it's not a boat, it's a ship
May 2008
I'm back on land after what must be the most unusual
speaking engagement I've undertaken. Last week I
crossed the Atlantic aboard the Queen Mary 2. It's not a boat,
it's a ship. Actually, it's not a ship: it's an
ocean liner.
The Queen Mary 2 must be one of the most remarkable vessels afloat today. She is so large that the Titanic could fit inside with room left over for a couple of Jumbo Jets. The Queen Mary 2 boasts five swimming pools, a casino, a pub, a ballroom, and a 1000 seat theatre. My stage on four mornings was a 500 seat auditorium that converts to the only at-sea planetarium during the afternoon. At night the venue serves as a cinema. I was blessed with a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and appreciative audience.
A phantasmagoric number of activities are laid on for the 2,400 guests each day. These include wine tastings, computer lessons and performances of Shakespeare's plays performed by the talented cast from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, who currently include actors Elizabeth Nestor and Sam Dastor. A golf simulator, a gymnasium, and a basketball facility enable guests to burn some of the calories consumed in the 10 restaurants. Needless to say, all the food on board was of the highest quality. 150 chefs serve around 16,000 meals a day, which are washed down with more than 300 bottles of champagne.
The 1200-plus crew were all incredibly attentive, professional and cheery. They come from 55 countries, including Nepal, Chile and Britain. Special thanks to David, Elizabeth, Stefanie, Laura, Darwin and Rayomand for taking care of everything, and Caroline and Julia for inviting me aboard.
The Queen Mary 2 must be one of the most remarkable vessels afloat today. She is so large that the Titanic could fit inside with room left over for a couple of Jumbo Jets. The Queen Mary 2 boasts five swimming pools, a casino, a pub, a ballroom, and a 1000 seat theatre. My stage on four mornings was a 500 seat auditorium that converts to the only at-sea planetarium during the afternoon. At night the venue serves as a cinema. I was blessed with a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and appreciative audience.
A phantasmagoric number of activities are laid on for the 2,400 guests each day. These include wine tastings, computer lessons and performances of Shakespeare's plays performed by the talented cast from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, who currently include actors Elizabeth Nestor and Sam Dastor. A golf simulator, a gymnasium, and a basketball facility enable guests to burn some of the calories consumed in the 10 restaurants. Needless to say, all the food on board was of the highest quality. 150 chefs serve around 16,000 meals a day, which are washed down with more than 300 bottles of champagne.
The 1200-plus crew were all incredibly attentive, professional and cheery. They come from 55 countries, including Nepal, Chile and Britain. Special thanks to David, Elizabeth, Stefanie, Laura, Darwin and Rayomand for taking care of everything, and Caroline and Julia for inviting me aboard.