WOW _ saw QM2 sail down Hudson River this morning

[Rotterdam]

It was quite a sight to first see the superstructure, then bow of the QM2 through the fog on the Hudson River.

I went to my gym at Chlesea Piers at 23rd Street([url]www.chelseapiers.com[/url]) at 7a.m.and QM2 came out of the fog 15 minutes later. It was quite a sight as the usual tanker & small craft (only a couple of ferries) traffic was nowhere to be seen. It made a striking picture - as the QM2 truly stood out without all the hoopla - a pure view of her so to speak.

I must say that the ship is striking & viewing it in pictures or via webcam does not do her justice. Her bow is out right beautiful & the modern interpretation of the classic superstructure that rises from the forward hull is a most worthy compliment to the oceanliners of the 20th century. The aft is a nod to QE2 with the step down decks. The promenade deck made me want to swim to the ship & plop down in a steamer chair. Her funnel is Cunard/QE2.

The fog had cleared for the most part & I was able to take over 40 pictures of QM2 & the 2 fireboats, numerous tugs & lots of coast guard vessels & 5 helicopters.

QM2 blew her whistle several times as she made her way up the Hudson - it was a subdued yet exciting event - I could really appreciate her design & the activity on the outside decks.

Usually I could see all the way down to the Verrazano Bridge - the last time I saw the Norway/FRANCE was as she sailed to Europe in September 2001 from the same pier - hopefully the weather will cooperate & provide a spectacular backdrop for the QE2, fireworks & Statue of Liberty.

It was a very exciting morning - it will be great to see a liner sail in & out of NYC in the future -

[motherbunk]

Thanks for the preview. I can't wait to board her on Sunday!

[Jeanne S]

Rotterdam, when I saw the new Queen in Upper NY Bay, I began singing "Let's Face the Music and Dance."

Jeanne

[Rotterdam]

just grab a bottle of champagne & cha cha cha

[Jeanne S]

Rotterdam:

That sounds like a plan to me. As a matter of fact am in the process of determining which champagne to order in the room for sail away from the selections given in our ticket booklet (now vinyl). There are only three: Dom P, then there is non vintage Verve Cliquot. and Perrier-Joulet. I think only Dom will do for sail-a-way. Can one contact Cunard and request something different?

By the glass on board I usually order Moet Brut Imperial by the bottle at dinner sometimes and by the glass (say in the lounge or casino) Piper H. This trip might call for Moet Reserve Imperial.

Am bringing on board a bottle of Charles Heidsieck 1990 Blanc des Millenaries, Brut for four of us to toast this special occasion at dinner, having been giving this special gift last Christmas.

Jeanne

[Jeanne S]

That sure is a great and once in a life time excuse for calling in on a Monday?

I'm sure you'll remember this day all your life.

Jeanne

[mtbny7]

Jeanne......

I couldn't agree more....

"It not what you do in life that you regret... it's what you didn't do..."

Michael
(127 jobs and counting)
NYC [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[Jeanne S]

Yes Michael!

Words to live by.

[Rotterdam]

michael - I just called my TA - I can get a RT QM2 4/25 & 5/1/04!

I'm on the 18 May sailing - too much luggage may persuade me to do the RT!

[KenC]

So pleased you can see what all the fuss was about now - just wait until you see the interiors [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Best wishes

Ken

[mtbny7]

Rotterdam....

How can get you get on the 4/25 sailing with such short notice?

[Rotterdam]

mtbny7 -

the 4/25/04 sailing is on a Guaranty cabin - apparently the ship is not sold out. the 5/1/04 was not a GTY.

[Jeanne S]

Go for it Rotterdam!!! Seize the ship!!!

[Rotterdam]

I am out of control as it is now - packing for the summer in Europe & sailing 18 May -

friends are also out of control - thereby the thought of sailing for a 12 day "cocktail party" since we don't see enough of each other.

I cancelled the RSSC Voyager 25 April (Ft Laud - to Lisboa) because I was running out of time - noww.....

so today someone else suggests getting on the Prinsendam 7 May - NYC to Lisbon -

OUT OF CONTRIL I TELL YOU - I'll plop in a deck chair @ 2m on 18 May & not get up til I see England!

(oh but I do want to sail on Sunday - our original plan was QE2 to Europe & return QM2 - only QM2 RT was available)

[dougnewmanatsea]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Rotterdam:
[B]our original plan was QE2 to Europe & return QM2 - only QM2 RT was available)[/B]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Then I would be even more envious at your out-of-controlness than I already am [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] .

I would love the opportunity to compare the old and new directly. I mean, I'm going to compare them tomorrow from a distance, but to step off a crossing on one and then get right on the other... A direct comparision like that would be absolutely fascinating. I am green with envy at ANYONE who is doing it [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] .

Doug Newman
Cruise Critic Message Boards Host
e-mail: shiploverny AT yahoo DOT com

[Rotterdam]

Doug -

Well I am home still packing......the RT was almost a go - as my friends are all a little crazed with too much time on their hands the RT was a last minute farewell to QE2 & intro to QM2.

We are all gathering at a suite in the Ritz Carlton Battery Park for cocktails & dinner (& a ton of champagne)& to celebrate the 2 Queens. THe hotel is wonderful with beautiful views of the Statue of Liberty & the Verrazano Bridge. hopefully we'll be able to see the fireworks through the clouds - caused by the champagne.

Funny thing is that none of us planned on being on QM2 until late in the year or next - now I sail in a month & 10 out of 12 of us will be on her this fall. I will do my return on QM2 on 11 September .

So lets all raise our glasses & toast - to the QE2 for all she has given us, to the QM2 for good wishes for a long & safe career.

[Mark Wyatt]

We did both boats coming out on QE2 and returning on QM2. It was a fantastic experience and something we will remember for ever. The view of new york and liberty with the fireworks the night we left was amazing and something never to be repeated or forgotten. Hard to find anything to top that night but still looking !!!:)

[Ricky Chan]

Cusly:

My wife and I are taking the QM2 crusie on November 16 from N.Y. to Southern Caribbean.

We will certainly remember to add our names to the guest book.

Can't wait to take the cruise, even thought so far the reviews were mostly negative. We have to find it out ourselves.

We have booked this cruise in February of 2003!!

Ricky Chan