Lunch Aboard Saga Sapphire .
Just over a year ago I joined a local Classic Car Club as it meets just a few miles from my home.
Having only attended a couple of meetings, I could not resist the offer to join in an event offer to display the cars in front of a Cruise Liner and have lunch on board.
Even Ann was keen to try this one for size being an equal lover of the Cruise Ship.
We were scheduled to arrive in convoy at the City Cruise Terminal where we would be Displayed on the pavement right outside of the Main Entrance where the cruise passengers would be arriving to check in.
Typical of me, we left the car park in Locksheath from the wrong exit and found ourselves at the tail end of the 27 car line for drive to Southampton.
Reminiscent of All Morgans' day at Blenheim Palace, we were queuing in the access road while they sorted out the cars.
Only the veteran Essex Motors behind us seemed to be suffering on its clutch as we crept forward.
Typical of me, we left the car park in Locksheath from the wrong exit and found ourselves at the tail end of the 27 car line for drive to Southampton.
Reminiscent of All Morgans' day at Blenheim Palace, we were queuing in the access road while they sorted out the cars.
Only the veteran Essex Motors behind us seemed to be suffering on its clutch as we crept forward.
No need to worry about bumping up the kerb with this nice run up area perfect for our cars.
The significance of this Zebra statue depicting silhouettes of boats and ships, I discovered, is a part of the Southampton Art Trail
The trail features 47 life-sized zebras created by professional artists, as well as 103 smaller sculptures designed and decorated by local school children.
Money raised through an auction will aid Grevy's zebra conservation in Africa.
One of the last to arrive this veteran of the Peking to Paris Rally is given centre stage.
The Club Banner proudly presented.
The Only Mini is the True Mini
Our leader & organiser John inspecting his handy work
It was a case of Hoods Up for all but one hardy owner.
A welcome supplier of Coffee lurking in the corner.
A spotless engine bay proudly on show.
The Model T Ford
Beautiful Bentley
The ever popular E Type Jaguar.
Perfectly Positioned for the Passengers arrival.
'Peking to Paris' the stunning survivor.
The Green Goddess neatly tucked in line.
Heading for our visit to the ship
Waiting for our Security Passes.
Some Big Lifting - This is not the Container Port?
We are on our way aboard.
The view through a gangway window
On The Ship, that Welcome Home sign.
Serious Stuff this Scanning of our Security Passes
The On Board Reception Desk
Between Decks Artwork in the Stair Well.
Our Deck 7 Floor Plan
The Restaurant Areas
Maybe set out for different passenger classes?
An Unexpected Treat as we select from our superb Silver Service Four Course Lunch Menus. (far exceeding that buffet and coffee anticipated. Well Done John! )
Smoked Salmon and The Duck for me please.
Following our Lunch we were permitted free access to the whole ship for an hour until we were ready to leave. The well guarded route down to the kitchens
More Restaurant Areas
One of two Raoul Dufys' I spotted.
As passengers arrive they are taking Afternoon Tea in the Lounge area.
Her Majesty The Queen observing in The Card Room.
I love this On Board Art as we find Saga Sapphire in two previous locations (which appear to be entering Lisbon and The Norwegian Fjords)
Out on The Promenade Deck we are reminded of our cruises on the QE2.
Over the side the Painters are busy.
The Ikea Blue Brick is just opposite.
Towards the City Centre.
Hopefully not essential equipment.
The Pool Deck, yet to be filled for the Summer.
The 'Aida Perla' berthed in the old Cunard Docks
Refuelling, or Bunkering to use the correct term, is taking place alongside.
The Whitchampion leaving having completed her task.
One of the Lounge Bars
Ready for some late night schmoozing.
A Bit of a Puzzle with pieces missing from each of these?
That distinctive Yellow Funnel.
More On Board Art to view
Trying to look up the stairwell.
Quite a collection of Exchange Plaques from the Ports she has visited.
Back on land it is time to leave - Setting the example it had to be Roof Down for everyone this time.
The Bentley looking beautiful.
Saying our farewells as the Cars are getting ready to leave
Our Journey home would be via the Woolston Toll Bridge at 50p. Anything to avoid all of those endless red traffic lights experienced on the way in.
Later that evening as we watch from our window (Via Telescope) , Saga Sapphire makes her way near Lepe Beach ready to turn at Cowes on her way to Barcelona via Cadiz
The end of a most memorable and enjoyable day thanks to John and The Locks Heath Classic Car Club, and of course the most welcoming Crew of Saga Sapphire.
No comments:
Post a Comment