New Years Eve on Queen Mary 2011-2012

[cunardqueen]

The mini suite had been booked, for what its worth you couldn't book online for this night so l had to call Queen Mary to book it, probably the easiest way anyway, while the Queen Mary suite, which l had occupied on the previous trip, earlier that year was simply stunning l knew it would be out of my reach, but no harm in asking, with a rate of over $800 it was crazy to even think of it, so l settled on what they called a full mini suite with King and pull out sofa. My cousin who l was staying with in Whittier California, l was going to invite along as well to celebrate, the mini suites as it happened l really wanted one with two bedrooms (one each of us) and the lady said she would mark on the booking my request and also a view over Long Beach, the price l considered reasonable $579, well it was New Year and everywhere hikes their rates up, and it needed to be prepaid.the confirmation came through right away. And so it came to be......

Today was going to be  a very special day, and as soon as l awoke with a slight fuzzy head, the sleep was wonderful and today was going to be the day l rang in 2012 from a very special location, No working for me, no pulling pints behind the bar, no going round the guests with champagne before midnight, in fact for once l was to be on the guest side of things. For tonight l was several thousands of miles away on glorious Long Beach on the Hotel Queen Mary about to welcome in 2012 in style, and really l couldn't quite believe it.

 Up with the larks to get showered and ready for breakfast in the Promenade cafe. a lovely venue, and this time as well as having the menu for breakfast there was also the buffet option at a very reasonable $12.95 serve yourself, choices choices, but it was going to be the buffet for me. The lovely orange juice (how come it always tastes better on holidays) umpteen refills of coffee along with pastries,rolls and the usual cooked stuff scrambled eggs, lovely bacon, sausages,maple syrup all in a lovely section. and as usual a great bargain. Nice to see some of the familiar staff from the previous visit, my onion ring man, from yesterday, as l called him was on duty, always nice to see him, bearing in mind l probably wouldn't  see him again this visit it seemed to right thing to do to give him a little note and wish him all the best for New Year.

The promenade cafe always reminded me somewhat of the dear old lido on QE2 with the light green napkins, that's as close as it got, and l guess in reality nothing like the lido. The Starboard bakery,situated next to the Cafe seemed to be doing a brisk trade in takeaways, perhaps if they had more seating or tables more might sit and eat rather than wonder round with those cardboard cups, and the lids l find never seem to fit on properly.

Back to the cabin to get all packed up and as l was changing cabins l would vacate it earlier than later, housekeeping would probably be rushed of their feet anyway, left the cases with the bell boy and went to check at reception if my new room was ready, as suspected it wasn't but had some banter with the lady.

[cunardqueen]

Away then to take some air and see more of the Queen Mary. ended up down at the engine room entering from the rear entrance near the prop box, fascinating  to see her machinery and the rudder controls and generally just exploring the area. Somehow l found an area called the Exhibit Area, a vast expanse of  three decks all linked by stairs and escalators, heaps of Xmas decorations scattered over the place and empty boxes, it really was a shame that on tonight of all nights a use couldn't be found for this area, perhaps its unsuitable for a dining area but given the location and size install some mobile bars and host a big disco or something. Given the right pricing you could have avoided paying the $99 fee they were asking for the ticket for seven parties and had a reasonable ticket price and maybe attracted a heap more folks, bums on seats do bring in revenue & probably given the location it would have kept it separate from the rest of the events. . Heck here was me thinking about work again.

 The place was deserted other than some action  further away, l decided to explore further and opened a door and found myself in a deep space of empty ness, it was pretty dark and l discovered a small notice saying No 3 Boiler room....Gosh deep in the heart of  Mary !To be honest it looked as though they had started work on something and then stopped, there was a platform installed and really it was so dark you couldn't see anything, one half decided stop and go back and the other half decided carry on and go forward, not that you could go a great distance, but you could explore a bit more, which l did, along a rickety walkway. common sense told me it was daylight and no ghosts, but the mind does play wonderful games and l really felt enough was enough, l didn't really fancy the idea of falling and breaking my neck and not being discovered so l retreated and went back to the Exhibit area, took a few more pics and then one of the workers setting up next door, very kindly pointed if l was lost here was an exit, which l thanked him for and took. This took me out at the Early Cruise check in which appeared to be set for a function, but nothing was mentioned on the list of events for that night, anyway out l came right at the Anchor on display next to the Queen Mary storyboard. down the gangway and bright daylight again.                     

[cunardqueen]

A glorious start to the day at the end of 2011



The prop box



The Exhibit Hall

[cunardqueen]

The Queen Mary Exhibit Hall

[cunardqueen]

[cunardqueen]

No 3 Boiler room

[cunardqueen]

Back on shore side l was meeting my cousin at about 2pm which was still several hours away so it seemed as good a chance to take a peek and see how the venues were coming along for tonights various parties onboard. Signs had already been in place.The dueling pianos already had their signs up outside the Queens Saloon.. (as it happens they were playing in Vegas later that week !!)

[cunardqueen]

The 70s &  80s disco in the Royal Saloon seemed well under way as well. The entertainment in the Grand Salon The Mini Driver band 9pm - Midnight was well planned in the sense that the Grand Dinner Buffet was taking place from 6-9pm then it was assumed most if not everyone would head out on decks for one of two fireworks display at 9pm and again at midnight, so it would be an easy set up and really the tables could be left in place for the brunch buffet the next day. The VIP party on the the bow area was a separate ticket charge and included a complimentary bar.
The other venus had DJ Nimrod  (Dance )on the Sports deck 10pm-2am, DJ Groovy Top 40 on the verandah deck 10pm-2am DJ Jazz observation bar 6pm - 2am, Pianist in the starboard lounge 6pm - 2am 
Not to forget the various eating places Hollywood deli was open 10am- 2am, Starboard Bakery 6.30am - 2am The Midnight buffet breakfast was being served from Midnight in the Promenade Cafe. these were open for all the guests, The other options were 2 sittings in Sir Winstons and  the Chelsea Chowder 
So all in all there was something for everyone.

[cunardqueen]

It seemed a good chance to checkup on my new room, the reception lady was very helpful, as it was noon but they hadn't checked out yet, even though check in wasn't officially till 4pm accepting this and as it was quiet we spoke for a while, told her l was in the industry so knew what it was like, with that she was even more obliging, l was about to leave and gave her a "tip" call it what you like, We both thought of it as an incentive and laughed as means of a thanks for what she had done. right away she was on the phone to one of the housekeeping staff to chase things up as she put it. she already had the mobile number and would call as soon as it was ready.
Now seemed a good a time as any to go shopping, and Stacks was the place, honestly they do have a wide range of top quality merchandise for sale at a very realistic price, and lm not just saying that because Everette is a throughly nice guy, But its true !!!! Mercifully he wasn't there so l probably  bought more than l would have, what with polo shirts, Mugs, badges, books fridge magnets, pens and of course the famous Funnel socks !!! Now if only he could be persuaded to do mail order......

Conscious of what l had for breakfast lunch wasn't going to be much but l found myself in the Promenade cafe where the food really is delicious and a look upstairs to the New York Deli, perhaps not the best venue onboard, but a little ice cream wouldn't go amiss, with that the mobile phone rang, My Mini suite was ready and it was only 1pm. New Year was getting closer...

[cunardqueen]

Down to the reception desk and all was ready, as it had been prepaid all l needed to collect was the lovely free gift from the Queen Mary, along with the information pack for tonights events and of course the room cards, the luggage was already on its way and l wasn't far behind. The bell boy was great filled up the ice bucket and explained some of the fixings. I checked with the room attendant about the pull out sofa and she said oh that will be done when your at dinner, but if not call reception and they will do it. picked up some extra stuff from her.... and went to unpack.

The mini suite was again a delightful set up. B424 two large rooms mine had the King bed, bathroom and living area and the other room contained the pull down sofa and other bathroom. Again opening all the doors and drawers each cabin has its own character and charm, it was going to be a great way to spend New Year. My cousin called to say he had been picked up and was already on his way, he would call when they got to the gates so l could meet him.      


The Bell boy...

[Rob Lightbody]

Myles,

Absolutely lovely stuff!  Thank you and keep it coming!!

I've said this before and I'll say it again - the connections between QE2 and QM are so profound.  Having known QE2 so well, you must see the things that are the same, and the things that they improved (or tried to).  To me the similarities betwen QM and QE2 are far greater than they are between QE2 and QM2.  Things like the portholes, passenger decks, promenades etc., even the general profile of the ship. 

[Rob Lightbody]

The prop box

Yuck!  Whats going on there?  Is that scum on top of the water in the box?  I'm amazed that box has lasted so long...  what is done to stop the water being disgusting - is it changed and filtered like a swimming pool?

[Pat Curry]

 Wonderful photos Myles.

Yes Rob I agree the synergie between QM and QE2 is astounding.

And, agreed, there is truly very little between QE2 and QM2 and frankly nilch between QE2 and the QV/QE barges.

I MUST visit QM b****r the cost.

I just LOVE the carpets in your pics Myles and of course the art deco woodwork.  More photos please.

Sacrilege but is QM more gorgeous than QE2?

[cunardqueen]

Welcome Aboard letter



Room key,Party entrance ticket,Brunch voucher & guide


The room key and booklet when you check in

[cunardqueen]

Quote from: Cunardqueen on Today at 12:31:49 AM
The prop box


Yuck!  Whats going on there?  Is that scum on top of the water in the box?  I'm amazed that box has lasted so long...  what is done to stop the water being disgusting - is it changed and filtered like a swimming pool? 

Rob
 No idea how the prop box water is cleaned, l guess they skim the surface or something, doubt very much its filtered.. but compare these photos taken 12 month appart. the last visit it really looked like someone had just scattered sand/dust on top


Above Jan 2011


and Jan 2012 a year on

[cunardqueen]

The Mini suite B424 was a lovely suite, as soon as you open the doors the history seems to grab you, l did my usual and just spent some time looking round, opening drawers and the like before unpacking.
The cabin  overlooked the dockside, which didn't bother me, and the portholes could be opened.
Having quickly unpacked (heck l was only going to be one night) but it seemed a shame not to use the wardrobes l then headed back and went outside to meet my cousin. He lives in Whittier and has always enjoyed his brunch visits to Queen Mary, with his perhaps exocentric cousin, but this was going to be different this was New Years eve, and thoughts of The Poseidon Adventure (the original) were somewhere at the back of my mind.

Time seemed to be against us as we headed of on a very quick  tour of QM, down to B deck to drop of his  overnight bag and then a brisk walk round the decks,  Sir Winstons was where my parents went many years ago with my cousin and his mother for Dinner and they left with a plate as a souvenir of the meal, my cousin still remarks on the fact that it must have been the tip at the end that allowed such a request to be granted. Plate collecting from ships followed me and my years onboard QE2, but as we know that's another story..

The warm afternoon on deck (its still winter in my mind) seemed strange to me being so far away from the cold that l associate with New Year the lobby was busy with guests checking in, a stand had been set up beside there for you to collect the party hats, blowers etc for the overnight guests.
The Observation bar enroute seemed  the ideal place to stop for a drink.With the time passing 4pm and various texts were coming from friends and family back home in the UK, gosh it was already New year with them, It was of course much to soon to return the greetings to them, heck l still had 8 hours of 2011 left and to be in this location, half way round the world was still a unique experience. with that we both sat ordered drinks and began to reminisce of past years, suddenly a QE2 bag appeared from behind one of the pillars, and lo and behold appeared a face from QE2 final crossing, the same guy who l bumped into onboard last visit as well, as fate would have it, and this floored everyone, that during the conversation it dawned on him that my cousin who was a teacher, actually taught him at school, perhaps more years ago that anyone cares to remember, and as it happened only stays a few streets away. Of all the places in all the world, QE2 does indeed reunite the world. and what a small world it is. One of the rare times lv seen my cousin lost for words.

  The Grand Salon Dinner buffet was starting at 6pm and would end at 9pm, and right now it didn't leave a great deal of time to get changed, but back to our cabin to get changed and get ready for 2011 New Years Eve aboard The Queen Mary.   

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Really enjoying your story, Myles! It makes the whole adventure so real

And I love the sense of enjoyment you express, the way you lived every minute to the full!

[cunardqueen]

The Guide to New Year onboard Queen Mary

[cunardqueen]

** OLD DEAD LINK REMOVED **img35/9751/usa2012part1716.jpg[/img]
Up the golden stairs to the Dinner Buffet


Lights, camera and ticket check, not forgetting to collect your free party blower, and hat
and of course the red carpet for a Queen  




Meet n greet with The Captain, the trainers, and said party hat
QE2 was having her own New Years party. As always she was suitably advertised with tie and pins..  

[cunardqueen]

Entry to the Grand Salon.Portable bars on the right side.


Note the prefilled chilled water and one knife



The venue !! and that iconic map