Just in case you don't know, there's going to be another massive media event set around the arrival of the Queen Mary 2 on the 1st August 2005.
I'll be going out with local TV and Radio station, NDR to take too many photos! It looks like I'll be on board one of the tugs bringing the ship in. The agency who got the job of organising the media event has sadly refused to let me get on board or nearby. The event was amazing last year, when the ship first came to Hamburg. Cunard said they have never had such a welcome before. Thousands of people were lining the shores of the Elbe even at 5am last year... the Union Jack was being waved everywhere.
Security is very high, this time.
I've collected all the details and put them on my OUT & ABOUT page - see my profile, for my website.
If you want more details, please ask and I'll see what I can find. It could be difficult finding hotel rooms for those of you travelling from outside Hamburg.
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Queen Mary II - in Hamburg
Updates on visits to Hamburg by this ship
I get about all over Germany yet I'm jealous of you Chris, Hamburg is the only German city I would ever consider moving to... wish I was on that tug with you... I also wish I could have been at Portsmouth when the big sails were in
I used to work in Marchwood opposite the Southampton Docks, apart from the Burma Endeavour taking up the whole front; it was kinda evocative seeing the QEII there.
Would love to see the QMII
I used to work in Marchwood opposite the Southampton Docks, apart from the Burma Endeavour taking up the whole front; it was kinda evocative seeing the QEII there.
Would love to see the QMII
QUOTE
I also wish I could have been at Portsmouth when the big sails were in...
Tell me about it! I wish I had managed to get there (Trafalgar 200). That's life! I watched it online. It was live during the entire event. Sadly, the quality of BBC streams leave a lot to be desired. The funny thing was, that the microphones were running in the background and you could hear people taking orders for ice-cream and a few dodgy words. UK coverage of the event was apparently poor due to the tennis.
Will add photos to my Hamburg Gallery as soon as possible after the event... Photos from last visit are already there. Also includes The Ark (HMS Ark Royal).
are the pictures of the Ark Royal already up? Had a look and couldn't find them.
QUOTE
The Ark (HMS Ark Royal).
Where can we see the pictures? Would love to see them - I've been on the Ark Royal!
QUEEN MARY 2 - 1st August 2005, 6am to 11pm (times apply to the Cruise Terminal Hamburg).
[img]http://www.hh-englishpages.de/images/qm2-1/HPIM4586-225.jpg[/img]
Photo: HamburgChris © 2004
We have been informed, unofficially, that the times above are no longer correct. NDR TV and RADIO are planning 30 minutes ahead of these times. We are planning one hour ahead of time. The ship arrived early last year and the QE2 left 30 minutes ahead of schedule on 8th July this year, so times do vary.
We have heard that a large cake in the shape of the QM2 is being baked and that slices of this cake will be sold for charity in the VIP area near the ship. We are hoping to visit the place where this cake is being baked beforehand, together with NDR. The VIP area is not open to the public and security is very tight indeed.
The ship will be turned in a very tight space with tugs. I have info that this will take place between 1pm and 2pm next to the Cruise Terminal.
All times are subject to change and any security scares will change everything.
The attacks in London have changed my plans. I cannot get on board and the tugs are no longer allowed to take media passengers. This may change, but this is my info so far. I should be in the VIP area, so the photos should be good. I might be on a boat going up river to meet the ship.
There will be parties and events going on for about 22 hours from about 3am on Monday, 1st August. This promises to be an amazing day and many thousands of people are expected to line the shores of the Elbe.
ARK ROYAL, QE2 & QM2 photos: click here and scroll slowly about half-way down for the Ark. If you have problems with the HAMBURG GALLERY, let me know.
[img]http://www.hh-englishpages.de/images/qm2-1/HPIM4586-225.jpg[/img]
Photo: HamburgChris © 2004
We have been informed, unofficially, that the times above are no longer correct. NDR TV and RADIO are planning 30 minutes ahead of these times. We are planning one hour ahead of time. The ship arrived early last year and the QE2 left 30 minutes ahead of schedule on 8th July this year, so times do vary.
We have heard that a large cake in the shape of the QM2 is being baked and that slices of this cake will be sold for charity in the VIP area near the ship. We are hoping to visit the place where this cake is being baked beforehand, together with NDR. The VIP area is not open to the public and security is very tight indeed.
The ship will be turned in a very tight space with tugs. I have info that this will take place between 1pm and 2pm next to the Cruise Terminal.
All times are subject to change and any security scares will change everything.
The attacks in London have changed my plans. I cannot get on board and the tugs are no longer allowed to take media passengers. This may change, but this is my info so far. I should be in the VIP area, so the photos should be good. I might be on a boat going up river to meet the ship.
There will be parties and events going on for about 22 hours from about 3am on Monday, 1st August. This promises to be an amazing day and many thousands of people are expected to line the shores of the Elbe.
ARK ROYAL, QE2 & QM2 photos: click here and scroll slowly about half-way down for the Ark. If you have problems with the HAMBURG GALLERY, let me know.
Here's the website for the QM2 cake: http://www.top5-hamburg.de/?page=Queen_Mary_2
Did you find the Ark photos?
Did you find the Ark photos?
Yes... eventually... thanks Nice piccie of Harrier taking off!
Nice piccie of Harrier taking off!
19:00 hrs - This is for all of you who intend to watch the QUEEN MARY 2 sail into Hamburg tomorrow. The information we have, which could change at any time, is that it will reach Wedel near Hamburg by circa 03:30 hrs. The captain intends to slow down to a minimum and ride in with the tide/flood. The tide is flowing in the direction the ship is moving and this could have some influence on the times. The ship had already reached Germany as this post was added.
For those who are interested...
Queen Mary 2 coming for inspection to Hamburg. She will be here for 11 days from 8pm (will be dark) on the 8th November through to the 19th and will remain in dry dock during this time. The ship will be in the dry dock ELBE 17 opposite Landungsbruecken according to reports.
Story in German from the Spiegel magazine
The QE2 was in this dock, or nearby, during her last inspection as well. The work on the QM2 was put out to tender to other companies, but Blohm und Voss managed to get the work.
Queen Mary 2 coming for inspection to Hamburg. She will be here for 11 days from 8pm (will be dark) on the 8th November through to the 19th and will remain in dry dock during this time. The ship will be in the dry dock ELBE 17 opposite Landungsbruecken according to reports.
Story in German from the Spiegel magazine
The QE2 was in this dock, or nearby, during her last inspection as well. The work on the QM2 was put out to tender to other companies, but Blohm und Voss managed to get the work.
Other Hamburg/Elbe dates:
QM2, 16th July and 25th August 2006.
QE2, possibly 2007. No plans for 2005/2006.
QV1, still being built. Possibly 2006. No info. Could replace QE2 after 40th birthday celebrations in 2007. QV1 = Queen Victoria 1.
No decisions have been made where QE2 will be berthed when she is retired from service.
To see the QM2 when she arrives, but with a little more light, I suspect Cuxhaven would be the best place to go. Taking photos of moving ships in the dark is very difficult with digital cameras, unless the ISO setting is around 1600 or even 3200. Very few cameras have this option. If anyone knows any better, please post some suggestions.
QM2, 16th July and 25th August 2006.
QE2, possibly 2007. No plans for 2005/2006.
QV1, still being built. Possibly 2006. No info. Could replace QE2 after 40th birthday celebrations in 2007. QV1 = Queen Victoria 1.
No decisions have been made where QE2 will be berthed when she is retired from service.
To see the QM2 when she arrives, but with a little more light, I suspect Cuxhaven would be the best place to go. Taking photos of moving ships in the dark is very difficult with digital cameras, unless the ISO setting is around 1600 or even 3200. Very few cameras have this option. If anyone knows any better, please post some suggestions.
Anyone who wants to see the ship will need a number of details, as some areas will be closed and the times have changed.
I was invited to the press conference yesterday, so I managed to get a few more details which I have added here. I also took photos of the dry dock.
Click >>>
The amount of information is much more than a regular post.
I was invited to the press conference yesterday, so I managed to get a few more details which I have added here. I also took photos of the dry dock.
Click >>>
The amount of information is much more than a regular post.
By the way, I was sent an invitation to go on board the historic Rickmer Rickmers, which is opposite the dry dock in which the QM2 will be checked. There is a download available by following the ''Click >>>'' link above. Be quick!
@HamburgChris: you are to be envied
UPDATE - 11:20am today
NDR just told me that the QM2 might not be nudged into dry dock at 20:00, due to tidal problems.
If the ship is not put into dry dock today, she should be turned and nudged into dry dock tomorrow! The ship will then berth overnight at the Cruise Terminal and should be turned there.
I'm currently waiting for an answer from Blohm & Voss, owners of the dock.
I'm off at 12:30 to report on the landing of the A380. If I get a chance to get back before going into the harbour, I'll update the news - if not click below.
News here: http://news.google.de/news?hl=de&ned=de&ie...&q=Queen+Mary+2
NDR just told me that the QM2 might not be nudged into dry dock at 20:00, due to tidal problems.
If the ship is not put into dry dock today, she should be turned and nudged into dry dock tomorrow! The ship will then berth overnight at the Cruise Terminal and should be turned there.
I'm currently waiting for an answer from Blohm & Voss, owners of the dock.
I'm off at 12:30 to report on the landing of the A380. If I get a chance to get back before going into the harbour, I'll update the news - if not click below.
News here: http://news.google.de/news?hl=de&ned=de&ie...&q=Queen+Mary+2
Blohm and Voss just phoned... According to them the chance is minimal that plans will be changed...
Ship was not put into dry dock. The tide was not high enough. It'll now take place at 8am on the 9th. The ship has been turned already.
Hope I'm not boring those who can't make it. This is for Hamburgers who relish seeing ships. :doh:
QUOTE
Hope I'm not boring those who can't make it. This is for Hamburgers who relish seeing ships. pinch.gif laugh.gif
Sorry if I offended anyone yesterday enthusing about the A380. No malice aforethought, just sitting down here in sunny Swabia it was all a bit amusing watching all the excitement from a distance - and very difficult to relate to!
Guess when them big f* off things are slap bang in front of you tho it must be a sight to behold!
May I offer you a picture of a church instead. Or the Christmas market.
QUOTE
Sorry if I offended anyone
No problem
I get lost in this enthusiasm bit anyway...
Yesterday was a bit stressy running from one place to the other! Then this morning, having to get up at 5:15am! All this for the sake of news for the website and newsletter! It's worth it from my point of view, although I could do with some help from time to time - especially sponsors!
All photos are now online >> Click here
I was very lucky this morning - a red sunrise and the QM2, from the top of a crane!
[img]http://www.hh-englishpages.de/gallery/2005qm2-Nov/slides/HPIM2972.JPG[/img]
QUOTE
May I offer you a picture of a church instead. Or the Christmas market.
Most photos are welcome, especially Xmas Markets...
Excellent photos Hamburg Chris, I for one would like to see her "live", but can't make it to Hamburg this week. That's life!
Thanks... She leaves on the 19th
Update today - 15th November.
Permission has not been given for journalists to get on board on the 17th.
The QM 2 will be leaving at 5am on the 19th , for all hardened fans...
There was no indication of whether this time refers to the leaving time, or the time they start opening the dock. I am expecting another E-Mail soon.
Permission has not been given for journalists to get on board on the 17th.
The QM 2 will be leaving at 5am on the 19th , for all hardened fans...
, for all hardened fans... There was no indication of whether this time refers to the leaving time, or the time they start opening the dock. I am expecting another E-Mail soon.
Here's the latest:
Sat, 19th November.
Leaving dock: 05:00 bis 06:00 Uhr
Where: ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems AG
Blohm + Voss Repair GmbH - Dock 17
More details: >>>>>>
Should be dry. Very cold, minus 3 C. Will be dark - sunrise 07:53.
Sat, 19th November.
Leaving dock: 05:00 bis 06:00 Uhr
Where: ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems AG
Blohm + Voss Repair GmbH - Dock 17
More details: >>>>>>
Should be dry. Very cold, minus 3 C. Will be dark - sunrise 07:53.
The QM2 photos from today are online.
It was really cold! My feet kept freezing onto the deck I was standing on! It was circa minus 6 degrees C up on the crane.
Select link and then Hamburg Gallery.
Have fun!
It was really cold! My feet kept freezing onto the deck I was standing on! It was circa minus 6 degrees C up on the crane.
Select link and then Hamburg Gallery.
Have fun!
This press release was sent to me yesterday. It might interest a few of you. The QM2 will be in Hamburg 4 times during 2006. The Queen Victoria 1st is due during 2007 - still being built. The QE2nd should be retired and replaced by the QV1st.
QUOTE
A royal visit –
Queen Mary 2 at the HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG
Splendid ships, the tugboat ballet, and a submarine spectacular Highlights of the water programme
817th HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG from 5 to 7 May
The greatest port festival in the world
HG 2
16 March 2006
A royal visit is lined up for the 817th HAFENGEBURTSTAG Hamburg, that is the official birthday celebration of the Port of Hamburg, from 5 to 7 May – Queen Mary 2, the world’s largest cruise vessel, will put in a guest appearance at the world’s greatest port festival, on Saturday 6 May. This luxury liner, with a length of 345 metres and a height of 72 metres, is coming to Hamburg for overhaul in dock. This will be a unique crowd puller on the Saturday morning at the HAFENGEBURTSTAG Hamburg, when QM2 calls at Hamburg directly after a passage from New York to Southampton.
QM2 will pass the lightship “Elbe 1� at 4 o’clock in the morning, and arrive at the Parkhafen dock to turn at 9.30am. The spectacular docking manoeuvre at dry dock Elbe 17 of the traditional Hamburg shipyard Blohm + Voss Repair directly opposite Landungsbrücken is expected to begin at around 10.30am. The dock gate will be closed about one hour later. The repair work is needed to disassemble a propulsion pod which was damaged during a port departure manoeuvre by the luxury liner in Port Everglades (Florida). QM2 will stay in dock for a total of 68 hours for the scheduled work. The pod will be mounted again in November.
Apart from this Queen of the oceans, there will be other unusual and unique vessels at the HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG. Such as the “Mir�, one of the finest tall ships in the world; a German Navy submarine, with an amazing display of its capabilities; a legendary racing yacht, recently restored; the classic rescue vessel “Hamburg�, a real milestone in sailing history; and a hovercraft with exciting rides.
The German Navy will be providing some of the highlights in the water programme at the 817th HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG. It is sending not only the 130 metre frigate “Bremen� and the 68 metre recovery tug “Fehmarn�, but also the “U30� submarine to this greatest port festival in the world – it will be on show not only for the grand arrival and departure parades, but also for action displays at 5pm on the Saturday and at 12 noon on the Sunday, showing collaboration between different forces. “Fast Roping� is the code word for the exercise, with the submarine (length overall nearly 50 metres) moving opposite Landungsbrücken, while a Sea King marine helicopter demonstrates how sailors can be winched up rapidly from the vessel in an emergency.
Search & Rescue is also the speciality of the “Hamburg�, a Theodor Heuss class vessel which made maritime history and set new standards for life saving vessels. Two of the four vessels originally built in this class still survive today – the “Theodor Heuss� is on show at the Deutsches Museum in Munich, while the “Hamburg� is seaworthy again, and has found a new home at the Oevelgönne Museum Harbour after a long odyssey. The owner, Bodo Tick, describes how the “Hamburg�, built in 1960, was still in service until 1985, after which she went to the Caribbean and finally to Russia, before Tick discovered her in a sad state of disrepair in Wilhelmshaven. “Extensive restoration work was needed,� says Tick. It took more than a year simply to find the by-boat “Michel� in a backyard in the Port of Rotterdam.
The story of the legendary racing yacht “Heti� is no less varied. She has been restored to her former glory for the 817th HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG. This yacht is known to connoisseurs of classic vessels throughout the world; she was launched in Hamburg in 1912, built to designs by the famous yacht builder Max Oertz. “Heti� belongs to the 12-metre class – a kind of royal class, comparable with Formula One in motor racing. The “Heti� became an icon of sailing sport, but despite that she later served as a houseboat, and finally lost her mast in an accident. The Heti was completely restored at the initiative of the Hamburg Maritim Foundation with its Chairman Reinhard Wolf, so she can now be admired in her full splendour.
The water programme includes many other attractions and activities. The port tugs will be there again at 6pm on the Saturday to perform their unique tug ballet, directly in front of Landungsbrücken; dragon-class vessels will be involved in dramatic racing; and parachutists will land on a pontoon in the Elbe. There will be show displays and parades of classic ships, and sailing and motor yachts. And there are still more attractions – the Technisches Hilfswerk will bring at least two hovercraft, which will put on a breathtaking chase before the eyes of the visitors.
For tourism offers for the 817th HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG, visit the website www.hamburg-tourismus.de or call the hotline at Hamburg Tourismus GmbH daily from 8am to 8pm: +49 (0) 40 / 300 51 300. We are grateful to the main sponsor of the HAFEN¬GEBURTSTAG HAMBURG, the Friesische Brauhaus zu Jever, and to the co-sponsor Nordwest Lotto und Toto Hamburg, without whose support it would not be possible to hold this, the greatest port festival in the world.
Further press texts & photos for download at www.hafengeburtstag-hamburg.de
Queen Mary 2 at the HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG
Splendid ships, the tugboat ballet, and a submarine spectacular Highlights of the water programme
817th HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG from 5 to 7 May
The greatest port festival in the world
HG 2
16 March 2006
A royal visit is lined up for the 817th HAFENGEBURTSTAG Hamburg, that is the official birthday celebration of the Port of Hamburg, from 5 to 7 May – Queen Mary 2, the world’s largest cruise vessel, will put in a guest appearance at the world’s greatest port festival, on Saturday 6 May. This luxury liner, with a length of 345 metres and a height of 72 metres, is coming to Hamburg for overhaul in dock. This will be a unique crowd puller on the Saturday morning at the HAFENGEBURTSTAG Hamburg, when QM2 calls at Hamburg directly after a passage from New York to Southampton.
QM2 will pass the lightship “Elbe 1� at 4 o’clock in the morning, and arrive at the Parkhafen dock to turn at 9.30am. The spectacular docking manoeuvre at dry dock Elbe 17 of the traditional Hamburg shipyard Blohm + Voss Repair directly opposite Landungsbrücken is expected to begin at around 10.30am. The dock gate will be closed about one hour later. The repair work is needed to disassemble a propulsion pod which was damaged during a port departure manoeuvre by the luxury liner in Port Everglades (Florida). QM2 will stay in dock for a total of 68 hours for the scheduled work. The pod will be mounted again in November.
Apart from this Queen of the oceans, there will be other unusual and unique vessels at the HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG. Such as the “Mir�, one of the finest tall ships in the world; a German Navy submarine, with an amazing display of its capabilities; a legendary racing yacht, recently restored; the classic rescue vessel “Hamburg�, a real milestone in sailing history; and a hovercraft with exciting rides.
The German Navy will be providing some of the highlights in the water programme at the 817th HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG. It is sending not only the 130 metre frigate “Bremen� and the 68 metre recovery tug “Fehmarn�, but also the “U30� submarine to this greatest port festival in the world – it will be on show not only for the grand arrival and departure parades, but also for action displays at 5pm on the Saturday and at 12 noon on the Sunday, showing collaboration between different forces. “Fast Roping� is the code word for the exercise, with the submarine (length overall nearly 50 metres) moving opposite Landungsbrücken, while a Sea King marine helicopter demonstrates how sailors can be winched up rapidly from the vessel in an emergency.
Search & Rescue is also the speciality of the “Hamburg�, a Theodor Heuss class vessel which made maritime history and set new standards for life saving vessels. Two of the four vessels originally built in this class still survive today – the “Theodor Heuss� is on show at the Deutsches Museum in Munich, while the “Hamburg� is seaworthy again, and has found a new home at the Oevelgönne Museum Harbour after a long odyssey. The owner, Bodo Tick, describes how the “Hamburg�, built in 1960, was still in service until 1985, after which she went to the Caribbean and finally to Russia, before Tick discovered her in a sad state of disrepair in Wilhelmshaven. “Extensive restoration work was needed,� says Tick. It took more than a year simply to find the by-boat “Michel� in a backyard in the Port of Rotterdam.
The story of the legendary racing yacht “Heti� is no less varied. She has been restored to her former glory for the 817th HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG. This yacht is known to connoisseurs of classic vessels throughout the world; she was launched in Hamburg in 1912, built to designs by the famous yacht builder Max Oertz. “Heti� belongs to the 12-metre class – a kind of royal class, comparable with Formula One in motor racing. The “Heti� became an icon of sailing sport, but despite that she later served as a houseboat, and finally lost her mast in an accident. The Heti was completely restored at the initiative of the Hamburg Maritim Foundation with its Chairman Reinhard Wolf, so she can now be admired in her full splendour.
The water programme includes many other attractions and activities. The port tugs will be there again at 6pm on the Saturday to perform their unique tug ballet, directly in front of Landungsbrücken; dragon-class vessels will be involved in dramatic racing; and parachutists will land on a pontoon in the Elbe. There will be show displays and parades of classic ships, and sailing and motor yachts. And there are still more attractions – the Technisches Hilfswerk will bring at least two hovercraft, which will put on a breathtaking chase before the eyes of the visitors.
For tourism offers for the 817th HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG, visit the website www.hamburg-tourismus.de or call the hotline at Hamburg Tourismus GmbH daily from 8am to 8pm: +49 (0) 40 / 300 51 300. We are grateful to the main sponsor of the HAFEN¬GEBURTSTAG HAMBURG, the Friesische Brauhaus zu Jever, and to the co-sponsor Nordwest Lotto und Toto Hamburg, without whose support it would not be possible to hold this, the greatest port festival in the world.
Further press texts & photos for download at www.hafengeburtstag-hamburg.de
QM2 back in Hamburg today at Blohm & Voss drydock to have external motor pod re-attached following it's repair. Worth getting the train to Landungsbrücken to have look if you haven't seen already this year.
She back again ?
A magnificent sight to see the Queen of the Seas and well worthwhile to see her move effortlessly down the Elbe past the usual crude container vessels.
A magnificent sight to see the Queen of the Seas and well worthwhile to see her move effortlessly down the Elbe past the usual crude container vessels.
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