It’s an Independence Day tradition in Boston, Massachusetts, USA—the arrival of a Cunarder. And once again I was there to welcomes QUEEN MARY 2, a tradition of my own.

Her 2024 schedule had her call one day before the holiday, Wednesday, July 3. (She will depart in the early morning hours of July 5.) My family and I walked down to the beach to greet her, as I was working at home rather than near the passenger ship terminal.

I had just my smartphone camera with me, as MARY’s approach is a time I prefer to give my full attention to enjoying the moment. (I have plenty of high resolution photos from years past, anyway.) While I got a couple of quick snapshots, this year yielded a photo that I’ll cherish for years to come—me watching my favorite ship making her entrance. I share it here, courtesy of my husband, Neil. Thank you!

Happy 4th to my USA friends.