Forums Forums Local News QueenMary2 Liverpool visit

I had a plan then it failed so I went to plan B and it nearly worked.

Plan A, Get to the top of the anglican cathedral but the weather was naff and I wasn't sure if the view would work.

So Knowing a shot from the water front was usually a let down I made for the ferry. It nearly worked. We should have boarded as the QM arrived in the river, but the ferry was 20mins late. So rather than cruising down the river with the ship she was nearly along side. Couldn't believe the 10-20mm wasn't wide enough at times!

Anyway reasonably happy with the shots from the ferry I headed to the cruise liner terminal. Seams the quality has deteriorated in the PP when I resized the images.

Full set here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brocksuk/sets/72157622627012344/








And I had to try my 400mm and 1.4x tc. Here she is off the welsh coast taken from Hoylake. I know Its a crap photo but it's probably the first image of the day :razz:

Great vid, wheels. She was going at a fair lick! Still, I suppose everyone had the sense to get out of the way in good time!

Great work guys, Thanks for Sharing.

Queen Mary 2 A welcome fit for a queen


THOUSANDS turned out to celebrate the arrival of a Cunard classic to its spiritual home, offering a royal welcome to the world-famous Queen Mary 2.

As the massive bulk of the company’s flagship became visible over the horizon crowds gathered to line its entrance to the city - welcoming the travelling guests for one night only.

Aside from the gatherings on either side of the river, Mersey Ferries reported a bumper day of business with thousands taking advantage of specially laid on viewing cruises which gave those on board a taste of the size of the ship.

Before the day even started two cruises booked to coincide with a spectacular firework display to see her off had been sold out.

Captain Robbie Quinn of the Royal Daffodil ferried Merseysiders along the vessel throughout the day, even heading out to welcome her into the river.

He said: “The passengers told me they really enjoyed getting up close and seeing her first hand.

“The people on the Queen Mary 2 also seemed delighted to see us.

“It’s only when you see a ferry vessel alongside that you get a real sense of the scale.”

Aside from her size the luxury on board the QM2 also drew the crowds.

With five swimming pools, a planetarium, 5,000 specially commissioned works of art and a theatre, not to mention dog kennels, it may be the most luxurious visitor the Mersey has ever seen.

Rosemary Clough, from Rainhill, waited at the Pier head with her two-year old granddaughter Elizabeth.

She said: “This is a really great thing for our city, it is a very prestigious ship.

“I just think its brilliant thing to have on our doorstep and I’m sure Elizabeth will remember it because she was very excited too.”

Lacey Marsden, 21, from Bootle, Jennifer Lee, 21, from Fazakerley and Andrew Hawks 23, from Walton were among scores of workers who took the chance to take a break from work and see a ship that has its roots in Liverpool’s Maritime history.

Lacey said: “My mum and dad went on the ship a couple of years ago and when they told me about it coming to Liverpool I had to have a look.

“We work nearby in the court and had to come down to see it as it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

On the Wirral side of the Mersey, friends Thelma Kynaston, Shirley Duffy and Beryl Williams, all from Pensby, were among the crowds at Egremont Promenade.

Thelma said: “Every time there’s a big ship we come down, it’s so lovely to see a ship like this on the Mersey.

“I used to work in a shipping office so this was a lovely sight and it’s how it should be.”

Beryl said: “A ship like this will see a lot of the world but hopefully those on board who see this welcome will know that there’s nowhere friendlier to visit.”


Chris McIver, 62, was eagerly awaiting to share his heritage with the ship’s arrivals.

The Beatles tour guide was offering a walking tour of 40 Beatles attractions.

He said: “ The Beatles are what this city is most famous for.

“I saw them play at the Cavern Club.”

The Ibraham family, from Alabama, were overwhelmed by the welcome they received stepping off the ship.

Mum Sharon said: “The welcome we received was fantastic, all those people lining up.

“Even from miles away, boats were coming over to meet us and accompany us into dock.”

Her daughter Lyndsey Horton said: “ Liverpool is beautiful, I love the way modern and old architecture has been mixed together.”

David Cautes, from South Carolina, said: “I got on the ship in New York two weeks ago and have never been to Liverpool before.

“I wanted to see the Cunard building while I was here and the Beatles Museum.

“I was also looking forward to seeing the fireworks and the Philharmonic Orchestra. It's really good to be here.

Tom and Kathy Rock from Williamsburg, Virginia, said: “We came to see the Rock and Roll Capital of the World.

“It was our first time in Liverpool and our first impressions are that it is fantastic, especially the Liver Building.

“Everyone has been really welcoming.

Brian McEvoy, from Prenton, on the Wirral, said: “I have been on the boat and it is the most beautiful one I have ever been on and I have been on forty cruises. Inside and out, it is absolutely breathtaking.”

Ken Lawrence, 70, of Waterloo, said: “I went to the ship because it’s the biggest and heaviest in the world and I thought it would make quite a show.

“It’s the first time it’s been here as well so that makes it special.”

George Cockburn, 57, from Crosby, said: “It’s just on my doorstep and it was a great spot to come and watch it arrive.”

George Phillips, 66, also of Crosby, brought six year old James to watch the enormous ship sail past.

He said: “The little lad loves ships so really wanted to see this.

“I used to be a seafarer so I’m always interested.”

THE ECHO

thanku, was really cold and windy though but well worth the memories!

Queen Mary 2 Farewell & Fireworks Cruise 20/10/09

credit to the photographer Cassini
more here
night time photographs of the Queen Mary 2 Liverpool Visit

credits to Crown Plaza (photographer)
link below
More photos click here