Gorgeous black dress! 🌟

....and you look gorgeous in it!

(For whatever reason, I can't edit 😒)

Thank you all! The black cocktail dress is a favorite new one; I am already thinking about wearing it for a Christmas party or even NYE. It was an incredible bargain, available at Saks —and Amazin— for $384 and I bought it for $129 at Fox’s in Atlanta. (Fox’s is what Loehmann’s used to be, albeit not on the same scale.) It has a crinoline that puts a real flare in the ”fit and flare” and the fit is excellent if unforgiving; I sized up to an 8 for a bit of wiggle room and length. They photograph here on all the formal nights and I will look for those pictures when we go down for breakfast. Fingers crossed…… I was wearing black opera length gloves with it and hope it does not look like a ”Hey, I’m on a cruise!” costume iykwim 🙄

We had room service last night for dinner— the innumerable time changes finally caught up with me in a big way and I slept like I was drugged from noon to about 7 pm and was in no shape for dinner at 8:30. I ordered the club sandwich and have to say it was absolutely delicious. In fact both room service dinners we’ve had have been the best of the trip. The other was pappardelle with bolognese and garlic focaccia. I am convinced it is because those meals were made to order and the rest have been off the industrial production line. Pasta really hasn’t been on the main dining room menu at all. The accompanying focaccia was grilled to perfection. And last night’s sandwich sougrdough bread was toasted and crisp instead of toasted and soft the way the morning toast comes delivered with breakfast, so I assume the sandwich was made to order. Anyway, another reason to go Britannia Club if we should ever do this again.

Just a note on handicapped access: my mother had shown a lot of interest in coming on the cruise with us and DH and I discussed it but decided we needed to see for ourselves how she might manage before bringing her on such a long trip. I am very glad we did because this ship is not set up for people who are elderly but not in a wheelchair. The walk to the dining room would have taken her at least a half hour, and she would not have been able to maintain her balance when the ship is rolling. There are lots of little stairs everywhere and the doors are notoriously difficult to open, even the cabin door would have been impossible for her to open by herself. She’s been on other cruises but never a crossing and that is now not even a remote possibility. Carpe diem? Yes, ma’am, do not wait if there is something you really want to do!

Day 14: it’s a Chico’s day! White jeans and blue 3/4 sleeve button up with RL belt (on lighter blue side today, last wear was on navy side) and tan loafers.

And just for fun, pointing out the white watchband for another hit of that color, then with my Oof jacket on the tan side to repeat the color of my shoes:

off to get coffee and painting class. Afterwards we are focusing on musical performances today and will try to catch as many performers as possible. And a swim / herbal sauna session before dinner!

Wonderful painting class this morning; I have finished a set of three Florida images I will frame and give to DS1 for his birthday in July. For some reason he likes my artwork and has three or four pieces in his home already.

We went swimming before eating lunch today, then attended a concert by a classical guitarist that was excellent. Alas, the sea had been getting progressively rougher and by the time the concert was finished I was ”green to the gills,” as we used to say— despite having renewed my scopalomine patch with a new one this morning. Back to the cabin and in bed with a Diet Coke and a Zofran and here I have been since. We will miss the Irish duo and the jazz band but hopefully they will be playing again tomorrow in their respective venues (the Chart Room and Commodore Club, IIRC). The sea is somewhat calmer or at least rolling predictably and not pitching quite as much.

Dinner is at 8:30 and at 10:15 we will see a show of Motown covers that I am super excited about and hope I can prevent myself from joining in. I LOVE the Motown sound (there’s my age speaking) and played it for our kids when they were very young. In fact my daughter was four years old in nursery school in NYC when firemen came to talk to them about fire safety. When one got to the part about Stop, Drop and Roll he did not get any further than Stop! because my girl jumped up and put her hand out and finished his sentence by singing ….”in the name of Love!”

LOL love the story! Hope you are recovered enough tonight to catch the Motown event. ❤️

I thought I was, Funky, until the situation took a turn for the worse. The ship is pitching in considersble arcs again. After a brief respite I am back in bed in my pajamas, planning on eating coconut cookies and Diet Coke for dinner as they seem to be the only things I can tolerate. 🤢 Not the glamorous evening I was expecting but circumstances alter cases, don’t they?

On the upside, I forgot to mention that one of the onboard shops that sells Barbour got in the new large scale tartan men’s button downs while we were docked in Southampton, and as I hoped the men’s tailored-fit small size fits me like a slightly oversized ”boyfriend” shirt. I love the plaid, it is much lovelier IRL and will go with white and off white and blue jeans and pants. The lighter color is the same as my Barbour vest so there’s that.

It’s made of nice, long staple cotton and will be just the thing in the early fall worn with a denim skirt and the shirt cuffs folded up.

Oh no, I hope the seas calm down and you're feeling better soon.

Wanted to mention, if you like Motown you might want to check out the documentary Summer of Soul. It's about a music festival in Harlem that happened around the same time as Woodstock but got little to no coverage.

DH and I watched it recently and it was fantastic. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Here's the trailer: Summer of Soul Trailer

And now that I watched the trailer, I want to watch the movie again.

Thank you, I may watch that tonight!

So sorry to hear that you'll miss the show tonight. But it made me wonder - wouldn't it be a nice feature if the ship recorded the show for those that missed it. Then it could be watched in your room anytime during the voyage. I can easily imagine a number of reasons why someone might not be able to attend in person - seasickness, inability to reserve a seat, the frequent time changes creating sleep issues - especially for a 10:15 pm show etc. It wouldn't be necessary to film each show, they could film a dress rehearsal.

maire

They do film the lectures given on board and show them on one of the ship’s channels. But they can do that only because they own the content. They hire the speakers, with contracts that give the rights of that performance to Cunard. Some compensation may be included for the re-showing. When Cunard (or any entity) licenses songs for a certain number of showings they cannot show them to any people other than the live audience that is present at the performance. Otherwise there is a completely different fee structure for copyright permissions that must be obtained, it’s very expensive and you also have to compensate the talent for repeated showings of their work product. I was on that board committee for one of the choral societies with which I sing and the process is meant to make sure the songwriter, arranger, etc, is paid fairly and comprehensively for their work. The talent (singers and musicians) also have contracts that spell out the terms of future compensation when the performance is recorded. Although we obtain permission for our concerts to be filmed (from each company holding copyrights for an average of 10 pieces per concert) we are not allowed to show them, ever— they are for internal use only by our director.

Thank you for that explanation - and it does make perfect sense. One of DD's high school classmates is a professional performer on a smaller cruise line that concentrates on the Mediterranean and he has mentioned his videos. But that's a much smaller ship and he did say that it could be complicated.

Day 15: Black high waisted linen slacks, white BB buttondown and scarf, tan loafers

Today was COLD! I wore the scarf for a little warmth on my neck during the watercolor class, whoch is always freezing. I cannot now remember where I bought this but it was during the height of the faux Hermes horse blanket frenzy, if any of you remember that fashion period 🙄 It goes nicely with black, white, brown, blue and orange and is one of three scarves I packed.

And this is me out the door with my MZW bag and tote containing all my art supplies. We did a Tuscan landscape today and I also painted a snapdragon that I will make into a card for a friend’s upcoming birthday.

Move outta the way bag ladies, I’m coming through!

Tonight there is a swing band in the ballroom (actually a band made up from among the onboard musicians who play swing). For dinner and dancing I am wearing my black lace suit, black stockings and my trusty black-velvet-with-satin-bows kitten heels.

Reading through your posts and enjoying your trip. Loving how chic you look in all your outfits! You got game!

I am always impressed when you treat us to your Home Closet dress ups. But this is above and beyond. You not only look beautifully put together and appropriate for each and sundry occasion, but you have managed to do this out of a suitcase (or perhaps two)! You truly thought it all out in advance. Well done indeed.

So far my favorites are the black lace over nude underlining dress and the Lily silk top with the French tulle skirt. And an honorable mention to your OOF jacket - it does double duty - serviceable and stylish.

Add me to those who love the black lace dress. I had a long black lace gown that had a bright pink underlayer. I am not sure if that's still somewhere deep in my closet or if I donated that.

So many other great outfits. It's hard to even pick. I like the black linen pants, too.

Hope the seas are calmer for you soon.

Thank you all! we are finally back from a late swim, then dinner and dancing. The swing band was marvellous! They had a special guest musician on board for this crossing— QM2’s 185th!— and he was very accomplished. In honor of the anniversary they have other special speakers on board, includong one of the naval architects who designed the ship.

I spent some of my time in the therapeutic pool early this evening talking to one of the speakers who works in film and stage design, and his friend who is a chef. They are both lovely, interesting men who are very friendly and struck up a conversation immediately. The designer has been sailing annually on the QM for sixteen years and had some stories to tell 😎

This is the scarf I wore earlier today under the white buttondown

(See what I mean about the Faux Horse Blanket fashion period? But I like it!)

and the black lace suit with off white satin blouse

Day 16: unexpected cold snap today! Temps 57ish and feeling much cooler in the breeze. I got out the new plaid buttondown I bought on board and already packed away, and am wearing it today with navy Spartina pants, navy shoes and my jacket lighter side out

I have the shirt bloused slightly over the of the pants and for some reason it looks weird in this picture perspective.

We did vignettes in watercolor class this am and tomorrow (last painting sessions) we are doing a city skyline— so excited for that!

While I was painting DH attended the traditional maritime church service led by the captain. He took my watercolor of the QM2 and the captain was happy to sign it. I provided DH with the right pen and drew a faint pencil line where I wanted the signature and it is the perfect

souvenir of our trip.

After DH has lunch we are again going swimming (in the therapeutic pool at the spa) and using the fabulous herbal sauna afterward.

Tonight is the masquerade ball and I have not decided what to wear. Any suggestions? My choices are:

1. long pink tulle tiered skirt and sleeveless lace top

2. blue and white toile-ish tulle skirt and sleeveless asymmetrical silk top

3. Black net lace dress over nude background

4. Mixed media turquoise knit sleeveless mock neck bodice dress with pleated silk skirt

5. Dropped waist black organdy dress with large white polkadots

and I also have a nice black short sleeve tee that I could wear with the pink skirt and pair with black heels… do not know what that would look like but could try it on.

Many thanks— please vote!

Geez, I think you could close your eyes, reach into the closet, and whatever you pull out would be a hit. Try the black tee, pink skirt, and black heels. Or do a little Carolina Herrara: the white/cream silk shirt, pink skirt, and gold slingbacks (may look better in my mind than IRL)

I’ll try both now! Stay tuned!

The black tee and pink skirt looked TERRIBLE! Idk about the white satin shirt and pink skirt— what do you think?

No watch and different jewelry of course but it seems a little lackluster?

ETA the more I look the less I like it :( Any suggestions from the original lineup? I could also try the pink skirt with the plainer sleeveless silk top…

This is a better shot of the polkadot dress btw…

I agree. The pink skirt and cream blouse aren’t awful, but they aren’t great either.

And… I ended up in the polkadot dress, it’s one of DH’s favorites. Unfortunately it has several filmy layers that don’t photograph well, but it is fun to dance in and is quite unlike any of the other dresses I have seen.

I think you look really good in patterns. The polka dot dress and the plaid shirt are winners for you.

I looked quickly and thought, wait, they brought the dog with them?? LOL

^^^^^lol, I thought the same thing.

^^^me too! I have enjoyed attending the daily fashion show and cruising along with you. The polka dot is a winner; you look lovely!

love the polka dot dress. you’re husband has good taste, obviously.

🙋🏻‍♀️ another who thought you had taken the dog along!

Black and white polka dot = great choice!

Back from a wonderful evening— romantic dinner at a table for two, an outstanding show of music and dancing from Broadway hits, then the last formal dance of the trip. It’s 11 pm and I cannot remember the last time we stayed out this late just for fun 😎

Re the dog— we thought about bringing our two along but they would have had to stay in the kennels and we would only have been able to walk them a couple of times a day. They are enjoying ”summer camp” at their groomer’s house in the country, living the high life with his own seven dogs.

I’m glad everyone approved of the dress— I received numerous compliments on it from other ladies! More pictures were taken and I am hoping they will be good as Dh looked especially fetching tonight.

Kswl, I have truly enjoyed ’cruising’ along with you and waiting for each outfit of the day/evening. Hard to pick a favorite, but I really loved the black lace overlay and the polka dot.

It sounds like the cruise is soon coming to an end. Therefore, my question is when is your next vacation that we can come along on? This was so fun!

Yesterday was a complete blur! After the last painting class (a cityscape) DH and I had lunch and then went to a wonderful play about Charlie Chaplin. We had met the star of the show at the spa and are happy to report it was a remarkable piece of theater, all silent. Afterwards I packed enough to keep me from feeling panicked 😵‍💫 don’t know if you have that same feeling when you’re on the eve of the last leg of the trip but those who do know of what I speak— DH knows by now not to get in the way 🙄

After packing we spent the late afternoon / early evening at the spa and I took advantage of their large showers and bathroom facilities to do my hair and shave my legs. (sorry,TMI?) and we had a very nice final dinner with the three ladies at our table, then scrambled back to our cabin to get our dinner clothes in the checked luggage and out in the hallway by 11 pm for the staff to collect. Then we dressed in our next day travel outfits and went down to the queen’s room for a dance party with music by the Flyrights, a UK trio of musicians who sing everything from Stevie Wonder to the Drifters. The ladies from our table were there also and the group of us danced up a storm! They are very energetic 80+ year olds having a grand time singing along and dancing.

Yesterday I did not even take any pictures, but wore some of my favorite things: during the day, white jeans (Chicos) and the camel mock neck short sleeved sweater (Ann Taylor) with tan loafers and a gold leather belt (J Crew); for dinner, the blue tulle skirt and white silk sleeveless blouse from Lilysilk and ancient gold slingbacks; and for the party, navy RL walking shorts and a Chicos white 3/4 sleeve blouse with navy Birdies and a red and navy striped belt from Amazin’. We will get home around 7 pm tonight, which means a loooong day as I’ve been up since 4 am.

We have had a lovely time! Our onboard charges were about a third as much as our booking cost— not too bad, the majority of it arising from the internet charges and the spa passes we purchased for the duration of the voyage. Other charges were incidentals— meals not covered, room service, photos, souvenir tee shirts for the kids, etc. We both considered it a good value, me especially as I had at least the equivalent of $1000 of art lessons between the two legs of the trip. And— I finally got on the scale in the fitness center and seem to have lost about four pounds somewhere along the way despite eating desserts with alarming frequency. I’m ascribing it to the long treks fore and aft, the water aerobics I’ve been doing, and all the dancing.

Thank you all for your patience with this long and often clumsy travelogue!

Bye for now!

Safe travels home!

Sorry to see this vicarious adventure come to an end. I enjoyed following along with you. and am astounded that you found the time for all these posts and photos. Great adventure!

All the prep was fun, traveling along was enlightening, but having you back home will be the best. Thank you for all the time you spent keeping us updated. It's a trip that I'll only dream about and the closest I'll get to experience. Now we'll all wait for the next chapter :)

Welcome home! Loved your travelogue. The trip seemed to go by so quickly.

Well, the trip’s not over yet— we were on the way to LaGuardia when our flight was cancelled and the next available one is at 6:30 am from JFK. We have so much luggage … that quelled any thoughts of going into the city and finding something interesting to do, so we are heading now to a hotel near JFK with a shuttle that leaves at 4 am. We won’t see our dogs today and DH will miss an appointment with a new pain specialist tomorrow ☹️ On the bright side, we can catch up on our sleep 🤷‍♀️

Sorry to hear flight was cancelled. So annoying, but better on the way home than on the way to ship!

Did you try the TWA hotel that is in the airport? It looks so cool. If I am ever forced to leave from JFK (we always use Newark/EWR), I plan to stay there.

Our cup runneth over with Marriott points at the moment so that’s where we are staying., and getting on their shuttle at 4 am (sob).

Understandable, kswl! I was going to suggest using Uber/Lyft instead of shuttle but I guess it would be almost as early anyway.

I'm sure you are looking very foward to sleeping in your own bed. I know that's how I am at the end of vacation. One more night!

Is there a reason you have to leave so early? If not, I'd try to get on a later flight.

Yes, Dee unfortunately rhe only first class tickets available are on that flight ☹️ DH has a difficult time in other seats with his back problems.

I loved your travelogue, Kswl. Sleep well and safe travels home. Your doggies will be so happy to see you!

Kswl, safe travels and thank you again for taking us along.

Welcome back! Thanks for the vicarious time at sea, probably the closest I'll ever get.

Kswl, this has been the most fun thread ever! Welcome home!

Welcome back @Kswl!

@jsk, the TWA hotel at JFK is our go-to for any morning flights. We go the night before, enjoy the fun retro vibe, and then dine there too (quite good for an airport, I think it's Wolfgang Puck IIRC). My kids also love the TWA merch. My son, a pilot, loves the rooms that face runways. They used to have Tab and 1960s candy in the minibars but not since COVID for some reason.

Amazing/delightful that this building survived.

Thanks, @mtnrdredux_gw for the recommendation. I have heard good things. Someone I follow on IG stays there when they fly to Europe. They fly to NYC, stay over there and then onto Europe. They always get a room on the runway and it just looks so cool!

Good to know about the restaurant too.