New York in sight at daybreak
– Anne Patinec
If the awakening was particularly early, four in the morning (10 am French time), it was really worth it. Quietly, after more than five days of crossing, New York and the Verrazano Bridge are in sight. On the various decks of the Queen Mary 2, passengers enjoy the moment, the calm, aware that they are living a strong and rare moment.
The Verrazano Bridge
– Anne Patinec
Approaching the Verrazano Bridge, the optical effect is impressive. We tell ourselves we’re going to hit the bridge. But the day before, Captain Christopher Wells reassured us: there are four meters left between the smokestack of the liner and the deck of the bridge. We also have very strong thoughts for all these immigrants who fled Europe and arrived in the American city by boat in the hope of a better life.
The choir sings on board
– Anne Patinec
Facing the Statue of Liberty, the onboard choir sings Amazing Grace, a traditional Irish song. She trained during the week on board with violinist Jean-Christophe Spinozi. Some cry. Hands wave French and American flags. We no longer know where to look as the show is grandiose and the strong moment, historic. The captain of the liner also takes his time; the boat is almost stopped as the helicopters circle. To approach so close to the Statue of Liberty, an exemption has been granted.
An unforgettable crossing
Then the Queen Mary 2 takes the direction of Brooklyn and the quay where it will moor. The cruise ends. The feelings are mixed: it is inevitably a pang in the heart to leave this magnificent liner and to find the effervescence of the connected life and of the city which never sleeps. But we also say to ourselves that we had the chance to live on board a wonderful adventure, unique, timeless, inevitably unforgettable.
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