Sunday, January 5, 2020

January 5th - Unplanned stop


Normally a transatlantic is a pretty straight shot from New York City to Southampton, England, this is what we were expecting on this trip however plans can change.

We have been here on the QM2 twice where they had to do an emergency evacuation for an ill or injured passenger.  On one occasion, about a day out of Southampton on our way back to NY we had to turn around to meet a helicopter that lifted a passenger on a stretcher off the ship.  Another time we had to slow just south of Ireland so a Coast Guard vessel could approach and pick up a passenger who had to have emergency care.

Last night was the first time we actually had to pull into a port to let off a passenger.  We stopped in Halifax, Nova Scotia about 11PM last night.  The pilot boat came along side.  This is a typical operation but that doesn’t mean it isn’t dangerous.  It certainly looks scary.  Hopefully I can post a picture in a couple of days, right now the internet is not allowing it.

We went to bed about 11:30 and that was about the time the ship left the dock and we could continue our trip.  We will still make it on time Friday morning, this ship can go pretty fast.  The seas and wind are really picking up and no one is allowed out on the promenade to walk.  Inside the ship we barely feel the movement.

The ship did not show the football playoffs on TV this weekend!!  Of course, the Patriots lost so maybe it’s just as well we didn’t have to see them.  I hope next week’s games will be broadcast.

Life on board is pretty laid back.  For us, we’re waiting for the real trip to begin after Southampton when we get to visit all those wonderful ports.  On the way back I will love having this week to pack up our bags before returning home.

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