QM2 in Hamburg

[Thomas Hypher]

It's safe to say the people of Hamburg love QM2 more than the people of Southampton (perhaps indicative of so called "Sea Blindness" here in the UK which is a massive shame as a seafaring island nation). The declaration of "QM2 Day" reminds me of Mayor John Lindsay declaring QE2's maiden arrival in New York as "QE2 Day".

Thomas

Coincidentally I have met Stephen Payne several times over the years, mainly on QM2, along with his Mum - two very kind and decent people who always had time for conversation and my questions! The reason I mention this here is I was with them for some time during a departure onboard from Hamburg.

[Twynkle]

Thomas, we sailed on board Mighty Mary on her first call to Hamburg after her remastering last year.
It was pouring with rain. So not so many came to see her off as there were visible in the wonderful photograph in the observation area behind the wheelhouse on board!
Did you know that every time that she is sailing along the River Elbe, the Chief Engineer is required to remain on watch down in the Engine Control room for eight hours!

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Did you know that every time that she is sailing along the River Elbe, the Chief Engineer is required to remain on watch down in the Engine Control room for eight hours!

And did you also know that for all ships passing a village on the Elbe, the system picks up their nationality and plays the relevant national anthem? Nowadays, for QM2, that would not be "God save the Queen", so passengers might not even notice that very personal greeting for the ship ...

[QE2forever]

It's safe to say the people of Hamburg love QM2 more than the people of Southampton

Looks like it. I was on QM2 leaving Hamburg last August 21st and again, thousands were watching and waving. Very impressive. What a send-off!

Here are two views. You can see the ship's funnel reflected in the Elbphilharmonie windows.

[June Ingram]

Great photos and videos, all !   

[Thomas Hypher]

And did you also know that for all ships passing a village on the Elbe, the system picks up their nationality and plays the relevant national anthem? Nowadays, for QM2, that would not be "God save the Queen", so passengers might not even notice that very personal greeting for the ship ...

Technically it would be our national anthem here in the UK as Bermuda is part of the UK albeit as an overseas territory (colony). Anyway, that's a nice touch from the River Elbe!

[Thomas Hypher]

Looks like it. I was on QM2 leaving Hamburg last August 21st and again, thousands were watching and waving. Very impressive. What a send-off!

Here are two views. You can see the ship's funnel reflected in the Elbphilharmonie windows.

I remember the reflection in the building's windows, I think they might be visible in my Dad's video I posted earlier today in this topic.

[Lynda Bradford]

Brilliant pictures thanks for sharing! 

[Clydebuilt1971]

Whilst not on that scale Queen Mary 2 always gets a warm welcome and send off when she visits us up here on The Clyde. We haven't forgotten the bond which existed "back in the day"

Theres something nice about waking up one morning and finding a large cunard funnel at the bottom of your street!! (and the rest of the ship its attached to of course!)