This last sea day was dramatic and full of emotion. Throughout our crossing QM2 had sailed just slightly astern of us changing from one side to the other each day. It became sort of a game — "which side would QM2 be on today?” Because she was always behind us, it felt like we were leading her across the ocean. And since this was the last crossing it felt like we were "showing her the way”. You could take comfort in the fact that even though this was QE2’s last crossing she had pride of place.
Then at about 4pm, Captain McNaught came on the loud speakers, “[Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen...] …its time for us to change our formation with Queen Mary 2 from abeam of each other to line ahead and astern. So at about 4:30 in about half an hour, Queen Mary 2 will close into about 600 meters abeam of us. So we can enjoy the view, but of course remember they have the best view! And then we shall take line astern of her a little later for the final run into New York. So enjoy the view at 4:30 as Queen Mary comes across to say ‘Good Afternoon’ as we then take line astern of her a little later on for the final run into New York.”
From the video I have, I don’t think any of us were expecting this as my friend's jaw literally dropped in shock. We all instinctively turned our heads to the window.
At 4:30 we assembled on the starboard boat deck and slowly, majestically QM2 came along side us. She seemed incredibly close. We could hear shouts and cheers of her passengers and see them assembling on her port side. There were some shouting across from ship to ship. And suddenly, the reality of what was happen really began to sink in. QM2 was going to take over. Not just on that day at sea in the Atlantic, but take over in the real and complete sense. QM2 was replacing QE2 and I would never sail on her again. This realization seemed to dawn on everyone around me as there was hardly a dry eye anywhere.
And then as if on queue, a school of dolphins popped up in the space between the two ship and payed in the water. I remember turning to my friends and saying jokingly through tears, “Wow, Carnival really pulled out all the stops today!”
Then, QE2 and QM2 began signally to each other. One after the other. I think QM2 went first because there a sense of anticipation in slight hesitation before QE2 responded. But when she did respond, there was a spontaneous and collective squeal of glee at the sound of QE2s voice!
And then it started to happen. QM2 began to pull ahead. And QE2 started slipping behind. My heart was racing. This was the moment we all came for and the moment that I dreaded so much.
Then, just like that, it was over. QM2 was in front of us leading us home to New York.
And it was time to change for dinner.
