Horatio Hedgehog

01/11/2024

Last stop in Gijon. 'weather-wise' we've been blessed unlike eastern Spain. Superb red Honda 650 CBR to admire. Very tempted but then we don't get such weather in Dorset.

31/10/2024

Now over half way on my first trip on Queen Anne. Very mixed feelings but a week will be enough.

Have yet to find any guest and also crew who are happy to be here. Very sad but it's modern life where Cunard has taken the P&O route. Even those happy with P&O say the same, they were expecting a Cunard classic experience as portrayed on the other ships.

Best comedy last night was to find now that a new policy in the shops here, whatever you spend there is a 30cent charge for a bag to put your purchase in. Applies at all levels even if you're buying a $20,000 watch, however the Assistant said he would break the rules, a wise move. Silly I know but a shame.

The crew who would prefer to be on the other Cunards is very sad, but overall this ship just shows how service can be impacted when the bean counters tighten their grip.

Will be back on QM2 soon.

30/10/2024

Another day Another port, this time Lisbon.
Saw this station on Michael Portilos Railway journeys programme on TV. Impressive architecture.

29/10/2024

Major panic as we left Vigo ten minutes ago. A junior seagull was trapped on my balcony and couldn't escape as he was flying against his reflection in the glass. Sadly contacting the only number we have in any form of emergency, the Pursers Desk was a waste of time as no one answering, instead, we had to walk down 8 decks to get action. Very few officers etc visible, another cut back possibly but very distressing. Thankfully two excellent Philino deck crew sorted the situation, thank guys.

29/10/2024

Very warm and sunny in Vigo today. The Police on motorbikes driving past the fake handbag sellers causing them to move, only to return a few moments later. Comical.

27/10/2024

At last back cruising. My first time on new Queen Anne and it's a very sunny October day to enjoy the trip.
Very impressed with the ship but stateroom and balcony seem smaller than my favourites of QM2 and Queen Victoria. Perhaps too restricted for a full world trip.

On a positive note, nice soft spongy slippers and although soft dressing robes, they are the inferior velour, not toweling as I'm used to at home. Yes I know I'm totally spoilt! However the biggest improvement is the bathroom with glass doors.

In summarising, very pleasant but doesn't quite have the country house experience I'm used to, following my stays at the Chewton Glen in the New Forest and the Manoir au Quatre Seasons in the Cotswolds. However I will manage.

26/10/2024

Met up with a few mates when out in the New Forest a week ago in our Indian Summer. Precious memories. Hx.

Check out Horatio Hedgehog’s video.

23/10/2024

I'm sure much of our highstreets have now turned into money laundering fronts. No town needs as many barbers, kebabs, v**e shops and phone shops. They never go out of business and if they do, they just change the branding. It's all a front!!

What do you think?

22/10/2024

Obvious now it's been pointed out.

22/10/2024

Big Larry's last day out before hibernation tomorrow. Superb lawn.

19/10/2024

The good old days. Reviews like this were why Top Gear was needed, an early equivalent with Raymond Baxter.

07/10/2024

That plank Starmer still giving the joke writers loads of material.

24/09/2024

Staying in Devon for a few days. This certainly won't be allowed under our new woke government. Thankfully I am a hedgehog and I identify as the same.

22/09/2024

Thankfully the rain has stopped. I'm having a few days chilling out of this spa and golf course hotel in East Devon. This place was originally built for Nigel Mansell, the F1 driver but he has since sold it

20/09/2024

Sadly true, at least my conscious is clear, I voted Reform.

😂😂😂

15/09/2024

Last event this year at Wilton House near Salisbury. Pleased I'm in a Mercedes, a little bit of class as 911s and Mclarens are 2 a penny here.

Not saying I'm not an EV fan but none in sight anywhere, probably busy looking for a charging point.

15/09/2024

🤷‍♂️😂