Durban - It’s a case of “hurry up and wait” if you’re part of a press contingent visiting the majestic Queen Mary 2, rather than a member of the well-heeled elite. Our accreditation details having been mislaid, the media party spent two hours waiting in the sun before being cleared to board. But it was worth the wait.
Even if you’re on a day pass, treading the soft carpets beneath crystal chandeliers can make you feel a little superior, which was reinforced by our lunch at the Britannia Restaurant.
This is where five-star luxury really came into its own. The menu included Duart Scottish smoked salmon with guacamole and roasted red-pepper romesco, pan-roasted fillet of plaice with shrimp fondue, grilled fillet steak with blue-cheese potato mousseline, haricots verts and much more.
By happy chance, East Coast Radio jock Damon Beard was on board, and he kept things lively, particularly when he sent a crystal glass crashing to the floor.
Over lunch fascinating snippets were exchanged, but the one that most intrigued was the fact that a posse of eligible young men is on board at all times to provide dance companions for single ladies.
How very turn-of-the-century.
For those who fear a fate similar to that of the passengers on the Titanic, you’re definitely on the wrong vessel. The Queen Mary 2 has the highest safety standards, and there is even a spare propeller on deck, in case a back-up should be called for.
The staff on board make up a veritable United Nations, with a strong contingent of South Africans.
Our waitress, Baiba, was from Latvia, and when she contrasted the freezing wastes of home with the Durban sunshine streaming into the restaurant, her face lit up. “Durban izz most beautiful city,” she beamed.
After a glass or two of the finest vintage wine, it was down the gangplank and a fond farewell to the queen of the seas.
Rule Britannia, and all that. It’s a fine treat, seeing how the other half lives.
Fun Facts
• A bottle of still water on board the Queen Mary 2 costs $2.80 (R25.60)
• There are 1 250 crew members on board for a maximum of 2 800 passengers.
• The ship is as tall as a 14-storey building
• Two full-time doctors and six nursing staff are on board. - Sunday Tribune