QM2 first ship to arrive at new Brooklyn port

For you and me, April 15 marks the looming deadline for our tax preparation. For Cunard, April 15 holds a more enjoyable significance. On that red-letter day, the Queen Mary 2 (QM2) sails into Brooklyn to inaugurate the new Brooklyn Cruise Terminal at Pier 12 in Red Hook.

Sister lines Cunard and Princess (both owned by the Carnival corporation) will also be using the brand-spanking-new facility this year. In its inaugural year, the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal will welcome 40 ships, including the Crown Princess, which is making her cruising debut in June.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and other dignitaries will be on hand to cheer the QM2 as she crosses the threshold of her new home. And if you finish your taxes early, you might just make it over to the waterfront to give her a rousing welcome, as well.