We elect to try the dining room for breakfast. We are seated with 6 others at a table for 9. I have no clue why 9, but it makes the table very crowded. Service is very slow, several guests don't get what they order, one got nothing until she reminded the server. Coffee was nearly impossible to get, but that of course doesn't bother me.
The cabin was very quiet during the night. Located on deck 4 just steps from staircase D elevators, it is very convenient to the dining room, but most other activites, as always, are on the other end of the ship.
The weather today is overcast and the seas are very slight. The Queen Mary 2 makes about 19 or 20 knots as we head to Southampton. She is faster than most modern cruise ships and can cruise at top speed of over 30 knots, a speed we are unlikely to see.
We choose a lecture this morning about neuroscience. There were several activities to choose from. Very interesting and very well presented.
In the afternoon "Cunard Street" was entertainment in the main theater. It was originally written on the Queen Mary by the Royal Academy of dramatic arts. In the style of a radio story common in the 30's and 40's. Certainly unlike anything I have encountered on other ships, it was well done and interesting.
Cocktails before dinner in one of several lounges. Not automatic, but if you ask you can have a nibble of peanuts with your beverage. Properly served in a little dish with a small condiment spoon.
Dinner service is better as the crew has adjusted to the new manifest of guests. The beef wellington is good, the sorbet flavorless. Lynn being on a gluten free diet orders her meals a day ahead of time so they can be specially prepared. So far this is working.
The production show tonight is performed by the ships singers and dancers. Very typical of a cruise ship production with one major exception. I do not need ear plugs! What a pleasure.
Shortly after the conclusion of the production show is the red and black ball, one of the formal nights scheduled for this trip. Nearly all the guests are wearing appropriate attire. If you aren't, you are banned from most venues after 6:00. One could go to the Kings Court buffet and pool but not any of the lounges or main dining venues. The percentage of passengers properly dressed is very high.
The gala ball is packed, we make a brief appearance, and with no available seating we call it a day.
The seas remain pretty flat and no pitch or roll can be felt on the ship. Temperatures are now in the upper 60's.
No time change tonight, but there will be one at noon time tomorrow. I will let you know later how that works.