Ventura, Saga Pearl II & Queen Elizabeth (II) Arrival
The 8th October 2010 would see the last brand new ship based in Southampton for quite some time.  Cunard's latest Vista, Queen Elizabeth, was due to arrive for 9am and dock starboard in Ocean terminal after parading herself up to Redbridge and back.  At 92,000gt, she is slightly heavier than her sister, Queen Victoria.  But then once QV has the stern cabin addition and QE3 gets a dented stern, they'll be identical!  QE3 boasts a lawn - but then so do the Costa Vistas, an idea pinched from Celebrity Solstice class.  Cunard are getting more like the cruise ships they claim not to be every day!  The good thing about QE3 is the news some of Lizzie's artifacts have been recovered from Dubai to be displayed aboard.  Whether they've been bought or loaned, it isn't clear, but great for many to enjoy for years to come and reminisce about their trips on the Grande Dame.  Meanwhile, there were two other ships in too.  We caught the first bus and when we arrived, Ventura was in the Upper Swinging Ground, due to dock at the slightly later 6.45am.  Some irritating fairweathers got out of the car as I tried to take photos just to look down river for the new ship before returning the the car.  It was quite mild but as Saga Pearl II was nearing, she was harder to see due to the mist and barely any lights.  She was due to dock in City at 7.30am.  The mist and light blurred my camera a lot so these are the best of the bunch.
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			(C) Copyright Patricia Dempsey 8th October 2010 Not to be reproduced without permission