While a transatlantic crossing aboard a grand ship such as the QM2 is certainly a stylish way to travel for us, the true reason for us choosing this mode of transport was of course the boys. The difficulties of trying to find a safe way to bring them to the States were more than we had imagined. This seemed the perfect solution.

I must say that the treatment the boys have received has met and exceeded our expectations. While it is difficult for us to be impartial where our little guys are concerned, we cannot help but report that they seem to have enchanted the entire ship. Every day when we go to visit them we have crowds of people on either side of their deck area lining up to catch a glimpse of them as they frolic and play. Children and adults alike giggle as the boys run up to them and Charlie howls. Of course his howls quickly subside as Charlie and Denny jockey for position to lick the hands of passengers leaning over the gates trying to pet the boys. Cameras and video cameras always seem to be at the ready to catch the boys in action.

As part of the "Pampered Pets" program on board, the QM2 staff has provided Denny, Charlie and Munchkin with gift bags. Included for all three was a bowl and scoop with the QM2 logo. Munchkin was presented with a leather collar with a QM2 charm on it, while the boys received coats embossed with the same logo. In addition, the boys participated in a photo shoot on deck Friday afternoon. It was a bit chaotic and terribly windy, but all the spectators enjoyed watching us trying to corral the boys for a moment of peace for posterity.

Saturday morning Richard and I were having a quiet moment enjoying a cup of tea in the Winter Garden when a lady approached us and asked if we were "the ones with the dogs." I answered that we did have dogs on board, at which time she responded "Oh, the pictures are fantastic!" Apparently our photos were on display in the photo gallery along side of the formal portraits and embarkation shots of all of the passengers. We decided that we would head down there to see for ourselves. While we were attempting to find the photos of the kids we saw a lady holding one of the photos in her hands. She then turned to go to the cashier and attempted to buy the photo!

We looked through the assorted shots and were delighted to see several that we felt showed off the character and beauty of our little guys. We had been presented with a voucher to redeem for a free copy of a photo, but had neglected to bring it with us that time. So, we decided to return later. Last night we stopped back by after dinner. As we entered we saw the attendant looking at the pictures of our boys. She laughed and said she was admiring them and we commented that it seemed others had been as well. She reported that several passengers had requested copies to purchase for themselves. However she stated that other passengers were not allowed to buy copies. Pity, we would love for anyone who wants to enjoy looking at our boys to be able to do so. Perhaps we should post the boys' website for people to go to so they can see our little guys anytime they would like!

As a result of these photos, we seem to have become a talking point among a number of other passengers. We have heard several people talking to each other saying "they're the one with the dogs" while pointing at us.

We have yet to pick out which photo (or photos) we will be taking, but unfortunately we will not be able to share them with you for a while as they are prints and we are unable to scan anything while on the road. However, we do have more photos that Richard has taken with his digital camera that we can upload and share with you now.

As we post this we are just a few hours away from Ambrose lighthouse off the coast of New York. As we pass this the ship will take on a pilot to guide her through the coastal waters and safely into harbour. At about 5:15am we should be passing the Statue of Liberty where we can truly say to Denny & Charlie… "Welcome to America!"