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CRUISE REVIEW
QUEEN MARY 2 Transatlantic crossing Spring 2024 by Richard H. Wagner |
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The Flame of the French Nation
Unique experiences are a regular part of traveling on Queen Mary 2. Like Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) before her, QM2 often becomes involved in one-of-a-kind experiences that serve to give the ship a special character and which give the passengers unforgettable memories. Often these things are not advertised in the brochure. Instead, passengers come aboard and find that something special is going on that they will be talking about for years after the voyage ends. One such event took place during QM2's May 16, 2024 westbound crossing from Southampton to New York. During the Second World War, numerous major battles took place around the globe. However, D-Day has come to symbolize the war and has become a focal point for remembering what the war was about and honoring those who served. June 6, 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day. For France, it is an especially poignant memory. After suffering a catastrophic defeat on the battlefield, the country came under the shadow of the ruthless Nazi regime for four years. D-Day was the pivotal battle in the liberation of France. In order to express “their gratitude and deep appreciation to the British and American people for their immeasurable commitment during Operation Overlord on June 6, 1944” the French people undertook the symbolic gesture of sending the Flame of the French Nation (also known as the Flame of Liberty) to Britain and the United States. The Flame was first ignited in 1923 at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. This eternal flame is rekindled in a ceremony every evening. It was kept burning even during the German occupation. Twelve young French people were selected to escort flame taken from the flame in Paris. Before boarding Queen Mary 2 for transportation across the Atlantic, the Flame toured Britain. Its eventual destination - - the National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. At dawn on the day when Queen Mary 2 arrived in New York, the ship took up a position beneath the Statue of Liberty. This was highly appropriate because not only is the Statue a symbol of liberty, but inasmuch as it was a gift from France to the U.S., it symbolizes the bond between the two nations. Accompanied by the flags of the United States and France, the young people escorting the Flame marched out onto the open area on Deck 8 aft of the superstructure carrying the Flame. Despite the early hour, guests filled this area and lined the decks that overlook it. After a moment of silence, the ship's horn sounded. This was followed by the playing of the French and American national anthems. Many people sang along in what was a very moving moment that brought tears to more than a few. QM2 re-polished Since our last review of Queen Mary 2, the ship underwent a dry-dock refurbishment in Rotterdam in November 2023. This was more of a polishing up than a radical change. Maintenace was done to the hull, the stablizrs, the thrusters and the propellors as well as exterior painting. There were also some interior renovations. Consequently, the ship is much as before but in good condition. The biggest change was the upgrade of the internet system. QM2 now uses Space X's Skylink technology. We tried Cunard's Premium pacakage and found that it was able to stream music and video much like as on land. There was a need to log in every so often in order to maintain the connection while transiting the mid-Atlantic area but that has been true of our experience crossing on other ships. In any event, it is a major improvement over last year, making QM2's internet competitive with that of newer ships. The most noticeable visible change to the ship is new carperting in the corridors outside the passenger cabins. Gone is the edgy purposely-faded carpret and in its place is a pleasant more-traditional design. Speaking of flooring, the wooden dance floor in the Queens Room ballroom has been redone. Inasmuch as the dance floor on QM2 with its popular grand balls on formal nights probably gets more use than on any other passenger ship, it is vital to keep the dance floor looking good. The Queens Room is also the primary venue for QM2's afternoon teas. (You can have afternoon tea in tea in the King's Court as well but it is without the white glove service and the entertainment). The teas are a beneficiary of the construction of a new behind-the-scenes bakery. To us, the scones taste even better than before. The flexible dining system introduced last year on the upper level of the Britannia Restaurant seems to be attracting more and more guests. This can lead to lines for tables at popular times - - something that is generally true across the cruise industry. Conseqently, we switched to the late sitting on the main level of the Britannia and found it to be a relaxed, uncrowded experience. Service was friendly and efficient throughout the ship. There were two formal nights on the crossing. Many, but not all, guests did dress in formal attire. Some even brought costumes for the 1920s ball. On the other nights, the dress code in the dining rooms was cruise ship casual (smart attire). The only constant about the weather on the Atlantic is that it is not constant. On this crossing, the waters were smooth and there was little ship movement. Tempertures were like early Spring. We had days of sunshine but also some fog. |
Queen Mary 2 arrived in New York at sunrise.
Above: The ceremony marking the arrival of the Flame of the French Nation in the United States.
Below: Passengers observe the ceremony. 
Above: A balcony cabin.
Below: New carpet in QM2's hallways. 
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Cruise review - - Cunard Line - - Queen Mary 2 - -The Flame of France - May 2024