Days 1-3

Day 1 (Slow) Sunday January 6th 2008
Not a good sart! Arrived at terminal in plenty of time, thanks to Aileen & Nigel. However, but queue so long that took until 15:45 to get to check-in desk (with only one apology for the slow processing from the staff). I must have said or done something, because the system then went down for almost half-an-hour. Consequently not in cabin till 16:30, with very little time to see the fireworks and then the Queen Victoria leave, which was spectacular and sort of made up for the delay. Then a hell of a rush to get ready for semi-formal dinner by 18:30, clothes strewn everywhere in my state ‘cupboard’. Very nice people on my table, fortunate since we are all going to Auckland, presumably why they put us toggether. 2 married ladies, Trisha & Hilary, who are very old friends, have left their husbands behind to holiday for 8 months, and a married couple, Sylvia & Alan. One spare seat, I guess because I’m in a twin cabin. Clocks go back one hour tonight, look forward to a good night’s sleep.
Day 2 (Miserable) Monday January 7th 2008
Didn’t get it! Weather turned rough in the middle of the night, 7 foot swell apparently, felt like I’d had one (or several) too many! Took a sea-sick pill, but did not sleep much after that, then someone had booked a wake-up call to my cabin for 7 a.m. UK time, which didn’t help! Didn’t make proper breakfast, along with most others, but had snack later. Feel better where I can see the sea. We are actually sailing in tandem with QV, she is at most half a mile away, and things over here are apparently probably better than there. She certainly appears to be less stable and probably more are being ill over there. Rumour has it that she has the ‘Camilla curse’, we are feeling very superior over here! Our captain is amusing, makes comments about QE2 being better, she is still the fastest crusie ship afloat, and because she is a true ocean liner rather than a floating hotel, much better at coping with this weather. Lots of talks and stuff going on, but not feeling well enough to go to anything apart from Singles Mingles, where I did meet 2 very nice ladies and one man (not a millionaire unfortunately!). Have booked a couple of tours, yet to decide about the rest. Quite expensive, and we have to pay for all drinks, not just alcohol (website is out of date). So even the cup of tea sitting next to me cost $1.15 including tip, not much I know but will mount up over time. Formal dinner tonight, not looking forward to staggering along corridors in my finery, and not sure I can eat much, no danger of putting on weight in this weather.
Day 3 (Turnaround) Tuesday January 8th 2008
Feel much better today, though sea still ‘moderate to rough’, I must be getting my sea-legs. Also we have slowed down a little, though we feel the captain is desperate to show the QV a thing or two! Managed to get to a talk on New York, a Hair & Make-up demo, & do some souvenir shopping(antiques of the future I hope). Went to afternoon tea as well, so eating at last. Also managed to sort out my cabin a bit, which is very small, I’m really pleased I didn’t go for a single. My summer clothes are still in the suitcase on the spare bed! Dressing up tonight for the Captain’s reception, I’m keeping a record of my outfits because told Trisha on Sunday that I might have 46 different ones which she can’t believe, and I’m checking!