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Did you know that on Jan. 23, 1909 the RMS Republic, a passenger ship of the White Star Line, became the first ship to use the CQD distress signal after colliding with another ship, the SS Florida, off the Massachusetts coastline, killing six people. The Republic sank the next day.

CQD, transmitted in Morse code as  – · – ·    – – · –    – · ·  is one of the first distress signals adopted for radio use. It was announced on Jan. 7, 1904, by "Circular 57" of the , and became effective, beginning Feb. 1, 1904 for Marconi installations.

Land telegraphs had traditionally used "CQ" ("sécu," from the French word sécurité) to identify alert or precautionary messages of interest to all stations along a telegraph line, and CQ had also been adopted as a "general call" for maritime radio use.

However, in landline usage there was no general emergency signal, so in 1904 the Marconi International Marine Communication Company added a "D" ("distress") to CQ in order to create its distress call. Thus, "CQD" is understood by wireless operators to mean, "All stations: distress."

Contrary to popular belief, CQD does not stand for "Come Quick, Danger", "Come Quickly: Distress", or "Come Quick — Drowning!"

SOS was first adopted by the German government in radio regulations effective April 1, 1905, and became the worldwide standard on July 1, 1908.

On April 14-15, 1912, RMS Titanic radio operator Jack Phillips initially sent "CQD," which was still commonly used by British ships. Harold Bride, the junior radio operator, reminded Phillips that the new code was SOS and allegedly said, "Send SOS, it's the new call, and it may be your last chance to send it."  The two codes were alternated until they abandoned the ship. (Phillips died before rescue, but Bride survived.) 

Incidentally, SOS, the international Morse code distress signal (· · · – – – · · ·), is thought to stand for "save our ship," "save our souls," or "send out succour," but SOS does not actually stand for anything.

SOS remained the maritime radio distress signal until 1999, when it was replaced by the Global Maritime Distress Safety System. SOS is still recognized as a visual distress signal.

I love the nightlife

Photo bomb!

Continuing with my long delayed adventures upon the Queen Mary, after exploring the cabin we went to a friend's house to celebrate with the happy couple.

Smoke from the QM's haunted Dark Harbor.

I, of course, had to sneak into at least one photo!

After feasting upon a delicious homemade vanilla cake with raspberry filling, we returned to the ship where I continued to explore.

Harboring no suspicions.

Outside the Queen Mary was a fantabulous haunted house called Dark Harbor, but I decided I wanted to explore the Queen Mary more.

Remember the Titanic? ALWAYS know where your lifeboat is!

Many of the ship's rooms and exhibits were closed for the night, but it was deliciously thrilling to explore at night.

I'm the Queen of the World!

The Queen Mary is known as "the haunted ship." It’s not surprising that the Queen Mary was voted one of the Top 10 Most Haunted Places in America by Time magazine!

Among the ghosts reportedly still hanging around are a sailor who died in the ship's engine room, a "lady in white," and children who supposedly drowned in the ship's pool.

Despite my detailed explorations, not a single ghost made itself known to me.

Harrumph.

To be continued....

The ship of woods

Functioning portholes!

I know this post is three weeks overdue, but I wanted to share our experiences in California.

Believe it or not, it was my first experience flying in a modern airplane ... and Momma checked me in her luggage! (She had some feeble excuse about her camera bag being her one-and-only carry-on.)

However, once we got to Los Angeles, we checked into the Queen Mary.

Art deco mirror!

What a ship!

We were lucky enough to have a stateroom with a lovely view of Long Beach through the portholes. We were pleased to find they could still be opened so we could enjoy the ocean breezes. (Not many of those in Arizona!)

Momma headed off to attend her friends' wedding and left me to explore our cabin.

Woo hoo!

How they used to heat and cool the rooms.

As previously mentioned, the Queen Mary sailed as a luxury liner (and transport) for 30 years before being purchased by the city of Long Beach, Calif., as a hotel.

Heaters for wimpy American travelers.

Many of the historic elements were left in place as the ship was converted into a stationary hotel.

The 346 original First-Class Staterooms and nine Suites are situated on three decks and all are above sea level and no two rooms are alike. Many of the Staterooms feature the original artwork found on the ship during her heyday, as well as authentic Art Deco built-ins for additional storage.

Brass bars to attach trunks to the wall.

Phew! I'm tired! I'll share more tomorrow!
  

Electric fans!

Hot and cold fresh and salt water taps.

Our most popular room! Space and luxury are the defining attributes of the Deluxe Stateroom. The preferred choice of first-class travelers back in the day, the Deluxe Stateroom also includes a large built-in headboard with bookshelves, as well as operable portholes. The rich polished wood and Art Deco décor give guests a 1930’s feel without ever sacrificing the convenience of modern amenities. Additionally, several of our King Deluxe Staterooms are on the starboard side and include beautiful Long Beach Harbor views.

Room Amenities:

• King-size bed (or two Twin beds) with plush pillow-top mattresses
• Operable portholes
• Some may include a sitting area with a table and two chairs*
• 32” LCD flat screen TV with satellite and Pay-Per-View movies
• Wi-Fi Internet
• Mini-fridge (available upon request for a fee)
• Relaxing Green Tea & Willow Archive products
• Hair dryer
• Iron/ironing board
• Rollaway bed is available (upon request)
• Authentic Art Deco mirror and original built-in storage
• Built-in Art Deco headboard with bookshelf

- See more at: http://www.queenmary.com/stay-aboard/deluxe-stateroom.php#sthash.zT6LI4Vg.dpuf

A room with a view

I'm on the Queen Mary!

Queens of the Sea

Momma and I are so excited we are both having an incredibly hard time waiting for Friday, Oct. 18.

On Friday we will be flying to Long Beach, Calif., where we will celebrate the marriage of one of Momma's oldest friends. (She has known him 34 years!)

Not only will we witness their marriage, but we'll be staying overnight on the historic Queen Mary! 

Named after Queen Mary, consort of King George V, RMS Queen Mary was the flagship of the Cunard Line (formerly known as Cunard-White Star) that sailed primarily in the North Atlantic Ocean from May 1936 until October 1967.
 
She was converted into a troopship after the outbreak of World War II and ferried Allied soldiers for the duration of the war. After the war, RMS Queen Mary was refitted for passenger service.

After several years of decreased profits due to commercial air travel, RMS Queen Mary was officially retired from service. She left Southampton, England for the last time on Oct. 31, 1967 and sailed to the port of Long Beach, Calif., where she is permanently moored.

Much of the machinery including two of the four steam turbines, three of the four propellers, and all of the boilers were removed, and the ship now serves as a tourist attraction featuring restaurants, a museum, and hotel.

The Queen Mary is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation has accepted the Queen Mary to be part of the Historic Hotels of America.