Video QM2 sailing under the Verrazano Bridge New York

[shipnshore]

Hi everyone, we have just recently done the June crossing onboard QM2.
The North Atlantic was like a mill pond throughout the voyage and as Capt. Chris Wells
commented "I have never known anything like it!" Anyway it was certainly the first time
we have experienced a crossing as smooth as that. On reaching New York we were on deck
very early (4.30 am) to film QM2 passing under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, it's been done
many times I know but it's always special! If you would like to see it here is the link

 or tune into amshipnshore on youtube. I hope it stirs a memory
 or two for those who were brave enough to rise so early! 
                                                 Best regards, Alan

[Rob Lightbody]

Wow!  How much clearance is the funnel supposed to have under the deck of the bridge?  It looks like only a couple of feet there?  I wonder how much the sea levels need to rise...

[shipnshore]

Hi Rob, I read somewhere that the clearence is just 16 feet! It's a pretty spectacular
sight when you are so close to the action.
                                                                 

[Jeff Taylor]

Of course the clearance depends on the tide as well.  One QM2 documentary I saw involved a 2 hour delayed departure due to an ill passenger on a rising tide which resulted in what they claimed was a 3 meter clearance, but I'm sure given a choice they'd aim for more!

[Lynda Bradford]

Brilliant video!  I felt like I was there and could almost touch the bridge. 

[shipnshore]

Hi, Lynda and also Jeff, going under the bridge at that unearthly hour in the morning added to
the atmosphere of it all. So silent and just gliding along, almost eerie! That was until the funnel finally
cleared the bottom of the bridge that's when the party started!
                                                                                                Alan  

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Excellent video! I remember passing this way on QE2 and being in two minds about whether to take pictures or just enjoy the occasion... the photographer in me won out...

Thank you for having taken the video and uploaded it for us! Where were you heading to, where did you eventually berth?

I wonder whether anyone here actually ever stood on the Verrazano Narrow Bridge and watched from above as QE2 or QM2 arrived or departed New York? What was it like? Did you get the feeling that the funnel might actually hit the bridge and send you tumbling down into the ship?

[Jeff Taylor]

Just driving across the Verrazano bridge gives me the willies, much less getting over on the walkway!  I always picture the scene in "Saturday Night Fever" when the kids were climbing on the structure and one fell off.  I only sailed under it once on QE (1) and even that looked like a close fit, although there was lots of clearance.  I've always picked up QM2 in another port.

[shipnshore]

Hi Isabelle & Jeff,  we were aboard QM2 to New York and we docked in Brooklyn we jumped ship and stayed in Manhattan for 3 nights. Meanwhile she turned around and headed back to Southampton, next time I watch saturday night fever I will pay particular attention to the verrazano bridge!
                                                                                                                          Alan

[QE2 Canuck]

Hi all...... I love to be up top while going under the Verrazano bridge!  I have done it many times coming and going both on QE2 and QM2 and each time it is still thrilling to do.   I have been up there in the afternoon sun and the early morning dawn.  and I've been up there when someone in the crowd yells "DUCK" !! and some people actually do!

QE2  Canuck     Linda C

P.S.  this past May, I sailed on the Holland America ship Veendam to Bermuda and back and I'm afraid going under the bridbge on her was not quite as spectacular!