BigMac1953

Last night on QV was a Gala Night. I spotted one man in the Grills lounge wearing Chinos, a checked open shirt and no jacket. In the good old days, they would have been denied service.

We received a 5:30 pm invitation. Unfortunately, did not realise there was another, so had to kick our heels for nearly a couple of hours after the "party" fizzled out. "Senior Officers" mingled with each other in a couple of groups. As usual, no sign of any cocktails at the "Senioir Officer's Cocktail Party". We ordered our own.

You run around and chase Haggis.

Today, in Madeira, the Play Zone is open 2:00-5:00pm and 6:00-11:00pm, the Teen Zone times are the same and the Night Nursery is 6:00-11:00pm. Hope that helps.

We were supposed to leave La Palma at 1630 hrs, but at 1625 hrs an ambulance on blues turned up and loaded a gurney on to the ship. No idea what's happening.

We often take Q5's on Deck 8 at the stern. They are much bigger than Q4's, also have a 3 seater sofa and 2 armchairs. Right now, we are in a Q3 with a 2 seater sofa and no armchairs.

St Andrew'x Day First time we've berthed so close to the town, but still a very long walk to the port exit. We walked all the way up the main shopping street, then spent a fortune on aftershaves and perfumes, so that's a big chunk of Christmas shopping taken care of. Managed to get back on board before the downpour started. Pub lunch burger for a change. For dinner tonight, I had a DOUBLE haggis, tatties and neeps to start. Her indoors plumpted for the Cullen Skink. Algthough I had Lemon Sole, my dessert was Cranachan, to keep it a wee bit Scottish. Geronway Thom's show was good and funny, albeit for the fourth time in the last half dozen years.

Arrecife is really a one street town, with lots of wee side streets running off. While we were there, they were tinkering with the Christmas lights which seem to cover the whole shopping area. I imagine it will be quite spectacular when switched on at night.

Had a really bad experience tonight in QG. Arrived about 8:10pm. Ordered starters and confirmed my main course as Dover Sole , which I had oedered at lunch time. Wd did get our starters fairly promptly, but an hour later, we were still waiting and nothing was happening. Her indoors, said she had enough and didn't want anything no as it was too late. Just as we rose, they turned up, but too late as I felt the same way. We heard Ico quiz our waiters as to what had happened. We heard them telling him that there was no Dover Sold available and they had to go to get it. An hour later? We left. Ico profusely appologised.

Maybe I got that wrong. Maybe not a casevac. After re-berthing, the crew member just walked off pulling their case and carrying a bag. We're just about to leave again.

When we arrived at Lisbon, we berthed without the usual turn around.. Tonight, just after 5:00pm, when all were aboard, we let go our lines, and moved off to do a 180 degree turn. Half way around, the Captain has just announced we're going back in due to a crew emergency Medivac.

I'm on board. It's definitely Naomi.

It's no fun!!!

In QG, our "free" spirits are now 70cl not the usual 1 litre. The dreaded PA is a half bottle, isn't that lucky? Had Duck a l'orange last night. Meant to be half, but they brought the whole duck. Luckily her indoors was with me so had half along with her main course. We're mid-ships and haven't felt any movemenrt whatsoever. A bit disappointing.

LadtL1 managed to pick me out last night as she was passing the Casino. I did have a wee bit luck for a change and left with far more than I took. I would concur with LL's assessment of the weather. Although its dull and overcast, BoB is very well behaved today with no lumps whatsoever. Curiously, tonight is a B and W Gala night. Its also the WC party as mentioned. However the WC invitation clearly states: "Dress Code: Smart Attire".

Not really my department, but I'm happy to help out here and there.

Just a light lunch today, washed down by a cheeky wee Beaujolais

We embarked at 12:45pm

We are using TMR, again, tomorrow! for about the 20th time! As Safarigal says, very reliable with great vehicles.

Everyone on the Roll Call knows we are in 8090, no secret, so if you're in the area, press the bell and say hello. Stewart

We also embark QV tomorrow. All our clothes are on a portable rail (like you see in shops) and this afternoon they will be folded into cases. One large one each and a suit carrier for jackets, dinner suit and long dresses. As we are travelling tonight on the Caledonian Sleeper, we also have small carry on bags.

You no longer receive a wriiten card to present. You just book it, letting them know it's your free Diamond lunch or part paid dinner.

To give you an idea: My wife and I will be embarking on QV this Friday. We travel to London on the Caledonian Sleeper from Glasgow on Thursday night. We use a chauffuer company that always collects us from Euston Station at 9:30am. Normally, it takes one hour forty five minutes. Our check in time, which was given three weeks before embarkation date, is 12:30pm, but we'll be able to complete the formalities on arrival.

I wouldn't cancel. Westbound is the best way to go with 5 x 25 hour days, It would probably be the highlight of your entire trip. We did the TA round trip a few months ago (again). QG was up to its usual standard and always remains probably the best restaurant(s) we've ever been in. We're in QG on QV later this week (again).

We're on QV later this week. If they're on, I'll ask Bryan and Tommy if indeed they are on for Xmas and NY