Thanks so much to Ken (Highlander0108) for that link to your April 08 photographs. Being on board that day, I have always wondered how she looked as we pulled away from the piers at twilight and headed down the Hudson. That late departure turned out to be a very unexpected and priceless bonus for the voyage. Bill Miller, the liner historian was on board that trip and delivered a great commentary. In his always exciting and exuberant manner, over the ships loudspeakers during the actual sailaway - I can still remember his voice as he said: "Yes, Cunard paid very dearly for this spectacular sunset departure!" This sailaway in particular was very festive, it being one of the last ever Transatlantic departures from the New York piers as well as being the final leg of the 2008 Farewell World Cruise. The atmosphere on board that trip was very nostalgic in that many passengers like myelf knew they would be saying their final goodbyes to the liner. During the sailway, the champagne toast continued on the open decks as the QE2 glided down the Hudson with ceremonial fireboat escorts spoutinig plumes of water spray salutes. To port, the New York City skyline twinkled with lights, the QE2 cast its own special glow in the water. Soon we sailed slowly by the now illuminated Statue of Liberty, always a spectacular sight from any ship and headed out into the Narrows. Due to the late departure, many of us missed our early dinner seatings but who could miss a rare opportunity as this for a night saiing! As I had missed my early seating in the Mauretania, I headed to the Lido. I never thought my first dining experience on the QE2 would be buffet style but the meal was enjoyable enough, the soft lighting and light green table linens made for pleasant dining. I imagine we never forget our first meals on the QE2. I was seated by the full expanse of stern facing windows and gazing upwards, had an awesome view of the sparkling lights of the Verazanno Bridge as we glided under it. During the voyage, the Lido turned out to be an always nice, friendly place to visit, have coffee or tea and relax by those great stern facing panoramic windows with a view of the wake. (Something I sorely missed on the QM2). When in the Lido, I always tried to imagine what the space was like back when it was the Magradome pool area. Throughout voyage #E802, the atmosphere remained festive as many of us knew the magic of the QE2 would soon be a thing of the past, memories.
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