Board life shortly before the end of the journey

Since Cape Town, the QE has been on the final stage of the long world journey. There will be a total of 40,689 nautical miles, i.e. about 73,200 km, from and to Hamburg. That sounds tremendous and makes me realize the distances the ship has traveled to visit these many different places around the world.

The days on board are now rapidly decreasing. Therefore, the last stretch is all about "Farewells", which already began in Cape Town with a shared dinner on land with a total of 600 people. Everything was meticulously planned, the buses rolled up one after the other in front of the terminal, so that we could board without any waiting time, all dressed in evening wear. At the location, a larger event center with a casino in Cape Town, the captain and her officers welcomed us with a small reception. The lobby was decorated with illuminated trees, and in the middle was a transparent large globe with a musician playing a stringed instrument. She really didn't seem to have claustrophobia. I wouldn't have wanted to trade places with her. Then we went into the banquet hall, which had round tables for each member of the ship's management and 9 other guests chosen by them. I was at the table of our social host manager, together with other people from the international group, so we had a fun and nice table company. There was a three-course menu, which was served almost simultaneously to all guests despite the 600 guests, and there was also an entertainment program, consisting of a choir of young Africans and then a solo singer with a band. Everyone could stay as long as they wanted, as the buses drove back and forth continuously. So it became a sociable evening with music and pleasant conversations. Upon arriving at the terminal, we were greeted by the Cunard bellboys or pages in their red uniforms, who always appear for special occasions and are happy to pose for a photo

But not only the big dinner in Cape Town, but also many invitations to farewell parties determine these days. The cocktail and evening dresses have to come into action again. The day before yesterday, the first officers of the individual departments invited us to their party. This is always very nice because you get to talk to them and learn something about their service and everyday life. Often, the officers' wives or children are also present, as Cunard does allow families to travel on some routes. The two little daughters of the first officer, aged 2 and 4, in their pink tulle dresses, won the hearts of everyone and made their parents very proud of their family. It was a lovely sight. Now the big invitation from the captain for the end of the world journey is still pending, on May 5th. On the 6th, there is also a birthday that will be celebrated in the afternoon in the Commodore Club in a small setting.

Yesterday was the Country Fair, a kind of small fair, where every passenger could give away things or clothes that they don't want to take home, so that they could be sold. There were many activities, such as games, e.g. throwing darts at the ports of the world journey, chopping carrots into pieces that flit out of a fall pipe and require quick reactions, then guessing the weight of a cake, a raffle, and an auction, e.g. with the sea chart of the journey, which raised several hundred dollars. I was assigned to the one-dollar stand and had a huge crowd of people who bought everything from me. It was exhausting but also fun. The money will go to the Prince's Trust by Prince Charles for social projects.

In this sense, time flies by quickly because every day is now also used to chat more extensively and have a glass of wine with the people you have gotten to know better during the journey. That's why we are all quite busy, which sounds a little paradoxical for a vacation trip. Packing suitcases is also on the agenda again. Some people now notice a lack of space and there is an increase in suitcase purchases in the last ports. Large but empty suitcases are dragged over the gangway to be able to pack the many things from the last 4 months. Fortunately, I packed quite generously, so I don't have this problem now. On the last day, I just have to put my suitcases in front of the cabin door, and they will be delivered home by the transport company.

Two excursions in Tenerife and Madeira promise to be scenic again, so my camera will be used once again. I have taken several thousand photos so far (an estimated 7,000) as we approach the finish line.

Until then, many greetings

Eva