| Today is Declared Three Queens
Day January 13th 2008
The Day in Review
As planed the Queen Mary 2 (QM2), Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2)
and Queen Victoria (QV) made a very early arrival in New York.
The Sandy Hook Pilot greeted the Queen Mary 2 at 4:00 AM,
Queen Elizabeth 2 at 4:15 AM and Queen Victoria at 4:25 AM.
Just prior to reaching the Veranzarro Bridge, the ships
changed order, with the veteran Queen Elizabeth 2 leading the
way, followed by the QM2 and then the new Queen Victoria.
Although it was dark when she arrived, the Queen Victoria was
greeted by fireboats spraying colorful water. Between 5:30 AM
and 6:00 AM, the ships reached lower Manhattan, with the Queen
Mary hooking a right into Red Hook Brooklyn and the others
proceeding up the Hudson. All ships were promptly docked at
their respective terminals before 7:00 AM. The Queen Victoria
docked at Pier 88 and the QE2 at Pier 92, where the
disembarkation process began.
In an unusual turn of events, people at the Manhattan
Cruise Terminal were allowed to photograph the ships at the
pier. Due to security restrictions, photo taking is normally
prohibited. Security was very high with numerous police cars,
security vehicles and officers with dogs
At 2:30 PM embarkation began for the Queen Victoria. The
press briefing also began at he same time. The Deputy Mayor,
Head of NY Economic Development Corporation and Carol Marlow (Cunard
President) were the guest speakers. Carol Marlow stated that
about 1,000 passengers disembarked in New York from the QV,
1,000 will be staying aboard - originating from the UK
and 1,000 more would be joining the ship in New York. Ms.
Marlow spoke about Cunard's long history with New York. In
addition, she mentioned the retirement of the QE2 in November
and reaffirmed the arrival of the new Queen Elizabeth coming
in 2010. Ms. Marlow confirmed that New York will be an
important part of the New Queen Elizabeth's itineraries.
At the same time, the New York Economic Development
Corporation announced an agreement with Cunard to broadcast a
New York City promotional commercial on the in-cabin TV
network. The commercial is intended to create hype around the
city and encourage tourism and consumer spending.
In addition, on behalf of the mayor, a plaque was given to
Ms Marlow, announcing today as "Three Queens Day in New York."
Ship tours then commenced for the press boarding around
4:00 PM.
The Queen Victoria is a very impressive ship, the color
schemes are subdued with extensive use of wood veneers, the
furnishings are elegant, the service level is impeccable. The
dining rooms are sophisticated and classy. She has a very
intimate feeling, even in her 850 seat Royal Court Theater. At
no time did the ship feel crowded, even with multiple tours
being conducted.
When compared to her sister, the Queen Mary 2, the Queen
Victoria is smaller, about 2/3 the size. Although impressive,
The Queen Mary 2 has a much grandeur feel, due primarily to
the much larger scale.
After disembarking around 5:30 PM, the terminal was clear
of all passengers. Only a few check-in stations were open and
people were chatting. Taking the elevators downstairs to the
street level, there were about 50 people walking along the
piers, talking photos of the impressive liners at night. The
fuel barge was still next to the QE2 and her forward
crane continued to load stores.
While driving home, at around 6:30 PM, I noticed the Queen
Mary 2 had left her berth in Brooklyn and was stationed off
Battery Park.
Later she was joined by the Queen Victoria and Queen
Elizabeth 2. At around 8 PM, shore-side observers and
passengers were treated to a fireworks show. After the last
firework exploded, the ships began to proceed out to the ocean
and officially commence their cruise.
So ends the first and only time the three Queens will meet.
A full review of the Queen Victoria will be written
shortly.
|
