Queen Mary visit to Liverpool - Part 1

FOLLOWING a proud tradition, which began when Samuel Cunard established his shipping line in Liverpool in the 1830's, the latest vessel of the line to visit Liverpool was RMS Queen Mary 2. To celebrate her fifth year, she paid her first visit to ancestral territory on Tuesday, 20 October 2009 as part of her tour around Britain having called at Edinburgh and Glasgow. She will move on next to Cobh, in Eire.  She appeared in the River Mersey and was escorted by tugs and later the Mersey Ferry as she made her majestic progress towards the Cruise Terminal. She executed a stately turn mid-river before gliding gracefully to her berth. She is the biggest and heaviest liner in the world and only just fits the Terminal, but what an incredible sight she presents. The QE 2 is still held in the port's affections, but this ship is her worthy successor. Her Commodore, Bernard Warner, also paying his first visit to our port, is justifiably proud of his impressive vessel. She is a liner not simply a cruise ship, as is obvious from her appearance.  Commodore Warner said she makes regular service voyages across the Atlantic and was built with that in mind. Her structure contains 40% more steel than others and has a deep draught. She is also streamlined, all of which contributes to greater safety and stability, even in the most violent weather encountered on the ocean. Her top speed is 29 an a half knots, achieved by her diesel engines in combination with gas turbines. She has 19 decks and Commodore Warner commented that the first Cunard vessel; the paddle steamer Britannia; would have fitted into the Britannia Restaurant of this present vessel! The Queen Mary is well equipped to satisfy her 1250 strong crew and 2500 guests of whom 1050 were from the UK, 750 from the USA, and 130 Canadians. The facilities include choice restaurants, West End style theatre shows, the largest ballroom afloat and the first planetarium plus swimming pools, spa and an 8000 book library. Special guests at presentation ceremony on board including Cunard Managing Director, Peter Shanks, the Lord mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Mike Storey, and the Leader of the City Council, Cllr Warren Bradley, and the Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant for Merseyside Dame Lorna Elizabeth Fox Muirhead.  Also The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra gave concerts.

Despite the foul weather, which descended upon the City that day, passengers were scuttling off to visit the City. However many we spoke to were from Merseyside and the North West! All were enthusiastic about their voyage. En route for the Pier Head and the buses they would encounter harpist, Mary Ann Small, who was providing a delightful interlude as they passed through the Terminal Building. One visitor from the USA told us she was going to where her grandparents came from. Others were eager to hit the shops. Such visits could only be good for commerce in the City!

Spectators had thronged the area to see the Queen Mary's arrival and appreciated the ship's rendition of, You'll Never Walk Alone, as she berthed. Those we spoke to were admiring of her appearance and all were glad to see that visits of this nature continue apace. Our Maritime Heritage is very obvious when people talk of their family history and experiences and add little anecdotes of seafaring history.

Throughout the day Mersey Ferries ran 3 boats doing tours, with excellent commentaries, to view the Queen Mary II from the river. They were kept very busy despite the bad weather. In the evening a Firework Display was given prior to the ship's departure. Local people have commented that this has been a tremendous week for Liverpool from the Colour Parade of the Royal Lancashire Regiment, the QM 2, and the forth coming Fly Past, Helicopter Display at the Pier Head and the visit of HMS Illustrious to the Cruise Terminal. Liverpool certainly has not lost the momentum gained last year: long may it continue!.   More photographs will added in next weeks issue, as well as video highlights.  For now, please enjoy this collection of images.

Report by Linda Trollope & Photographs  taken by Patrick Trollope, with thanks to Mersey Ferries, Cunard, Liverpool City Council and all the staff on the Liverpool Cruise Terminal.

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