Live From Qm2 - Happy 4th

[ESLO]

Hi All,

 

Happy Independence Day to all from the QM2. Also, Happy Birthday Cunard on the 4th of July.

 

Had a very lovely gathering in the Commodore Club last night with many of our ladies and fellows of CruiseCritic's.

 

Cruiseking was our leader of the thread along with ESLO, CruiseShelly, Malinda1229, 2 Cruisers From Georgia, Bill & Ray to name a few.

 

We are now about 1 3/4 hours away Boston's Black Falcon Pier.

 

Captain Rynd is the Master at the Helm of the QM2 for this voyage. Cruise Director for this voyage is Ray Rouse. Also on board is Captain Warwick as a passenger on this cruise.

 

Abit chilly and foggy this morning 62 degrees on deck at 6:30AM and we were according to my Handheld GPS halfway up the Cape Cod hook. Speed 26 knots. Still many braved the Open Deck For Morning Walks.

 

Many different parties onboard this evening for the Holiday. Informal dress and the Red White & Blue Ball is tonite in the elegant Queens Room. But we will be leaving before the Boston Fireworks Can Be Viewed.

 

Till the Next Time....

Regards,

:) ESLO

(Ed & Bev)

[cusyl]

Sounds great! Don't forget to sign the book!!!:D

[whherron]

A Web camera for Boston Harbor is here:

 

http://www.seatowboston.com/harborcam.html

 

At present (11:45am), the people accessing the camera are following the USS Constitution on its July 4th turnaround cruise.

 

If you can move the camera controls around until it points to the south, look for an aircraft-carrier like boat in the Harbor. It's the USS Kearsarge. Just to the right of it is Black Falcon Terminal. You will be able to see the funnels and upper decks of the QM2 around the building...it's docked on the far side of the Terminal.

 

I don't have the ability to post the picture on here. Someone else will need to try.

 

Bill

[whherron]

And the QM2 is sharing the terminal with the USS Phillippine Sea, a Ticonderoga-class cruiser. Between it and the Kearsarge, I'd say the QM2 is safe for the day...

 

Bill

[imacruizer]

ESLO, thanks so much for taking the time to post from the QM2. We look forward to more reports. Have a wonderful voyage.

[travel-to-go]

Here she is in Boston!

Is that CruiseKing hanging from the funnel?

I'm trying to edit, as pic came out wrong!

[flag fan]

It's a soggy 4th here in the nation's capital. I hope things are fine on QM2 and you had a great Independence Day.

[mariaemp675@hotmail.com]

Hi Eslo,

 

So glad you were able to post and I know you are having a wonderful time.:D

 

I noticed from the bridge cam that the QM2 was still in port about 10:25.

 

Did you get to see any of Boston's fire works? I watched them on TV and they were spectacular!

 

Maria - who looks forward to your continued postings.

[travel-to-go]

Hi Eslo,

 

So glad you were able to post and I know you are having a wonderful time.:D

 

I noticed from the bridge cam that the QM2 was still in port about 10:25.

 

Did you get to see any of Boston's fire works? I watched them on TV and they were spectacular!

 

Maria - who looks forward to your continued postings.

 

Don't forget,Maria, The Bridge Cam is in Zulu or Greenwich Mean Time - 4 hours before us.

 

Karie,

Who used to know this stuff, between HAM and Flying, but is never too sure anymore!

[ESLO]

Hi All,

 

Well, it's 12:14AM on the 5th and the 4th is all over and we have left Boston's Harbor.

 

I will try to do my best in reviewing up to now and sometimes answering questions. I am tried and hope not to make mistakes. Sorry.

 

We did arrive at 9:30AM yesterday morning and picked up the Pilot. Then we proceeded more towards the Harbor. When we got to Deer Island, the Captain Greeted us and started the Patriotic Music all the way till we were docking. It was warm and sunny, but GREAT weather for the observation decks. Very crowded all of them. We preferred to stay on the 11deck forward as it had the greatest viewing. When we docked at the Black Falcon, we observed the Naval LDH #3 docked accross from our dock. At 12 Noon they opened up for the public viewing. In front of us at the Pier was the DDG6 USS Lagoon with many sailors coming off for leave. During the entering of port and docking we were joined by Cruiseking and his guests along with my wife and parents.

 

When the announcement came about the USS Constitution was on it's way we proceeded to the rear of the ship to our cabin's balcony. We has a birds eye view of the Constitution coming down the harbor with a type of Op Sail escort with many numerous pleaure crafts aside. Once it pasted we proceeded to the Golden Loin Pub for our first time lunch. WOW! We will try to go back one more time. We also were at that time watching the Nathan's Hot Dog Contest on ESPN.

 

After lunch we retired to our rooms to rest. But trouble was brewing related to the weather. Heavy storm clouds were coming in and at one point we had rain for a good amount of the afternoon. Felt sorry for the ones on tours. It did stop about 5PM but concern if it would interfer with the concert with the POPS. Several of us CC's including Cruiseshelly went to the Planeterium to see the 20 min show. GREAT - What an experience on the QM2. Now back to the room to prep for early dinner and the show and all the activities planned.

 

Tonight was Informal - with the Red White & Blue Ball Planned. People were dressed from early morning in their red, white and blue finest. You name it they wore it. After a lovely Dinner in the Brit. we proceeded to the Nightly show that was themed Patriotic. Craig Dawn "Bach to Boogie Showman" was the feature. There was nothing he could not due with the ivories. The 45 minute show ended with all standing and cheering. The Royal Court was also dressed for the holiday theme.

 

We all proceeded to the open decks to see what we can see. Many were disappointed that we would not possibly see the Boston Fireworks. Lots of fireworks all around the area but Boston Pops would not start till 10:30-10:40PM. We are to leave 10PM. Many wandered the open decks on a clear and very warm evening watching for the fireworks that may not be seen. Then we were delayed by 20 minutes for a container ship that had gone before us and moving very slow. We did not start to move till about 10:25. By the time the Queen started to move out of the Falcon into the harbor it was about 10:30-35. All of a sudden from over the skyline of the Boston came the Boston Pops later Fireworks shows in all it's glory even though we were abit away. Everyone gasped at the site and even those inside heard the word and came running out on desk. We even saw Capt & Mrs Warwick in the rear watching by the rear pool area. The DJ and band was playing on deck at the sailaway party. There was to be a Buffet also on deck. Many of us decided to go into the Kings Court as it was cooler. Alot of people decided to have a second late dinner with all the food laid out.

 

My wife and I proceeded to the Patriotic Dance in Queens Room which was dressed with a the flags of all the states hanging from the ceiling and the room was jumping with dancing. Paul Richie was the singer tonight there.

 

We will attempt to not forget to sign the book but we all are busy thoughout the day. It can be easy to forget maybe. It was mentioned a the CC Meeting at the Club.

 

After we were going to go see the Constitution from our room, Cruiseking and his company was proceeding to the trivia game to WIN!

 

It is time to proceed to sleep but maybe on the way I may stop at the Casino and make a donation or win a donation back. When I was coming here to the computer center everyone was waiting in front of all the machines to clear the harbor and open their pockets for those games of chance.

 

Later today we will be landing in Bar Harbor to tender to land. We personally will do a self walking tour and find a good seafood lunch with that sweet lobster meat they on known for.

 

Till the next time.......

 

Regards,

;) ESLO

(Ed & Bev)

[cusyl]

Thank you for your post, It's almost like being there! Have a wonderful voyage. :D

[mariaemp675@hotmail.com]

Hi Eslo,

 

Sounds like you are having a great time.

 

I am so glad you were able to see some of the fire works!:D

 

Thank you for posting. I feel like I am back on board.;)

 

Maria - who wants to remind Karie, I was right! Again!!:p

[ESLO]

Hi All,

 

Will post later. We are here in Bar Harbor across from the Bar Harbor Inn.

 

Did had a GREAT lunch of seafood, my wife & I and it was at the Island Chowder House on Cottage St.

 

Lobster many many different ways. I had my first ever Lobster Roll & my wife had Baked Haddock which was also GREAT.

 

Will be leaving 5PM and proceeding short distance to Halifax.

 

Not listening to the news to much but some of us are concerned about the Koren Conflict sort of.

 

Talk (write) to you all later.

 

PS Maria, don't make we sad. I will try to post the names of the other CC's that attended the gathering. Unfortuately no one brought a camera to the meeting and we missed the opportunity. Will attempt to enter into the library book as I am using the computer in it to write to you.

 

Regards

:) ESLO

(Ed & Bev)

[patwell]

What a nice looking day in Bar Harbor...at least it looks like you can see the gorgeous scenery. I lived for 15 years in the Bar Harbor area and can picture you in the pretty harbor. BH Inn is lovely...great restaurant...had some wonderful views of Sagafjord in the harbor from there years ago. You picked a good restaurant to get your New England fish. Summer lobsters are always the sweetest and I miss haddock everytime I go to the fish market down here in the south.

 

Our Boston friends who are sailing on her with us in Dec went down to see you yesterday and took a bunch of pictures. They were VERY impressed!! If they got any good ones maybe someone can post them since I don't know how to do that.

 

Hope your fellow pax enjoyed trips to Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mt. With such nice looking weather they were in for some awesome views from Cadillac. Thanks for posting...enjoy the rest of the trip and eat more lobster in Halifax...theirs is good too!!! Cheers, Penny

[mariaemp675@hotmail.com]

Eslo,

 

I love your posts. Please don't feel sad about the fire works or the lack of pictures at your cc get together. Just carry your camera everywhere and when you see a cc say "smile" and take their picture.;)

 

You are on a wonderful ship with some great people, and you missed the torential rain we had this morning in Brooklyn.

 

But according to the forecast you will be arriving back on a beautiful sunny day with low humidity.

 

Maria - who would love some lobster right now.

[ESLO]

Hi All,

 

Just checking in at 11:55PM and we are now enroute to Halifax tomorrow morning at 8AM. We will be setting our clocks ahead 1 hour, so I am writing this at 1AM. Will post the best I can as I need to get some shut eye.

 

The weather was very foggy on our arrival this morning from 5AM to the point that we anchored in the harbor. It did eventually burn away later on in the morning. They were very cautionly tendered us to land with gps and radar thru the pea soup. The dock looks different from the time we first came 11 years ago. We did dock by the Inn.

 

The shops and streets are very special after coming from Brooklyn, NY. We are not use to this Mayberry type atmosphere. But it did change with our arrival - QM2 hitting the streets. All were very excited that we came on it's second visit to Bar Harbor. Certain shops gave 15-20 percent off if we were from the Mary. Even a special edition of the local paper came out and were delivered to each cabin. Many took tours of the town but the rest did populate the streets.

 

As I said before we enjoyed walking around and also enjoying a great lunch. I could not count the number of people that were eating boiled lobsters and lobster rolls in that restaurant, no less talking to many coming back to the ship that eat lobster rolls.

 

When we came back toward the Inn to head to the pier to tender back to the Mary that was now fully exposed and in full view within the harbor. Took pictures like everyone else was. We returned to that ship and treated ourselves to a well earned Chocolate Frozen Yogurt from Kings Court.

 

Rested in the room and the lounge chair and even fell asleep to prep for a evening of entertainment. I did meet Cruise Shelly and her friend Janet just now in the Kings Court for late night snack in the Cravery and they did practical the same things we did in the town except they also shopped for some jewelery. They were just going to see how the deck was and retire as I will after a long day.

 

We were just talking about the show we all saw tonight. A great gal from the UK Petrina Johnson was GREAT!!!!!!! She was a real show stopper. Fab voice and acting qualities. She also impersonated many of her favorites like Judy Garland, Cher, Celine, Shelly Basse to name a few. The real act that brought the house down was her version of Evita that she herself play in on the West End of the London's Theatre. She also has been in many other shows. This was her second time on the Mary since two months ago. I think she was so great that I did purchase her CD after the show. I don't do this that often unless I really think the person was great, I did this time.

 

Did some shopping and donations to the Empire Casino. Did pretty good for once.

 

We will be getting off tomorrow and taking the Cunard - White Star Tour - The History of Cunard, Visitation and Respect to the Halifax Cemetery with the Titanic victims graves and also the different buildings that were part of Sammuel Cunard life. Martime Museum on the list.

 

Maria and patwell, thank your for your remarks.

 

Till next time.....

 

Regards,

:cool: ESLO

(Ed & Bev)

[whherron]

By the time the Queen started to move out of the Falcon into the harbor it was about 10:30-35. All of a sudden from over the skyline of the Boston came the Boston Pops later Fireworks shows in all it's glory even though we were abit away.

 

I was thinking...gee, if they could find a way to delay their departure just a bit, then they might be in the sight-line on the way out of the harbor. Sounds like someone else was thinking the same way. (smile)

 

Bill

[travel-to-go]

Eslo wrote: late night snack in the Cravery

 

Gee, Eslo,

I have to ask: Was this a "mere" typo, or a Freudian slip? <G>

 

Karie,

Who has been known to have late night snacks in the "Cravery" also!

[hvsteve1]

"White Star Tour - The History of Cunard, Visitation and Respect to the Halifax Cemetery with the Titanic victims graves "

 

And how many cruise lines can give you a tour of their history with a visit to the cemetary. Actually, there is a very moving memorial to the victims of Swissair Flight 111 which crashed of NS in 1998 near Peggy's Cove. The tour busses may stop there or blow by it, I'm not sure. There are actually two memorials, the second one on the other side of the bay being larger and containing the unidentified remains of some victims. The two sites are placed to line up with the location the plane actually went in.

 

Actually, I think I have some nice shots from above the terminal of QM2 docking and being greeted by Theodore Tugboat. I hope to have the shots uploaded onto my computer back in NY by tomorrow.

[smeyer418]

Yep Halifax is disaaster central. Besides the Titanic and the Swiss Air flight, its also the scene of the largest man-made explosion prior to dropping of the atomic bomb, In WW I, a munitions carrying ship and another collided and exploded. The Maritime Museum has a whole area that is dedicated to this mostly unknown(in the US anyway) now disaster over 2000 died,

[ESLO]

Hi All,

 

Will be continuing the coverage of this voyage on the thread below. Old part posted upto Last Night and transferred to new thread listed below.

Had computer problems - this the reason for new site.

 

Still Live From QM2 - 4th JULY CRUISE

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=375194

 

Enjoy the reading.

 

Regards,

:) ESLO

(Ed & Bev)