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Journey on the Queen E 11 Millenium series 29

© Mary Ellen Bradshaw

The Queen Elizabeth 11

After our stay in St Ives, my cousin Tom drives my mother and I to Southampton where we will board the Queen Elizabeth 11 for our return to the North American continent. When we arrive in Southampton the first thing we see from our hotel window is a double rainbow arcing over the city. We take this as a good omen for our upcoming voyage.

Meeting The Queen

My daughter,Julie joins us later in the day and after a good nights sleep we leave for the docks. Our first view of the Queen is quite memorable, as we recognize from pictures, her classic lines and old-fashioned style stack. Most of all we are awed by her size. Thank goodness we were supplied with a map or we would have been lost for most of the voyage. It takes a couple of days to orient ourselves to this massive ship

Our accommodation is comfortable and attractive with a bedroom and a sitting room, which becomes Julie’s bedroom. It also has a fairly large bathroom and quite large closets. After unpacking and lifeboat drill, we decide to explore the ship. It is amazing. The many common rooms and bars are elegant, with many interesting artifacts, ship models and pieces of art. The staff is friendly and most accommodating. It brings back memories of the many movies, we have seen, where the rich and famous traveled on this and previous legendary Queens.

It is a fantasy place where the only decisions we must make are what and where we will have breakfast, lunch, dinner or tea. We have the choice of our dining room, one of five, the Pavilion where light meals and continental breakfast is served or the Lido, which is a buffet. Or shall we go swimming, to a lecture, the movies, the health spa or a live show. Perhaps a craft workshop, games or the ballroom to dance would be fun. And, partners are supplied.

Partners supplied:

Julie and I are reading the booklet of things to do, supplied by Cunard. Inside there is an article about “ Gentlemen Hosts” with whom one can dance, have tea, dinner, etc. We are amazed. They even supply escorts on this ship! At this time we think they are “rent a date.” and laugh about it. The next day, there is a get together for singles, where these “escorts “ would be in attendance. Julie and I decide to go. We just had to have a look at these so called gentlemen hosts.