THE SCOTTISH ADVENTURES OF A CRUISE SHIP ADDICT

Tuesday 11 November 2008 - Southampton The QE2's late arrival caused its own set of problems. Passengers' luggage was late in being unloaded, which meant passengers were late disembarking. Normally this would annoy us because we'd want to get home, but as we were in no hurry to leave the QE2, we didn't mind. After breakfast, Nana, Agnes, Evie, Campbell and I ensconsed ourselves in the Lido (informal restaurant). We had food, we had toilets, we had the ability to go outside - we were set up quite happy for the long haul!! We realised quickly that we wouldn't get off the ship before 10.30am so we made a pact that we would try to stay on board and watch for the flyover, when a plane was to drop a million poppies over the QE2. Indeed, as 11am approached, there was no indication that we would be called. We all went outside to watch the ceremony for the minute's silence, and then I went up to the Yacht Club deck to see the plane. I didn't actually see it drop popp...

We're finally on board and QE2 is as beautiful as ever. A few people warned me she was held together with sticking plaster, but that is totally untrue. She is as wonderful as the last time I was on her. Everyone is settled into their cabins and Nana and Agnes really like the ship. They too weren't expecting much, but I think they are overwhelmed by her. Not many ships today have character.  There have been rumours that she is going to Dubai with all her paintings and fixtures on board. I cannot believe Cunard are letting the Aspey's Silver QE2 go off to Dubai. This model QE2, made entirely in pure silver, is about three foot long and about two foot high! Also there are real paintings of the Queen and Prince Philip when they were young and also the Queen Mother on board which were on the original Queens, and they are going too! Sacrilige! Anyway, we all on board and enjoying ourselves.

Professor Willms presentation at the 1st International Cruise Conference in Bremerhaven started me thinking about my own experiences of cruise ships in port and the visitors they attract. I think the most amazing vision of this was arriving in Cherbourg on Queen Mary 2's maiden arrival in France. Over 10,000 people were waiting to see the ship arrive at 7am, and this had swelled into 15,000 by the time she left! On our arrival, fire boats were spurting plumes of water as a salute to the uncrowned queen of France, and a large floatilla of small boats  hovered dangerously near this enormous ship's bow. But the crowning moment was when she approached the terminal, she let out a roar from her massive horn! We all covered our ears and my daughter screamed - we couldn't hear her scream! One of these horns was from the original Queen Mary (now in Long Beach, California) and can be heard from over 10 miles away. France was proud of its Queen! But why had these people come to visit ...