We are back in the USA. We have loved our time on the Queen Mary 2 – going across the Atlantic in both directions.  Highlights of this trip (with pictures):

Table Mates

Everyone is assigned a table, so we have the same waiters and dinner companions each evening. We had fabulous table mates – Pat and Peter from Kent, England – who kept us laughing night after night. We hope to see them in our next travels to Europe. [Their picture was as we approached New York, with the Statue of Liberty in the background.]

Christmas Caroling

The ship held Christmas Caroling one afternoon. Hundreds of people showed up in the Grand Lobby, where everyone lined up on two levels to sing their hearts out. Even the crew took pictures of this unique event.

Ballroom Dancing

Our favorite spot to end every night was in the Queens Room Ballroom, where a big band orchestra played, while everyone danced the night away.  There were even gentlemen hosts to dance with anyone who didn’t have a partner (Mom and I both got tagged when our significant others either weren’t quick enough to ask or were in the restroom!)

Statue of Liberty

The captain announced that we would be docking very early so if we wanted to watch the approach to NYC, we would need to set our alarms. We woke up at 4:30 and watched the QM2 glide under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge (with only 3 meters to spare!) and then got our first glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, which brought tears to our eyes. Frank’s parents made this journey in 1925 and 1927, coming from Naples to Ellis Island. His dad came first and then sent for his mother, who was just 19. Imagine being alone on a ship across the Atlantic, coming to a whole new world, and seeing these same sights.

We will miss the Queen Mary 2 and disembark with a little sadness, but wonderful memories.