Farewell to the Big Apple, hello to the QM2

Jan 2 - The Big Apple.  Apparently we were both more tired from the drive up than we thought.  We lazed the day away watching football and playing games on the computer.  It was too cold and windy for Diana to enjoy being out.  We napped and I only ventured out to go to the drug store and a sandwich shop down the street to get some very tasty sandwiches to bring back to the room for lunch.

 

The shop’s name is Fresh and it’s a ‘to-go’ establishment.  The have a wide assortment of sandwiches, none of which include ham.  Some have turkey ham but no real ham.  I did notice they had one sandwich that was made with beef and when I saw that it did not have any cheese on it I realized that they were being sensitive to Jewish customers, no ham and no dairy with beef.  I got a Cuban and Diana had an Italian Special.  Both were very tasty and somewhat like Panera Bread sandwiches.

 

That evening we rearranged all our belongings to prepare for the transfer to the ship.  I’ve arranged for a private car.  It was surprisingly inexpensive, only $40.  I think the taxi fare would have been at least that and the private car is much more comfortable.  The staff at the Doubletree Hotel were very helpful and efficient in arranging the car and in every other aspect of our stay here. 

 

Jan 3 – Transfer to the QM2 and the start of the Crossing.  Once again we had breakfast in the restaurant at the hotel.  The Bellman told me to call him when I wanted to have the luggage brought down and to come down at 10 minutes to 11 to catch the car.  At 10:15 I called for the baggage pickup and at 10:55 we went down to the exit.  He called up our car and we were off to the ship.  Easiest transfer to the ship ever.  Our luggage was outside the room just after we finished unpacking our carry on suitcases so the unpacking was continuous.  We both decided to only unpack 5 days of clothing to save having to repack when we arrive in Southampton.

 

Dinner was great!  The food on the QM2 has been excellent.  I used to say it was about on par with the HAL dining room but it may be creeping ahead.  Hard to tell based on one night.  Our tablemates at the table for 6 are all from England.  They are all friendly and outgoing without being overbearing.