Blog Tracker
07-10-2023, 21:20
Visit the Paul Bailey's Beer Blog site (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/10/welcome-aboard.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFR5WmSC2hyypoot0ingNaglcSNdr7diaDO0LNUmw5u 6C2W2WOC_tMYiMnHuranV0hH2Vjho8Yl8LmGtMW9hahU39Qko4 mM_hkNI2R_I8gKoP2bRFIs5sMJjqn4UmChiKNAUmcKMIGF0HCf uCGLOttFuvVk4yUlSNScBQuNv8GFpUthybi_vaDkVRybc/w400-h225/IMG_20231001_095128.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFR5WmSC2hyypoot0ingNaglcSNdr7diaDO0LNUmw5u 6C2W2WOC_tMYiMnHuranV0hH2Vjho8Yl8LmGtMW9hahU39Qko4 mM_hkNI2R_I8gKoP2bRFIs5sMJjqn4UmChiKNAUmcKMIGF0HCf uCGLOttFuvVk4yUlSNScBQuNv8GFpUthybi_vaDkVRybc/s4000/IMG_20231001_095128.jpg)
I wrote this post shortly after we boarded our ship, theQueen Victoria, just over a week ago, and I began writing it as we were leavingSouthampton and sailing down the Solent. We had arrived early at the Cruise terminal,after our pre-booked taxi picked us up, shortly before 8 am, last Sundaymorning. Traffic on the motorways was relatively light, which allowed a speedy,and hassle-free journey down from Kent, but unfortunately meant an hour’s wait beforewe could drop off our bags.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXZ53EG4o-nG_jEVh7I42LZ59uM7oaJsHTpX091RffLnI0VgPOdKj166ePMo WM_gSWYYeq5qCk0dRjMCa7e1ipu3kjzeJmyC_qNKrgLd6dvaFF SkRbtz5jXPv7IngQfZgYogmbMxfLFfL37npeGoReW567pfgo4B trA0aqHzf0bAayjQNOi2GmAa041w/w400-h225/IMG_20231001_170954.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXZ53EG4o-nG_jEVh7I42LZ59uM7oaJsHTpX091RffLnI0VgPOdKj166ePMo WM_gSWYYeq5qCk0dRjMCa7e1ipu3kjzeJmyC_qNKrgLd6dvaFF SkRbtz5jXPv7IngQfZgYogmbMxfLFfL37npeGoReW567pfgo4B trA0aqHzf0bAayjQNOi2GmAa041w/s4000/IMG_20231001_170954.jpg)
We then joined the queue for check-in, which whilstrelatively straight forward, then left us sat in a large departure area, withdozens of other passengers, all waiting to board. So much for Mrs PBT’spre-cruise concerns about COVID, which annoyed me somewhat, particularly as I’dbeen religiously avoiding crowded situations. The irony of the situation seemedlost on my good lady wife, but hey-ho, although I informed her that any rulesabout being grounded, would go straight out of the window, we when return home.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6frb_P9B-X8Rsjkqx_DdjGebXG4jOXNECpC7I-09rChci0ywj9OMkyQr3XYl6Pto_HpiOIKxRtpIY57TKBq8_un0-BZrfVcxgx7iaZYQmHZk5lmIWdiXIo9iFCDcQ-TBYStGgztmrOPMqcn7CEcftmCWl6OdzPPmJ-Zit3DPW51g1hRJZzI5KrtqFB3M/w225-h400/IMG_20231005_125750.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6frb_P9B-X8Rsjkqx_DdjGebXG4jOXNECpC7I-09rChci0ywj9OMkyQr3XYl6Pto_HpiOIKxRtpIY57TKBq8_un0-BZrfVcxgx7iaZYQmHZk5lmIWdiXIo9iFCDcQ-TBYStGgztmrOPMqcn7CEcftmCWl6OdzPPmJ-Zit3DPW51g1hRJZzI5KrtqFB3M/s4000/IMG_20231005_125750.jpg)
Despite the queuing, and the airline- style security scanning,we were on board the ship shortly after 2pm. Our bags were ready and waiting,outside the cabin, or “Stateroom,” as the cruise line prefers to call them.After a quick cup of tea, we headed off in search of something to eat, as thetwo slices of toast and marmalade I’d had for breakfast at 7pm, had long ceasedto satisfy my hunger, and Eileen felt pretty much the same. As good, compliant passengers, but also safety-conscioustravellers, we popped along to our designated muster station to have our cardsscanned, and then after walking just a short distance, we chanced upon theGolden Lion. This is the Queen Victoria’s onboard pub, and as it lookedsurprisingly empty, we nipped in, grabbed a seat and ordered a beer for meplus a soft drink for Mrs PBT’s. Those readers familiar with previous cruising postswill know the beer I went for, but for the un-initiated, it was a Cunard Black, one of three beers brewed exclusivelyfor the cruise line, by Salisbury Dark Revolution Brewery of Salisbury.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OnSMyZB6aQPMA_yJqm4WwaFxRJGk4n8XBXqMTfQHNa nw6bo2Bx7K_-n8tni-IE6QMECPyyDbh2RlsZobF_RQ0pSxHnohWfOWNBm2ButrgLiH8L E0ljiRKPoBi6DEaelmIn8rCov42FhW3DgCImsMud2PD-O62jqkfKDZpW3_3OIpeON3MMod28LYdsE/w400-h225/IMG_20231001_144654.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OnSMyZB6aQPMA_yJqm4WwaFxRJGk4n8XBXqMTfQHNa nw6bo2Bx7K_-n8tni-IE6QMECPyyDbh2RlsZobF_RQ0pSxHnohWfOWNBm2ButrgLiH8L E0ljiRKPoBi6DEaelmIn8rCov42FhW3DgCImsMud2PD-O62jqkfKDZpW3_3OIpeON3MMod28LYdsE/s4000/IMG_20231001_144654.jpg)
Described as a “breakfast stout,” Cunard Black is much more anOatmeal Stout, as whilst very enjoyable, I’m not sure that I’d want to beknocking back this 5.7% beer as my first beer of the day!
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrpNkvIl3MrFJMZwRn4-ZYCOiaSXTM2hQ2D7LgTOxribAq5FCPCFeMKxqa9unD23ltFE3X 5lQvGtHouHcOoD5NCsXhx6lXy2PhboAZ6QsATB-47RryJM0ShBWKaeAIBTt8glUSFpPuP_7oRUUdQyLmhyphenhyp henKqUap_Fuu1yf95VtZXtOAqdRNi1rk6MKcAeE/w225-h400/imgly_4098398432763318227.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrpNkvIl3MrFJMZwRn4-ZYCOiaSXTM2hQ2D7LgTOxribAq5FCPCFeMKxqa9unD23ltFE3X 5lQvGtHouHcOoD5NCsXhx6lXy2PhboAZ6QsATB-47RryJM0ShBWKaeAIBTt8glUSFpPuP_7oRUUdQyLmhyphenhyp henKqUap_Fuu1yf95VtZXtOAqdRNi1rk6MKcAeE/s3122/imgly_4098398432763318227.jpg)
Dispensed by whatlooks like a genuine hand-pump, and served in a pint glass, this tasty andfull-bodied jet-black stout represents good value for money at $7.10 a pop(Sterling equivalent (£5.75). Going back to the hand-pump for a minute, whilst Isuspect this is the genuine article, I very much doubt that the beer is kept orconditioned in casks.Battered Atlantic cod, chips and mushy peas was the choicefrom the menu for the both of us and luckily, we’d obviously picked the righttime for lunch as well. It wasn’t long though, before the Golden Lion startedto fill up, after more and more people boarded, and presumably were as hungryas we were. Unfortunately for them, these latecomers were to be disappointed,as the pub only serves meals between midday and 3pm. I’ve a feeling that thepair of us will be making frequent use of the Golden Lion, over the next few weeks.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9q3SiTeIWes-5n9Zhu6iBHlNbPgUO5zG-B0JURpG-wxFK3cyAotSNGKX3P76o6UbB1RW8NVbzvcPjtW8y_VB3lP6aNb nLLHvEbUNPB6XfMWB0OOFL3MH_4UF9BPaHF_k2ExOTzM30qCXl HPIdhCgOfl9Wi70MZKAanBGlYf34EEcX8OCz9Fm-lQs4fw/w225-h400/IMG_20231001_100802.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9q3SiTeIWes-5n9Zhu6iBHlNbPgUO5zG-B0JURpG-wxFK3cyAotSNGKX3P76o6UbB1RW8NVbzvcPjtW8y_VB3lP6aNb nLLHvEbUNPB6XfMWB0OOFL3MH_4UF9BPaHF_k2ExOTzM30qCXl HPIdhCgOfl9Wi70MZKAanBGlYf34EEcX8OCz9Fm-lQs4fw/s4000/IMG_20231001_100802.jpg)
We returned to our cabin afterwards, primarily to unpack, atask which was far quicker for me, than for Eileen who, in deference toHyacinth Bouquet of “Keeping up Appearances” fame, had brought sufficientoutfits for several circumnavigations of the globe! She even used the additional“spare” space present in my suitcase. I jest, but just because there’s no limiton baggage, it still has to be carried, and there is still an airline-styleweight limit of 23 Kg per case, as some poor bugger has to carry it!As well as its own pub, the Queen Victoria has a number ofother bars, self-service buffets, restaurants and opportunities for fine dining.All manner of different cuisines is offered, meaning there is something toplease everyone. So far, we have made use of the Commodore, and Yacht Clubs,the pool bar, the Lido Buffet self-service restaurant, and the much more formal Britannia Restaurant. Somewhat surprisingly, the latter is a good place for a quietspot of lunch, or an equally enjoyable breakfast, away from the often-manicLido Buffet. Kippers feature on the Britannia’s breakfast menu, anattraction I have already experienced for myself.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0u6MAULOEqqlX-cfWc02-lH60qvziLMAeltHWOTupcV3NukfRmRWv541lxVNtJpxt3Dc_d7 XScGrLobjkcxm_f50v00OsWaB96fC8C8a8eFFimVZh05kyQMin Qd0zha1ZM6oAbTw8v0ceCx92FAkq1wGrgss79G9jS2wVeWi2Z5 h7PeouwBdtcSzyI-0/w400-h225/IMG_20231004_115433.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0u6MAULOEqqlX-cfWc02-lH60qvziLMAeltHWOTupcV3NukfRmRWv541lxVNtJpxt3Dc_d7 XScGrLobjkcxm_f50v00OsWaB96fC8C8a8eFFimVZh05kyQMin Qd0zha1ZM6oAbTw8v0ceCx92FAkq1wGrgss79G9jS2wVeWi2Z5 h7PeouwBdtcSzyI-0/s4000/IMG_20231004_115433.jpg)
That’s it for the time being, there will be the occasionalother post about cruising, but more importantly, and I’m sure of more interestto readers, reports of the destinations on our itinerary. We have already experiencedthe delights of the Spanish city of Cadiz, and I look forward to telling you aboutthe parts of Greece, Sardinia and Portugal, that are still to come, as wecontinue our cruise around the Mediterranean, as well as the Atlantic voyageback to Southampton. Follow Blog via EmailClick to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.
More... (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/10/welcome-aboard.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFR5WmSC2hyypoot0ingNaglcSNdr7diaDO0LNUmw5u 6C2W2WOC_tMYiMnHuranV0hH2Vjho8Yl8LmGtMW9hahU39Qko4 mM_hkNI2R_I8gKoP2bRFIs5sMJjqn4UmChiKNAUmcKMIGF0HCf uCGLOttFuvVk4yUlSNScBQuNv8GFpUthybi_vaDkVRybc/w400-h225/IMG_20231001_095128.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFR5WmSC2hyypoot0ingNaglcSNdr7diaDO0LNUmw5u 6C2W2WOC_tMYiMnHuranV0hH2Vjho8Yl8LmGtMW9hahU39Qko4 mM_hkNI2R_I8gKoP2bRFIs5sMJjqn4UmChiKNAUmcKMIGF0HCf uCGLOttFuvVk4yUlSNScBQuNv8GFpUthybi_vaDkVRybc/s4000/IMG_20231001_095128.jpg)
I wrote this post shortly after we boarded our ship, theQueen Victoria, just over a week ago, and I began writing it as we were leavingSouthampton and sailing down the Solent. We had arrived early at the Cruise terminal,after our pre-booked taxi picked us up, shortly before 8 am, last Sundaymorning. Traffic on the motorways was relatively light, which allowed a speedy,and hassle-free journey down from Kent, but unfortunately meant an hour’s wait beforewe could drop off our bags.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXZ53EG4o-nG_jEVh7I42LZ59uM7oaJsHTpX091RffLnI0VgPOdKj166ePMo WM_gSWYYeq5qCk0dRjMCa7e1ipu3kjzeJmyC_qNKrgLd6dvaFF SkRbtz5jXPv7IngQfZgYogmbMxfLFfL37npeGoReW567pfgo4B trA0aqHzf0bAayjQNOi2GmAa041w/w400-h225/IMG_20231001_170954.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXZ53EG4o-nG_jEVh7I42LZ59uM7oaJsHTpX091RffLnI0VgPOdKj166ePMo WM_gSWYYeq5qCk0dRjMCa7e1ipu3kjzeJmyC_qNKrgLd6dvaFF SkRbtz5jXPv7IngQfZgYogmbMxfLFfL37npeGoReW567pfgo4B trA0aqHzf0bAayjQNOi2GmAa041w/s4000/IMG_20231001_170954.jpg)
We then joined the queue for check-in, which whilstrelatively straight forward, then left us sat in a large departure area, withdozens of other passengers, all waiting to board. So much for Mrs PBT’spre-cruise concerns about COVID, which annoyed me somewhat, particularly as I’dbeen religiously avoiding crowded situations. The irony of the situation seemedlost on my good lady wife, but hey-ho, although I informed her that any rulesabout being grounded, would go straight out of the window, we when return home.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6frb_P9B-X8Rsjkqx_DdjGebXG4jOXNECpC7I-09rChci0ywj9OMkyQr3XYl6Pto_HpiOIKxRtpIY57TKBq8_un0-BZrfVcxgx7iaZYQmHZk5lmIWdiXIo9iFCDcQ-TBYStGgztmrOPMqcn7CEcftmCWl6OdzPPmJ-Zit3DPW51g1hRJZzI5KrtqFB3M/w225-h400/IMG_20231005_125750.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6frb_P9B-X8Rsjkqx_DdjGebXG4jOXNECpC7I-09rChci0ywj9OMkyQr3XYl6Pto_HpiOIKxRtpIY57TKBq8_un0-BZrfVcxgx7iaZYQmHZk5lmIWdiXIo9iFCDcQ-TBYStGgztmrOPMqcn7CEcftmCWl6OdzPPmJ-Zit3DPW51g1hRJZzI5KrtqFB3M/s4000/IMG_20231005_125750.jpg)
Despite the queuing, and the airline- style security scanning,we were on board the ship shortly after 2pm. Our bags were ready and waiting,outside the cabin, or “Stateroom,” as the cruise line prefers to call them.After a quick cup of tea, we headed off in search of something to eat, as thetwo slices of toast and marmalade I’d had for breakfast at 7pm, had long ceasedto satisfy my hunger, and Eileen felt pretty much the same. As good, compliant passengers, but also safety-conscioustravellers, we popped along to our designated muster station to have our cardsscanned, and then after walking just a short distance, we chanced upon theGolden Lion. This is the Queen Victoria’s onboard pub, and as it lookedsurprisingly empty, we nipped in, grabbed a seat and ordered a beer for meplus a soft drink for Mrs PBT’s. Those readers familiar with previous cruising postswill know the beer I went for, but for the un-initiated, it was a Cunard Black, one of three beers brewed exclusivelyfor the cruise line, by Salisbury Dark Revolution Brewery of Salisbury.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OnSMyZB6aQPMA_yJqm4WwaFxRJGk4n8XBXqMTfQHNa nw6bo2Bx7K_-n8tni-IE6QMECPyyDbh2RlsZobF_RQ0pSxHnohWfOWNBm2ButrgLiH8L E0ljiRKPoBi6DEaelmIn8rCov42FhW3DgCImsMud2PD-O62jqkfKDZpW3_3OIpeON3MMod28LYdsE/w400-h225/IMG_20231001_144654.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OnSMyZB6aQPMA_yJqm4WwaFxRJGk4n8XBXqMTfQHNa nw6bo2Bx7K_-n8tni-IE6QMECPyyDbh2RlsZobF_RQ0pSxHnohWfOWNBm2ButrgLiH8L E0ljiRKPoBi6DEaelmIn8rCov42FhW3DgCImsMud2PD-O62jqkfKDZpW3_3OIpeON3MMod28LYdsE/s4000/IMG_20231001_144654.jpg)
Described as a “breakfast stout,” Cunard Black is much more anOatmeal Stout, as whilst very enjoyable, I’m not sure that I’d want to beknocking back this 5.7% beer as my first beer of the day!
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrpNkvIl3MrFJMZwRn4-ZYCOiaSXTM2hQ2D7LgTOxribAq5FCPCFeMKxqa9unD23ltFE3X 5lQvGtHouHcOoD5NCsXhx6lXy2PhboAZ6QsATB-47RryJM0ShBWKaeAIBTt8glUSFpPuP_7oRUUdQyLmhyphenhyp henKqUap_Fuu1yf95VtZXtOAqdRNi1rk6MKcAeE/w225-h400/imgly_4098398432763318227.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrpNkvIl3MrFJMZwRn4-ZYCOiaSXTM2hQ2D7LgTOxribAq5FCPCFeMKxqa9unD23ltFE3X 5lQvGtHouHcOoD5NCsXhx6lXy2PhboAZ6QsATB-47RryJM0ShBWKaeAIBTt8glUSFpPuP_7oRUUdQyLmhyphenhyp henKqUap_Fuu1yf95VtZXtOAqdRNi1rk6MKcAeE/s3122/imgly_4098398432763318227.jpg)
Dispensed by whatlooks like a genuine hand-pump, and served in a pint glass, this tasty andfull-bodied jet-black stout represents good value for money at $7.10 a pop(Sterling equivalent (£5.75). Going back to the hand-pump for a minute, whilst Isuspect this is the genuine article, I very much doubt that the beer is kept orconditioned in casks.Battered Atlantic cod, chips and mushy peas was the choicefrom the menu for the both of us and luckily, we’d obviously picked the righttime for lunch as well. It wasn’t long though, before the Golden Lion startedto fill up, after more and more people boarded, and presumably were as hungryas we were. Unfortunately for them, these latecomers were to be disappointed,as the pub only serves meals between midday and 3pm. I’ve a feeling that thepair of us will be making frequent use of the Golden Lion, over the next few weeks.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9q3SiTeIWes-5n9Zhu6iBHlNbPgUO5zG-B0JURpG-wxFK3cyAotSNGKX3P76o6UbB1RW8NVbzvcPjtW8y_VB3lP6aNb nLLHvEbUNPB6XfMWB0OOFL3MH_4UF9BPaHF_k2ExOTzM30qCXl HPIdhCgOfl9Wi70MZKAanBGlYf34EEcX8OCz9Fm-lQs4fw/w225-h400/IMG_20231001_100802.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9q3SiTeIWes-5n9Zhu6iBHlNbPgUO5zG-B0JURpG-wxFK3cyAotSNGKX3P76o6UbB1RW8NVbzvcPjtW8y_VB3lP6aNb nLLHvEbUNPB6XfMWB0OOFL3MH_4UF9BPaHF_k2ExOTzM30qCXl HPIdhCgOfl9Wi70MZKAanBGlYf34EEcX8OCz9Fm-lQs4fw/s4000/IMG_20231001_100802.jpg)
We returned to our cabin afterwards, primarily to unpack, atask which was far quicker for me, than for Eileen who, in deference toHyacinth Bouquet of “Keeping up Appearances” fame, had brought sufficientoutfits for several circumnavigations of the globe! She even used the additional“spare” space present in my suitcase. I jest, but just because there’s no limiton baggage, it still has to be carried, and there is still an airline-styleweight limit of 23 Kg per case, as some poor bugger has to carry it!As well as its own pub, the Queen Victoria has a number ofother bars, self-service buffets, restaurants and opportunities for fine dining.All manner of different cuisines is offered, meaning there is something toplease everyone. So far, we have made use of the Commodore, and Yacht Clubs,the pool bar, the Lido Buffet self-service restaurant, and the much more formal Britannia Restaurant. Somewhat surprisingly, the latter is a good place for a quietspot of lunch, or an equally enjoyable breakfast, away from the often-manicLido Buffet. Kippers feature on the Britannia’s breakfast menu, anattraction I have already experienced for myself.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0u6MAULOEqqlX-cfWc02-lH60qvziLMAeltHWOTupcV3NukfRmRWv541lxVNtJpxt3Dc_d7 XScGrLobjkcxm_f50v00OsWaB96fC8C8a8eFFimVZh05kyQMin Qd0zha1ZM6oAbTw8v0ceCx92FAkq1wGrgss79G9jS2wVeWi2Z5 h7PeouwBdtcSzyI-0/w400-h225/IMG_20231004_115433.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0u6MAULOEqqlX-cfWc02-lH60qvziLMAeltHWOTupcV3NukfRmRWv541lxVNtJpxt3Dc_d7 XScGrLobjkcxm_f50v00OsWaB96fC8C8a8eFFimVZh05kyQMin Qd0zha1ZM6oAbTw8v0ceCx92FAkq1wGrgss79G9jS2wVeWi2Z5 h7PeouwBdtcSzyI-0/s4000/IMG_20231004_115433.jpg)
That’s it for the time being, there will be the occasionalother post about cruising, but more importantly, and I’m sure of more interestto readers, reports of the destinations on our itinerary. We have already experiencedthe delights of the Spanish city of Cadiz, and I look forward to telling you aboutthe parts of Greece, Sardinia and Portugal, that are still to come, as wecontinue our cruise around the Mediterranean, as well as the Atlantic voyageback to Southampton. Follow Blog via EmailClick to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.
More... (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/10/welcome-aboard.html)