australia begins mid-December and although we are not going to be cruising across the Atlantic, at least we will enjoy a restful, educational, and much needed excursion as you both are enjoying when we board the Holland America line.
It seems the guest speakers alone would be worth the price of crossing on the Queen!
Much love – and your Cincinnati guest apartment awaits you anytime to cruise through Ohio.
Ahoy maties and much love –
Susan &Rich
How lovely! I finally went on a cruise this year… to Alaska! It was a knitting cruise visiting the big 3 Ketchican, Juneau, and Skagway.
Had a wonderful time and a few events along the way, but all very exciting. I finally saw whales in the wild (bucket list), and have added Alaska to my list of states visited.
We should set a time for a call and catch up.
Love the picture of the red and gold gallon night.