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Without hesitation the most anticipated new passenger ship to
make it's debut into the cruise industry is the Queen Mary 2, the first newly constructed ocean liner in over thirty-five
years. The difference between a "liner" and a "cruise ship" is in the design
of the hull, which is stronger and more streamlined for a "liner".
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An ocean liner, with it's deeper draft, and sharp, wave-cutting bow, is designed to withstand the wrath of even
the most tumultuous seas, whereas a cruise ship is designed for the smooth waters of the Caribbean.
On January 28th, along with my wife Terri, I had an opportunity to experience first-hand the Queen
Mary 2 or QM2 for a short two-night cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale. As a Queen Mary (1936) historian,
I was invited by Cunard to participate in this two-night event offered to members of the media, and a host of travel agents. I was onboard as a member of the media. There were only about one hundred media onboard,
but about two thousand travel agents. Having followed the conception, design
phase, construction, trials, and maiden voyage of the QM2 for about six years, I was thrilled beyond words to have the exclusive
opportunity to see and experience the QM2. My interest in ocean liners began
around 1977 during a family vacation to California when my family happened to stay at the
Queen Mary in Long Beach, which is currently a museum and
a hotel. Throughout high school and college, as a hobby, I studied the history
and design of the original Queen Mary, which came out in 1936. I also worked
on cruise ships and even the QE2 for about two years, in various positions like Entertainer, Assistant Cruise Director, Cruise
Director and Stage Manager. Six or seven years ago, I would have never
imagined in my wildest dreams that another ocean liner, and especially one to be a successor to the Queen Mary, would ever
be built. I remember often hearing that the QE2 was the last of the great trans-Atlantic liners. Thanks to the leadership of Micky Arison, and a host of other executives and designers, a new and spectacular
ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2, continues the legacy of a grand era in ocean travel.
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