Queen Mary 2 to Xmas markets - day 1

We had booked this short four-night cruise to Zeebrugge and Le Havre as a pre-Christmas break on a Getaway Fare. Best of all the way the days fell meant I only needed to take half a day's leave. I left home about 7.45 and reached my friend well in time to make the 11.10 ferry over to Southampton and walk to the Ocean Terminal where Queen Mary 2 was waiting for us. The terminal was nicely decorated with Christmas trees as we dropped off our large cases and walked over to the terminal escalator.

 

At the top, the reception ladies directed us to the priority check-in. After the formalities we had a short break before boarding started at 12 noon. Stupidly I had forgotten about the ultra-sensitive security machines and had to take my boots off! After that we walked straight on board where our cabins were ready for us. Our stewardess Jeanette was waiting by the lift and walked us to our cabin. She was excellent and very attentive. We had an in-hull balcony cabin on Deck four – 4219. This was a nice quiet cabin despite being over G32! We had the usual complimentary toiletries of shower gel, soaps, shampoo and conditioner, cotton balls and buds.

Within about half an hour of entering the cabin our cases arrived so we did a cursory unpack before setting off to explore and photograph the ship. It was my third tine on board so most was familiar but it was good to refresh my memory.  The Christmas decorations looked lovely and there was a spectacular gingerbread village in the central walkway.

 

Muster drill was at 4pm – our station was the Queen’s Grill – after which we dumped our lifejackets and finished unpacking.

Despite a late booking, we had our requested dining allocation. We had been allocated table 524, second sitting, Britannia Restaurant. It turned out to be a table for six in the uppermost level, beside the window. Our companions were two ladies travelling without their husbands and another couple. We gelled quickly and dinner became an entertaining interlude. After dinner we headed for the Royal Court Theatre for the introductory show with the song and dance company and comedian Adrian Walsh. Unfortunately few laughed and it was clear he was struggling, although the first night is never good for any entertainer! After dinner we headed for bed as we had to be up early for our tour to Brussels the next day.