This is the second of three departures of Queen Mary 2 from Brooklyn Cruise Terminal where I’m on board.  The first one was immediately the Macy’s fireworks came to an end last week.   There is a theory put out that the reason we were anchored so far from the fireworks last week was due to the much revered Vice President choosing to deliver his 250th anniversary speech from a military vessel anchored where QM2 was originally supposed to be positioned. 

There is always a sense of occasion when Queen Mary 2 leaves Brooklyn Cruise Terminal for Europe. Today is no exception as seemingly almost all passengers were gathered on the plenteous outside decks.  The ship appears full on this crossing.  Several Germans are on board as well as some excited children.  Captain Hashmi has proved himself a confident speaker of German.  Departure was very close to 5 pm with a blast on the ship’s whistle which almost gave me a second heart attack!   We were off.  I took a mix of stills and videos in the vague hopes that the funnel would snag on the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge.  Of course, that will never happen. The pictures below record today’s routine departure.

There will be a glorious sunset tonight which should bring this blog to a conclusion. I am still full from my heavier than usual lunch at Joe Junior’s.  

Today was forecast to be cloudy but warm. The sun shone all day. It was hot, and tonight, a gentle refreshing breeze caresses the outside decks magnificently.  The whole day has been fabulous.

Many thanks for reading, David, 20.40 hrs, Promenade Deck portside aft from where the last two pictures were taken minutes earlier.