The new Cunard ship, QUEEN ANNE, is fantastic. Ship tour, top to bottom.

 The Ultimate QUEEN ANNE cruise ship tour, top to bottom. Take a look at this marvellous ship.

This is the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag, the newest and the most modern. The Pinnacle Class ship is well established with Holland and America, but the inside spaces of this version have been re-designed for Cunard. It is a clever use of space throughout. Second in size to the QM2 it comfortably holds 3000 guests. The theatre has 835 seats over decks 1 and 2, and the library has 2700 books not including the book swap cabinet. There are 14 guest decks, it has a gross weight of 113,000 GRT and has over 4300 artworks and sculptures.

It is easy to forget that Holland & America, Princess, Cunard and P&O are all Carnival companies, and their ship ideas and findings can be shared. There are elements throughout this very classy ship that cruisers will be familiar with.

It has all the class of the Cunard ships, the terrific service, but it has all been cleverly updated. This contemporary new ship offers what you might be looking for from a modern 2024 cruise ship. It is now Stuart's favourite cruise ship, and Jean has at least three favourites, of which the Queen Anne is firmly one of the trio, as is the QM2.

This family ship may be the one you wish to try. The film goes from top to bottom and there is so much to see we don't waste time in detailing food or the entertainment acts, it just shows everything the ship offers, and that took 18 minutes. We will have to do the food another time.

The six Cunard suites are named after famous Cunard waterways including: River Mersey, River Clyde, Hudson River, The Solent, Boston Harbour and Halifax Harbour. Those we did not see on this short five day taster cruise to Bruges but we filmed our state room on deck one, then went to see a more expensive one on deck 11. What was the difference? The balcony.

Cabin Tour Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2V_DnA2aRQ

The short cruise does not, and cannot replicate a proper cruise, but it does give many a chance to sample both the ship and cruising. It is an adventure to sample a new cruise, and in just four weeks we went to Bruges twice. First was on the QM2 and the second time was on the Queen Anne. Both were obviously Cunard is feel and service. The uniforms are slightly different on the QA, but the service is the same. Whereas the Victoria is a gin ship, the Anne is a rum ship, and where the gin bar sits on the Victoria there is a port bar that cleverly doubles as a cafe during the day. It is these small innovations that show how this classy ship has entered the new age of cruising. It is not art deco, or trying to hark back to a past era, it is most definitely contemporary, but in a smart and stylish way.

As always, we show holding back comment, and as much as we both love the QM2, this is a firm new favourite. It is definitely not built on a budget and just filled with cushions. This ship was built by Fincantieri in Italy

Compare with the QM2. tour video = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ruq3EmrX-is

Compare with the Queen Victoria = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Yd3XXY95_M

Viking Neptune - a cruise ship in a class of its own

Quite simply the Viking Neptune is a wonderful all balcony ship with spacious Explorer suites. Once sailed on, you will not be able to judge other ships by the high standards it sets. Viking has a style, and it is not based on budget. It is not a ship that you look at for a budget or bargain cruise, it is a cruise that is a wonderful holiday and there is no finer way to travel, if there is, we haven't done that yet. They may suggest that once you add in the free drinks with meals, the free fast WIFI, the free additional fine dining restaurants and a free tour at most stops, what you have to lay out saves to the point of making it a very reasonable holiday with the beautifully designed in the understated elegance for which Viking is known.

Technically it is a small ship, and although there seems far too many facilities for a small ship it has under 1000 guests so hits the title. Just as its eight sister ships (the number is growing), she is about 47,800 tons, 465 cabins with accommodation for 930 passengers.

The Neptune marks a quantum leap in the longstanding cooperation between Viking and Fincantieri for designing, delivering and operating sustainable and eco-friendly cruise vessels. It embodies the first result of the experimental hydrogen fuel cell module, with a nominal power of 100 kW. There appears to be, at any given time, at least one, but many more than one new ship being built for Viking.

The difference the guest sees starts in the way they are approached. The daily events paper is just that, it is not trying to sell things. There is no pressure to buy anything. There is no pressure. The quality of food is comparable to a top restaurant. Quite simply, you are in a top city hotel and not a motel. The staff dress and address you in a way you would expect if entering a Park Lane Hotel.

We have two versions of the film, and on both we use the music of the very talented Laurence Murray. His song Nothing More To Say/Red Thread of Fate should be a hit. Laurence's own Spotify page is here. The Red Thread of Fate is a love song, and is inspired by the Red Thread of Marriage, joining, and other variants of togetherness even when apart. It is an East Asian belief originating from Chinese mythology.

The shorter 6 minute long version of the filmed tour on our channel.

Marsworth Steam & Classic Vehicle Rally 2024

Marsworth Steam and Classic Vehicle is an established day out, yet the queue was full of excited guests discussing that they never knew about it. The faithul were joined by a huge number of new comers for this special day out. It is hard to figure why all this effort goes into just one day.

You can count the full-sized steam engines yourself in the film, there must have been over two dozen. The was half a dozen small ride on models and various engines. The parade of tractors was impressive, and there were ropws of great cars from which to find your favourite.

But as well as steam fans being thrilled by the authentic vehicles, kept with a keen eye for attention to detail and the other vintage and classic vehicles gleaming in the sun at Marsworth on father's day, there were ice cream stands, bouncy castles, carriage rides and a robot bear riding around on his tricycle.

There were garden stalls and classic toy car stalls with collections that threw seniors back to their childhood. The military vehicles and weapons flagged the 80th anniversary of D-Day and everyone was well entertained, fed by the food stalls and watered by the beer tent.

The organ played set the background music to the pumping engines young and not-so-young were kept happy. The queues to get into the field were long by midday and the car parks bursting before the various arena events. 

ALIENS - The two who were the Queen Alien is James Cameron's ALIENS

Aliens. Shot way back in 1985.

The two performers who were the Queen Alien re-met in 2024. That was 38.5 years after the movie - the testing, design, building, and the shoot of the Alien Queen which started in the fall of 1985. 

James Cameron specifically chose Malcolm Weaver and Stuart St Paul over the many others who tested and auditioned. The movie was expecting to have a team of performers to be the Queen Alien, but James Cameron said that Malcolm Weaver and Stuart St Paul 'understood' his monster. They just got it.  Stan Winston modelled the monster around their bodies.

Hear their story as they remember it.

They went inside the monster every day for months and communicated directly with James Cameron as they performed the Queen Alien, and the fight with Sigourney Weaver and Michael Biehn

Having been together for nearly six months, chatting, they opened an office at Pinewood Studios in Shed 14 just by the James Bond stage. They stored and hired stunt and flying equipment to endless movies and commercials. 

The two talk of years as stunt partners, travelling the world and performing some crazy jobs.

Malcolm Weaver Autographs

https://www.autographica.co.uk/products/copy-of-malcolm-weaver-alien-queen-in-aliens-hand-signed-10-x-8-photo?_pos=1&_sid=c3d129e63&_ss=r

The Queen Alien in Aliens

Movie contracts used to look like this until lawyers added 60 more pages.

I have a box of #QueenAlien #AlienQueen contracts. I guess Malcolm Weaver has too, he was the other side of her body. #Aliens #Aliensmovie It is impossible to know that you are working a really special film, but it was obvious to me we were working with a genius. Malcolm and I worked very closely with Stan Winston and James Cameron. Within days, Jim reduced the 6-man Alien team to just Malcolm and me. The reason we were told was that we understood his creature. I like to believe that he was that determined to get detail. Others might say it was Gayle running the budget. Whichever, it gave us a movie experience never to be repeated. Being the Queen Alien is one of those jobs that sticks. That gets you invited around the world to sign pictures and talk at events. Now, I get asked about my novels. But when you spend your apprenticeship learning from storytellers like James Cameron in a one-to-one situation for months, you absorb their character study because you are performing it. I should not ignore working closely with Sigourney Weaver but only mention her second as my work with her was so much less.

Jim built the Queen. He was there when we were hanging in bags, and he was explaining what he had in his head. The sculptures and latex modellers, including Steve Norrington who I went on to work with at Fugitive (see Krays blog) who was one of those.  We worked in a studio building, modelling and creating the Queen Alien inside and out, for weeks and months. The Queen grew in character as she grew in looks. Then, when we came to dance with the clapper loader, it was Sigourney's stunt double who everything was done with until it was ready for her to come in and see what was possible.  Then we went head to head and talked through the latex and dripping KY jelly.

Most of the work was done at Pinewood Studios, my second home from about 1979 to 1986. That period included Octopussy, Who Dares Wins, The Elephant Man and A View To A Kill. The other stages were rich with movies and other performers who became lifelong friends. But it was there I was taught to dream big, to think film, to understand your face would be sixty feet wise on the big screen so conserve your acting and emotions to be seen without great movement. It was a huge chapter in my learning to be a storyteller.

Here is a review that came in this morning on an American book club. Guess I should thank my peers.

Review of Cruise Ship Heistpost by priya43217 » 12 Sep 2023, 04:23 [Following is a volunteer review of "Cruise Ship Heist" by Stuart St Paul.] Book Cover 5 out of 5 stars Share This Review

I had the privilege of immersing myself in the pages of 'Cruise Ship Heist,' and as an avid reviewer, I'm excited to share my thoughts on this captivating novel. From the moment I embarked on this literary journey, I was immediately drawn into a world of suspense, intrigue, and heart-pounding action. In 'Cruise Ship Heist,' the intricate plot unfolds against the luxurious backdrop of a cruise ship, setting the stage for a high-stakes robbery that keeps readers guessing at every turn. As a reviewer, I found myself engrossed in the author's masterful storytelling, expertly weaving together a diverse cast of characters, each with their own hidden motives and secrets. The relentless pacing of the narrative, coupled with explosive action sequences, ensures that the tension remains palpable throughout, leaving no room for complacency. What sets this novel apart is its exploration of themes beyond the surface-level heist. 'Cruise Ship Heist' delves into the depths of human desires – from greed to loyalty – all while challenging the characters' moral boundaries. The relationships and alliances formed amidst the chaos add an extra layer of complexity to the story, highlighting the intricate web of emotions that drives their actions. As a reviewer, I appreciated how the author's vivid descriptions brought the cruise ship and its opulent surroundings to life, providing a stark contrast to the imminent danger that lurked beneath. The book's ability to seamlessly balance action with character development allowed me to not only root for the characters' survival but also connect with their struggles and triumphs on a personal level. In conclusion, 'Cruise Ship Heist' is a roller-coaster of a read that caters to fans of thrilling suspense and intricate plotlines. I am delighted to recommend this novel to fellow readers and reviewers who crave a novel that keeps them at the edge of their seats, challenges their perceptions, and ultimately delivers an unforgettable literary experience. As a reviewer, I can confidently say that 'Cruise Ship Heist' is a voyage well worth taking.". ****** Cruise Ship Heist View: on Amazon

Recently at a talk where I was explaining the months as the Queen Alien, a fan came up with the notorious flight jacket on all badged up. She presented me with a picture she had taken of me, the Alien. I have to thank artist Lynsey Hutchinson for helping me remember a very special time that few had the foresight to see how special and memorable it would be. If only we had smartphones back then.

Also, follow my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CruiseShipHeist/

Charleston USA Jean’s guide for Doris Visits

Charleston USA Jean’s guide for Doris Visits: 

The port can appear at the bottom of a New England Cruise, or the top of a Caribbean Cruise.

BOSTON - a vibrant cruise port

 Boston Massachusetts has a lot to offer. Cruisers are likely to be dropped off at Quincy Market by the shuttle bus. Everything is nearby. Faneuil Hall, the Freedom Trail museum and lecture centre is through the market in the next building. The wharf is in the other direction. In our video guide.

• 0:00 Introduction by Jean
• 0:15 Quincey Market & Faneuil Hall
• 1:54 Paul Revere House
• 2:35 Clough House
• 2:46 Captain Jackson's Historic Chocolate shop
• 3:37 Edes & Gill Printing Office
• 5:33 Boston Common
• 5:40 Massachusetts State House
• 5:51 Cheers
• 6:32 Long Wharf
• 7:50 Boston Tea Party Museum
• 8:47 Joes

TIPS FOR BOSTON from NANCY on our chat groups

On the Harbor Walk near the Tea Party Museum at the James Hook and Co, you can find the most authentic lobster rolls. It’s a little place on the water with picnic tables outside and to die for lobster rolls or steamed lobsters.

Also try Mike's Pastry in the Italian North End, famous for its cannoli.

Walking through the Boston Common, continue over to the Boston Garden and take a ride on Boston’s iconic Swan Boats, then continue for a stroll up Newbury Street.

 

THE DORIS VISITS FILM CONTINUES

Jean takes you to the visitor's centre in Faneuil Hall run by The National Park Service. She then starts you on the Freedom Trail which is a 2.5-mile-long walk that passes by 16 locations. It is marked out largely with a winding brick line. It was the idea of local journalist William Schofield in 1951, and by 1953, 40,000 people were walking the trail annually. She dives off and finds Cheers then takes you along the Wharf for a very rounded film of Boston. Note, Boston is the subject of our Halloween Podcast (S1E03) because it is famous for its ghosts and ghoulies!

1. Boston Common
2. Massachusetts State House
3. Park Street Church
4. Granary Burying Ground
5. King's Chapel and Burying Ground
6. Benjamin Franklin statue and the former site of Boston Latin School
7. Old Corner Bookstore
8. Old South Meeting House
9. Old State House
10. Site of the Boston Massacre
11. Faneuil Hall
12. Paul Revere House
13. Old North Church and Clough House.
14. Copp's Hill Burying Ground
15. USS Constitution
16. Bunker Hill Monument

Fred Olsen cruises to BOSTON click here.

Marella Cruises - Marella Central America Cruises

The Harborwalk connects over forty parks, a dozen museums, seven beaches and hundreds of restaurants and stores and stretches 43 miles along the Bay of what is officially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is the most populated state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. The variety the walk offers ranges from maritime industrial areas and working port operations to areas for swimming or fishing. You are never going to walk it all, not in a day, certainly not at a cruise stop, but it is interesting to know that it links so much. Mayor Raymond Flynn began this project in 1984 as a commitment to protect public access as the waterfront was redeveloped. Since then, the Harborwalk has emerged piece-by-piece and is nearing completion. Where possible it is a 12-foot pathway with public amenities such as parks, restaurants, stores, cultural institutions and importantly bathrooms. There is also a water transportation infrastructure.

There is a house tucked away by the old church that is on the Heritage trail, it is called Clough House and is a gem that deserves a special mention. It is an old house, built in 1712 by master bricklayer Ebenezer Clough as a home for himself and his wife. Now, inside there are two actors working their socks off all day, one demonstrating the old-fashioned way of making chocolate in Captain Jackson's old Chocolate shop. The other, Howard, is printing on an old double-press printing press as if in the old shop of Edes and Gill. He prints the Declaration of American Independence, which they then sell. Anyone can sign it and it and have it hung on the wall. Entrance to this house is free, which is amazing as most of the sites and places to visit on the coast charge, some quite regally, but here at Clough House they do have things to sell and ask for donations. They suggest three dollars!

Until 1806, the home was lived in by individual families, the first two generations of the Clough family, and then Joseph and Sarah Pierce and their families.  The home was inherited by their daughters and their politically active husbands, including Moses Grant, a participant in the Boston Tea Party.  It was purchased in 1959 by the Old North Foundation for the purpose of showing the past as a working interpretative space. 

Cheers, the new bar is a rebuild of the original bar, The Bull and Finch Pub, that was here in 1981 and inspired the writers to go off and write the sitcom which is now part of popular modern history. The interiors were obviously shot in a studio built in Los Angeles, but this is the exterior that was used over and over again. The show was nearly canned as the first series failed to gain an audience; it ranked nearly last in the ratings. The show ran from 1982 to 1993 and reached number seven on the charts and is listed as one of NBC's best all-time shows. A staff writer on the show who later joined the production team, David Lawrence Angell was on the first plane to hit the World Trade Centre in 2001.

Boston has become a fun young city with much to offer. Inland there is another path, a brick line as Dorothy might follow in the Wizard or Freedom, because it is the Freedom Trail with many stops of interest from the Boston Massacre, to the Tea Party. From the real Cheers bar to the one at Quincy Market, from Museums to lectures and information by Park Rangers, Boston is a city you can walk around. Here is our overview film. The guide to Boston.