Wednesday January 11, 2023
Today is the end of the trip for many who had been on board over the year end festivities and the boarding of another 900 “World Voyage” passengers, which together with the 350 of us that boarded in New York, bringing the total to over 1,200 people who are doing the full 4 month Cruise. It is a special year as it is the Centenary World Cruise – 100 years since Cunard got into he Cruising business as it was originally a mail carrier.
After a leisurely breakfast watching all the passengers departing, we eventually meandered on shore as Cousins Judy and Suzanne had kindly agreed to meet us for lunch in Southampton at noon. We were out about an hour early and they had arrived an hour early, so we were able to connect and head to Bar Harbour 6 restaurant on the top (6th) floor of the Harbour Hotel. After a drink of Tea and coffee, we sat at a perfect corner table overlooking the ships and entire harbour. A perfect spot chosen by Suzanne and a terrific meal with lots of conversation and catching up. Thank you both for making the trek and for a fun day. As we headed out, the heavens opened and a rainstorm greeted our return to the car, bravely managed by Suzanne and thence back to the ship.
The British Imperial Military Band preformed for the departure / start to the World Voyage as well as a fireworks display from a small ship right outside our balcony, as if it was put on just for us, to announce the “Formal” start of the World Voyage. Fortunately, the rain had subsided as there was some question as to whether or not the fireworks were to be operational.
We soon returned to our scheduled dinner (always a bit of a shambles on the first night after a lot of passengers board as all are looking for their tables) and then to the evening show, which tonight was Ms E Sarah Carter (the Funky Fiddler) who was the solo fiddle (violin) player with the “Lord of the Dance” and “Spirit of the Dance” shows. A wide variety of tunes (including playing while standing on her head (upside down)! Amusing and brilliant playing.
Roger & Anne Travels 