Another Typical Activity-Filled Day At Sea On The QM2

Tuesday morning the seas were moderate and the outside decks were open. However, the winds were strong, too strong for our usual two-mile walk around deck 7. Jim headed for the health club and Dan went to the library. After his workout Jim enjoyed an hour of backgammon in the game room. Then it was time to head to the grand staircase to view the Christmas market set up by the ship. Dan joined Jim and we both witnessed the tolling of the ship's bell at noon (8 bells.) This was followed by the singing of Christmas carols, a tradition aboard the QM2 at the holidays. A little later we enjoyed a concert by Benjamin Makisi, a tenor who hails from New Zealand. Mr. Makisi's program included both popular tunes and classical music or operatic selections. The concert was followed by afternoon tea, another Cunard tradition. We joined some of our new friends in the Queens ballroom for this most enjoyable event. The entertainment at tea was a string quartet. After a break from activities and a short rest we dressed for dinner. Before dinner, however, we attended a special Captain's cocktail party which was by invitation only, for Cunard World Club members who have sailed with the company before. We greeted the Captain and joined our friends Robyn, Philip and Cliff for complimentary cocktails before going to the Britannia restaurant to join the rest of our group for dinner. After dinner it was show time in the Royal Court Theater. The performer was David Copperfield, formerly known as a magician/illusionist but who now is a comedian/vocalist. After such a full day it was easy to fall asleep once we got back to our cabin.