It may have taken us a little longer than we thought to get connected to the internet on board the Queen Mary 2, but we have eventually found the time in our hectic on-board schedule to bring you all some photos and an update on our travels.

With a great deal of help from Richard's parents, we managed to close up the house in Sonning and make our way to the Southampton docks on one of the hottest days of the year in England. Thankfully our limo to the docks had air conditioning, and the furkids were able to comfortably enjoy the ride in their new carriers. Unfortunately the Southampton terminal where we were dropped off did not, so we were forced to spend several minutes in the sweltering heat while we waited for the kennel personnel to arrive and take the kids. Thankfully the rest of the embarkation went exceptionally smoothly and before we knew it we were on board. In fact, it all went a bit too quickly - we ended up only able to say the briefest of goodbyes to Richard's parents as the furkids were being wheeled away.

We were ushered past the general entrance and went directly on board to the kennels with our babies. The kennels were pre-marked with their names and blankets already in place for them to settle in. We were advised of the time we could return to see them and we said a quick goodbye and went to check on our own accommodations.

After we settled in ourselves we went back to check on the kids and were quite relieved to see that they were adjusting well. As Munchkin is the only cat on board at present, she was given a double kennel to herself. The boys were placed in the kennels directly beneath her and as requested the partition between their 2 kennels had been removed so that they could share their spaces. Their toys had already been removed from their carriers and placed in with them. We spoke with Robinson, the kennel man, regarding their routine and feeding schedule. He seemed genuinely interested in their well being and we felt much better after meeting him. We were able to spend a bit of time with the kids before we went off to shower and get ready for dinner.

The following day we came during the appointed visiting hours to spend a bit of time with the boys & Munch. We could tell that Charlie had already taken to Robinson and this new adventure. Denny seemed a bit more unsure, but we could tell by his demeanour that he was not frightened or fearful. During our later visits we could see him relaxing more and more.

Off the room with the kennels is an indoor playroom that the dogs are taken to when they cannot go outside. Outside the kennels is a section of deck that has been reserved just for the dogs. There are gates placed at either end so that passengers are not walking through and disturbing the animals. Visitors may request to come and see the kennels but the staff defer to the wishes of the boarded pets' owners before allowing anyone in the area.

On the second day we set up chairs in the indoor playroom and had the boys sit on our laps to get some cuddle time in. It was precisely what they needed. Denny visibly relaxed and became the sweet cuddly pug we know and love. We have continued to do this both on the deck and in the indoor play area on each of our visits and I cannot tell who enjoys it more - the boys or us. Meanwhile, on each visit I take Munch out of her kennel and walk around with her a bit. I took her out on the deck once, but it seemed a bit overwhelming for her so we haven't done that again. She seems content to just nuzzle my shoulder for a while. Good ole Munch - she's quite the international traveller now.

We have lots more to talk about and many many more photos to show you too, check back in tomorrow and we will be posting a little more. We only have one more day at sea before we arrive in New York and then the real adventure begins - the trip of a lifetime has only just begun!