Date: Sun, 1 Feb 2004 23:45:37 EST
From: TSSDORIC @ aol.com
Subject: QM2 Maiden Voyage - Part 1

Taken from the excellent liners list - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/linerslist

As I put my thoughts on paper, I realized that its going to take a bit to give my best observations. Accordingly, I have to do this in various segments. The first part follows. There will probably be another two or three, perhaps four. It was such an incredible experience I realize that I can only justify it with several segments, the first of which I've posted here. Feel free to delete future offerings.

My apologies to those that find this tedious.

Fellow lister George Prince, whom I only briefly met attending the “final farewell” party on the SS NORWAY on September 5, 2001, offered me the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join him and two others on the Maiden Voyage of the QUEEN MARY 2. George had the incredibly good foresight of plunking down a deposit for an inside four-berth cabin about as early in the scheme of things as possible. George’s wife, Lisa, was hardly taken with the idea of a two-week voyage in those cramped confines and elected to stay home. Imagine my shock and appreciation when George offered me a quarter share of that voyage.

Filling out the roster, George offered passage to my good friend, Charles Zuckerman, better known to those on this list as DoctorChaz, and another veteran Liners List member, Ben Lyons. Having roomed with Charles on previous voyages
on REMBRANDT and REGAL EMPRESS and having sailed a few times with Ben, I knew this was going to be an unbeatable combination, not only for the intelligent ship chatter, but an incredibly entertaining group, too.

Fate would play a hand before any of us had parted with a single dollar. After crossing on the QE2 in December 2002, when I took a break from being the caregiver to my wife who was having a battle with cancer (I know, I know, all of
you out there saying “how could you?” Well, I DID fly her mom up from Florida to stay with her!) I promised her I wouldn’t sail “solo” again. I stayed true to that promise, and informed George that I couldn’t go on the Maiden Voyage. George replaced my spot with a friend from Chicago, (a rookie on his first voyage ever! Imagine trying to live up to this experience again!) Juan Alegria.

I kept my promise to my wife. That is, until around June 2003 when my daughter Alexis, a ship enthusiast herself, learned that I had cancelled out of the Maiden Voyage opportunity. At dinner one night, she turned to my wife, now fully recovered, and remarked incredulously, “Mom, how could you not let him go?? ” Unfortunately, I no longer had a spot on the roster.

Fate intervened again.

A short time later, Ben contacted me and mentioned the possibility existed for him to interview with Cunard Line for a potential position aboard one of their ships. He was going to be interviewed for an Officers spot on the QE2. Ben suggested that perhaps I could replace him in the cabin in the event that he was fortunate enough to pass muster and be hired. Well, that’s exactly how things turned out. Ben was hired by Cunard and expected to be sailing with the QE2 on her World Cruise in 2004, precluding the opportunity of sailing on the QUEEN MARY 2 Maiden Voyage. George agreed to allow me back in the fold. I t was only in October 2003 that Ben learned he wasn’t going to be making his Officer debut on the QE2, but rather would be joining us on the Maiden Voyage as a member of the QUEEN MARY 2’s ship’s company! Fate had a field day with this voyage. My wife had no choice but to sigh and nod her approval! My daughter is enjoying her Honda Civic!

The excitement grew daily as the Carnival/Cunard PR machine ground out all of the exciting details of the new ship. The day before my 13th birthday, on September 20, 1967, the QE2 was launched. I was living in Trieste, Italy at the time and I remember a feature article that heralded the new ship that appeared in the International Herald Tribune. At that young age, I couldn’t understand the implications of the possibility that she’d be the last ship designed for service – at least partially – on the North Atlantic run.

Having lived through the utterly depressing period of the ‘70s, my ship interest growing by the year, I was only too sensitive to the withdrawal of so many great ships – many snatched from service before their time. I hardly paid any attention to the new-wave vessels of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, the NCCL quartet, the Royal Viking trio, even the two new “Cunarders.” “How could they be Cunarders without a dark hull”, I reasoned.

No one here needs an education on what was to follow. A multitude of ships, a virtual cornucopia appeared. Passenger shipping was going to survive after all. No, make that “thrive.” But the North Atlantic, other than QE2’s marvelous run, remained untapped.

I had the good fortune to meet Stephen Payne when he was enjoying some quality down- time as a passenger aboard the QE2 in July 1996. Looking more like a vacationing accountant than the premiere ocean liner designer he already was, I found him to be a wonderfully entertaining and engaging fellow. Sailing again with him on the QE2 in 1999 after the announcement of Carnival’s QUEEN MARY project, I had the opportunity, along with many others, to pepper Stephen with questions and of course, recommendations, about the new ship. He also gave us some insight to the early plans of the ship, maintaining the necessary confidentiality that such a project would demand. It was a marvelous opportunity.
Not only was he incredibly enthusiastic that his employers would support his recommendations, but he also assured us that he was going to – in fact – design a transatlantic liner and NOT a cruise ship! “Yeah, right”, we all snickered cynically under our breath. “Everyone knows there won’t be another transatlantic liner.” “There’s no money in it.” Stephen would appear from time to time in New York. At one talk held at the South Street Seaport, before the keel had even been laid, he provided additional details: the ship would have pods, not fixed props, she would offer the necessary verandahs demanded by today’s cruisers. “Verandahs, on the North Atlantic?” She would have a terraced appearance, more along traditional lines. Skeptics abounded. And ever on, Stephen’s insistence that this would be a great ship, built for transatlantic trade, not just another cruise ship, (please don’t take me to task on this one, I KNOW there are many “great” cruise ships!) insisting, insisting, insisting…..and damn it! He did it!!!

The last time a longest & largest passenger ship made its first significant voyage a commercial voyage was NORMANDIE on May 29, 1935. Almost 70 years had passed since that event and despite three entertaining and social days in London preceding our train to Southampton the anticipation level was reaching a fervid peak.

As Charles and I made our way to the quay in Southampton on January 12th our very cooperative and excited cabbie did us the favor of roaming to the end of the pier for our first views of the QUEEN MARY 2’s perfect bow. In the days leading up to the Maiden Voyage, I couldn’t adequately picture in my mind the absolute hugeness of the ship. The longest ship I’ve ever seen up close is the FRANCE/NORWAY. Sailed on her often. She’s big. Very big. The largest ship
I had ever seen up close was the QUEEN ELIZABETH. She was big, too. Very big. In my mind, that was what “huge” was.

This ship is some 67,000 tons larger than the QUEEN ELIZABETH. To put that in some perspective, that’s GREATER by any of the Ballin trio, AQUITANIA, or every other transatlantic liner except for the 1,000 footers!!! Sure, I’ve seen the VOYAGER class in photos and from a distance and yes, they are tremendous in size. But I just couldn’t visualize in my mind, a ship as large as the QUEEN MARY 2. And, externally, her size is not adequately conveyed.

Stepping aboard her, however, as we did on the afternoon of January 12th, is entering a different dimension of ship. She doesn’t try to Wow you. As someone mentioned, no individual space aboard is there for “Wow power”. It is the
sum of her parts that makes her the special ship she is. Not only in the design of her compartments, but the ease of access, and the ease on the eyes.
Entering her Grand Lobby Lobby you’re immediately struck with her size. One of my first acts was to give her the “column test”, the gentle wrapping of knuckles on a column to measure the strength of construction. She failed.
That was the last failure aboard this ship. Yes, the column sounded hollow – I’m always hoping for a dull thud. No ship has yet to give me that!

So here’s the four of us, squeezing all of our luggage and belongings into a 194 square foot inside four-berth cabin. Darned if we weren’t going to enjoy “ Tourist Class” on the World’s Longest & Largest! The ship’s passageways, to me, represent the best example of how long she is. Her modern design has eliminated, regretfully so, “wandering” hallways. These are straight as a board, they run the length of their respective decks (and they’re not nearly as cramped as some of the pictures I had seen beforehand) and I would wager if one could bowl a bowling ball hard enough and straight enough they could reach the other end without resistance. The ship IS loaded with wood veneer. For the most part it works beautifully, giving hints of the great and varied woods her predecessors offered their passengers and crew. One slight criticism is the yellow burled wood effect in Stairtower D. I’ve never seen yellow wood!

Each of the stairtowers is represented by a different rug color with spots resembling those of a leopard: A-green, B-red, C-grey, D-yellow. The two smaller towers, far forward and far aft, the A & D towers, resemble stairtowers found on most ships: A set of stairs in the middle flanked by one on each side. Three elevators provide very fast access between all 13 decks, including Deck 1 which contains the medical facilities and tender embarkation areas. It’s the middle two towers that are most impressive. In addition to the “regular” stairways, there’s an additional one, just as grand and just as wide as the usual. Six elevators provide the express service here. It may as well be a landbased grand hotel. That’s how big these stairwells are!

Sailing from Southampton was simply the stirring experience we had all hoped it would be! Ben had explained to us that the ship would slowly stern first towards Mayflower Park so we camped ourselves on Deck 8, port side, filled with
anticipation. It was a very chilly night. The temperature hovered around 40 and began to drop as our wait for the promised fireworks continued. British flags were passed out and the atmosphere, in a word, was “giddy”. Smiles abounded, and our group that included listers Ted Scull, Jon and Janine Miller, Karl Zimmerman, Anne Hunt and Ben’s mom, Jane Lyons, reacquainted with the numerous folks we had all had the pleasure to sail with previously. It was hard not to become choked up with emotion. Traditional and patriotic English tunes blared over the ship’s loudspeakers. Here was the moment, the QUEEN MARY 2 was just about ready to sail on her Maiden Voyage, and we were all a part of it! It truly was one of those life moments that are just very hard to describe and which you can’t really do justice in describing. Ben, off duty for a spell, had joined us in his Third Officer uniform adding a nice touch to the whole experience. The numerous small craft and ferries surrounding the ship were kept at bay by a dedicated group of security boats. Throughout the voyage, in each port, the ship was surrounded by numerous security craft.   We could see crowds lining the ferry railings and I was wondering exactly where Ann Hayes was in the mob!

Then the fireworks began. A fantastic display, each brilliant burst accompanied by a chest tightening explosion, rapid fire, rising high on the port side of the ship, trailing streams of light seemingly onto the vessel herself. The show lasted about 20 minutes.

Finally, her engines were fired, the mermaid pods churning up Southampton water and the QUEEN MARY 2 set off on her first voyage across the Atlantic!

And we, the most fortunate 2,519 passengers, set about getting to know this vast, comfortable ship.

-- Part 2 --

The weather report for the next 48 hours was perfect, as far as our group was concerned.
The forecasted hurricane-force winds and driving rain expected for the sailing happily never materialized, the low losing power as it swept inland across Britain from the west. Didn´t matter. The forecast remained "choppy". Winds might even approach 70 mph. As we gained speed sailing down the Solent, it was clear that we were going to have the opportunity to appreciate her qualities as a sea-boat. Once into the Channel, and moving south towards the Bay of Biscay, the QUEEN MARY 2 was providing a demonstration welcomed by most of our party. Her wonderfully streamlined hull began a slow but steady roll that would accompany us for much of the next two days.

But I´m getting a bit ahead of myself.

Waiting for the start of the promised fireworks display and departure festivities, the poor first seating folks had to endure numerous announcements stating that the dining room was ready to receive them. One, two....even three announcements toned through the ship, as staff realized that no one wanted to miss the departure events. Our hour and a half delay, poor timing in loading luggage onboard, had forced the schedule back. Now they couldn´t get anyone to show for dinner! The third announcement stating that first seating had only 15 minutes to go, was met on deck by uproarious laughter, no one expecting for a moment that anyone would prefer sitting in the majesty of the Britannia dining room to missing the Maiden Voyage departure! Even the best laid plans can go awry!

Looking forward to our 8:30 2nd sitting, our "gang of four", George, Juan, Charles and myself, went about gauging just how tight our living situation for the next two weeks would be as we retired to the cabin to prepare for dinner.
It was tight. Movement about the cabin was aided by choreography that even George Balanchine would´ve appreciated. Our extremely efficient and cheerful cabin steward, Jonathan, hailing from the Philippines and Norwegian Cruise Line became an instant ally. We had to explain to him that leaving the top bunks down, as seemed to be the planned modus operandi was going to leave us all with many lumps on the head. Jonathan stowed the top bunks in their second position, against each wall. Evidently the uppers on QUEEN MARY 2 won´t fit completely into the ceiling if they´re replete with pillows and blankets. Jonathan´s solution of pressing the two uppers against the bulkheads eliminated one of the hazards. He couldn´t eliminate another hazard. The designers have provided the lower bunks with night tables complete with reading lamp and stowage. Us upper-bunkers, George and I, enjoyed a small cabinet and settee area that allowed us to file our various reading material, contact lense drops, and the like. The only problem was that there remained a foot of space between the head of the bunk bed and the cabinetry. When you have four grown men sharing such a small space it is best to retain one´s sense of humor. Through our pre-cruise emails we had established that we all enjoyed a good "snore" while sleeping. Of course, I´d never admit to it, always sleeping through it, but Charles insists that is the case! So we came prepared with earplugs and blinders. One night one of my pillows, earplug attached, rained down on Charles through the space. He gave me an earful in the morning about my lack of caution and cheerfully reprimanded me to keep my pillows bed bound! This temporary disturbance didn´t prepare us for the next evenings´ challenge. George enjoyed Stephen Fox´s thick work, "Transatlantic" on the voyage. As a matter of fact, I noticed numerous passengers enjoying this work and I had brought it along as my second book, expecting to burn my way through "The Da Vinci Code" in no time! George enjoyed reading before bed and had fallen into a deep sleep failing to store "Transatlantic" in the space behind. Around 3:00am we were jolted from our slumber as Juan yelped out, "my jaw, I´ve been hit in my jaw!" We were up in a flash, lights on, wondering what the heck was going on. George´s book had fallen, clunking Juan flush on his jaw, bloodying his mouth and waking us to a collection of moans and yawns. Juan was swollen for a day or so, but our collection of dormitory humor and yucks enabled us to survive these close quarters. The rule, closely followed, was if you were up early you got the heck out of there freeing up floor space for those that followed. It worked like charm - taking most breakfasts in the dining room our staggered starts never compromised our ability to arrive ontime.

Our carefully balanced dining room preparations (for dinner only, breakfast and lunch was always open seating) had been well-planned in advance and we were all very pleased to see that Pauline Power of Pisa had done her yeoman work in ensuring our two tables of six and four were, in fact, adjacent to each other. Britannia does not offer tables for 10 in any configuration and our party   expected to play musical chairs throughout the voyage. Tables 266 & 267 were
perfectly located on the 2nd Britannia level on Deck 3 set just in from overlooking the well on Deck 2 below. Britannia is a spectacular dining venue.
Seating close to 1,300 in two seatings, the lower level is spread out to the flank of each side of the ship with ceiling heights telescoping down the closer you get to the large insulated windows looking the 15 or so feet to the rapidly moving sea below. During daytime, in the choppy seas we encountered in the Bay of Biscay, crossing seas broke against these windows, worrying those that hadn´t benefited from Stephen Payne´s assurances of their strength. It´s amazing how fast a 150,000 ton ship can move through the water from a view only 15 feet above the waterline. That same view from over 70 feet above around Deck 11, offered a much slower pace. The view from deck 2 resembled a rapidly moving speedboat! The Upper Level of Britannia offered three terraced sections. The lowest, the one we were fortunate enough to be in, had the highest ceiling. I know that Susan Banker has mentioned here how noisy she found her starboard side table, situated similarly to ours. We all commented, especially that first night, how easy it was to hear your neighbor, impressed by the seemingly flawless acoustics of the room design.

The force 8 we encountered in the Bay of Biscay, accompanied by stinging spray and rain, offered great views of the churning sea. From a distance, the QUEEN MARY 2 must´ve been an imposing sight. We encountered several small freighters whose size I´d estimate in the 300-400 ft. range. They were having a devil of a time in the 20 foot troughs we encountered. Usually about a mile or so to port or starboard they´d appear ahead of us and rapidly drop abaft as we´d flank them at our consistent 23-24 knots. As tossed as these ships were I felt a certain jealousy watching them disappear and reappear, shipping water off their bows only to plunge again between the waves. They had the enviable opportunity of watching us cutting through these seas with ease. We must´ve made quite a sight! The QUEEN MARY 2 rolled quite nicely and smoothly, there were a few missed dinners both nights. According to Ben, she only required one set of stabilizers to counter the motion. The seas changed and she began some very mild pitching by Wednesday. Standing on deck, watching the huge ship pitch, the horizon to the stern rising and falling with each plunge was memorable. T here was no unusual noise resulting from the pitching, something I experienced in ´98 aboard the ROTTERDAM VI. QUEEN MARY 2´s hull cut beautifully through the storm tossed sea, winds reaching a reported 70 mph. Our only regret was missing two days of enjoying her ample decks, and Commodore Warwick, during his daily noon-time announcement assured us that Madeira, our first port call Thursday, promised a better weather outlook.

Part 3

Wakened very early by the growing crescendo of snoring Thursday morning, a quick glance at the TV monitor confirmed our arrival. In our blackened inside cabin we'd leave the monitor set on the bridge- cam, the volume set to "mute" overnight, which gave us some indication of not only the time, but the day's weather. In the distance I could make out the lights of Madeira and I scrambled to the deck. Already a growing fleet of small boats had gathered.
Small police boats ran nervous circles around the QM2 as we approached the harbor breakwater. A fireboat's plumes became visible as the days first light allowed outlines to be made out. Just inside the basin, the QUEEN MARY 2 performed as delicate a pirouette any ballerina could perform, nimbly reversing her position and slowly moving stern first to the pier. Tying up around 7:00am, the first sunshine we had seen since Southampton began flickering it's warmth over the Madeira ranges that offer beautiful backdrop to the port of Funchal. And with the light came our first evidence of the interest this ship would generate, especially on the European side of the crossing! All along the Funchal waterfront, was thousands of Madeirans, turning out to greet literally what was the biggest thing ever to come to town!
Along the pier we were welcomed by numerous luminaries and what would become a welcome status quo, brightly costumed locals dancing, singing, and musically greeting us in every way they could. Security was very tight controlling access to the breakwater. Lines of buses, at the ready to transport passengers to their preferred shore excursions waited, as well as some there just to bring us around into town. As we stepped off the gangplank onto the pier, we each received a small bottle of Madeiras wine issued especially for the occasion. The label reads: MAIDEN VOYAGE QUEEN MARY 2 * FUNCHAL MADEIRA 15-1-2004. Naturally, this went right into my curio cabinet complementing the sealed single malt scotch whiskey container I've got from the QE2! A group of us opted for a waterfront walk then enjoyed a cable car ride up to the surrounding hillside. The real treat was coming down. We broke into groups of two and enjoyed a scintillating "Carros de Cesto", a Toboggan ride, Madeira-style. Two almost Venetian-like "gondoliers" masterfully manipulated wooden toboggans. Their heavily rubber-soled shoes provided both the thrust and the braking
power as the toboggan was slid down the smoothed side streets leading back into the village. It was a bit of jarring ride and Charles and I really didn't want to dwell long on how many of these might have left the road in their 100-year-old history! Charles statement was more along the lines of "well, it won't kill us, it'll only main us!!" Unfortunately, in what had to have been a deal worked out with the local taxi drivers, the ride ended about four kilometers too soon. Despite guarantees by the cab operators that we'd tucker out long before reaching our destination, our group sucked it up and
basically rolled down the hill into town!

Passing one storefront on the Rua F. Ornelas we noticed it's front window festooned with numerous drawings and paintings local children had done of the QUEEN MARY 2. It was all a part of a competition with the winner receiving a visit to the ship. This was just one more indication of the importance the cruise trade has for maritime islands such as Madeira.
The crowds remained along the Avda das Comunidades throughout the day looking off towards the QUEEN MARY 2 prominently back dropped across the harbor. We dined aboard a landlocked former sailing yacht, advertised to have been The Beatles Mediterranean vacation yacht in 1966. The crowds remained to see us off when we cast off at 6:00pm sharp.

That evening our group of ten were fortunate to dine in the Todd English restaurant onboard. Dining room service in Britannia had been showing signs of improvement since the first night when deserts took up to an hour. Throughout the voyage, though, portions there were always very small and I think we were all looking forward to a heartier meal.
Todd English is really a very attractive dining room. Access is gained either from the Deck 8 pool area, starboard side, or all the way to the aft section of the Deck 8 starboard passageway. Dining in the Todd English restaurant on this voyage was totally free. (I believe the Todd English experience will become extra-tariff at some later point in the inaugural season) The only problem was you could book a table only once per cabin over the course of the voyage.
There was only one table for ten and it occupied it's own room with large curtained windows overlooking the deck space aft. Three or four waiters and waitresses doted upon us and we kept the wine steward going throughout. The service and presentation was absolutely superb. And the food, well the food was to die for. One appetizer in particular was incredible: the ricotta ravioli with black truffles! Oh, magnifique! I opted for the sirloin steak. I'm a huge fan of Peter Luger's Steakhouse in NY, arguably regarded as America's finest steakhouse. This is no stretch of the truth the sirloin I enjoyed in the Todd English restaurant that night on the Queen Mary 2, with Funchal fading behind us, was just about on a par with those I've enjoyed at Luger's! Grilled to a "rare" perfection, the flavor and texture and juiciness was other-worldly. And it must've tipped the scales at around 18 oz., fully equal to 3 or 4 portions in Britannia!

Some of you might be wondering why I haven't touched on the entertainment onboard. The fact is I'm not big on shipboard entertainment, preferring to generate my own amusement. I had made it a point to catch Dame Shirley Bassey's performance the night before, hoping to hear her sing what was an old favorite, the theme song from the 1964 movie Goldfinger. And she did. It was her first song. Dame Bassey was said to have been a bit seasick so her debut was held over one night. Originally she was to perform Tuesday. The seas had mellowed a bit by Wednesday night. It was an SRO crowd and I figured why should I take up the space better appreciated by another, so off I went! I understand she did magnificently with the rest of her program. I understand she left the ship in Madeiras.
Another night, George, Juan, Bob Pelletier, and I figured we'd take in the variety show. Consisting of a revue by the Royal Cunard Singers & Dancers with a look back to the Disco Era (an Era I generally distained even while living it!), a mildly amusing Comedian, John Martin, and an medley of piano hits performed by "Harry", convinced me why I generally pass these shows up in the first place. I think too, the Royal Court Theatre is my least favorite space on the ship. While sightlines seem to be very good, the seating is very crammed together. You have rows of theatre seats with additional chairs cast in the walkways between the rows making movement through the rows very difficult. Illuminations on the other hand, is a marvelous and spectacularly laid out presentation hall.
Tripl i ng as lecture hall, movie theat r e, and the first Planetarium at sea, the amphitheatre layout is perfect. The section of seats directly below the fabric planetarium ceiling, recline with the flip of a switch. The only negative was several of these chairs were out of service, and since it only seated some 800 at a time, there were standing room only crowds for the numerous Maxtone-Graham presentations. I attended one of the hourly Planetarium shows, "Infinity Express". The 22-minute (or so) presentation struck me more as a promotion for some greater work but I unde r stand other shows, such as the "Stars over the Atlantic" were better received. I spent zero time in the G32 disco, located all the way aft on Deck 2 & 3, and I enjoyed the Queens Room for tea most afternoons, but it was dreadfully crowded and very warm for the Captain's cocktail party our third night at sea. To me, that was an ongoing problem on the ship: room temperature. I'm aware that on many ships, passengers complain that the air conditioning is too good. I felt the QM2 could've knocked the internal air temperature down another 5 to 7 degrees and it would've been perfect. Not all in our little group concurred; perhaps my vodkas did have a little something to do with that at night!

Part 4

Friday found us docked, bow in, on the outer reaches of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife breakwater. Security appeared as tight here as it was protecting us in and about the breakwater in Funchal. There, some jogger had actually breached security. In typical "simpatico" fashion, the police waved the fellow through in Funchal, after it was obvious they weren't going to keep up with him! Our walk into town would be a healthy jaunt. The QUEEN MARY 2 was beautiful in the morning sun. Again, as in Madeira, local dancers entertained as we alighted onto the pier. Samples of local cigars were handed out, emblazoned with a tiny ship bow view, QM2, Porto de Tenerife, 15-01-04. Two veterans were docked ahead of us: Festival's chartered FLAMENCO (ex. SPIRIT of LONDON, ex. SUN PRINCESS, ex. MAJESTIC, ex.STARSHIP MAJESTIC, ex. SOUTHERN CROSS, soon to be arrested, looked to be in excellent condition given her advanced age. Thomson's THOMSON SPIRIT (ex. NIEUW AMSTERDAM, ex. PATRIOT), her "happy face" logo
smiling down on us interested observers, belied her previous incarnation as US Line's "ill-fated" PATRIOT, the stars of her previous livery still prominent despite her white-washed funnel.
Many of their passengers were moving in the opposite direction, preferring to spend their time gazing at the mighty QUEEN MARY 2.
There was to be none of the traditional flaked paint along "our" waterline, despite our heady 23 knots over two days in a rough Bay of Biscay, her paint job remained as pristine as it was the day we left Southampton.

Our group today consisted of "half the gang of four", Charles & myself, Jane and Anne, Ted, Karl, and a welcome addition for today's activities, lister Bob Pelletier. Departure tonight was scheduled for 11:00pm giving us a full day to pursue our mission to explore the island. With accomplished travel writer and frequent Tenerife visitor Ted Scull in command, we went about plotting our itinerary.
Santa Cruz is a lovely town. You're immediately struck by the clean streets, the organized and recently redeveloped port area, and the wonderful Spanish architecture which would be equally at home in a city twice it's size. Our destination was Mt. Teide, not only Tenerife's highest, but the highest of Spain's substantial mountains. A volcanic eruption in the Middle Ages rendered half the island uninhabitable, and thusly it has remained. Believed to be dormant, she retains a prominent peak, accessed by a large cable car.
First we had to find transportation. Warned that our rental's were due back by 7:00pm we piled into two small Fiat's and began navigating out of town along the Avenida Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera past the amazingly modern civic auditorium and surprisingly, onto a six lane superhighway. Climbing above the city, wonderful vistas opened looking back towards Santa Cruz. Soon we were at our exit and onto the beaten path cutting clear through the center of the island enroute to Teide which beckoned to us in the distance.

Still climbing, the little Fiat chugging with each switchback turn, we noted our progress through the forest of Aguamansa passing 2,000 meters. Soon, we were above the tree line as we entered an area bereft of substantial growth. Old lava fields became the norm as we passed 4,000 meters. Finally we arrived at the cable car base of Mt. Teide. Warned by the attendant that temperatures near the peak were below 0 centigrade those of us that had never experienced Teide borrowed jackets brought by the more prepared. The view at the top, over 16,000 feet above sea level was other-wordly. Immediately below, for as far as the eye could see, was the deadened earth of rust colored lava. Far beyond, out towards the Atlantic was cloud cover, its' cotton luminescence contrasting with the bright blue sky above. Breathing was labored and we hardly stayed more than a few minutes. Soon we were packed back in the Fiats and making our way back toward town, using an easterly route down from the peaks through the clouded mountainside. After a short drive we were in the small town of La Laguna. Decision time. It was only about 5:30, it had
been a tiring day and we were prepared to return to the QM2.
Intrepid Ted would have none of it. And are we glad he wouldn't, as we detoured onto secondary roads stretching deep into the northern reaches of the island. Our approach after this ride would be into Santa Cruz from the opposite side of how we had left town. This road turned and twisted without guardrails, even more than our access to Mt. Teide. Thick vegetation was the rule, the road often splitting through dense growth literally cut through the sides of the mountains we were traversing. We pulled over at one vista stop. I don't know if Ted had planned this or not, but it couldn't have been better scripted. While we were under cloud cover, there, well below us, framed by two smaller hills, was the QUEEN MARY 2, absolutely brilliant in the afternoon sun, far below, at least two to three miles distant. It was quite a moment. It took us the better part of the next hour to negotiate our way around, back, through, coming down from hills, entering Santa Cruz. 7:00pm was approaching rapidly. The sun was setting. Our rentals were due back, now!

Traffic was building. Something we didn't anticipate was now becoming clear: the island was converging on Santa Cruz for the evening's fireworks display, in honor of the QUEEN MARY 2. At our main access route into town diligent policemen were rerouting traffic. Suddenly we found ourselves passing the turns we needed to get back to the rental agency. Panic, in a controlled, almost fun way, was the order! Moving back along the Avenida Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera, the beautiful auditorium now only marking our confusion, we lost Ted in the lead car. We were on our own. Sitting in my navigator's seat, I barked orders to Charles. Go right! Stop, go….no, go there – to the end. Go around the circle, if it lets us….oh, shoot – no turns. Now it was dark. We drove completely around one traffic circle and backtracked. "Try this", I'd say. "We can't!", Charles would reply. It was really something right out of the Disney "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride." Miraculously we spied a familiar road – how we arrived at it, I don't think any of us can say. I bolted and ran the block to the rental agency. Miracle of miracles, Ted's car was in the area too, and Jane Lyons was sitting there. No way was this place closing at 7:00! Finally, both cars made it back and we joined the throngs heading towards the waterfront for the evening's festivities.

There was electricity in the air as we hiked our way back to the ship. Again, as in Madeira, QUEEN MARY 2 was the story- she was all the action, and tonight the action was starting around 11:00pm. We were all tired from our incredibly wonderful shore excursions but judging by the huge crowd gathering along the Avenida de la Roche, the "Riva" providing a perfect vantage along the waterfront, we were in for something special.

For me, it became a memorable evening.

In such close quarters throughout the day, I was running solo that night. Anticipating something of a lesser scale display than what sent us off from Sou t hampton, I marched to Deck 13, expecting it to offer the best vantage point for the fireworks to come. Climbing above the deck on the covered wading pool hot tub, I stood, waiting for the show. Stephen Payne appeared and smiling, he asked if he might join me on my little "perch". Always room for more, I responded. So began a couple of hours spent with, and really a high point of the voyage for me, the fellow that designed the darn thing!
As I've mentioned in previous installments, I've known Stephen for several years and we're both very comfortable dispatching with any scripted conversation. I'd say our talk here was very much along the lines of two guys just hanging out, enjoying the Maiden Voyage, and really quite candid in content. I needled him a bit about the Blue Peter and did he really still wear the one he had been sent so many years before, writing in the to BBC program of the same name. Well, he happened to be wearing it and as Stephen proudly showed it off. I got a nice close up of his prized and sentimental pin!

We stood and took in the sensational fireworks show – truly a professional exhibit. After a bit we decided to retire to the Commodore Club for a drink and here is where the conversation turned from casual to serious – I was determined to learn from the man, and he was very forthcoming. He exhibits very little "ego". I asked how he had kept it in check given the incredible scope of this accomplishment and he said that there were so many involved that it was impossible to develop a swelled head. I did ask if his parents were "enjoying this", were they getting some mileage out of it back home? With a smile on his lips, he assured me they were. I am not the most technically oriented person. My questions had more to do with the historical aspects of QUEEN MARY 2 and I'm sorry if some of t he following disappoints a few of you. I wouldn't have known the proper block co-efficient questions to ask, the "economy of scale" queries would have fallen short, the mermaid pod's did not fill the following palate. I wanted to know the nuances. I wanted to know which reincarnations, he, as a true traditionalist, intended and succeeded in building into this great ship. So we began: "NORMANDIE, there is a lot of NORMANDIE in this ship," he began. The whaleback on the bow for starters. The great glass p anels in the 2 and 3 deck galleries amidships. The sheer scale, the lack of crowding. The rounded superstructure forward is reminiscent of QUEEN MARY and QUEEN ELIZABETH. The ceiling heights, too, were similar to those grand Atlantic liners. The Commodore Club, done with the QUEEN MARY's Observation Bar in mind. The Britannia dining room, obviously taking a page from the QUEEN MARY First Class dining room. ROTTERDAM: the two aft gas turbine vents, high up above Deck 13. I thought these were designed after FRANCEs' aft posts. "No," Stephen corrected me. "All ROTTERDAM." Then it was obvious. Coupled with the wide expanse of deck space aft on Deck 12, this was ROTTERDAM! Her First Class sports deck was very reminiscent of this space on QM2. Too bad ROTTERDAM didn't offer the delightful opportunity of movies under the stars as we enjoyed a couple of nights on the QM2. Surrounded by stewards taking drink orders, snuggled in our "steamer rugs" on the wonderful thickly padded teak deck chairs, movies were played against the white superstructure. QUEEN MARY 2's "lengthiest" Deck 7 outside promenades could have been almost any number of great transatlantic ships of the past. With one huge difference: her lifeboat machinery is erected above the deck, leaving an unbroken promenade lined with wonderful teak padded chairs, two deep, as you've no doubt already heard - "able to accommodate four walkers across!" P & O even snuck into it: moving aft on Deck 7, both port & starboard, there's a short bit of covered outside promenade, complete with great cuts punctuated with teak railings, very reminiscent of so many great P & O white ships! ROTTERDAM is further represented as deck 7 wraps around inside the forward superstructure. My favorite spot on the ship, which I happily occupied for a couple of hours every afternoon during the soon-to-come four days across to Barbados, was another throwback. Two small docking wings aft on Deck 8 extended nostalgically over the side. Extended outside of the QE2-esque screens on Deck 8, I could sit contented in a chair (no full sizeddeck chair could fit!), feet up on the railing, the sun sparkling on the sea, catching the slipstream on the smile on my face at 25 knots or more, so happy to be partaking of that experience! It truly was my little "heaven on earth", and it too, is such a throwback to so many ships over so many generations. OCEANIC & EUGENIO C. are represented too, according to Stephen. The stern treatment, transoms supporting the rounded bulk of her near-cruiser stern, there to provide the Mermaid Pods with the necessary entry in the water, were designed with these two near-sisters in mind.

Eddie Squire, a retired NYC Staten Island Ferry Captain joined our conversation. I didn't mind. I had the opportunity to talk ships with Stephen Payne. At our leisure. A rare opportunity. Soon, the three of us, the lights of Santa Cruz de Tenerife disappearing at the stern, took a walk around 7 deck. Stephen led of course, pointing o ut other subtle things about "his ship" (my words, not his). It was truly an honor to share the time with him. The education continued. By 1:30am, we were at Staircase C on 7 Deck. Time to retire. Tomorrow was Las Palmas, Grand Canarias, and the greatest spontaneous reception I've ever had on a ship!

Part 5

Andy Warhol put it best: "we should all have 15 minutes of fame."

We would enjoy nearly 10 hours of "fame", each and every one of us, as the QUEEN MARY 2 arrived in the capital of the Canary Islands, Las Palmas, on day 5 of our Maiden Voyage.

We docked in the industrial port of Las Palmas by 8:00am. Surrounded by a myriad of merchant ships and just a few naval vessels nothing could prepare us for the day that followed. I had no expectations, since I had no plans at all for Las Palmas.

My roomies had all mustered early, and cabin 4217 was deserted when I stirred around 9:00am, my latest rising through the entire voyage. Ihad no idea where anyone was, what anyone had planned for the day, and frankly, I didn't mind.

I plopped myself down on the desk chair in front of the cabin TV, and absorbed the situation. The passenger ship terminal was located at the end of the "El Muelle", the very modern inner arm of the port facility. Directly in front of us teeming crowds of curious natives and tourists flooded the dock. Again, the QUEEN MARY 2 was turning on an entire island, and it was immediately evident that electricity was in the air.

This was going to be something different. Having enjoyed my first leisurely shower onboard, I plodded my way through the various Kings Court breakfast offerings. Filling a plate with scrambled eggs, a melon medley, and Wilshire sausages – a strange English concoction of pork and wheat grain – not very appealing to the eye but not nearly as heavy on the stomach as American link sausages – I found a comfortable teak deck chair starboard side overlooking the newly refurbished dock. Already a large crowd had gathered. The pier appeared to have been recently extended to accommodate all of QUEEN MARY 2's length, and then some. A tall fence paralleled the ship, offering only two secure gaps for access. An attractive modern pier shed extended the length of the shorter northern side. Appearing almost brand new, it appeared to offer better facilities than you'd find at New York's PST.
Surprisingly, no one was camping out on the 2nd level porch that overlooked the festivities on the pier. An open-air enclosure covered the outdoor exhibition area at the pier head and it was here that local dance troupes, choral groups and a full orchestra performed to the delight of the passengers and the assembled throngs. In the early part of the day, passing clouds drizzled on us, but no one seemed to mind. Looking down from the Deck 11's Observation Deck forward, I spent a lot of time soaking up the scene before me.
The entire pier by 11:00am, from the park where folks gazed and photographed our entire starboard side, to the pier where everyone craned their necks up to engage shouts of appreciation with passengers on Deck 7, was filling. It was time to wade into the masses and soak up some of this good will. I decided to avoid the crowds packed tight near the amidships exit. I literally snuck out through the aft, Stairtower 4 access, and quietly wandered into the crowd. Towards the stern section of the ship a group of Las Palmians (??) were working hard at creating a work of art on the pier. As passengers returned to the ship, they were presented with a beautiful poster heralding this momentous arrival – A bow view of the QUEEN MARY 2 on her "Viaje Inaugural" arrival in Las Palmas. Native fellows were hard at work, perfectly recreating the poster right there on the pier, in what appeared to be colored salt or sand. As the afternoon wore on – their diligent work became an amazing highlight. Measuring appx. 30 ft. by 50 ft. they completed the masterpiece with plenty of time to spare enabling all of us to get perfect photos looking down from Deck 7.

Using my well honed New York City gait, I maneuvered myself through the crowds: good looking Spaniards, whole families, gorgeous women, handsome couples, Germans, British, natives and tourists, all moving more towards the pier than away, all convening to view the QUEEN MARY 2. Photo ops abounded. Families scrunched together for that perfect shot with the Queen as the backdrop. In the park across from us, on the pier extension, high above in the extremely modern El Muelle everyone wanted to soak up the festivities – the local singers, the orchestra, the fun, the crowd sounds pulsing. Having left my little dog at home, and not having been there for over a week now, I was tempted to play with the numerous well groomed animals owners brought with them. Children squealed in delight, the Police had their hands full trying to separate sightseers from local cabs as all tried to gain access to the pier. The sun had broken through and the crowds continued to grow & grow. I didn't go far. At one point I did sc o ot across from the waterfront, one street into town. The place was deserted. It was QUEEN for a day! The action was on the pier and damned if all weren't going to enjoy it!

Coming back to the ship through the "main" "gated" entrance, I walked through, adulation on either side, hands reached out, wanting to touch me, or anyone else en route back to the ship. One older pensioner pleaded with me, pointing to a poster held by another, "more"…"more" … "please". I shrugged, I didn't even have one for me at that point. Finding my place online, entering the ship, I took my poster. I wandered again through the MARY, finding a great spot starboard side aft to watch the creative men completing the grand replication of the poster on the pier.

Looking down from Deck 7 to the gate below, I was enjoying the notoriety each passenger enjoyed as they returned to the ship. It was time to give something back. Everyone was enjoying the interaction with the crowds, but at this point, it didn't appear that anyone was fulfilling their requests for something, anything, from the ship. I went down to the Pursers Desk on Deck 2. I pleaded my case with the young assistant: "It's time we gave something back to these people. Here they are, turning out in droves, making us all feel so special and we're not giving anything back in return. You've got to give me a stack of postcards to distribute among the children on the pier." The assistant toed the company line responding in his thick English accent, "Ahm sorry sir, guests are only allowed six cards per request." "You've got to be kidding," I pleaded. "Sir, if we gave a stack to everyone, there just wouldn't be enough caads (sic) to go around." "Geez, man, let's just give something back. The island is putting on a fireworks show for us. That's not being paid for by Cunard (I assumed). These people deserve something. You've gotta give me more than six cards. Oh come on…..!" He said he'd give me eight. I countered with 12. It was the silliest negotiation I've ever been a part of. Disappointed, I walked away with 10 and b-lined it to the yellow gate not knowing if I was about to start a stampede or what! When the crowd spied me stopping, looking into their numbers, they realized something was about to be distributed. "Me… me… sir.. please… please…" hands reached towards me from both sides and I carefully found the smallest and lowest in the crowd, making sure my cards found a small, but secure reception. Unfortunately, adults had much longer reaches and the children recessed below them making it difficult to get the cards to them. The first five met with my hoped-for recipient. The next four went to two old men and I must admist, a couple of rather attractive young women. I had one left. I scanned the noisy, but very nice and respectable group all yelling for me to give one to them. I found my target. A young child, gorgeous little boy, couldn't have been more than six years old, was standing on the bottom rung of the yellow gate, his hangs wrapped securely around the top rung so as not to lose his balance.
He looked terribly sad, realizing that if he took his hands off the gate and reached for a card, he would topple from his perch and be swallowed up in the crowd. I approached him. Hands thrust in my face, I ducked them and slid – as securely as possible – my last card into his curled fingers wrapped on the gate till it stuck. His face opened into the brightest smile, the most beaming smile….this moment was by far my most enjoyable moment of the entire trip. The look on that young lad's face just lit up the world, and the significance of my finding him just cemented the entire experience here in Las Palmas. My work was done, my cards were gone. I turned to take a final walk around to the park facing the ship and as I left the gate area several of the crowd actually applauded me! APPLAUDED ME??!!! I dissolved into the crowd with the biggest smile on my face.

I don't think I was the first person to reciprocate to the local folks and tourists that were assembled. By the time I was back on the ship, it seemed every passenger was bringing something to the crowds! One fellow gave himself to the audience, just leaning himself into the arms and hands and let them all just give him a group pat, similar to a US football player jumping into the stands to enjoy the adulation after a touchdown. I understand that wiser folks gathered up handfuls of stirrers, each with the Cunard crest, to distribute. Some gave up their posters and these were very prized souvenirs for the locals. It was the closest thing to a "love in" I had seen since the early `70s!

By sailing time a band in formal whites had arrived which was soon followed by an impromptu conga line of happy revelers. Facing the ship – and we on the ship looking down on the hoards below – chants were being sung which seemed to be akin to European football chants complete with hand gestures. We on the ship picked up on it and reciprocated. The crowd roared its approval. The cruise director on the ship ran up and down the promenade on Deck 7, trying to motivate us into doing "the wave." Thankfully, we remained classier than that! Smiles on both sides abounded. Everyone on the ship was commenting on how warm an experience this was. Several yelled "Viva Las Palmas, Viva Gran Canaria". The crowd roared in response. It was truly a memorable experience. People from all walks, just enjoying the moment. And the QUEEN MARY 2 was the centerpiece.

Sailing time. Darkness had descended. Camera flashes from three sides followed our very slow movement astern and away from the pier.

Now we all anticipated the fireworks. Would Las Palmas outdo Tenerife?? We knew there were several barges, some said five others four, spread through the dock area….there was a long delay. We wondered if perhaps there wasn't going to be a fireworks show.
Nestled where access to the pier met the waterside park was what appeared to be a partially submerged barge. Soon, it began to spew little sparks, appearing as if the fireworks programmed on it were also submerged and therefore unable to ascend. Mini bursts spread immediately over the water. There was no report in any of these tiny explosions and we looked at each other thinking that poor little Las Palmas' fireworks show had sunk into the harbor. I felt terrible thinking that all of this little island's efforts to provide us a memorable departure were going to fizzle. How wrong could I be?

After about five minutes of this diminutive display, the QUEEN MARY 2 still moving astern out of the immediate harbor area, barge number two ignited. Now, we were aware of the genius behind the display. Each barge was going to increase in size. The first, at water level appeared to be a dud. The second reached only 10-15 feet into the air, the next soon to follow, higher still and by the time the fourth or fifth had reached it's stride we were treated to another world class display! It was a fitting sendoff from an island that had given us it's all. Las Palmas and our reception there remained a topic of discussion over the next few days as the QUEEN MARY 2 turned southwest and began our crossing of the Atlantic. Barbados was four days away and we would all settle into that wonderful routine that marks every Atlantic crossing.

Alan (don't worry, only two parts to go- one if I get motivated!)

Part 6

The weather reports were typical for the mid-Atlantic region. Nothing but blue skies, calm winds and seas were on the menu for the "crossing" portion of our Transatlantic Maiden Voyage entrée. Setting sail from Las Palmas, Grand Canary Islands, adoration and appreciation still ringing in our collective memories, we all were very much looking forward to the true "cruise" portion of the voyage. We had enjoyed lovely weather since arriving before daybreak three days before in Funchal, Madeira. Now we were going to have the opportunity to appreciate the expansive decks, the five pools, the mini-full court basketball court, the lovely deck tennis court, the Jacuzzis, the expansive Deck 7 promenade. The QUEEN MARY 2 beckoned and we followed her lead.

Others before me have detailed her wonderful public rooms. I've touched on them. Perspective is important here. I'd have to say the '90 version of NORWAY was the ship with the greatest expanse of deck space I've ever enjoyed on a "cruise ship". This "'03" version of QM2 put her and most others, literally to shame. Stephen Payne's resurrection of ROTTERDAM V's First Class wraparound Upper Promenade Deck was the social center for all outdoor activities.
Protected forward through the base of the superstructure the two door access emulates ROTTERDAM's forward section to her Propeller "Park", six spare blades still emblazoned with her G32 hull number from St. Nazaire, each protected with little teak railings. Unlike some smaller cruise ships, this forward strip of passenger promenade was accessable throughout the voyage – through the rain and wind of the Bay of Biscay – with some very heavy pushing - and was the most popular spot once we finally arrived in Ft. Lauderdale at the end of the voyage. Easily, Deck 7 is the best strip of social deck space on any ship today. I believe I can safely say that, despite never experiencing any of the other mega-ships. On either side, port and starboard, you have an absolutely unbroken expanse of straight railing overlooking the sea, completely unique to any ship I've ever seen. Each railing runs straight for at least some 600 feet or so. Most of the "boat deck" type promenades you see on today's Mega-Ships are underutilized, sometimes they don't even offer deck chairs. Set back from the railing, tucked between the lovely glassed-in alcoves of her Kings Court buffet area are protected strips of space perfect for shaded snoozing or reading.   Aft on 7 was underutilized. Glassed in on each side ala QE2 it was usually bereft of any chairs or lounges providing the aft views out of Princess Grill to port and Queens Grill to starboard. It was a lovely spot to stand at the railing and look out on sweeping views over the children's ample Deck Six area below and the huge stern and wake beyond. It was also used for early morning stretching and Canyon Spa cardiovascular classes.

The children's Deck Six pool and fountain complex offered this largely adult congregation for the Maiden Voyage a quiet area of respite. There were only a few children onboard and those that were never felt underfoot or annoying. Two large water guns were set to either side of the spurting fountains directly behind the large children's pool. I was tempted to try them out if I thought I
wouldn't be caught! I never did.

The most popular sun worshipper's deck area was aft on Deck 8. The QM2's ample 135 foot breath seemed to me so wide, so open, usually there was hardly any crowding. Deck 8 aft got crowded. The quality teak deck chairs with their thick green pads were carefully guarded, sometimes to a fault. I noted several warnings of "you can't save the lounges" in a variety of languages, when husband, wife, b oyfriend, girlfriend or partner would try to fend off intrepid sun seekers. I never had a problem here. Every afternoon as we were transatlantic I had my routine. Around 2:00pm I would grab my CD player or book, sun-screen lathered, and easily locate a regular deck "chair". I'd sling the chair over my back and set it up on the port side "docking wing" - that little oh-so-traditional extension that looked out over the QM2's mighty port side- beyond the QE2'esque wind screen, and put my feet up on the railing.
Heaven on earth! The bright Atlantic midday sun beamed in my face, the slipstream of the Queen's portside blew my hair back and I could only smile at how fortunate I was to be enjoying this. To me, this is what being onboard a ship is all about. Total relaxation. I was at peace; at one with the wind, the sun, the sea, the slight motion and vibration of a great ship. Over the teak railing on my left and below me, the unbroken expanse of the Atlantic Ocean glistened in the afternoon light. The great ships' wake spread out smoothly from her bows. To my right a beehive of happy activity – the pool, showers, the Jacuzzi's filled with happy passengers, the multilingual chatter of my fellow passengers, the huge superstructure rising from Decks 9 through 12. The Terrace Bar doled out cold beverages to Starboard, tucked in the forward corner near the aft entrance to the Todd English restaurant. The Todd English patio, provided for "al fresco" dining, was informally enclosed by an elegant teak railing. Interestingly enough – I never saw anyone actually "dining" there on the voyage. The great (and unique) three-deck stairways climbed up through the superstructure straight to deck 11, to an area of deck space reserved for Grill Room passengers. This staircase literally cut through four of the five duplex accommodations that offered sweeping views over the stern. It is my understanding that the more mischievous passengers among us would rap their knuckles with glee to either side of the steel as they ascended these very long staircases, no doubt annoying the occupants to either side. I swear I was not among them! There were numerous rumors of who were occupying the suites onboard: Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise, Oprah Winfrey, Tony Bennett, Elton John, Mel Gibson, and a host of others were whispered to be staying aboard. No one caught sight of any of them. I did see the couple that occupied the Balmoral duplex suite on the port side.
They emerged to enjoy the festivities as we departed from St. Thomas. Wearing their Cunard robes, they sipped champagne and enjoyed the frivolity on Deck 8 below - they were totally anonymous, at least to me. And I'm sure they were happy with that! For some $37,999 or so for this voyage – it was their privilege! Others weren't so anonymous.

One fellow I found to be incredibly entertaining and extremely comical to watch. As Charles and I had checked in on that dreary rainy Monday, I noted this very dapper older gentleman, his long blonde locks flowing over his head, complete with a van Dyke beard & mustache striding his way to the "Platinum" (or whatever Cunard awards it's best & most frequent passengers) check-in. His bright yellow suit was complete with flowing cape, and his friend, a shorter fellow I made out to be of Indian descent was elegantly dressed in dark tux and bright red bowtie. They made quite a sight! Talk about being "dressed in your best!" In the taller gentleman's arms was cradled a large Teddy Bear! Many of us "regular" passengers took note of this gentlemen and his "entourage." Knowing smiles nodded among us – here was the kind of Maiden Voyage "flamboyance of personality" many of us had heard about over the years. This guy was the "real deal." It was fun to watch. He and his friend were very visible throughout the voyage. He didn't make any bones to "waddle" his way around Deck 8 aft in his speedos (he had a bit of a "paunch"), drawing many eyes and entertained smiles again. Wandering through the ship, he'd carry his pet Teddy, greeting friends and having a jolly time. Finally, around our 12th night out, after many whispers wondering who this fellow might be (he carried himself with the presence of a stage, TV or screen star, drawing attention everywhere he went), I had the opportunity to meet him. I had seen him that afternoon on deck, but his Teddy Bear was nowhere in sight. I was in the wonderful Commodore Club, waiting at the bar for pre-dinner drinks. Mr. "Van Dyke" appeared right next to me and as we both waited for our orders to be filled, I figured "may as well find out!" So, I turned and said with a smile on my face, "you've been one of the more visible folks onboard this voyage, sir, tell me….what's your "schtick?" Are you a member of the London stage or screen?"

"Oh, noooooo…," he smiled to me, no doubt thrilled his "schtick" had created exactly what he hoped it would – notice
"I am just a repeat Cunard passenger, my good maaan," he countered. "I am enjoying this voyage just like everyone else.
I've sailed often on Cunard. Are you having a good voyage?"
"Oh, yeah, absolutely, she's a great ship," I wasn't giving up. "So, tell me. I noticed you board with your Teddy Bear, but
I've noticed he hasn't been with you on deck."
Without missing a beat, he turned to me and deadpanned, "sunstroke, my dear boy, sunstroke. First day in the sun, poor dear!"

I had to turn to stop from cracking up laughing. It was a perfect moment! I followed that exchange with "how'd he fair in the Bay of Biscay (with our force 8!)" and he replied "oh, he's a wonderful sailor, didn't bother him a bit!" Absolutely hysterical! He provided the lightest moment onboard over the two weeks and I'll never forget him!

Social activities abounded during the crossing. "Our favorite" Liners Lister, Ben Lyons, QM2's Third Officer, celebrated his 25th Birthday the night of Monday, the 19th. Ben's Mom, Jane Lyons, part of our intrepid group and a Liners Lister herself, threw a great party for him. The Atlantic Room, high on Deck 11 forward – the same space Dame Bassey was holding her Champagne court our first night out – was a perfect venue for the party. Commodore Warwick and Mrs. Warwick were extremely kind to attend. So did Stephen Payne. It was literally a Who's Who of "ship folk" onboard. I always find myself honored to be included in these events. Virtually every Liners List passenger attended: I had the pleasure of meeting Paul Koroluk and his lovely wife, Misako, ("from Tokyo", as Paul always ends his messages on the list). Others in attendance included Jill & Jim Lopilato, Susan Banker and Louis Goodfriend, Richard Faber, Tom Cassidy and Stanley Haviland. Mark Nemergut was there as was Der Scutt with his lovely wife Leena. There were many others and my apologies for not including you here. Der presented Ben with a superb drawing of the type he has become known for outside his renowned architectural circles: The QM2 aside the QUEEN MARY inscribed: "FOR BEN LYONS, ON YOUR 25th BIRTHDAY AT SEA, JANUARY 19TH, 2004. QUEEN MARY 2 MAIDEN VOYAGE." It was signed by Stephen Payne, Commodore Warwick, and Mr. Scutt. A special sheet accompanied his work. "A Cavalcade of Major Cunarders from 1840 to 2004" was a full color sheet that included profiles of all the great Cunarders since Britannia - 16 represented right up to the QM2. It was issued "Commemorating the Maiden Voyage of the Queen Mary 2" and featured the Seal of the US & England tied together with a ribbon ending with the Cunard logo on a red duster. Below the duster John Maxtone-Graham had inscribed: "For Ben Lyons, Bons Voyages Always, J. Maxtone Graham, Many Happy Returns! It was a glorious party – a perfect shipboard gathering.

Another notable gathering honored Commodore Warwick. Hosted by Tom Cassidy, the illustrious head of the Long Island Chapter of the Steamship Historical Society, and Richard Faber, ship memorabilia dealer extraordinaire and noted historian. Held in the somewhat controversial Winter Garden (probably the least favored public room among popular opinion), it was a special evening. Donald Stoltenberg, renowed Maritime Artist and Liners Lister had created a beautiful painting of the QM2, to be presented to the Commodore.
Tom, Richard and Don invited Commodore Warwick to accept the work. Tom asked Stephen Payne, forever trying to duck the limelight, to come forward and thoroughly embarrassed "our" Ben to come forward also, noting the historical significance that Ben was, again, the first American officer ever to serve on a Cunard Liner. It was a packed house. The drinks flowed, and all of the ship "glitterati" were there. One of the ship's photographers created a wonderful group photo that included at least some 70 of the attendees, only after some six or seven attempts! We were all fortunate to be a part of it.

It was a wonderful group that sailed on this voyage – a once in a lifetime experience. We had enjoyed incredible experiences on the East side of the Atlantic and our crossing provided us all with continued great fellowship. We were due at Barbados & St. Thomas, enroute to our western terminus for the voyage, Ft. Lauderdale. Only a few days remained.

Alan (promising only one more to complete this work!)