April 4, 2025

10:32 am GMT

Sunshine! I’m sitting in a chair on our cabin’s balcony as the sun shines down and provides some warmth. I’m wearing a fall jacket to help with the wind although I’m sheltered somewhat by the lifeboat directly in front of me.

At 8:13 am we were at 49°22.9N, 019°30.8W. Air temperature was 13°C/55°F and sea temperature was 12°C/54°F. Wind force was 3. Sea state was slight with an average swell. It’s partly cloudy with good visibility. Our speed was 19.0 knots.

We just heard our first ship-wide announcement (other than the Captain’s noontime briefing and the one-time crew drill for safety). It was for a passenger who was asked to contact the purser’s office for an urgent message. I hope everything will be alright.

I forgot to write this last night. As we walked through the Queens Room last night to get to G32, couples were on the dance floor doing a waltz as the live band played “Nights in White Satin.” So cool. (Yes, it’s in 3/4 time.)

3:20 pm BST (GMT+1)

I’m back in the Queens Room for afternoon tea. I seem to be enjoying tea in lieu of lunch. It’s a wonderful and appropriate appetizer while on QM2.

I’ve had a wonderful day so far. Soon after my last entry I took a nap in the chair on our balcony. The ocean is incredibly smooth. And our speed created a beautiful audio background that is unique to being at sea.

I could live here.

Late evening

I bought myself a little bear—Bailey the Bellhop Bear to be precise. He is wearing the new uniform adopted by Cunard in 2024 upon the launch of Queen Anne. Cunard donates $2 from every purchase to the King’s Trust. This 2025 version of the bear also commemorates Cunard’s 185th anniversary. (Marty bought himself the 2024 bear.)

Tonight was Roaring ’20s night. I wore a gown with beaded top that I got at least 10 years ago. That was the extent of the theme for us. Many others went all out, the women especially. There were feathers everywhere, including some that fell off people to the floor!

Dinner tonight:

• Duck pâté en croûte with Hedgerow conserve and apple rémoulade
• Roasted onion soup with cheese croutons
• Grilled king prawns and scallop with saffron parmesan pilaf, buttered young vegetable champagne sauce
• Baked Alaska with flambéed morello cherries

I was surprised I was hungry as I had lots of treats during afternoon tea. The best was the melted Brie on bread.

The evening highlight was Marty’s karaoke performance in the Golden Lion Pub. He sang “I Want to Hold Your Hand” to a packed crowd. He even took a bow after getting a rousing ovation. He’s having a blast on this trip and I’m so thrilled!