Queen Mary 2: Overall Wonderful Experience, But Starting to Fall Short on Details?

The article is now on my Tips For Travellers Blog: read more here

Cunard’s Queen Victoria Being Taken Out of Service And Cancelling Cruise on 3 October To Make Repairs.

I was intrigued yesterday when my cruise agent (Jane Chadwick of GoCruiseWithJane.com) contacted me to say that Cunard had just announced a 2 day short cruise on 17 October on the Queen Victoria from Southampton to Zeebrugge (Bruges). The prices are very sharp, with Inside at £150/ $300 through to even Grills from £349/ $520. This I assumed was due to announcing a new schedule just over a month of departure, but it got me wondering what had happened to create a new cruise at such short notice?

After some investigation the reason was very clear. Cunard are having to take the Queen Victoria out of service to fix a problem with the propulsion service, which means they cannot maintain the speed they need to meet their cruise commitments and ports of call. So they have cancelled a cruise called “Adriatic Discovery” that was due to leave Southampton on 3 October to put the ship into dry dock in Germany to make repairs. The short cruise they have announced at the end of that appears to be a try out after the repairs before it resumes the planned cruise schedule.

The Queen Victoria is going to be repositioning to the Caribbean soon for the season there, and so I assume they wanted to do the repairs before that long repositioning and to ensure the ship was in good order while still fairly near her home port, and the German Shipyards Cunard use to do repairs and refits.

People on board the ship have reported some changes have been made to current schedule which is likely due to the problem with propulsion system. For example, the Queen Victoria Black sea cruise will be affected by a morning rather than afternoon call at Palma and that Oporto has been replaced by Vigo.

The communication to those affected by the cancellation of the full cruise from Cunard explained more, along with the compensation offered as follows:

“Queen Victoria – Adriatic Discovery.Voyage V224 – Departing 3 October 2012 

I am very sorry to have to advise you that we have unfortunately had to cancel this voyage. This is an incredibly rare occurrence and I am very sorry that we have had to cancel at such short notice. 

It has become apparent that we need to undertake some essential maintenance work on one of Queen Victoria’s propulsion units. Although there are no safety issues relating to this maintenance, it does preclude us from achieving the speeds required to deliver our voyage itineraries and therefore it will be necessary to take the ship out of service for a short period. 

Recognising how much you will have been looking forward to sailing with us, we have listed some voyages where we still have availability. We are able to transfer some or all of your voyage fare to a new booking, and in addition, will provide you an additional credit of 15% of the fare paid for voyage V224 in recognition of this late change to your travel plans. Alternatively, you may wish to receive a full refund of the cost of your fare, and we will set up a credit of 15% of the fare paid for you to enjoy at a later date. We calculate the value of your credit to be £XXX per person. 

Please contact your travel agent by19 September 2012 to confirm that you have received this message and wish to either transfer monies paid to a new booking, utilising the future voyage credit we have offered, or to be refunded your fare in full via your agent. We will consider the refund of reasonable expenses that you have incurred as a result of this cancellation. 

Once again please accept my apology for having to make such a late cancellation to your voyage as well as the disruption and upset this no doubt will have caused. Please also be assured that we have not taken the decision to cancel lightly, but it is very important that we undertake this essential maintenance at the earliest opportunity. 

I very much hope that you may choose to travel with us on Queen Victoria or another Cunard ship in the future.”

Have you been affected by the propulsion system on board affecting your cruise? Or are you affected by this cancellation? Please leave a comment or contact me by email or twitter with any comments, observations and thoughts!

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Queen Mary 2 Goes Greta Garbo on 20 November Crossing.

Cunard is always trying new things to add interest and variety to their Queen Mary 2 Crossings. 

There always are lecturers on-board as part of the Insights Program. 

Many of the speakers are famous celebrities like Sir David Frost who was on the 27 July 2012 Crossing.

They have now announced something a bit different. On the 20 November 2012 Crossing they will focus on the famous actress Greta Garbo.

The partnership is between Julien’s Auctions, who specialise in celebrity memorabilia, and Cunard. They are promising a unique experience which will allow passengers on the Crossing to:

• View and purchase rare items that belonged to Greta Garbo.
• Hear from Garbo's great nephew, Derek Reisfield talking about her life and career in Hollywood. 

Who was Greta Garbo?

Cunard describes her as follows: Hailed as Hollywood's "First Modern Woman," Garbo's timeless appeal spans the eras of both silent and talking films. Regarded for her striking beauty and style, the four-time Academy Award(r) nominee is best known for her classic roles in "Anna Karenina," "The Temptress," "The Kiss" and "Grand Hotel." 

What will the Queen Mary 2 Great Garbo display and auction be?

It will be a preview of Julien's Auction of Garbo belongings that will take place in December 2012 in Beverly Hills. It will include:

• Garbo’s iconic cashmere turtleneck and vintage umbrella, used to shield herself from paparazzi. 
• Relics from Garbo's world travels, including her vintage Louis Vuitton suitcase, travel watch and luggage tag
  

What will her great nephew Derek Reisfield talk about?

He will give his personal recollections and stories from the actress' life, gained while he was part of weekly get togethers with her. He will cover things like: career highlights, her relationships with people like President John F. Kennedy, Sir Winston Churchill and William Randolph Hearst, and even cover her involvement with USA and UK military intelligence in World War II.

Peter Shanks, President of Cunard, said of the event on the Queen Mary 2:
"We are pleased to partner with Julien's Auctions who, along with the Garbo Family, are graciously providing our guests exclusive access to some of Garbo's prized possessions. A highlight of any Cunard voyage is our Insights programme, and we are delighted to offer such a personal account of Garbo's legacy to Hollywood and to the rest of the world."

Darren Julien, President & CEO of Julien’s Auctions, said of the event: “As Garbo was one of the most celebrated actresses in Hollywood history, and Cunard has such a storied tradition of sailing Hollywood luminaries, it is an honour to work with both the Garbo Family and Cunard on this very special collection of notable pieces dating back to both the silent and talking film eras”. 

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Cunard's Signature Afternoon Tea: A History and What to Expect

A Cunard Signature: Taking Of Traditional Afternoon Tea

Cunard & Twinings Tea Rituals Afternoon Tea on the Queen Elizabeth

Read the full article on my Tips for Travellers blog: click here now

Twinings Cunard Partner: Win an exclusive Afternoon Tea with Overnight Stay in London

One of Cunard's Brand Partners is Twining Tea. This is the tea used for their Cunard Signature Afternoon Tea held every day from 3.30pm in the massive Queens Room Ballroom on all of the Cunard ships. 

Cunard and Twinnings are running a competition with a prize to win an exclusive Champagne Afternoon Tea for 2 people at Four Star The Montague on the Gardens Hotel in London near the British Museum. Hosted by Twinings Tea Ambassador Mark Nicholls. You will also win an overnight stay at the Hilton Green Park Hotel London. 

What is the catch?

1. You have to take the prize between 1 October and 31 December.
2. You have to get to London yourself. Travel to London is not included
3. You have to enter by 9 September 2012. Winners told by phone by 12 September

To enter and get terms:: http://www.cunard.co.uk/wintwinings

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All About Cunard Podcast #5: Cunard 2014 World Cruises and Voyages

The 5th episode of the All About Cunard is now available.

In this News Episode, I talk about the 2014 Cunard World Cruises that have been announced.

In the podcast I discuss each of the routes that the ships (Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria) will be taking, and how they differ and who they may appeal to most and why. I also look at what it means if you "pre-register" and how to get the best fare.

Some links of topics I refer to:

• Maps of 2014 World Cruise routes QM2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria are taking
• Cunard Vantage Fares
• Jane Chadwick of GoCruiseWithJane.co.uk
• Cunard Details of the World Cruises, and link to the electronic brochure

To subscribe to or listen to the podcast:

• On iTunes click here now
• With another podcast catcher click here now
• Or listen to Podcast Episode 5 online now using the player below

This podcast is a fan podcast and not an official Cunard podcast.

If you liked this post, please share it on your favourite social media site using the sharing buttons. I would really appreciate it if you Sign up for the eMail Newsletter (Don't miss any future posts!), join my Facebook Page,  Twitter and/or Subscribe to the Podcast. Thanks

All About Cunard Podcast #4: How To Get The Best Fare on Cunard?

The 4th episode of the All About Cunard is now available.

In this Question and Answer Episode, I give my view on the popular question: "How Do I Get The Best Fare on Cunard?". 

The podcast explains how to get the very best deal you can on your Cunard Cruise by looking in depth at 5 top tips around: Alerts; Flexibility; Agents; Total Cost and Auto-Upgrades.

To subscribe to or listen to the podcast:

• On iTunes click here now
• With another podcast catcher click here now
• Or listen to Podcast Episode 4 online now using the player below

This podcast is a fan podcast and not an official Cunard podcast.

If you liked this post, please share it on your favourite social media site using the sharing buttons. I would really appreciate it if you Sign up for the eMail Newsletter (Don't miss any future posts!), join my Facebook Page,  Twitter and/or Subscribe to the Podcast. Thanks

Cunard 2014 World Cruises Announced Monday. On sale 5 September

Cunard Queen Elizabeth 2014 World Cruise Route

Cunard announced on their Facebook Page that they will be putting details of the 2014 World Cruises on their site on Monday 20 August. People will be able to register interest, and they go on sale on 5 September.

They posted the Queen Elizabeth route (picture above) which shows it going from Southampton to New York then through the Panama Canal and to Australia via Hawaii. It returns to Southampton via an extensive Asia tour.

On their Facebook page they said: "Our 2014 World Voyages go on sale on 5 September 2012. Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth will cruise to 78 destinations across 6 continents.Fares from just £95 per person per day. Will you be joining us?"

We will! We are planning to do one of the routes to Australia from Southampton before spending some weeks there before flying back to the UK. Roll on Monday to help us make up our mind on which ship and which route..

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Cunard Releases DVD: The Three Queens - Queen's Jubilee Celebration

On 5 June 2012 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee all 3 of Cunard's Ships (Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth) were in Southampton together for the 1st time ever. (An event that was repeated about a month later when all 3 were in again on 13 July 2012). 

At the end of the day there was a huge firework display, but due to the weather the Red Arrows Display had to be cancelled.

A Commemorative DVD lasting 35 minutes has been produced, and includes exclusive footage used only on the DVD. It is being sold for £9.99 (plus £2.49 postage and packing).

The official site says: "This programme not only charts the history of the iconic Cunard Line but also documents the events of this magnificent occasion, from the arrival at daybreak of the flagship of the fleet, Queen Mary 2, to the fireworks and departure of the Three Queens later that night. Extensive footage, some never before seen and interviews with the key people involved in the planning of this wonderful day come together to form a unique record of a spectacular event"

It can be ordered online from g2TV who made it by clicking here, or calling in the UK 02077352035 (+442077352035 outside the UK) during UK office hours.

To read my reports about the day:

• Short Video of the 3 Queens in Southampton
• Cunard Video of the 3 Queens
• The 3 Queens Event from a Passenger's Point of View

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Cunard World Cruises 2014: due to be announced on 20 August?

Cunard usually announce the World Cruise routes for 2 years ahead by July. This year they are announcing them much later.


It seems they will announce the routes and prices on 20 August 2012 for 2014 World Cruises.


How do we know this?


The MD of Cunard (Peter Shanks) has been reported announcing in Australia the QM2 will do another circumnavigation of Sydney. This was a huge success in 2012.


He said: "When we announced Queen Mary 2s first circumnavigation back in 2010 we had a record number of bookings made within the first day,'' he said.

"Cunard bookings from Australia surged again when she undertook the historic voyage earlier this year.''

Adding that full details will be made public when the full routing is announced on 20 August.

Cruise Message Boards, like Cruise Critic, are seeing people saying the following has been told to them by travel agents about QM2:

Sailing roundtrip from Perth (Fremantle), 12 February 2014 (22 nights)
Sailing roundtrip from Melbourne, 17 February 2014 (23 nights)
Sailing roundtrip from Sydney, 19 February 2014 (23 nights)
Sailing roundtrip from Brisbane, 21 February 2014 (23 nights) 

This suggests that QM2 will get to Australia via South Africa or South America. In 2013 they get there via Asia. Cunard tends to alternate by year the routing route around the world.

Cannot wait - as we will be booking some of the World Cruise 2014..

All About Cunard Podcast Launched. Cunard from the perspective of passengers. Find out more now.

I am pleased to launch the "All About Cunard" Podcast.


The free podcast that takes a look at all things Cunard, from the perspective of passengers and fans. 



The podcast is now available on iTunes (click here to subscribe or listen on iTunes), or via your favourite Podcast Catcher (click here for the link to add it).


As a massive Cunard fan and regular passenger, I launched the "All About Cunard" blog in 2004. 8 years on and as a Platinum Frequent Cunard Traveller, I now bring that passion, knowledge and experience to launch the Podcast.


The podcasts will rotate around 4 different focus areas:


(1) Cunard in the News: The latest news and what people are talking about online and in the media that will be of interest or affect passengers and fans.
(2) Cunard Features and Focus: Exclusive features about the past, present (and future) ships, virtual cruise reports, interviews and in-depth look at a specific Cunard topic.
(3) Cunard Questions and Answers: Your questions answered or thoughts and opinions on the things current and future passengers are asking. If you have a question you want answered or discussed email me or leave a comment on the blog.
(4) Cunard Video: Exclusive to the podcast videos of the ships, events or other Cunard related activities or interviews.


Please subscribe to the All About Cunard Podcast right now on iTunes and never miss an episode. If you use another service to listen to podcasts you use this link to add it to your podcast list.

This podcast is not endorsed or an official Cunard Podcast. It is my fan podcast and will reflect my views and observations, and does not represent the views of the company.

Please Subscribe and get all new postings by email: click here now 
You will only receive email updates from All About Cunard. Nothing else!

Peter Shanks (Managing Director Cunard) Explains Cunard's New Vantage Fares (Video)

As I blogged recently, Cunard have introduced a new fare approach called "Cunard Vantage Fares" which offer guarantees and better fare options. Some people are unsure what it all means. In this video, Peter Shanks the MD of Cunard explains them more.


I, personally, love the idea as we look at booking 2013 and 2014 trips!


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You will only receive email updates from All About Cunard. Nothing else!

Cunard Queen Elizabeth Norway Fjords Cruise: 7 nights Cruise in just 10 Minutes of Highlights

Cunard Queen Elizabeth Norway Fjords Cruise. 


A video I made of the 7 nights Cruise in just 9 Minutes of highlights. From Southampton through the North Sea to Bergen, Geiranger, Skjolden, Stavanger and back to Southampton.

 

Cunard Launch "Vantage Fares": If prices go down after you book you get extras!

Cunard have launched what they call "Vantage Fares: Book With Confidence" as another incentive and way to encourage people to book cruises for 2013 and into 2014, and not hold on too long and wait to see if prices come down.


This is a great idea. After we booked in the past way ahead we have kept eyes on what fares are doing, and sometimes have contacted Cunard if we see prices fall below what we paid to discuss things like upgrade. On our QE2 Transatlantic years ago prices tumbled and we got a cabin in the Penthouse instead of a lower Queens Grill cabin. But only as we chased. Now Cunard seem to be being proactive.


In this new program Cunard say: "Price Promise means that you can secure your booking early with confidence,  safe in the knowledge that if we were to reduce the Vantage Fares for your cruise, we guarantee to automatically pass on the value of the saving to you i.e. complimentary benefit such as on board spending money or an upgrade to the value of any reduction."


They go on to say on their site the new offer has these benefits:


 Protected by our Price Promise
 Choice of stateroom type, location and number including three and four berth stateroom
 Only 10% deposit for bookings made by 31 August 2012
 10% cancellation charges up to 90 days prior to departure, for bookings made by 31 August 2012
 Only 15% deposit for bookings made from 1 September 2012 (unless booking within 90 days of departure)
 15% cancellation charges up to 90 days prior to departure, for bookings made from 1 September 2012
 Flexibility to make amendments to or even change your voyage entirely up to 90 days prior to departure subject to our booking alternation terms
 Choose one of the four benefits below (on cruises of 7 nights or more) 

On board credit	Car parking in Southampton
Available on cruises of 7 nights or moreOn board credit varies by cruise duration and applies to the first two passengers sharing a cabin. This can be spent on shore excursions, drinks, spa and in the shops. On board credit is non-refundable and non-transferable.	Available on all roundtrip cruises from Southampton of 7 nights or more Leave your car in a secure car park (one space per booking). Please let us know at the time of booking if you wish to use this service and then contact Cruise & Passenger Services Ltd (the operator) direct on 0845 071 3939 or via www.c&ps.com/parking to arrange your car parking no less than 35 days in advance of your departure.
Return coach travel to Southampton	Airport parking
Available on all roundtrip cruises from Southampton of 7 nights or more Coach transfers are available to all passengers on the booking. Please let us know at the time of booking if you wish to use this service and then contact Intercruises on 0845 052 0537 no later than 30 days prior to departure. A list of cities that have pick up points is located in the 2013/2014 brochure published April 2012.	Available on selected two way fly-cruises Airport parking is offsite at the relevant airport (one space per booking) with transfer between the car park and airport terminal. Please let us know at the time of booking if you wish to use this service and then contact APH Airport Parking and Hotels Ltd, who should be called directly on 0844 871 7561, quoting cruise booking reference number,no less than 35 days prior to departure, to book your car parking.

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Cunard Recruitment Scam!

Queen Elizabeth at Geiranger Norway July 2012 - taken by http://www.TipsForTravellers.com

Cunard are warning potential employees to watch out for an online scam about job opportunities at Cunard.


They posted this on their Facebook page, along with a link to a Facebook Page on Employment at Cunard (worth taking a look at ang "liking" if you interested in working for Cunard:


"It has come to our attention that there are several recruitment scams currently operating online. If you receive an email or letter from Captain Ballet, Captain Wes or Captain Baker, please do not send them any personal information or money.

To find out information about careers with Cunard Line, please see the Cunard Line - Cruise Ship Recruitment Jobs page, which is managed by our recruitment team in Southampton".

Finally. Plans to turn QE2 into a luxury hotel in Dubai going ahead.

Finally Cunard's iconic ship Queen Elizabeth 2 will have a life after her retirement. Plans have been announced to turn the ship into a hotel.


The QE2 after many years languishing in Dubai after the Financial Crisis scuppered plans that the buyer, who had paid $100 million for the ship, originally had for the ship are being revisited. A formal announcement was made today (2 July 2012).

PORT RASHID TO BE NEW PERMANENT HOME OF QE2, DUBAI MARITIME MUSEUM PLANNED

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, July 2, 2012:- Istithmar World, DP World and the QE2 management today (July 2) announced the iconic QE2 is to have a permanent home at the heart of Port Rashid, the hub of cruising in the Middle East.

The vessel will be moored next to the original cruise terminal at Port Rashid and converted into a 300 room luxury hotel, with top quality lifestyle facilities, while the terminal itself will be developed into a maritime museum.

Once converted, the QE2 will once again display the ship’s collection of art works and other historical assets acquired during nearly four decades as one of the world’s leading ocean-going cruise liners.

The 293-metre long vessel, which in its heyday could accommodate more than 2,900 people, together with the connected maritime museum, will be a leading tourist attraction at Port Rashid and add further to the attractions it offers as the leading cruise destination in the Middle East. DP World has been expanding Port Rashid’s capacity to cater for the growing demand for cruise tourism.

HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, Istithmar World, said:
“The QE2 will be at the heart of Dubai in its permanent position at Port Rashid and contribute to the growth of Dubai as the city continues to develop and expand as a top tourist destination. The vessel is truly iconic and has a huge following around the world. Our vision is to enhance the facilities on board but retain the very strong sense of history that is a fundamental part of her attraction. Having the QE2 moored as a floating, top class hotel, right on the waterfront in the centre of Dubai, will also add further life and activity to the surrounding area.”

Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region said:
“We are delighted that the QE2 will be the centrepiece of Port Rashid. Together with the planned Maritime Museum, it reinforces Port Rashid and Dubai’s status as a leading cruise and maritime tourism destination. We are excited about the potential for Port Rashid to further develop as a tourist destination in its own right.”

Leili Gerami, Spokesperson and Project Director, QE2, said:
“Even in its retirement the QE2’s majestic profile continues to attract much attention and there is considerable interest and enthusiasm for the next phase of her long life. It is our desire to tap into the continued public fascination for the great passenger

liner and its amazing history as a cruise ship with unrivalled luxury, style and prestige. We believe the hotel on board the QE2 will be one of the finest anywhere.”

She added that the museum and redevelopment of the QE2 are expected to be completed within 18 months. In the meantime, the QE2 will continue to operate as an exciting venue for exclusive events. 

Want to read more, check these articles:

• Wall Street Journal Report on the Press Conference
• Southampton Echo

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Cunard closes online booking system after security mishap

Cunard had to close down access to their online systems after a huge technical error where over 1200 peoples details were emailed out in an attachment sent out to people registered with the company.


This security risk got a huge amount of publicity across the media, and was much discussed.






Cunard email sent out passengers contact information
Cunard seems to have inadvertently sent out an email with a spreadsheet attached. On it was contact information for 1225 Cunard passengers. It is not known how many people were sent this email.


It came to light when a person with the nickname "davyjones" made a posting on the Cruise Critic forum. 


He said: “I have received an email from Cunard with a spreadsheet file attached giving me the booking reference and names and email address of 1225 passengers. This information would allow me to see all the information such as address, contact number and passport information that you need to enter before your cruise. My name and number is on the list.”


Risk of criminal activity
The view being that as it had names, address, contact numbers and even passport details, that it would be possible for criminals to use these details for anything from planning break-ins knowing people would be away, to some form of identify fraud.


Cunard response

Cunard can confirm that an e-mail was sent in error to some guests containing details relating to other guests' bookings. We took swift action to close down the check-in system, Voyage Personalizer, until we are able to re-issue new secure log-in details to all affected guests. We are very sorry if this error has caused our guests any concern and we would like to reassure them that the issue has been dealt with and we are in the process of contacting relevant guests with new, secure log-in."

– JACKIE CHASE, CUNARD SPOKESWOMAn


Want to read more? Try these articles

• Cunard leaks personal details of 1000+ passengers
• Cunard forced to shut online booking after emails error
• Cunard denies revealing passport details in customer data breach

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Andy Fitzsimmons: A passenger's view of Cunard's 3 Queens Diamond Jubilee Event

Photo by: Andy Fitzsimmons

I have posted a number of articles about Cunard's Diamond Jubilee event in Southampton. I add to this series with a perspective by Andy Fitzsimmons who was on the Queen Victoria coming back from a cruise into Southampton on the day of the event.


In his Flickr Account he has shared a perspective and many amazing photos. Some of them are below, but also visit Andy Fitzsimmons 3 Queens Jubilee Celebration Photo Set for many more, and his full review and comment.


Some key points he talks about are:

• Not the first time that 3 Queens had been together in their home port, the first occasion being on 22 April 2008 when Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria met up with Queen Elizabeth 2 for the final time, this was the first time the current Cunard fleet had arrived together. 
• Queen Mary 2 arrived from New York, Queen Victoria from Bergen and Queen Elizabeth from Barcelona 
• He was up on deck from 3.30am! Even by 4am crowds were lining Town Quay and Mayflower Park, while helicopters hovered overhead filming the event. 
• On Queen Mary 2 a group was dressed in period costume waiving union flags, and atop the mast, the Royal Mail pennant could be spotted flying proudly alongside the red ensign and Cunard house flag, together with what appeared to be the ship’s callsign (ZCEF6), spelt out in signal flags while further aft, a giant banner in the style of a union flag and bearing the legend ‘Congratulations Ma’am’, could be seen covering the name board. 
• The celebrations were hampered by the weather: Red Arrows display was cancelled, and fireworks for the departure were very obscured by low cloud
• The 3 ships departed again later that evening. Queen Mary 2 for Rotterdam, Queen Victoria for La Corũna and Queen Elizabeth to Hamburg.  
• Despite all the fuss: He spoke to a guest at breakfast who asked wheat all the fuss had been about earlier. They seem to have missed all the announcements and materials put in the cabins... 

Thanks to Andy for posting the amazing photos and his review, which you should read in full on his Flickr Page


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Photo by: Andy Fitzsimmons

Photo by: Andy Fitzsimmons

Photo by: Andy Fitzsimmons

Photo by: Andy Fitzsimmons

Photo by: Andy Fitzsimmons

Photo by: Andy Fitzsimmons