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RMS Queen Mary for over seven decades has survived, having no equal. Before being purchased by the City of Long Beach for a tourist attraction, she had counted royality, statesmen, celebrities, and mere mortals as passengers during her 1001 crossing of the North Atlantic. |
April 25, 2004 EMBARKATION |
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A quick photo and registration of our credit card was all that was needed; and we were onboard, and being escorted to our Cabin 4162, and 4150 (Betty's) |
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Our stateroom's color scheme was very pleasant with soft shades of gold and tan, accented with rust, green, and black, a touch of Art Deco. Beyond the drapery was our balcony. We also had a safe, fridge, e-mailing capabilities, and TV. There was also a bottle of champagne awaiting us! Bon Voyage. |
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The "fan-like" objects are extra screws the ship carries, just in case! |
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Here our group waits in the Princess Grill area for our instructions. |
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It was a bittersweet moment as we (on the QM2) sailed passed the QE2 at eventide. Since she was christened by HR Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1967 she has been unique; she was the first ship designed for both cruising and transatlantic crossing. She's a LINER and not a cruise ship. Almost everything about her was/is a superlative. She has steamed over 5 million miles, completed over 1250 voyages, sailed more miles than the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth together, and was the first ship to have her own e-mail address. Having sailed on her has always been delightful, There are newer, fancier, and glitzier ships afloat today, but the QE2 will remain a legend long after other ships have faded into the past. She truly is "the most famous ship in the world". |
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Patriotic music, and marches blared over the PA system, as the QE2's and QM2's passengers enjoyed a spectacular serenade of fireworks by Grucci, award winning masters of fireworks. Fireboats threw fountains of water high in the air as the two ships passed the Statue of Liberty. Adding to the excitement, police patrol boats, and helicopters made certain of our security. Thousands of camera onshore with their flash bulbs recorded our passage. It was a gala and chilling event. |
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