102 days, 31 ports, 18 countries.
Queen Mary 2 World Centenary Voyage
QUEEN MARY 2 HAS ARRIVED safely tied up at her pier in Southampton. Now the rush begins onboard and pierside with a quick one-day turnover as her disembarking guests travel home. QM2 has just completed an eastbound transatlantic crossing. Of course, many passengers will continue the voyage as we sail for Lisbon, Portugal at 19:00.
Queen Victoria arrived from Hamburg this morning as well. Hopefully we'll sail out in tandem - QM2 and QV are both departing on world voyages. Let's see if fireworks accompany this grand departure as they have in the past.
Thanks to a behind-the-scenes friend and co-producer of my website and digital platform (JD Schwartz) the above photo was captured by the port's webcam and posted as of this writing. The following marine map indicates we'll be sailing through some choppy seas as we sail south. Predicted wave heights are up to 5.6 metres (eighteen-feet.) A moving send off on this fine oceanliner which will push through the ocean with aplomb.
A family member will collect myself and luggage for a journey from London to Southampton this morning where the embarking guests, flooded with anticipation and enthusiam (including myself), will queue up to board QM2 and find their home away from home aboard QM2. I suspect it will take some time to unpack my six suitcases. Luckily, having a couple of days to do so prior to the scheduled arrival at our first port Lisbon will facilitate that effort.
I'll expand on the day once I settle in and regale with this elegant friend of mine. QM2 has been an inviting and superb host in the past as I have sailed on her before. The excitment of this day and upcoming voyage has me nearly speechless. Thanks for your well wishes...I've got some bags to unpack!
I HAVE ARRIVED - QEII TERMINAL AT SOUTHAMPTON !!!
