"It isn't that life ashore is distasteful to me. But life at sea is better." ~ Sir Francis Drake

By the time we finally left New York harbor...

we were entering day two of our voyage.

The Queen Mary 2 has many options for accommodations with prices to fit any budget, 

 and a balcony was something we were willing to pay extra for. 
There is something to be said for opening your sleepy eyes and saying...

 to this view.

 Ren Man was wise beyond his years and chose the perfect side of the ship to catch the sun rising each morning to say hello.

We have fully unpacked for the first time since leaving Scotland before Christmas 
and it feels great to no longer be living out of a suitcase. 

The upgrade mentioned yesterday includes a walk-in closet and a butler named Michael.
Although we share this delightful young man with other suites, 
he seems to know our every need.
We love Michael.

Meanwhile…
Ren Man will be popping in this week to give a few technical details about our days at sea.

Ren Report

It has been perfect sailing weather in the North Atlantic during the past two days. 

The Queen Mary 2 departed New York harbor a little after midnight on Friday, January 3^rd on its 10th Anniversary transatlantic crossing.  QM2 is 1,132 feet long and accommodates 2,620 passengers serviced by approximately 1,250 crew members. 

Upon leaving New York harbor we passed under the Verrazano Bridge, which connects New Jersey to Brooklyn, and turned right on a 90^o, due east heading at speed of approximately 20 knots.  For the first day and a half the seas have been calm with less than two-foot waves.  The weather was pleasant but chilly all day Saturday however on Sunday morning the temperature rose from the 20s to the 50s as we entered the Gulf Stream and water temperatures rose from the 20s to the 60s.

After heading due east for a little over a day the ship has passed the Grand Banks and has turned slightly north on to a heading of approximately 50^o, to start a curved arch course towards our destination of Southampton England.  Winds picked up slightly Sunday afternoon and barometric pressure is falling slightly, which means our beautiful weather will likely not last.

Click on the QM2 link mentioned above to check our progress on the web cam.

Believe me, the view will not change, 

but the fun continues on board.

Cheers!