This blog is thanks to my partner Rob whose inspiration took us on this unforgettable cruise on the Queen Mary …
It is early Sunday morning and we have noticed a perceptible throttling-down of the quiet, smooth-running engines on the Queen Mary, after eight days with nothing but sea and fellow voyagers at an average speed of around 22 knots. Quick change of attire for respectabilities sake and it’s topside for us to see for ourselves what is happening. After so many days alone in the vast Atlantic Ocean we get to seeing land again, and what a spectacle! Other ships too…
Our majestic liner almost glides to a halt as we take on board the pilot precisely at sunrise. By the way the pilot is ceremonial in nature, because the ship will dock without any further need of assistance, in other words, no tugs required! As we enter the breakwater our illustrious Captain brings the ship to a stall as we head bow first into dock.
Docking made Easy
As we line up with the quay all observers seem to be of one mind: “Bring her alongside” but there’s more action to come. Deploying thrusters around the vessel the Captain begins a 180-degree manoeuvre, and it is seemingly effortless. Before we know it, we are secured shore-side and facing the right way when we leave. Excellent seamanship and forward planning!
Shore Leave
With more than a buzz of excitement aboard the 151,400 GRT Queen Mary 2, passengers are already mulling around the port side tender embarkation lounges on Deck 1 – there are four such lounges on the port and starboard with two forward and two aft. Leaving the ship that had been home for the last 13 nights proved a little nerve-racking, I mean what if we got back later on the Sunday to find the vessel had sailed without us?
Discovering Las Palmas on Foot
We began by walking around the commercial centre of the city, which proved quite boring as we really did not need to buy anything. Being a Sunday in a staunchly Catholic country meant that many of the shops, bars and restaurants were not open for trade. We headed back towards the waterfront area and found the few eateries that were open overrun with fellow passengers. That is when we discovered the other side of Las Palmas!
A short walk to the main beach side of the city suddenly opened our eyes to the tourist flank of the island. By now, the temperature was around 30 centigrade and the sun beamed down. Locals and tourists alike were packing the beaches and enjoying all manner of water sports, including swimming. Topless sunbathing was there for any of the fairer sex and the men were wearing the skimpiest thongs too!
We found a nice spot and settled down to typical Italian tourist food and lots of ice cold beers. Remember, we had been very well behaved while at sea since the booze prices were set to kick you off the habit. That said, we had smuggled a few bottles of wine aboard at Cape Town and Walvis Bay . Our Chinese waitron handed us a fair bill for the leisurely meal and drinks, and wished us a very pleasant stay on the island. His English was perfect, as was his Spanish and no doubt Cantonese!
Sunset Departure
On returning to our floating hotel – we were glad that it hadn’t left without us – we were welcomed back with the news that the ship would be departing a little late on account of the fuel tender not being able to keep up with the QM2’s insatiable need for marine diesel! Finally, our clock-watching and somewhat irritated Captain announced that we would leave on time with the fuel supplied and ordered full steam ahead for Madeira tomorrow.
Farewell Note
On that note the ship’s siren blasted our intention to depart to the throngs of people gathered around the waterfront to bid us “adios”. In no time at all we slipped our moorings without any assistance, and headed out through the narrow harbour entrance on a northerly course for Madeira with the band pumping out calypso music. As we bade farewell to the pilot dusk was already setting in. Las Palmas was a lit up necklace as we felt the ship’s massive engines effortlessly cranking us up to cruising speed.
没有评论:
发表评论