Tuesday 17th February 2026
As we were meandering the ship on Friday night, somehow we identified with the lyrics of “Two Drifters, off to see the world” from the Henry Mancini/Johnny Mercer song “Moon River” as the strains wafted up from the Grand Lobby of Queen Mary 2. The initial part of our voyage from New York to San Francisco was more or less through familiar territory, but now we’re sailing into realms new to us. Hawaii with its unique culture and volcanic topography reminded us why we chose to make this journey, to not just learn more about lands and peoples far from our home but to actually see and experience them, to get ourselves out of our comfort zone, to see the world in a fresh light. And our days at sea remind us of the reasons why we chose the Queen Mary 2 as our around the world transportation. She does indeed cut through the waves for a smooth ride and there’s so much to do on our days at sea. These four days at sea between Hawaii and French Polynesia have been marked by some special events. Friday the Thirteenth we enjoyed a memorable dinner in the specialty restaurant, Riviera. Saturday we crossed the Equator for the first time meaning we have left Winter behind and Summer is ahead. Of course we didn’t experience it as a dramatic shift in climate and we didn’t feel a “bump” as we crossed that line on the map as the captain had teasingly said we would, but we did each get an ornate certificate marking the occasion. Apparently there will also be a ceremony in the days to come. Valentine’s Day on Saturday was a Gala night with guests dressed to the nines. So many fancy red dresses and tuxedos! Of course we went to two, three, or four Cunard Insights talks each day. On Sunday after a talk about the works of Claude Monet we enjoyed a virtual reality experience exploring the world of Monet’s Water Lillies. That evening we mingled with other Worldies at a cocktail party hosted by Captain Tomás Connery and that night joined many other fellow guests up on a top deck to see the Southern Cross for the first time. It was pointed out by Paul Fellows, a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and one of the expert speakers on board who was also seeing this iconic feature of the southern sky for the first time. We’re finding ourselves not just enjoying the days at sea but looking forward to them!
Well, you “two drifters“ seem to be off to see the world in high fashion! Once again, your lovely photos and beautiful descriptions, bring us close to the experience and make us want to hop aboard sometime soon! Rich and I embrace a Holland America cruise -our 3rd – later this year. We are signed up for NuCamp’s rally this summer and are awaiting our campsite number. Hopefully the fine folk at the factory will grant you use of one of the new campers. And naturally, they’ll be plenty of hospitality to share from our site if you do make it to NuCamp.
We fly to Paris this year as well to spend a week with our son and his family, exploring museums and indulging in croissants daily. After that, I shall have to check into the spa for three months to recover from the Lido – Gastro effect of our travels!
In any case, it will take several months to even begin to feel confident enough to fit into a lovely red dress, such as yours! In the meantime, our best with continued enjoyable and safe travels. Be well and thanks again for sharing your inspiring journey each step of the way.
Susan and That Public Radio Guy…