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OUR
VOYAGE TO NEW YORK ON THE NEW QUEEN MARY LINER, THE QM2.
The
QM2, The largest Atlantic liner ever.
From a Cunard postcard.
CONTENTS
1. Planning the Voyage.
2. Embarkation at Southampton
3.
The Voyage to New York
3.1 June 27th.
3.2 Daily
Routine
3.3 Eating
4. Around
the ship.
4.1 The Grand Lobby
4.2 Ship's Bell
4.3
The Open Deck Areas
5. The
Entertainments
6. Arriving at New York
6.1 First Impressions
6.2
Disembarkation and Transfer
6.3 At the Times Square
Hilton Hotel.
7. Around New York
.
8. The 4th. of July.
9. Leaving New
York.
10. The Return Voyage.
10.1 Cunard History Posters
10.2 Back at Southampton
11. Reflections
12. The Final Reckoning
1. Planning
the Voyage.
Diane and I first
planned our voyage to New York one year in advance
in mid 2007. One day, reading the Daily Telegraph,
I saw an advertisement, "Visit New York with No Flying!".
We had given up holidays
by air since Diane had to use a wheelchair to get
around and I had surgery and could not push her around the airports.
Our holidays were motoring tours in France mostly using our
Chrysler PT Cruiser car which is very comfortable for both of
us. We had never done any other sort of "cruising" but it seemed
here was the answer to our dream of going to New York, the one place
left in the USA that we really wanted to see.
We booked the trip
through the company who placed the Telegraph advert
for the 6 days voyage from Southampton to New York, then
staying in the Times Square Hilton hotel for 6 days and then
the return voyage to Southampton.
This was in April 2007
for departure on the 26th. July 2008, so we had a
year to save the money and make our arrangements. The cost
was £6902.64 which was far more than our usual
holiday budget, but this was to be a special "One-off" and we
knew it was our last chance to go to New York. This cost would
include everything on board except alcoholic drinks, and our
room cost at the Times Square Hilton. We would have to add the
other costs there and the service charge on board of $22.00
per day. We laid aside enough money to cover all these costs so
we not need to economise during the holiday and it proved to be
enough.
Another expense was having
to have new clothes, no worry to Diane but I had to
have a dress suit for dinner. I managed to get one quite reasonably
from Marks & Spencer with some shirts and a bow tie.
2. Embarkation
at Southampton
On the departure day,
June 26th 2008, we left Green Hill in our PT Cruiser
around midday to be at Southampton QEII dock by ,2.00 pm the
embarkation time we had been given. It was an easy journey of
75 miles and we were well in time at Southampton. The car was
valet parked and we made our way to the check in. Diane was using
her electric scooter which we felt would be easier to use on the
ship than a wheelchair and give her more independence.
Embarkation we had
hoped would be easier than at an airport as there was
only one ship and all day to do it, but this was not the case
as most people arrived at the same time despite the staggered embarkation
method. However, as Diane was on the scooter they gave us
a special check in which speeded things up for us and we were
on board in an hour or so.
The next problem was
getting a lift up to deck 5 where our cabin was having
boarded on deck 2. Everyone else wanted to use the lifts
and getting the scooter in as well was a problem. Also,
some lifts were dedicated to the luggage being taken to
our cabins which restricted the number of lifts available.
When I learned later
that the ship had to be turned around the same day
as it arrived and outward bound by ,5.00 pm I realised then it
was actually an amazingly well managed operation.
We got into our cabin
eventually and started to unpack our clothes. The cabin
was quite adequate with a very large 6ft. double bed as well
as a sofa bed. We thought I would have to use that because
of Diane's arthritis, but in fact the large bed gave us plenty
of room and it was nice to be sleeping together again.
A bottle of "Champagne",
actually sparkling Blanc de Blanc, on ice with chocolates
was on the table for us.
Being a balcony cabin,
I could look out and see the ship being made ready
to sail and very close to 5.00 pm she started to move
away from the dock. The Deep sound of the Horn sounded and we
were away!
SOUTHAMPTON Departing from QE2 Dock.
ISLE of WIGHT FERRY
Looking
up from our cabin to the Bridge
We went for our dinner at 7.30 pm having
been told by the steward it was "From 6 till 8", but
we were too late! The first sitting time was at .6.00 pm last
orders at 6.30 but they provided a main course for us before
the second sitting started at 8.00 pm. Not a good start, but
we corrected the error by going to a self service restaurant that
was open till late and had a lovely slice of roast beef with
vegetables.
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3. The Voyage to New York
3.1 June 27th. The next day, after breakfast in the
cabin, we attended a cocktail party with the Captain before
lunch in the magnificent Queen's Room. The "cocktail" was the
sparkling blanc de blanc. The party was for the ROL tour passengers,
some 500 or so, to introduce the representatives. Captain
Christopher Wells introduced himself and some crew members including
the Scottish, Chief Engineer Ronnie Kerr who suited the role
and looked like the Scotty from Star Trek.
The Captain explained
that we were on a voyage not a cruise, "We are not
stopping anywhere on the way". This was an Atlantic crossing
of the classic kind undertaken by the famous "Blue Riband"
liners of the past age before air travel took over, and
he explained the QM2 was built for that purpose and she could
take the heaviest Atlantic seas head on because of her sharp,
tapering bow designed to maintain her speed of up to 30 knots to
keep to the schedule demanded. I had watched a TV programme on the
building of the QM2 called "Megastructures" which help to explain
this purpose and design of the QM2. We expected to be overawed
and we were.
3.2 Daily Routine: We soon
got used to the organized routine of life on board the ship.
Each day we were given a "Daily Programme"
leaflet. This listed all the entertainments, activities
and restaurant details. It appeared in our cabin after
dinner the night before when our beds were turned down together
with a ships newspaper and some chocolates. we decided to eat
in the Britannia restaurant as we preferred to be served and
just use the other eating places for snacks and hot drinks. We
could decide where to go for the day's entertainment and there
was a show every evening in the Royal Court Theatre. There was a
resident troupe of singers and dancers who were very good. The dancers
were all Ukrainian but they were so versatile they could have been
from any part of the World as they danced different routines to a
wide variety of music.
3.3 Eating: Our lunch and dinner
table was reserved in the magnificent Britannia Restaurant.
We could also choose to eat at the smaller complimentary
restaurants in the "King's Court" on deck 7. These venues
were called "La Piazza", "Chef's Galley", "The Carvery" and
"Lotus". The food was self service in one or another all through
the day and La Piazza was open from 11.00 pm to 5.00 am. A
la Carte dinner at any of theses venues had to be booked.
A gourmet restaurant, "Todd English"
the name of the Chef, could be booked for an additional
$20 -$30.
We only used the complimentary
venues for coffee or a bit of supper and hot chocolate
because the food in the Britannia restaurant was superb and
quite enough. The service was excellent and they understood the
requirements of my gluten free diet better than any other restaurant
I have known. They baked fresh gluten free bread and rolls every
day. We enjoyed this service and the wines and the beautifully
presented dishes.
Here are some pictures taken there;
BRITANNIA RESTAURANT: Entrance view
View from staircase
Entrance staircase.
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The Dress for dinner was
formal, semi-formal or elegant casual. It applied
to the man strictly in that it was either black tie, jacket
and tie, or jacket no tie. Ladies had more licence and
some fabulous dresses were seen as well as some very ordinary
ones. Diane had a chance to wear her new outfits with her
jewellery, and she looked as good as anyone there.
Dressed for dinner
At the table
Eating was a major part of the QM2's
entertainment, as with all the cruise ships apparently.
The range of dishes in the Brittania restaurant was impressive.
There was a a different lunch and dinner menu for all the 6
days of the crossing, but that was the entire range because it
was repeated on the return voyage. At the end of the 6 days they
presented us with a folder containing all the menus and I have included
an example menu here.
The food in the other dining venues
mentioned above was also excellent. It was also possible
to have snacks in the various bars. The "Golden Lion
Pub" for example served fish and chips!
It can safely be said that nobody
went hungry on the QM2!
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4. Around the ship.
4.1 The Grand Lobby
The Grand Lobby on deck
2 is the centre of the ship in all respects. It is the equivalent
of the reception are of a hotel, circular in form with a
beautiful flower arrangement on a central circular table with
lounge chairs around.
Around the central lounge area are
the Purser's Office, Tour Information Office and the entrance
to the Theatre Stalls. There are corridors fore and aft.
The Grand Staircase there leads to
a balcony all around on the next deck level where there
are shops.
We spent quite a lot of our time there.
Here are some pictures;
Lounging on the settee in the GRAND LOBBY
THE GRAND STAIRCASE, Deck 2 and shops on Deck 3.
GRAND STAIRCASE ATRIUM
GRAND LOBBY
glass lifts.
A feature of the Grand Lobby
is the two glass fronted lifts which take you up to the
deck 3 balcony then up to deck 7.
I took this picture of the
lifts from the top of the Grand Staircase on deck 3 where
there is another flower arrangement.
The lifts are either side
of the flowers, the left one is blurred as it is in motion.
GRAND LOBBY with the "Tea for 4"
string quartet.
The "Tea for 4" String Quartet
played in the Grand Lobby most days after lunch and we
sat and listened to their complete concert several times.
There were 2 violins, the leader
and a lady, a Viola and the cello played by the lady
in the dark red dress. They were Ukrainian like the dance
troupe who played in the Theatre most days.
They played popular classic
chamber music and were very good, and equal to the best
quartets I have heard.
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4.2 Ship's
Bell
The Ship's Bell is situated on the balcony
of the Grand Lobby.
At 12 midday the Chief Security Officer
rang "8 Bells" in four double dings on the bell, checking the
exact time with a chronometer.
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4.3 The Open Deck Areas
The top deck, deck 13, has
open sun deck areas from bow to stern.
The funnel has the two gas turbine engines
which supply supplementary power needed to drive the ship at
the 30 knots required.
At the bow there is an observation window
area and sports area with golf driving.
Towards the stern the top decks have
pools and children's' play areas. The wake of the ship at speed
stretches to the horizon.
It was always cool there on the crossings
as one would expect in the North Atlantic, but there were
days when sunbathing was possible.
BACK TO CONTENTS
5.
The Entertainments
The Daily entertainments were many
and varied, as can be seen from this link to the QM2 Documents
page, where I have included an example of the program for one day.
We enjoyed most the recitals given by the
String Quartet and a harpist, Fiona Magee, and a flautist,
Suzanne Godfrey, who played
most days in the Grand Lobby and at various places around the
ship.
They also gave concerts in the Royal Court
Theatre where the main entertainment events took place. We
were able to access the Theatre with Diane's mobility scooter by
the seats at the the side of the stalls.
ROYAL COURT THEATRE side seats
The Theatre was extremely impressive.
Large and very comfortable with stalls and circle seats and
a large stage area.
There was no outside noise from the ship and
it was difficult to believe that this was actually part of an
ocean liner.
The sea swell was mostly slight while we were
there but there was no sensation of movement at all. We sat
at the side for our comfort but we saw everything and the sound
was perfect.
The resident dance troupe were Ukrainian and
they were very good. The male dancers included some typical Cossack
type dancing in the routines occasionally. The girls were
equally accomplished and very attractive.
The resident singers were British and also
very good and versatile in the range of music they provided.
Also, the band was very good.
All in all, the theatre musical entertainment
was excellent and mostly equal to the best I have seen.
The artists signed autographs after performances
and Suzanne Godfrey signed a
copy of her CD for us.
Suzanne Godfrey signing CDs.
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6.
Arriving at New York
6.1
First Impressions
Our arrival at New York on the 2nd. July was
dramatic. Just before dawn broke, about 5 am, we passed under
the Verrezano Bridge. The Captain had advised us to make sure we
saw that.
The bridge was lit and gradually appeared in
the darkness. The weather was good, fine and quite warm, and
we were able to watch from the balcony.
New York, approaching the Verrezano Bridge.
Under
Verrezano Bridge with harbour pilot escort launch.
As we approached the bridge a harbour pilot launch
escorted us. It buzzed around us like a shepherds dog guiding
us into the pen.
I know the clearance was only measured in feet
as the ship design only just met that particular constraint, so
I guess that was the reason the pilot launch was there.
Once past the bridge the New York skyline gradually
appeared with the Statue of Liberty visible on our port side.
New York skyline at dawn.
Dawn view of the Statue of Liberty.
As the daylight took over from the misty dawn
the great ship gradually moved towards the Brooklyn Pier 12 Terminal,
Red Hook, which is exclusively for Carnival Cruise Ships.
The Queen Mary 2 managed to turn and reverse alongside
the berth using the swivel facility of the propellor pods.
We then had this view from the cabin balcony
of the Brooklyn Terminal area.
In fact, I understand that the regeneration of
the Brooklyn Docks at Red Hook has been due to the Queen Mary 2
owners,
Cunard, having chosen Brooklyn as the QM2 New
York terminal, just as Cunard Line, the old Queen Mary owners,
chose Boston,
as her United States home port destination.
This was the Cup Boston presented to Cunard for
choosing them as the US Queen Mary terminal.
I took this photo of the Cup in a presentation
case on the QM2.
I had to cross to the starboard side of the ship
to take these pictures of the New York Manhattan Skyline,
the ship's lifeboats in the foreground.
These views of Manhattan are across the small
Governors Island which is preserved as a National Monument. It
was named by the British in 1784 as the place of the Governor's
residence.
The Manhattan skyline from here would have been
dominated by the Twin Towers.
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6.2
Disembarkation and Transfer
Disembarkation was an inevitably slow process. We
were given a colour code and number and told where we should wait
to be called.
We found a place where we could sit, Diane on her
electric scooter, and near to where she would be able to disembark
via a ramp suitable for wheelchairs. This was actually in the Grand
Lobby area.
The scooter had not been working properly, due I think
to the high density of radio signals on the ship upsetting the potentiometer
speed control.
We found a way to make it work but it was difficult
to control and when we did get to the ramp assembly we had quite
a job negotiating around the corners.
By the time we reached the luggage collection area
there were huge queues at the passport control and the luggage was
spread all over.
Eventually I found our cases and asked to have assistance
for Diane. We were just about the last ones in the queue.
Fortunately, a friendly porter directed us to one of
the desks and a customs officer appeared and seemed to open up
the checkpoint especially for us. He was joking with the porter and
I think they were friends and he did us a favour.
At last we were outside and waiting for a special coach
to take us to the Times Square Hilton Hotel.
While we were waiting I took the opportunity to take
photos of the great ship close up. I'm glad I did because it was
never possible to do this at any other time.
The QM2 at Brooklyn Harbour. Left: looking
up towards the Bridge. Right: The line of deck 5 port side cabins
indicated where our cabin, no. 5056 was for the outward voyage.
I located our actual cabin on the photo, but it
is unfortunately behind the terminal block in the centre of the
picture!
Our special coach turned out to be what they call
an "Ambulet". Although it sounds like some sort of armband it is
actually a small ambulance with a hoist for wheelchairs on the back.
Diane couldn't sit on the scooter inside the ambulet
so we had to sit on a side seat in the back alongside one other lady
in her wheelchair. Her husband sat beside the driver.
Amazingly, the driver did not know where the Times Square
Hilton hotel was. I imagined it would be very well known like the
main London hotels are, but it is not exactly in Times Square but down
42nd. Street and has a narrow front entrance not easily seen. Our fellow
passenger fortunately had the exact address for the driver to put into
his "SatNav" and we sped off.
It was a very bumpy ride as the New York streets are
in poor repair. The main highways are good but the traffic speeds
meant we were slung around in the back.
It was a 'hairy' ride but little did we know that much
worse was to come when we were using the New York Yellow Cabs during
our stay!
We arrived outside the hotel front, but the entrance
for residents with baggage was around the back, so the driver had
to get back in and take us around the to the back. We then got into
a gridlock caused by some roadworks and the coaches arriving from the
QM2. I think there were over 250 people staying with us at the hotel.
I have to say that despite all this, the driver did a very good job
and helped us safely into the hotel.
We then had to queue inside the lobby to get to the check-in.
It has become clear by this time that being on such a large ship
all going to the same place does have certain disadvantages!
Nevertheless, the hotel staff were very patient and helpful
and it turned out to be the finest hotel we have ever stayed in.
Incidentally, the lobby was on the 20th. Floor!
The Times Square Hilton Hotel
entrance.
42nd Street outside the Hilton
Hotel.
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6.3 At the Times Square
Hilton Hotel.
When we found our room on the 32nd. floor and opened the
door, we were delighted. It was very grand and spacious. There were
the two double beds we asked for and a large bathroom, but most impressive
was the picture window looking out across Manhattan with all the legendary
skyscrapers.
Manhattan view from the bedroom window
View from the opposite
side. See Empire State Building
The above astonishing views show, on
the left, the bedroom window view on the 42nd. Street side, and
on the right, the view form the other side which I took from the
a window by the hotel elevators on the same floor.
The tallest skyscraper is the Empire State building.
At Night, the views were even more stunning.
Manhattan at night, view towards Times
Square
Looking down at 42nd.
Street at night.
Empire State Building
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7. Around New York
.
We knew that we should not be able to get around New York
very easily but fortunately we had a dear friend living in Manhattan,
Karyl, to help us and we did manage some outings.
She came to the hotel on the first evening and had dinner
with us in the hotel restaurant. Although the restaurant was not exceptional
there were still views across Manhattan and some beautiful paintings
on the rear wall.
Karyl had been looking forward to our coming to "Her Town"
and was eager to take us wherever we wanted. Diane could not travel
any other way then by taxis which Karyl got for us.
The taxis were the famous Yellow cabs, not at all like London
cabs in appearance or the way they were driven. I used to think London
was hectic but New York is manic.
The taxis are driven at high speed through the narrow streets
and you have to cling on to the straps inside to avoid being hurled
around.
Some taxis were like 4 wheel drive hatchbacks and had a
high step in which Diane couldn't manage, so we could only use the
classic sedan car type. that was an added complication when hailing
one.
The other problem was that most cabs ignored you when they
saw Diane was disabled with her "walker" frame. We had to hide her
on the pavement while we stood in the road and hailed one!
Apart from one time when a driver took us on a long roundabout
trip, we got on very well and even that was not bad as we enjoyed the
tour around.
The first day Karyl gave us instructions how to get to Central
Park and meet her there. We managed that OK and she took us to a favourite
Italian Restaurant of hers for dinner.
I forgot my camera so there are no pictures of that unfortunately,
but I did have some of our next lunch out at the "famous" Empire
Diner on the East Side.
Eating at the Empire Diner.
Outside the Empire Diner
Although we were unable to do the usual tourist outings,
we had the luxury of our hotel room to relax and take in the views of
Manhattan.
We were looking forward to seeing the 4th. July fireworks
from the hotel as it was advertised as being "Macy's Fireworks
Spectacular", and we were very close to Macy's Store.
Big mistake! The fireworks of course were on barges on the
East River and out of sight from the Hotel. Ah well, never mind, fireworks
are fireworks wherever!
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8. The 4th. of July.
On the 4th. of July evening the Empire State
Building was especially lit Red, White and Blue.
Having missed the fireworks, we were well compensated by being
entertained by Karyl at her East Side apartment for a "4th. of July
Dinner".
This had been prepared with the help of her sister Jay, and friend
Linda, and they had printed this brilliant menu below for us;
Jay, Linda and Karyl serving us at the table with
the menu, and me showing my French's
mustard which Karyl gave me as I mentioned a partiality for it.
It was a great dinner. The hamburgers and hot dogs were just the
best ever.
A truly memorable meal.
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9. Leaving
New York.
All too soon it was time to depart the hotel and leave
New York. We had a bumpy ride back to the Brooklyn Red Hook terminal in
the ambulet, but the driver looked after us very well.
Inside the terminal building chaos reigned again. Initially things
went well, we checked in quite quickly as we were ahead of the main contingent
from the New York hotels, and we were allowed to go into the First Class
lounge because of Diane being on her mobility scooter. But when we were
told to claim our luggage in the embarkation hall it was like a stampede!
There were stacks of luggage all around , although it was sorted by colour
codes which we were given at the hotel. However, people just hauled their
own bags and cases out leaving other cases out of place, then dashed to
join the long lines waiting to go on board.
There was some concession for the disabled passengers but I had
to get help with the cases and leave Diane on her own. Fortunately, people
kindly allowed us to join near the front of the queue and we managed to
board fairly quickly from then with assistance. Getting on and off the
ship was the least enjoyable part of the whole experience.
The departure from the dock and New York harbour was nearly as dramatic
as the arrival. It was around 5pm. and I just had time to take some pictures
before going to our dinner at 6pm.
Before the Queen Mary could depart the two supply tankers had to
be pulled clear by tugboats.
These tankers had been pumping fuel into the QM2.
This picture shows one of the tugboats pushing a tanker after pulling
it clear.
The Manhattan skyline forms the background, looking across Governor's
Island
When the supply tankers were clear the QM2 gradually moved sideways
out from the dock.
Now we were in a starboard side cabin I could get this clear view
across Governor's Island
to the Manhattan skyline.
The Queen sounded the deep horn and people crowded on the deck of
a water taxi waved as it sped by.
As the Great ship moved dead slow ahead the Statue of Liberty
could be seen across the other end of Governor's Island.
The evening was clear and, though the light was fading, the views
were good.
A NYC harbour police launch came alongside to escort us out.
The crew of the launch waived to us and as the Queen Mary gathered
speed we also departed- from our cabin to dinner.
BACK TO CONTENTS
10. The Return Voyage.
Being now experienced in life aboard the QM2, we were more organized
in our routine. We knew where to go to enjoy the entertainments, the restaurants
and all the facilities, well some of them anyway.
The ship is so enormous that it would be impossible to cover everything,
but we spent less time searching for what we wanted.
We had our breakfast in the cabin having discovered that it was the
easiest thing and really good. Good coffee, bacon and eggs, fruit, cereals
and gluten free toast for me.
Then we would go around the ship to the shops and the lounges before
arriving at the Brittania restaurant for lunch. After a rest back in the
cabin we could get ready for dinner, no wonder we put on a few pounds!
After dinner we would enjoy the theatre show and then a cup of hot chocolate
in on of the Kings Court venues. A generous tot of Brandy saw us happily
off to sleep.
10.1 Cunard History Posters
During this idyllic existence I wandered around the ship looking
at the series of posters depicting the Cunard history and took some pictures
of some which particularly interested me.
These two posters are typical of the type of advertising for voyages
in the early 1900s.
The passenger train connection to the port must have been just like my
Grand-Aunt Alice took when she boarded
the SS Canada of the White Star Dominion Line to Boston at Liverpool.
It advertises "New York and Boston to Liverpool".
The cross-section of the liner shows the decks just like on the Queen
Mary 2.
This poster records the 80th. Anniversary of the Cunard Line
and the text reads;
"In 1840, four ships of a total tonnage 4616 coprised the entire Cunard
fleet.
In 1920, the addition to the existing mammoth liners, Aquitania, Mauritania,
Caronia and Carmania, and other famous ships of the Cunard Line,
the company have, either building or completing for service, a tonnage
of a quarter of a million.
These new assets, forming a vast fleet in themselves, are the
Scythia, Albania, and Tyrrhenia (completing) Samaria, Servia, Franconia,
Laconia, Alaunia, Andania, Aurania, Ausonia,
Ascania and Antonia"
A truly impressive fleet of liners..
This poster shows the 4-funnelled Aquitania.
This was the liner my GrandAunt Alice and husband Will Lane sailed on from
New York to Southampton when they came over in 1921.
I described this visit in the "American
Cousins" page.
It was great to see this link with the family history when on board the
Queen Mary 2.
The text panel reads;
The Aquitania (1914-1950)
The Aquitania was a suvivor. Cunard's longest serving vessel
of the 20th. Century.
When her flag was lowered for the last time, Cunard's Chairman
summed her up "In peace and war, fair weather and foul,
she has done her duty in a manner unsurpassed by any of her
sisters who have helped to build up the Company's long history".
The Aquitania was immediately sent into war service after being launched
in 1914.
She started into passenger service after WW1 on the newly opened New York
to Southampton crossing.
She again went into war service in WW2 and then back into passenger service
right up to 1950.
A truly great service record.
10.2 Back at Southampton
The smooth inward voyage to Southampton ended with our arrival at 7.00am.
Monday 14th. July 2008.
I took some pictures of our approach to the QE2 dock;
Southampton water was flat calm and the morning clear as we approached
the dock.
The harbour crew could be seen waiting to tie down the cables as
the great ship approached.
We had time for breakfast in the Britannia restaurant until about 8.30 and
then vacated our stateroom to our designated meeting point.
This was determined by our colour coded tags for our luggage tags which
we had put the night before.
We disembarked about 10.30 am. This was a bit of a performance with Diane's
mobilty scooter not working properly and being difficult to manoeuvre but
we managed it.
Although joining and leaving the ship is not easy, especially because of Diane's
disability, people are generally helpful and there is probably no simple
way to cope with so many people.
A porter help me find our luggage and took us to the car collection point
and fetched the car for us and we were soon on our way home.
Thus our adventure was concluded.
11. Reflections
The Queen Mary 2, the voyage, the time in New York, the on board entertainments,
the food, the sights and all, made a truly memorable experience.
Our immediate reaction on returning home was "Fantastic, but never again!"
It was all almost too much and exhausting.
But now, having recovered and reflected on it all we want it again, but not
so much, so we are going to try a short voyage to the Canaries on the new
Queen Victoria.
I'll be writing that up no doubt.
12. The Final Reckoning