Cheers for the welcome !!!

Im hoping to return again to the Queen Mary next year for a longer stay,
and while l wasn't sure what to expect ,she really did captivate me,
more than l ever imagined! . Some of the tour guides were great, Gregory
l felt gave a good general tour, not over the top. One guide, had l been
on his tour l felt was way too much and seemed to treat his passengers
as though they were idiots. the Evening tour when we could see the
swiming pool l throughly enjoyed, probably the guide thought l was mad
taking so many photos of the pool

Speaking to one of the guides at the entrance to the self guided tour l
spied the Queen Mary life ring which was taken from G stairway display
case on QE2 at the end of her final crossing. It was somewhat sad to see
it stuck in the storeroom, out of sight! l took the time to mention to
one of the guides where this had come from and what it ment for QE2s
passengers to know it was in her original home, and then to see it in
its present location wasnt perhaps doing it proper justice. I mentioned
why not do an embarkation photo along the same lines as the sunday
brunch photo and have it ready for collection when you return the
headset thingy.

The pastry cafe on the promenade deck did look quite nice and l thought
l might pop in the next morning to sample one of the freshly made ones,
Only to notice on my late night travels the pastries all covered in
cling film, Not perhaps as fresh as l lmagined so l didnt go in there.
The souvenir shops l was impressed with and appeared to have some nice
items for sale and a good price. The Tee shirt shop again had what l
felt was a good range of souvenirs at reasonable prices, and l
discovered on the top shelf the last of the Japanese models of QE2,
which was promptly bought and required the purchase of a larger suitcase
and helped contribute to my excess baggage

In the evening a visit to the observation bar to relive the memories of
grand ocean liner travel, Not that it was busy but the waitress service
was pretty lousy.

What really impressed me and going back to the vibration thing was going
to sleep and thinking as though you were at sea on the Queen Mary,
(perhaps the waitress service was slow in the observation bar but she
was consistant!!!) and the final morning waking up and finding my
account under the door, something that bought me right back to my QE2
days and was just so unexpected, l didnt know if l should laugh or cry.

Having made a presence onboard with the "I love QE2 shirt" some of the
crew could see l was liner mad and seemed to be more keen  to impart
some of their wisdom . Certainly l enjoyed my conversations with some of
the staff and to be able to see the Disney Cabin,  Eisenhower suite &
the 3rd class restaurant  only added to the attraction of the Queen Mary
& l cant wait to see her again.



--- In queenmary@yahoogroups.com, Hull534 <hull534@...> wrote:
>
> I really enjoyed reading your review and am glad you enjoyed the ship.
>
> Welcome to the List!
>
> Dave in Seattle
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Nov 14, 2009, at 2:13 PM, "cunardqueens" cunardqueen@... wrote:
>
>
>
> My first post on here so here goes !! I had always wanted to visit
Queen Mary since 1986 but always ended up going on the QE2 instead so
this year l turned to California for my main holidays, with the man
reason being to see the Queen Mary
>
> I stayed onboard Queen Mary 18-20th October in the Phinney Suite and
throughly enjoyed my two nights onboard, She really was all l expected
and much much more. The only negative thing l have to say is for such a
suite to have those cardboard coffee cups l was surprised at, and the
fact that it was only coffee that was on offer, being from the UK l
rather expected to have some tea bags at least. And the milk escapade
only added to the enjoyment, went to the reception in the evening to ask
about some fresh milk and a china cup, lm sure the lady thought l was
mad. But on returning to the cabin room service bought a tray with a cup
and pint of milk, probably the most expensive glass of milk l will ever
have, not that l objected.
>
> Having started off with the Sunday Brunch and the unlimited free
champagne top ups l fell in love with her the moment l saw her in the
distance. Being a devoted QE2 fan l knew one night wouldnt be enough and
as it happened 2 wasnt enough either, so on the next visit lm planning
on spending longer on board
>
> It was great to see some work being done to her, they were sanding the
forward deck. I did think some of the spaces could be better used and
was able to see some behind the scenes.
>
> I can see how some folks dont get it and are looking for modern hotel
things, well perhaps they should go there. the raised thresholds added
to the shipboard feel, the cracked bathroom sink only added to the
charm.
>
> What l did find most unusual was the vibration from the
airconditioning units, not that it annoyed me, it only added to the
shipboard feel and for two nights l really thought l was at sea. The
open decks at 4.45 again was a strange sensation in that to be onboard a
ship at sailing time and not be going anywhere!
>
> So all in all l had asuperb time onboard, and the suite only added to
the attraction
>
> Cheers
>
> Myles
>
>
>
>
> --- In queenmary@yahoogroups.com, "Chris" butlerart@ wrote:
> >
> > Interesting reveiw - obviously I am glad it was positive, but the
focus of the writer on the sense of being in another time is
encouraging. I have heard too many disappointed reviews commenting on
some absence of modern amenities, or for that matter, the presence of
raised thresholds. There will always be some visitors that want a modern
hotel - and they really ought to go elsewhere, where those things can be
provided in abundance.
> >
> > I don't think operators of the ship should be desperate to try and
make the Queen Mary BE such a modern facility, either. Some amenities
ARE needed, but if these detract from the central premise of the ship, I
think she will lose a lot of her drawing power. Far from apologizing for
what she is, I think the Queen Mary needs to revel in it - and offer it
in spades to visitors such as the writer of that review. Clearly, they
were searching for what she had to offer, and found it.
> >
> > Many thanks for the link.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Chris Butler
> >
> > --- In queenmary@yahoogroups.com, "queenmarybakersfield"
queenmarybakersfield@ wrote:
> > >
> > > http://www.modbee.com/life/story/931530.html
> > >
> >
>

The theft of items from onboard, those of us who completed QE2s farewell
trips are all to aware of what went walkabouts, there was a shortage of
side plates and the stories of room service and nothing being returned
is another story.I will put my hands up to that one, and l was one among
many. Personally having a  side plate as a souvenir l dont have  a
problem with, However when people start removing fixings, that is a
whole new ball game, Then again theft is theft be it  a side plate, iron
or picture from the wall....Again even if plates didnt carry the ships
name, the person removing the item knows where they came from,even if no
one else does and who didnt remove one of those plastic lido cups from
onboard QE2??

   I work in a hotel and really if something is stolen there is no reason
why a credit card cant be charged after the guests depart. There have
been times that items have gone and we will usually hit the card for the
extra charge and if its disputed the word theft suitably metioned in
conversation usually works wonders. But then again why do people steal
towels, kettles and irons. The toiletries are of course expected to go,
but toilet roll as well?? the room folders mercifully tend to stay as
they are leather and quite plain.

Anytime lm away in hotels, l will take the shampoos etc as a souvenir,
sadly most tend not to have the hotels name on them. Queen Mary had nice
ones.Motel 6 had the little soaps and lovely bedspreads but they couldnt
be bought, any time l asked l was faced with a fit of laughter from the
reception, next time lm giving the housekeeping a big tip and a smile
!!!

I did ask the server for a souvenir menu from the promenade cafe and she
produced the whole thing, board and all, which wasnt quite what l had
intended,But l  left quite happily clutching the 2 paper inserts

So what is theft? The thought to remove anything other than the
toiletries from Queen Mary, didnt enter my head.

Cheers

Myles




--- In queenmary@yahoogroups.com, Clynder@... wrote:
>
>
> Petty theft will always be there, though it can be controlled
somewhat.
>
> The real pillaging and rape happened during the "conversion" (how I
hate
> that word). Where are the expensive items. Machinery spaces
telegraphs, at
> least 14, gone. Numerous pumps with brass plates with date of
manufacture,
> many, 1929. Hundreds of gauges, etc. etc. There was an abundance of
rich
> metals down there.
>
> I wont even get into the accommodation.
>
> Bye the way, do the lifeboats still have Queen Mary brass plates? A
real
> collectors item, probably gone, eh?
>
> When I left the ship, I took my cabin key, with a brass tag....
> "Q. M. 27 TOP QTRS. ENG. OFFICER
>
> I wouldn't consider this theft since I didn't lock the door and soon
after
> the door and bulkheads were ripped out to make room for Sir Winston's.
>
> Tom.
>

My first post on here so here goes !! I had always wanted to visit Queen Mary since 1986 but always ended up going on the QE2 instead so this year l turned to California for my  main holidays, with the man reason being to see the Queen Mary

I stayed onboard Queen Mary 18-20th October in the Phinney Suite and throughly enjoyed my two nights onboard, She really was all l expected and much much more. The only negative thing l have to say is for such a suite to have those cardboard coffee cups l was surprised at, and the fact that it was only coffee that was on offer, being from the UK l rather expected to have some tea bags at least. And the milk escapade only added to the enjoyment, went to the reception in the evening to ask about some fresh milk and a china cup, lm sure the lady thought l was mad. But on returning to the cabin room service bought a tray with a cup and  pint of milk, probably the most expensive glass of milk l will ever have, not that l objected. 

Having started off with the Sunday Brunch and the unlimited free champagne top ups l fell in love with her the moment l saw her in the distance. Being  a devoted QE2 fan l knew one night wouldnt be enough and as it happened 2 wasnt enough either, so on the next visit lm planning on spending longer on board

It was great to see some work being done to her, they were sanding the forward deck. I did think some of the spaces could be better used and was able to see some behind the scenes.

I can see how some folks dont get it and are looking for modern hotel things, well perhaps they should go there. the raised thresholds added to the shipboard feel, the cracked bathroom sink only added to the charm.

 What l did find most unusual was the vibration from the airconditioning units, not that it annoyed me, it only added to the shipboard feel and for two nights l really thought l was at sea. The open decks at 4.45  again was a strange sensation in that to be onboard a ship at sailing time and not be going anywhere!  

 So all in all l had  asuperb time onboard, and the suite only added to the attraction

Cheers

Myles

 

--- In queenmary@yahoogroups.com, "Chris" <butlerart@...> wrote:
>
> Interesting reveiw - obviously I am glad it was positive, but the focus of the writer on the sense of being in another time is encouraging. I have heard too many disappointed reviews commenting on some absence of modern amenities, or for that matter, the presence of raised thresholds. There will always be some visitors that want a modern hotel - and they really ought to go elsewhere, where those things can be provided in abundance.
>
> I don't think operators of the ship should be desperate to try and make the Queen Mary BE such a modern facility, either. Some amenities ARE needed, but if these detract from the central premise of the ship, I think she will lose a lot of her drawing power. Far from apologizing for what she is, I think the Queen Mary needs to revel in it - and offer it in spades to visitors such as the writer of that review. Clearly, they were searching for what she had to offer, and found it.
>
> Many thanks for the link.
>
> Regards,
>
> Chris Butler
>
> --- In queenmary@yahoogroups.com, "queenmarybakersfield" queenmarybakersfield@ wrote:
> >
> > http://www.modbee.com/life/story/931530.html
> >
>

It's nice when the young ones discover the classics...

kj





--- In queenmary@yahoogroups.com, Baxter Craven <baxter.craven@...> wrote:
>
> Hello all!
>
> I just watched this film and thought you all would enjoy it, too. Even if it
is somewhat ridiculous haha
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTEeDLQXLdM
>  
> ~Baxter
>

I found several "Shanks" toilet style handles in an antique mall in Orange a few months ago but I figured they were removed during the conversion.    D --- On Fri, 11/20/09, Chris <butlerart@...> wrote: From: Chris <butlerart@...> Subject: [queenmary] Re: Theft To: queenmary@yahoogroups.com Date: Friday, November 20, 2009, 7:50 AM   Human nature sometimes disappoints. I doubt theft of any original item is common (after all, the shower knobs are among the few portable items). Much more common would be thefts of towels etc, as per usual with a hotel. Amusingly, I suffered a HUGE delay disembarking QM2 in Sydney - a steward confided they were finding DINNER SERVICES in people's luggage...a lot of it. The passengers had ordered room service and then stolen the plates and so on. I am told the customs inspectors were drolly remarking, "oh sir, this seems to have gotten in your bag by accident". Chris Butler

- a steward confided they were finding DINNER SERVICES in people's luggage...a
lot of it.  The passengers had ordered room service and then stolen the plates
and so on.


On QE2 many people lifted items off their own room service tray..and those left
outside other staterooms as well. I know the pantry areas on some of the
passenger decks were also explored..and relieved of some items as well. But on
QE2 it was abit easier as there was not the surveillance/security that QM2 has.
A friend said he didn't have the nerve to lift anything off his dining table as
a ceiling camera was just a couple of feet away.

Maybe someone at Carnival has seen the rise of current Cunardival china listed
on Ebay?

Kevin

All, I was delighted to see this morning that the midship service yard is
completely gone, and that pedestrians can now walk unimpeded the full length of
the ship.  I will also note that I saw no trace of the outdoor Halloween mazes
etc.  I did not have a look at R deck aft, but I would bet this is cleared out
too.

I did not see any progress in deck repair forward, nor boat repairs in progress
at this time.

The Starboard Bakery (Prom deck, forward of the old drawing room) is now back in
operation, mornings only and later if crowds merit.  The rom had been empty for
some time.

The former Shell Castle shop's windows are papered over - obviously work is
proceeding in there.  I hear it will be the "Funnel Logo Shop" (probably just
the working title); I was delighted to hear that while the shop will be
DN-owned, they have asked the Shell Castle's former manager to run it.  Fans of
Everett will be glad this long resident of the ship will be in charge.

Relatively few people on board today (a Friday) but the Carnival boarding lobby
on D deck was busy (with a ship at dock off the Mary's stern).

I followed a school group taking a tour of the engine room; the guide was fun,
if a bit inaccurate, describing this as the "number two steering station" (one
of the things that space could NOT do).  I think some better training might be
needed, at least in details - he was in command of the facts, but his use of
words there gave a bad impression.

The propeller box enclosure is now fully painted, and the water in the box looks
even BETTER, truly outstanding.

Has anyone else noted the vertical side strakes are missing from some boats and
not others?  I forgot to note the boat numbers, but in images you will see it. 
I was looking at the port side boats from the parking lot as I walked up. I
suspect this has been the case for a long time, and I just noticed now.

I heard reports that several recent conventions were very successful and good
for the shops as well.  I saw several rooms (first class lounge, first class
smoking room) being outfitted for events - the former with astonishing lovely
white lily flower arrangements, very nice.

I was less happy with a pair of small trees or large bushes in box planters
flanking the Veranda Grill, outdoors on Sun aft.  Someone must be greatly
enamored of potted plants, but it seems out of place to me on the deck of an
ocean liner.

Well, that's my observations for the day.

Regards,

Chris Butler

Of course not, its like the steward/stewardess call lights in the hotel
corridors. Some have been taken, others are still there. If the hotel decks are
properly restored, the stolen items from the rooms would be replaced and that
would be a great place to start charging people for their "sticky fingers".

Another option that would take more effort is to inventory the rooms "as is"
which would reflect the items lifted and give that list of a particular block of
rooms to whoever services them after each guest leaves. This would allow them to
check and make sure that what's still in place stays in place until a more
proper restoration.

Sean

--- In queenmary@yahoogroups.com, JRogers714@... wrote:
>
> I have stayed in many rooms aboard the Queen and there is no consistency as
>  to weather or not certain shower and sink knobs will be missing. I have
> been in  rooms with all and in rooms with all the "salt" missing.
>
> Linerly,
> Eric Rogers
> LR AR USA
>
>
> In a message dated 11/20/2009 9:54:02 A.M. Central Standard Time,
> butlerart@... writes:
>
> Human  nature sometimes disappoints.  I doubt theft of any original item is
>  common (after all, the shower knobs are among the few portable items).
>

Human nature sometimes disappoints.  I doubt theft of any original item is
common (after all, the shower knobs are among the few portable items).  Much
more common would be thefts of towels etc, as per usual with a hotel.

Amusingly, I suffered a HUGE delay disembarking QM2 in Sydney - a steward
confided they were finding DINNER SERVICES in people's luggage...a lot of it. 
The passengers had ordered room service and then stolen the plates and so on.

I am told the customs inspectors were drolly remarking, "oh sir, this seems to
have gotten in your bag by accident".

Chris Butler

Hi Justin,

It shouldn't be that hard if its narrowed down to the small original items that
are the target for theft as it always seems to be on the ship. Anything small
enough and, more importantly, original, should be checked. I don't think there
are really any original light fixtures in the rooms anymore except possibly the
suites so no big problem there. As far as the rooms themselves, I could see the
fans, punkahs, steward call buttons, light switches and their push plates on the
"watch list".

In the bathrooms; punkahs, faucets, handles and their labels are about all one
could probably take so that's easy. Its not as if someone could really walk off
the ship with an original sink, toilet, or tub :-).

If the list is kept down to things small enough to take and a note posted
explaining to guests that they will be heavily charged for anything missing, it
wouldn't be too hard to police a lot of this stuff within the rooms.

Sean

--- In queenmary@yahoogroups.com, "jdcarthel" <jcarthel@...> wrote:
>
> Hi all!  Sean hit the nail on the head!  I too think that after each guest
checks out, "inventory" of the room should be made.  If anything has gone
missing, the guest can either give it back or be charged out the wazoo!  Good
idea, Sean, about put it in writing that room theft will cost guests dearly.  I
wish something like this could be implemented.  At first glance, it doesn't
appear that hard to do.  Another good idea, Sean, about future room restoration
restoring original fixtures instead of replacing them with modern ones.  I have
seen the "RMS Rooms."  I personaly just didn't like the room's originality being
compromised.  I want to close by saying Delaware North excites me too and gives
me hope for the future.
>
> Justin
>

Hi all!  Sean hit the nail on the head!  I too think that after each guest
checks out, "inventory" of the room should be made.  If anything has gone
missing, the guest can either give it back or be charged out the wazoo!  Good
idea, Sean, about put it in writing that room theft will cost guests dearly.  I
wish something like this could be implemented.  At first glance, it doesn't
appear that hard to do.  Another good idea, Sean, about future room restoration
restoring original fixtures instead of replacing them with modern ones.  I have
seen the "RMS Rooms."  I personaly just didn't like the room's originality being
compromised.  I want to close by saying Delaware North excites me too and gives
me hope for the future.

Justin

That figures. I suppose if some scum bag is really intent on stealing, they'll
find a way. I wish there were some way to at least monitor the fixtures in the
rooms after each guest checks out. If something goes missing, then their bill
should reflect that. Would be interesting to see a note in each of the rooms
that reads "if you plan to steal, hope you can afford a four to five figure room
charge for your stay!" lol

I hope any future restoration of the rooms will include restoring the original
sinks, tubs and toilets. Yes they can be restored by re-enameling the surface.

Sean

--- In queenmary@yahoogroups.com, "Chris" <butlerart@...> wrote:
>
> I have heard of theft of shower knobs and wall fans, just so you all know. 
Darn near anything in a hotel room is (sadly) in some danger.
>
> Restoration may prove to be a "shankless" job!
>
> Chris Butler
>

I have heard of theft of shower knobs and wall fans, just so you all know.  Darn
near anything in a hotel room is (sadly) in some danger.

Restoration may prove to be a "shankless" job!

Chris Butler

Graf,

Do you know if the linens were new or if you were in one of the rooms that RMS
renovated a few years ago? Some folks noted that some of the original
circulating fans had been removed or turned at funky angles due to the ceilings
being lowered in certain areas apparently to accommodate new air
conditioning/heating systems in the rooms.

The bathrooms in these renovated rooms had the original formica wall paneling
removed and tile put in instead. It's possible the original handles were removed
then along with Shanks of England sinks, etc. It's also possible someone might
have stolen them although I've never heard of anyone noticing the actual faucet
handles being removed due to theft.

Sean

--- In queenmary@yahoogroups.com, "grafzeppelin127" <grafzeppelin127@...> wrote:
>
> Hello all. I finally made it back to the Queen Mary after two years, and a
one-month delay due to a family tragedy. I've been following Chris' updates and
was glad to see the ship looking better than she did two years ago, and very
glad to see the engine room open and unmolested by Halloween silliness. A few
things I noticed:
>
> - My stateroom was beautiful; the new linens blend nicely with the wood
paneling, and the flat-screen TV and high-tech alarm clock were welcome.
However, the salt-water tap handles were missing from the shower. I know they're
not functional anymore, but last time I stayed on board they were still mounted
in place. Also, I'm still waiting for the hotel to offer free WiFi.
>

Hello all. I finally made it back to the Queen Mary after two years, and a
one-month delay due to a family tragedy. I've been following Chris' updates and
was glad to see the ship looking better than she did two years ago, and very
glad to see the engine room open and unmolested by Halloween silliness. A few
things I noticed:

- My stateroom was beautiful; the new linens blend nicely with the wood
paneling, and the flat-screen TV and high-tech alarm clock were welcome.
However, the salt-water tap handles were missing from the shower. I know they're
not functional anymore, but last time I stayed on board they were still mounted
in place. Also, I'm still waiting for the hotel to offer free WiFi.

- I also noticed the damage to the main hall floor that Chris mentioned (port
side aft, near the ladies' room).

- Glad to hear the plywood decking on prom deck aft is temporary, as I thought
that was cheesy; the only downgrade from my last visit.

- The repainted funnels and refinished port prom deck look fantastic. So do the
propeller and waterline. However, the white superstructure is peeling badly; it
gets worse every time I visit.

- The Observation Bar serves up a very healthy portion of Buffalo wings for $6!!

- Lastly, I was on prom deck Sunday night talking to a couple of other ship
geeks I met (two nice gentlemen from Europe), when a woman came up to us and
insisted, in a just-so-you-know sort of way, that the ship is actually embedded
in concrete and resting on the bottom of the harbor, not afloat as the staff on
board and all the publicity materials say. I don't remember who she said she
was, but she came off as if she was in a unique position to know "the truth." I
replied that as far as I knew, she was afloat but did not want to get into an
argument with this (clearly intoxicated) person.

Of course, when I got up Monday morning the angle of the boarding ramps had
steepened noticeably, as the ship had risen with the tide. I also remembered
that the ship's list had to be adjusted in order to paint the waterline, and the
hotel clerk mentioned that it had been difficult to work with the deck tilted to
one side.

Why is there still a debate about this? The ship IS afloat, right?

I'm always struck by how fast the time flies when I am on board the Queen Mary.
I could walk the decks from end to end and back again for hours and hours and
never get bored. And no sooner do I leave than I can't wait to get back.
Hopefully sooner rather than later this time.

- GrafZeppelin127
New York

Thanks as always, Chris. Your reports from on board are worth their weight in
gold for those of us too far away to visit often. In my case it has been five
years since I was last on board.

-David in Seattle

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 5, 2009, at 1:58 PM, "Chris" <butlerart@...> wrote:

Hi all, I had to run to the ship this morning and had a chance to give her a
good "fore to aft" walk after my business was done.  Here's what I saw.

Tide was extremely high when I boarded at 10:15 am, with a good upward slant to
all the gangways.

Ship is heeled about 2 degrees to port, approximately as usual for drainage
purposes.

There is some buckling of the "new" flooring in Piccadilly on Prom Deck,
starboard side aft.  This is the first time I have noticed this, and sadly, it
looks like something that will need attention.  Of course, it's been more than a
decade since the new flooring was laid, and this is the first spot I've noticed
that seems to be a real problem.  The remainder of the area looks nice as usual.

The former Shell Castle shop on Prom deck is empty, and has not yet been tasked
with another role.

For the first time, I noticed period jazz music is being played softly in the
main deck foyer.  Appropriate easy chairs and a couch are in the center space
(as they have been for some months), and the music adds to the impression this
space is intended to be used as an out of the way relaxation space for hotel
guests.  I like the effect, and availed myself of the couch and table to make
some notes.

The forward decks have indeed gotten more attention as I had heard; 60% of the
port forecastle has been planed flat.  The well deck and main deck forward
remain as they were some time ago, with a few experimental spots having being
worked on in the well deck, and no work yet on main deck.

I saw a lot of varnishing in progress, particularly the starboard bridge wing
wooden rails.

The temporary "plywood" deck surface on Prom deck aft has held up better than I
thought it would.  Hopefully it will remain intact long enough for the planned
thorough restoration to be arranged.

For lifeboat fans, no change on the port boats.  Starboard boats 1,5,7,9,13 and
15 are not yet refurbished it seems; boats 3,11,17,19 and 21 are.  23 is a
special case, being a fibreglass replica boat.

A deck aft remains its disheveled self, I am afraid.  A 4x6 foot rubber mat has
been draped across one of the more unsightly and dangerous worn-through spots in
the grey surface coating.  As we all know, fixing up this area will be a tough
project.

I can report with relief that the isolation wards are free of any Halloween
related problems, and there is no sign this area was harmed in any way.  Indeed,
it may not have been USED - I met one of the officers and toured the aft
portions of R deck, and these WERE used for Halloween.  Empty and derelict, the
spaces seem not to have been harmed in any way, although some Halloween props
remained in the area as clean up is still in progress.  The installation seems
to have been simple and unobtrusive.  Fans of restoring the old Pig and Whistle
area have my enthusiastic support; this was my first visit in a long time to
this area, and it is wonderful how intact it is (right down to the stenciled
"WASH HANDS OFTEN" on the walls where steward's washbasins were once mounted). 
I think there is a lot of potential for refurbishment; indeed, I remember going
into the isolation wards on B deck when THEY were derelict, and it looked much
worse then than R deck does
  now.  B deck was a spot for...private conversations with a young lady
once...and now here they are, with tourists wandering about!  There is hope.

The shoreside Halloween arrangements are in the process of being cleared off;
the outdoor maze is gone, and the open area on the grass is now being taken
down.

The Historic Exhibits remain as they have been, no problems noted.

The engineer I met on my last visit who was looking to add more lights to the
engine room has obviously been busy - I counted at least 6 new installations,
many of them CFL bulbs, and the space is much brighter and items of interest are
much better shown.  The shaft alleyways are better lit than I have ever seen
them.  The steering station remains of need of light, especially right forward
and aft.

The metalwork on the non-functional escalator from the shaft alleys even got
some polishing!  Naturally, repairing the escalator is important, but I have
heard some horrifying estimates of the cost.  The polishing does show a plucky
spirit on the part of someone, however, doing what they can.

Railings near the propeller box were also being varnished, but what is more, the
entire enclosure interior is to be patched and repainted (the work was starting
as I watched).  With the crystal clear water, cleaned out water tank, and
repainted hull, this area is looking better than it has since the 1970s.  The
painter I spoke to assured me his crew was incredibly busy with projects all
over the ship.

Although this was a Thursday morning, there were actually a decent number of
visitors aboard (though it was not busy by any means).  The visitors seemed both
happy and inquisitive, and I conducted some impromptu engine room presentations.
There were at least 3 business meetings occuring in various areas of Prom deck,
by the way, so obviously the convention/event business is active.

Ship's course remains 294 degrees true, which is west-northwest.  Weather is 73
degrees F, winds across the deck are 10-15 knots westerly.  Seas are 1-3 foot
westerly swell, and the sea temperature is 62 degrees F.  Forecast is for
pleasant conditions on deck, with a moderate haze until evening.  Passengers on
the open decks pleas note that the ship's whistle will be sounded at 3:00 pm for
testing purposes.

Couldn't resist.

:) Chris Butler





------------------------------------

This mailing list is for the open discussion of the Queen Mary ocean liner. See
also http://www.sterling.rmplc.co.uk/visions .
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Well this seems to be both good and not so good news at the same time. On the
one hand, its good to hear that Sir Winston's will be staying and getting a bit
of a facelift as some of the wood furnishings and paneling need to be
refreshed/refinished. Hopefully they wont "refurbish" the room out its identity
but given the track record of the current operator, it seems safe to assume they
will be sensitive with with the work they do.

On the not so good side, its sounds like the Prom Cafe will continue to block
the starboard promenade as will the Chelsea rather than be moved to the Verandah
Grill. Hopefully as DN continue to get to know the ship and its history they
will reopen the Verandah as one of the two upscale restaurants onboard. The
contrived spaces by an early LB operator that block the starboard promenade do
nothing to allow visitors to connect with the QM in a historical context. The
most important thing to note is that the all important "views" afforded by the
current Chelsea location would still be there and even improved with the
panoramic views of LB harbor and the pacific.

If they plan on keeping the Prom Cafe and Chelsea at this time though, hopefully
they will at least uncover the windows that have kept the upper deck lounges
dark for far too long during this work.

Here's hoping for the best,
Sean

--- In queenmary@yahoogroups.com, "Chrisib93" <chrisib93@...> wrote:
>
> taken from official website
>
> LONG BEACH, Calif.; Nov. 10, 2009 - Winston Churchill famously quipped that
"to improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often."
>
> In that spirit, Sir Winston's, the Queen Mary's signature restaurant named in
his honor and a Long Beach dining favorite since 1972, is now preparing for
exciting menu and decor changes set to take effect by Dec. 21, just in time for
the holidays. Similar updates are planned for the ship's more casual Promenade
Cafe in January and will be followed by more extensive updates for its seafood
restaurant, the Chelsea.
>
> Sir Winston's beloved old-world classics from Beef Wellington to rack of lamb
will be receiving a more contemporary interpretation. The new menu will also
embrace today's sustainable dining practices, emphasizing local in-season
produce as well as premium meats and poultry sourced from specialty farms.
>
> "I would describe the cuisine as contemporary meets classic," said Executive
Chef Larry Banares who began his career as an executive chef with the Queen Mary
more than 17 years ago and now returns to oversee the ship's culinary
transition. Diners eager to taste Chef Larry's creations will find them among
the nightly specials offered at Sir Winston's until Dec. 6 when the renovations
begin.
> Sir Winston's traditional decor will also be refreshed in both its dining area
and the adjoining elegant Champagne Lounge. One thing that will not be changing
is the restaurant's sweeping ocean and Long Beach skyline views.
>
> "Winston Churchill once said 'the farther backward you can look, the farther
forward you are likely to see.' That's the approach we're taking with the
improvements to the Queen Mary's restaurants-bringing the ship's rich cultural
history to life in a 21st century Southern California setting," explained Food
and Beverage Director Keith Landry.
>
> Im glad renovations are starting even if it is just the restaurants!
>

Myles, I am glad you had a good time on board, and happier still to hear you
will be coming back.  You should put a "shout out" when you do return, so some
of us So Cal types could meet you on board.

Your comments on the vibration from air conditioning amuse me.  On my first QM2
sailing (I had never been on a cruise before) I wondered why the air
conditioning started vibrating so much before we sailed, and it only later
occurred to me I was feeling the engines turning over!  My long years on QM1
left me with a lack of genuine experience in such matters...

Best regards,

Chris Butler

Kevin, the term "ocean liner" means a lot of things to a lot of people.  Queen
Mary's credentials are impeccable, I think we'll all agree (which was really my
point).  As this is a QM discussion group, it might be best to focus on the many
ways QM qualifies and best exemplifies the qualities of being an ocean liner. 
QM2 is obviously going to come up in discussion here, but I do not mean to focus
on her too much.

As for whether QM2 qualifies, I think she does.  I personally do not equate
liner status with any standard of accommodation or service; the Bremen of 1898
was a liner, but her passengers made do with pretty spartan surroundings.  I
choose to follow the physical definitions of a liner, which requires speed as a
principal element, strong hulls designed to overcome rough seas, sailings as
transportation between points, and so on.  QM2 is not quite the liner QE2 was
(especially in terms of her hul design), but she is vastly stronger and more
powerful than typical cruise ships.  She also maintains a very large portion of
her schedule in liner service between destinations, which is I think unique
today.  So I do consider her a proper liner, and direct successor to the
original Queen Mary.

But as I said, everyone has their own definition of what "ocean liner" means to
them, and I respect that.  All that being said, I think we can all agree that in
Queen Mary, we are certainly looking at an ocean liner...and I remain grateful
for the chance to experience a ship of that type outside of a history book.

Regards,

Chris Butler