This voyage was my third on the Queen Mary 2, yet it feels different. Maybe it's the warm weather -the previous occasions were during winter. Or maybe it is the destination that makes a difference as a transatlantic will draw a different passenger mix than a Caribbean cruise. (Or, maybe it's being a Grill passenger that allows me cut to the front of the check in lines.)
While docked in Redhook the starboard side of the promenade deck is the center of social activity. Many choose to lounge and just take in the sight of the Statue of Liberty and New York harbor. As for the port side of the ship -â€" well, that's a lovely view of the Brooklyn container yard.
The ship was showing wear and tear from constant use. On the promenade deck the caulking was rising proud in a lot of places. Easy to feel if one is wearing thin soled dress shoes. "Dips" in the carpet and floor were also noticeable especially in high traffic areas such as the Purser's Desk.