 Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2, approaching Calshot on June 8th 2013 At Dream Designs Colchester, we were very happy to continue our close connection with Cunard Line and work with them again, to arrange a visit aboard their 151,400 tonne flagship, Queen Mary 2 whilst berthed at the QEII Terminal in Southampton on June 8th 2013. Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester requested to visit Queen Mary 2 to see his drawing of the ship, which he presented to Captain Kevin Oprey on June 6th 2012. The drawing is now displayed aboard on Deck 6 in The Zone. Harry was joined about Queen Mary 2 by Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester and also joined the visit aboard the brand new Royal Princess the following day. The visit was kept very secret and was not officially announced until just a matter of hours before taking place. Gavin remained unaware of the planned visit to Queen Mary 2, until Harry announced it him upon their arrival at Town Quay in Southampton at approximately 10:15, less than an hour before boarding the ship!  Cunard Line's 151,400 tonne flagship Queen Mary 2 berthed in Southampton at the QEII Terminal, photographed from Town Quay Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester, said:
After taking a number of photographs of Queen Mary 2 from Town Quay in Southampton, Harry and Gavin made their way to QEII Terminal ready to embark at 11:00. Upon arriving at the terminal they collected their passes and waited a short whilst before they were met with Michael Gallagher, Public Relations Manager, Cunard Line who had helped to arrange the visit.  Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2 berthed alongside the QEII Terminal in Southampton on June 8th 2013 Michael escorted them both from the passes office into the QEII Terminal and through security, before boarding the giant transatlantic liner on Deck 1, via the crew and visitors gangway.  An impressive view from the quayside next to the QEII Terminal in Southampton showing the sheer size of Queen Mary 2 Upon boarding Queen Mary 2, Michael took Harry and Gavin to Sir Samuel’s on Deck 3, where they chatted and enjoyed a drink together. A while later Michael left Harry and Gavin to tour the vessel themselves. As Harry has visited Queen Mary 2 before and enjoyed 3 voyages aboard he is very familiar with the ship and was happy to tour the ship unescorted with Gavin.  Michael Gallagher, Public Relations Manager, Cunard Line seen here escorting Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester aboard Queen Mary 2 to Sir Samuel's on Deck 3 Leaving Sir Samuel’s, Harry and Gavin made their way to the forward most passenger stairwell aboard Queen Mary 2, passing the Grand Lobby, before taking an elevator up to Deck 11. On Deck 11 they went out onto the Observation Deck, which offers an extraordinary view along the side of the vessel’s upper decks and makes for great photo opportunities.
After taking a number of photographers on the Observation Deck, Harry and Gavin made their way down to Deck 8 and Deck 9, where they had a brief look at The Library, The QM2 Bookshop and the Commodore Club.  The Commodore Club aboard Queen Mary 2 on Deck 9 Moving up to Deck 13, taking one of the glass elevators back up to Deck 11 and the stairs for the remaining two decks, they made their way out onto the external deck, where they took a look at the Sport Centre, Splash Pool and Regatta Bar. Deck 13 also made for an impressive view of the iconic funnel aboard Queen Mary 2 and Harry and Gavin both took the opportunity to have a number of photographs taken here.
Next up was the Pavilion Pool on Deck 12, which has a sliding glass roof for when the weather isn’t so good, particularly on the regular transatlantic crossing between Southampton and New York.  The Pavilion Pool aboard Queen Mary 2 on Deck 12, with its sliding glass roof Making their way back outside onto the deck, Harry and Gavin saw the giant ‘Queen Mary 2’ name sign positioned on the side of the ship, under the funnel. This made for another great photo opportunity for them both!
They continued aft to the stern of the vessel, making their way down to the various venues, including the Grill Terrance on Deck 11, the Terrace Pool and Bar on Deck 8 and Minnows Pool on Deck 6.  The aft decks aboard Queen Mary 2, showing the Terrace Pool on Deck 8 and Minnows Pool on Deck 6 Now on Deck 6, adjacent to children’s facilities, Harry and Gavin made their way into The Zone, which Cunard Line had arranged to be opened especially, so they could view Harry’s drawing of Queen Mary 2. Harry and Gavin were escorted into the area by a member of the ship’s crew, who had also seen our drawing displayed aboard Queen Victoria.
Harry and Gavin took a moment to take a number of photographs of the drawing on display and each had a photograph taken with the drawing. Next to the drawing is another frame, which has a photograph from the official drawing presentation which took place on Harry’s 18th Birthday in June 2012.  Harry Cotterill's especially assigned drawing of Queen Mary 2 which he presented to Captain Kevin Oprey on the bridge during his 18th Birthday, and which is now displayed aboard in The Zone on Deck 6 After viewing the drawing, Harry and Gavin continued their self-guided tour of Queen Mary 2, moving up to Deck 7 and making their way along the beautiful Promenade Deck to the bow of the ship, where they viewed the spare propeller blades on deck as well as the striking forward superstructure which towered above.
After this they explored the various venues on Deck 7, from bow to stern, including the Canyon Ranch Spa Club, Beauty Salon and Gym, the Winter Garden, the Kings Court buffet area and of course the Princess Grill, Queens Grill and Queens Grill Lounge.  Hungry passengers and crew seen in the Kings Court buffet area aboard Queen Mary 2 on Deck 7 They continued their tour, moving down to Deck 3 to view the other venues aboard the ship. Here they got to take a look at the Queens Room, the largest ballroom at sea, the G32 nightclub as well as the Britannia Restaurant. Harry and Gavin then made their way to Sir Samuel’s to meet with Michael Gallagher again and enjoyed a drink and snack together, before continuing their look around Deck 3.  The Queens Room aboard Queen Mary 2 on Deck 3, which is the largest ballroom at sea Moving on they made their way to the Chart Room, which is adjacent to Sir Samuel’s and then took a look at the Veuve Clicqout Champagne Bar. Continuing forward Harry and Gavin also had the opportunity to view the Royal Court Theatre and Illumination, the only planetarium at sea.  The Royal Court Theatre aboard Queen Mary 2 After making their way back to the Grand Lobby they continued touring, moving down to Deck 2, to see the remainder of the venues on board, including the Golden Lido Pub and Empire Casino.  Illumination aboard Queen Mary 2, the only planetarium at sea Finally at approximately 14:15, Harry and Gavin made their way to the crew gangway, which was situated on Deck 1 and then disembarked the vessel after the very extensive tour of the Cunard flagship.
Later that after Harry and Gavin watched Queen Mary 2 depart Southampton from the popular ship spotting point at Calshot. The weather was very nice and sunny, although a little chilly in the coastal breeze, but it was a great way to spend the afternoon.
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said: Visit our new 'June 8th 2013' page in the 'Our History' section of our website to see even more!!! Click here to learn more about our close connection and friendship with Cunard Line ENDS
For more information please Contact Us on the following details below Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester Mobile: 07778940245 E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk
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Harry CotterillHarry Cotterill set up his blog when he was just 16-years old, making him one of the youngest cruise bloggers in the world. In later years he became known across the world for his amazing talent of drawing cruise ships! Blog Archive
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