QE2 Story Forum
The QE2's Story (in-service) => Service Life (1969 - 2008) => Topic started by: Twynkle on Mar 21, 2009, 01:26 PM
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Tomorrow will be the Anniversary of The QE2's Maiden call at Dubai - 22nd March 1997
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The Sixties
1964
December 30: Contract to build signed by Sir John Brocklebank, then chairman of Cunard, and Lord Aberconway, chairman of John Brown
1965
July 5: Keel laid
1967
July 14: Prince Phillip the Duke of Edinburgh tours the uncompleted liner and lunches with Cunard and John Brown executives
September 20: Launched by the Queen in the presence of Prince Phillip and Princess Margaret. The launch ceremonies are carried live on television by the BBC and broadcast worldwide on BBC radio. The day is declared a holiday in Clydebank. The Queen christens the ship "Queen Elizabeth the second" setting in place a controversy that is debated to this day as to whether or not the queen named the ship after herself, although Cunard intended the ship to be named simply "Queen Elizabeth"
September 21: News of the launch and naming ceremony is reported in major newspapers throughout the world.
1968
February 20: Princess Margeret opens the QE2 Exhibition at the Design Centre in London
November 19: Prince Charles, QE2's first passenger, sails on board from the shipyard in Clydebank to the dry dock in Greenock. Prince Charles sounds the ship's whistle for the final time in Clydebank.
November 26: Sea trials begin, which reveal engine problems.
December 23: Main trials and shakedown cruises commence in Greenock.
Engine problems develope off the Canary Islands.
1969
January 1: Cunard refuses delivery of the QE2
January 2: Arrives in Southampton for the first time. The maiden voyage is postponed plus 5 additional sailings are cancelled.
April 18: Cunard accepts delivery of the QE2
April 22: Officially enters commercial service with a mini-cruise to the Canary Islands
May 1: The Queen and Prince Phillip visit the QE2 in Southampton. Commodore Warwick leads the Royal party on a tour of the ship, where they meet and speak with many of the ship's officers and crew. A ceremony takes place in the Queen's Room, where the Queen viewed a bust of herself.
The Queen and Prince Phillip are Guests of Honor at a special luncheon in the Grill Room, hosted by the chairman of Cunard Sir Basil.
May 2: Maiden transatlantic crossing to New York, arrives five days later to a tumultuous welcome.
May 16: QE2 cruises through the assembled NATO fleet at Spithead which the Queen was viewing from HMY Britannia and exchanges greetings with the royal yacht.
May 29: Prince Phillip visits QE2 in Southampton while presenting the Council of Industrial Design awards.
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The Seventies
1970
March 5: Princess Margaret, accompanied by her husband Lord Snowdon, visit QE2 in Barbados, having lunch in The Grill Room and cocktails with the captain in his quarters and in the Midships Bar
March 23: Welcomes her 75,000th passenger
April 22: First Mediterranean cruise leaves from Southampton
June: Crosses the Atlantic in 3 days, 20 hours, 42 minutes at an average speed of 30.36 knots
October: The Queen gifts portraits of herself and of Prince Phillip to the officers wardroom. The presentation is made by Cunard Chairman Sir Basil Smallpeice on behalf of Her Majesty.
October: Departs New York for 37-day voyage to Africa and South America
1971
January 8-9: Anchored off St. Lucia in the Caribbean, QE2 receives an S.O.S. from the French liner Antilles, stating that she had run aground and was on fire. QE2 steamed full speed to the rescue. Upon arrival 3 1/2 hours later, the French ship was fully ablaze. All her passengers had been evacuated. QE2 took aboard hundreds of evacuated passengers by tender at Mustique and sailed for Barbados, where they were tendered ashore. 85 of them elected to remain with QE2.
March 5: Suffers power failure for four hours off Trinidad as a result of jellyfish being sucked into intakes.
June 30: Trafalgar House purchases Cunard for 27.3 million pounds.
After calling at Cobh, Ireland, and disembarking several passengers, it is discovered that six pieces of unclaimed luggage contain a large consignment of illegal arms destined to the IRA.
1972
Ten penthouse suites are added to the Sports Deck
April 23: Arrives 36 hours late in Southampton after one of the worst recorded Atlantic storms
May 17: While in mid-Atlantic, Captain Law receives a coded message stating that there may be bombs placed in strategic locations throughout the ship. An RAF Hercules transport is flown out to parachute bomb-disposal experts. No bombs were found, the extortion plot was a hoax, one month later a New York shoe salesman was arrested, found guilty, and sentenced to 20 years.
1973
April 14: Leaves Southampton on first of two charter cruises to Israel to commenorate 25th anniversary of the state's founding. Intense security results after terrorist threats. Chartered passenger coaches from London are escorted by police convoy. The entire Ocean Terminal is sealed off. Though unconfirmed, it is believed that a team of undercover Special Air Service soldiers and a detachment of Royal Marines were on board.
The Columbia Restaurant and kitchen were made kosher for the cruises.
1974
April 1: Loses power after boiler room oil leak. Passengers are transfered at sea to Sea Venture.
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat confirms that he personally cancelled orders to a submarine from Libya's leader Qadaffi to torpedo and sink QE2 during her call to Israel in 1973
1975
January 14: Sails from Southampton on her first World Cruise.
December 4: Completes her first million miles, between Antigua and Boston
1976
November 26: IRA plot to blow up the ship in Southampton drydock is foiled, enough explosives to do the the job are found in the basement of a Southampton block of flats. Three men are arrested and sentenced to 20 years.
1977
December: The two ultra-luxurious suites, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, are added to QE2
1978
January: QE2 makes maiden calls to Australia and New Zealand
1979
May: Celebrates tenth anniversary, having carried half a million passengers to 63 countries. HM Queen Elizabeth sends a message to the captain "I wish her God speed and you and your officers and crew every success in adding to the one million five hundred thousand miles already sailed."
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The Eighties
1980
January: First transit of the Suez Canel
World Cruise: Yokohama mayor informs Captain Arnott that a bridge is to be constructed across the harbor. The bridge will be built in a manner specifically to allow QE2 to pass beneath.
World Cruise: Yalta. Soviet authorities suddenly demand that only passengers with a Soviet visa or pre-paid tour be allowed ashore.
Realizing that more than half his passenger would never make it ashore, Captain Arnott orders a full tender to return to the ship, orders the Soviet authorities off the ship, and to the strains of "Rule Britannia" and "Stars and Stripes" ringing throughout the ship, pulls up anchor and sails away.
Passengers send masses of flowers and hundreds of messages of support to the captain's quarters, and Captain and Mrs. Arnott receive a standing ovation upon entering the restaurant that evening.
1981
May: Striking Southampton dock workers cause QE2 to terminate a cruise at Cherbourg.
The 1981 Transatlantic season begins in Cherbourg.
May 22: Crane drivers refuse to lift off the gangway. Captain Ridley orders his sailors to cut it off with gas torches to permit QE2 to depart for a Norwegian cruise.
July: Special screening of the Royal Wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles takes place while crossing the Atlantic. Cunard designates the crossing the "QE2 Royal Wedding Commemorative Voyage"
1982
April 25: The City of Philadelphia charters QE2 for celebrations in connection with the 300th anniversary of the city. QE2 remains in Delaware Bay on her maiden call for four days.
May 3: As QE2 steamed along the south coast of England bound for Southampton, those on board listening to the 12:30 BBC news heard that their ship had been requisitoned by the government. Following confirmation, Captain Hutcheson makes a formal announcement to passengers and crew that QE2 will be withdrawn from commercial service upon arrival in Southampton.
May 5: Work begins on QE2 to convert her from luxury liner to troop carrier.
May 12: QE2 departs Southampton for war with 3000 troops and 650 volunteer crew.
May 26: QE2 arrives in the active war zone in the South Atlantic
May 29: App. 640 survivors of the lost HMS Ardent, HMS Coventry, and HMS Antelope join QE2
June 11: QE2 arrives back in Southampton, greeted by HM The Queen Mother aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia
August: QE2 returns to service with her hull painted light grey, and her funnel in traditional Cunard Red.
December 2: HM The Queen Mother visits QE2 in Southampton. Captain Jackson escort HM on a ship tour and meet & greet of the ship's company who sailed to the Falklands. HM presents to QE2 a silver plaque that records the messages exchanged between the Queen Mother and Captain Jackson while QE2 was steaming past the Royal Yacht on her return voyage.
1983
June: QE2's hull repainted black.
November: At her annual over-haul, the Magrodome is installed over the Quarter Deck pool.
1984
The first sea-going branch of Harrods is opened on board QE2
April 22: At an Easter Egg hunt on board in New York, a 5 year old girl finds a silver egg awarding a free cruise on QE2. The little girl announces that she would rather have found a chocolate egg.
July 13: A sudden strike by Southampton dock works again results in the termination of a cruise at Cherbourg. Cunard must transfer disembarking passengers and their baggage to England by chartered airline, as well as embarking passengers set for the following Transatlantic crossing to New York.
QE2 sails on time.
1985
May 18: QE2, RAF's Red Arrows, and a Concorde rendevous in and over the English Channel. The event is photographed from a Hawk jet, after months of planning for good weather in daylight hours.
1986
May 3: HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother lunches on board QE2 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of RMS Queen Mary's maiden voyage
July 4: QE2 participates in celebrations at the Statue of Liberty to mark the historic landmark's one hundredth anniversary.
Cunard commissions Garrard's, the Crown jewellers of London, to make a "freedom torch" as a gift to the American people. It was escorted to America by a Polish immigrant family of four, who, like millions of future Americans who came before, viewed America for the first time from the decks of a ship. For them, the ship was QE2.
The torch was presented to the National Maritime Historical Society in New York (where is it now?)
As QE2 sails under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, escorted by an armada of thousands of boats, a 100 foot American flag is unfurled over the side of the ship. As QE2 passes the Statue of Liberty, red, white, and blue ballons are released from the decks of the ship and red white and blue carnations tossed into the harbor.
October 20: Departs New York for the final time as a steamship.
October 27: Arrives in Bremerhaven to be re-engined. QE2's steam turbines had travelled 2,622,858 miles. Nine diesel electric engines are installed.
1987
April 25: QE2 is delivered back to Cunard after her successful engineering. She is now powered by the world's most powerful marine propulsion plant, and makes over 33 knots on her trials.
April 29: Diana Princess of Wales comes board QE2 off Cowes to join 400 schoolchildren who had embarked in Southampton. A fly-past by the Concorde and RAF Harrier jets salute QE2.
May: QE2 is pounded by a fierce storm on her first crossing to New York since the engine conversion.
1988
December 14: Her Majesty the Queen Mother is hosted by Captain Bennell at a special luncheon on board QE2 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Her Majesty's launching of RMS Queen Elizabeth at Clydebank on September 27, 1938
1989
March 27: A consortium of Japanese companies charters QE2 for 72 days to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the city of Yokohama.
Although she did not go to sea, QE2 maintained her status as an ocean liner throughout her stay. Every day several hundred visitors arrived to stay the night, and 1,200 or so would arrive to dine or shop aboard. All ship's facilities were open to visitors, along with a full program of entertainment, and weddings aboard officiated by Japanese authorities.
December: QE2 returns to Japan for a similar six-month charter for the World Exposition in Osaka. The ship made short cruises to Hong Kong and other nearby ports.
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The Nineties
1990
July 22: Under the command of Captain Woodall, QE2 arrives in Southampton after her fastest-ever eastbound crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. At an average speed of 30.16 knots, she crosses in four days, six hours, 57 minutes.
July 22: Cunard begins their 150th Anniversary celebrations with a series of special voyages.
July 23: QE2 arrives Cobh, Ireland on her maiden call. She is greated by 60,000 people, including the Irish premier Charles Haughey.
July 24: QE2 arrives in Liverpool on her maiden call to the spiritual home of Cunard Line. She is anchored in the Mersey near where Cunard's Britannia sailed from 150 years before. Hundreds of thousands of spectators and a flotilla of boats greeted QE2 as she approached her anchorage.
10,000 balloons are released from the Quarter Deck swimming pool.
July 25: QE2 arrives in Greenock, Scotland, her first return to Scotland since her launch in 1967.
July 26: In order to relieve Captain Woodall for official duties the following day, Captain Ronald Warwick commanded QE2 when she sailed from Cherbourg. For the first time in Cunard history, a ship's Master captains the same ship his father did.
July 27: The Royal Review of Cunard and Navy ships at Spit Head by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. The Royal party transfer by Royal barge to QE2. The Queen attends a reception in the Queen's Room, unveils a plaque to commemorate her visit in the Grand Lounge, and luncheon in the Columbia Restaurant. The Queen along the way stops to greet passengers.
Elizabeth II becomes the first reigning British monarch to sail on a commercial vessel with passengers.
A fly-past of the Concorde, a 747, a 707, Sea Harrier aircraft salute QE2
August 9: QE2 completes her 500th transatlantic crossing, Southampton to New York
September: QE2 rounds off 150th anniversary celebrations with calls at Halifax and Boston, ports called at by Britannia in 1840. Governor Dukakis of Massachusetted declares September 4 "Cunard Day"
December: QE2 enters drydock at Blohm & Voss in Hamburg.
The Britannia Grill is added and the casino expanded, in addition to overhauls to machinery.
1991
June 15: Prince Edward and the Duke of Edinburgh attend a Royal Ball aboard QE2 in Southampton
1992
May 10: In Southampton, the Right Honorable Margaret Thatcher O.M. F.R.S. is the guest of honor at a luncheon and reception marking ten years since the Falklands war. Mrs. Thatcher stirs the guests with a speech stressing the importance of QE2 in the conflict.
August 7: Bound for New York, QE2 strikes a submerged rock off the shore of Martha's Vinyard, Massachusettes. QE2 suffers 74 feet of intermittent gashes to her hull. Two fresh-water and one saltwater ballast tanks and an empty fuel tank had been breached.
Local ferry boats are hired to bring passengers ashore at Newport, although the ship is in no danger. Coaches takes passengers to trains for travel onward to New York. Their baggage is air-freighted to them after QE2 arrives in Boston.
October 4: Repairs are completed at Hamburg
1993
June 12: Prince Edward attends a luncheon on board to commemorate the 40th anniversary of HM Queen Elizabeth's asseccion to the throne. The Prince sails with the ship and departs by helicopter
June 13: QE2 makes her maiden call to Edinburgh
August 5: HM the Queen and Prince Andrew visit in Southampton to mark the 175th anniversary of The British Sailor's Society. Afterwards the Queen embarks HMY Britannia to review various units of the British merchant fleet including QE2.
1994
May 8: Silver Anniversary crossing to New York
June 15: QE2 and hundreds of vessels including the Royal Yacht with the Queen, Princess Margaret and Princess Anne aboard, gather at Spit Head for a 50th anniversary celebration of the D-Day landings. Passengers are entertained aboard QE2 by Dame Vera Lynn and Bob Hope on the short voyage across the Channel.
October 5: QE2 diverts 120 miles to answer a distress call. An ill crew member from a fishing vessel is transfered to QE2, where he is treated in the ship's hospital. Upon regaining consciousness, hospital staff have a difficult time convincing him that he is on the Queen Elizabeth 2
November 20: QE2 arrives in Hamburg for an extensive refit.
All cabin bathrooms are replaced. The Heritage Trail is installed.
The Quarter Deck pool is replaced by the Lido Cafe.
December 17: Prince Andrew attends a luncheon on board to celebrate QE2's return to service after the refit.
1995
May 3: First call at Plymouth as part of VE Day anniversary
June 14: Leaves Southampton on her 1000th voyage.
July 17: Princess Anne lunches on board prior to QE2 leading The Tall Ships out of the Firth of Forth
September: A round-Britain cruise becomes a reunion of former QE2 Masters.
Including Captain Warwick's father, on the cruise are Captains Hehir, Arnott, Woodall, and Commodore Marr.
September 11: Stuck in Hurricane Luis, QE2 was hove-to in wind speeds up to 100 knots and 40-50 foot seas.
2:10a.m. QE2 is struck by a 90 foot wave. The weight of the water crashing onto the foredeck dents deck plating and bends rails. Most passengers don't notice a thing.
1996
January 4: 20th World Cruise, which is marked by her four millionth mile.
September 28: Prince Edward attends a Royal Ball on board in Southampton
1997
April 14: In mid-Atlantic, the ashes of the late Commodore Marr are committed to the deep by Captain Hasel.
September 20: 30th Anniversary of QE2's launch.
To celebrate QE2's anniversary, a benefit in aid of land mine victims is held aboard QE2. Princess Diana was to be guest of honor. Paying tribute to the late Princess at the benefit were Lord Attenborough, Elizabeth Dole, Cherie Blair, and Terry Waite.
1998
March 29: South African President Nelson Mandela embarks QE2 at Durban.
April 3: Carnival Corp. purchases Cunard Line
1999
April 14: Special Anniversary lunch on board in Southampton and celebration cruise to mark QE2's 30 Anniversary in service.
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The 2000's
2000
January 1: As the world anticipates the new millennium, the global press report on QE2 as being one of the most exclusive places in the world for ringing in the new era.
QE2's Millennium New Years cruise sold out in record time after going on sale.
January 5: After the death of her husband during a QE2 cruise in 1999, Beatrice Muller begins her permanant on-board residency of QE2, garnering much international publicity over the years for herself and Cunard Line as "The Lady Who Lives on QE2"
July 4: While docking in New York, QE2 collides with the Japanese warship Koshima, berthed alongside the liner. The captain of the Koshima remarks "It was an honor to be kissed by the Queen" (https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,7716.msg86638.html#msg86638)
August 4: The passenger, master, and crew send a message to the Queen Mother congratulating her on her 100th birthday.
2001
March: QE2 officiated at the opening of the new cruise terminal in Dubai.
September: Terrorist attacks on New York City force QE2 to divert to Boston for the remainder of the year.
2002
January 8: QE2 becomes the first passenger ship to call in New York since the September 11 terrorist attacks. As she approached the site of the World Trade Center, she reduced speed, her flag was lowered to half-mast, and a wreath was laid in the harbor. She then sounded three long blasts of her whistle.
May 13: It was announced that the following year would be QE2's last full season on the North Atlantic.
June 14: Baroness Thatcher was guest of honor on board at a lunch to mark the 20th anniversary of the Falkland Islands campaign.
2003
March 14: Captain Ronald Warwick leaves QE2 for the last time as Master to take up command of the new Queen Mary 2 and become Commodore of the Cunard Line
October 24: A Concorde, due to be taken out of service, passes over QE2 in mid-Atlantic. The ship's master, Captain Heath, sends a message: "From one British icon to another. We are sorry to see you go."
2004
April 19: QE2 leaves Southampton for the last time as Cunard's flagship, heading for New York where, on April 25, she berthed alongside Queen Mary 2 for the first time. The QE2 and QM2 in New York together is a sensation, the media go wild and huge crowds descend on the docks and along the riverfront.
May 1: QE2 escorts Queen Mary 2 into Southampton. In a ceremony Captain Ian McNaught handed the impressive Boston Cup to Commodore Warwick of Queen Mary 2. As the cup exchanged hands QE2's whistle blew one long blast marking her final day as Cunard's flagship.
A message is sent from Buckingham Palace "Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh remember with pleasure their many visits to the ship and send their best wishes to you for a memorable event"
May: QE2 enters drydock where the Funnel Bar and awning are added to the Sun Deck and flat-screen monitors are added to the Golden Lion pub, much to the delight of QE2's football fanatic passengers.
December 27: On her final Caribbean holiday cruise, QE2 is joined unexpectedly by QM2 for six hours of tandem sailing as close as 1/4 mile to each other. By special arrangement, the two Cunard Queens alter course for the special treat.
2005
January 1: After departing San Juan Puerto Rico bound for New York, soon after ringing in the New Year, QE2 suffers a total loss of power and is dead in the water for a few hours.
The party rages on in the darkened Yacht Club, while a few nervous passengers are seen coming up from their cabins in their lifejackets.
February 16: While alongside in Freemantle four local Australians stole a fork-lift truck and rammed their way on board QE2. All four were found to be drunk.
April 19: Crew on a rampage. Meant to be an end-of-the-world-cruise crew party, several crew members go on a rampage doing damage to the Grand Lounge, a lifeboat, and bathrooms. Most upsetting was serious damage done to the famous tapestries by Helena Barynina Hernmarck depicting the launch of QE2 by the Queen. Thought to have been thrown overboard, the missing tapestries were later found and repaired and returned to their place on E Stairway
Three crew members were arrested when the ship docked at Southampton and fired by Cunard.
July 28: HM The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh review QE2 from the deck of HMS Endurance as part of the Trafalgar 200 celebrations off Spithead
September 5: QE2 becomes Cunard's longest serving ship ever, 36 years, four months, two days.
2006
January 1: For the first time since her acceptance trails in 1969, QE2 was in European waters on New Year's Day.
March 12: A freak wave lifted the stern of QE2 making her roll severely and then a second wave struck the ship.
April 23: Both QE2 and QM2 are in Southampton together and as her older sister sailed past, the new flagship played James Blunt's "You're Beautiful".
November 27: QE2 makes her maiden call to New Orleans, to the great appreciation of the city which suffered so terribly from hurricane Katrina and the levy failures.
2007
January 3: QE2 departs Southampton for New York commencing her 25th World Cruise. A spectacular fireworks display in Southampton sends her on her way.
June 18: Cunard stuns with the surprise announcement that QE2 has been sold for $100 million to Dubai interests. Dubai soon announces vague plans for QE2 as a luxury hotel and shopping attraction, plus heritage museum, at the same time stating their intention to restore QE2 to her original 1969 appearance.
June 26: Cunard announce a series of QE2 "Farewell Voyages"
September 15: QE2 departs on her highly successful 40th Anniversary "Lap of Honor" cruise around Great Britain.
Prior to departure, QE2 hosts hundreds of special guests including Baroness Thatcher.
September 16: QE2 pauses off Scarborough to allow Sir Jimmy Saville to board.
After a four hour delay due to strong winds, QE2 enters the River Tyne on her maiden call, to a tumultuous welcome. Media coverage is heavy, as are the crowds along both shores of the river who had been waiting hours for the delayed arrival.
Captain Ian McNaught rededicates the pier at South Shields as Northumbrian Quay.
September 17: In spite of the wind and rain, QE2 departs with heavy media coverage and large crowds. Fireworks on the sea wall bid bon voyage to QE2
September 18: At anchor in the Firth of Forth very close to the famous Forth Bridge, QE2 and Captain McNaught host a luncheon for local dignitaries.
September 19: The day at sea is dedicated to the Falklands campaign. Commodore Warwick's lecture draws the largest crowd to the theater in recent QE2 memory.
September 20: In Greenock on the 40th anniversary of her launch by the Queen, huge crowds gather along the Esplanade for day long festivities, capped off by an exciting display of aerial daredevilry by the famous Red Arrows.
QE2 hosts a reception and lunch for former workers of the John Brown yard who helped to build QE2.
At 2:20pm, precisely the moment of her launch forty years earlier to the minute, QE2 lets off a 40 second long blast of her whistle.
QE2 makes a spectacular departure with much shoreside fanfare a large flotilla of boats.
September 21: Liverpool. The Duke of Kent and QE2 officially open the new Liverpool Cruise Terminal
For all passengers, special guests and dignitaries, QE2 hosts a free concert at the Liverpool Anglican Cathederal. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, the Cathederal Choir, Lesley Garrett, Nicky Spence, and the Band of the Scots Guards perform. Speakers include Carol Marlow, Sir Jimmy Saville, Carol Thatcher, and Captain Ian McNaught who gives an unexpectedly brief and emotional speech.
The former Cunard Building in Liverpool flies the Cunard House Flag.
A fireworks display over the Mersey wows the many thousands of persons packing the waterfront, and a Beetles Tribute band performs at the Funnel Bar.
The Liverpool press estimates the day's crowd at about half a million.
September 22: QE2 and QM2 outbound from Southampton, pass in the evening. The last time two Cunard Queens passed at sea was September 25, 1967
2008
January 6: QE2 begins her 26th and final world cruise with a send-off that includes a tandem departure with Cunard's new Queen Victoria cruise ship, and a huge fireworks salute. Queen Victoria departs first, passing QE2 which is berthed at the QEII terminal. The two ships exchange lengthy whistle salutes, while the Queen Victoria shines her spotlight along QE2's side while passing by.
January 7-13: While transating in tandem, it is reported that Queen Victoria passengers are transfixed by the site of the QE2 in her element, while on QE2 similar statements are not overheard about the Queen Victoria.
January 13: Queen Elizabeth 2 arrives in New York after a longer than usual 7-night transatlantic crossing. QE2 is made to cross slower to allow a tandem crossing with the Queen Victoria which cannot keep up with QE2's normal speed.
QE2 and Queen Victoria are met in New York by the Queen Mary 2, for the first Meeting of the Three Queens. Their triple departure that evening draws huge crowds out on charter vessels and along the shoreline. A massive fireworks display adjacent to the Statue of Liberty is the climax of the historic day.
January 13-April 18: QE2 bids farewell to much of the world on her final world cruise, escpecially to ports where she has been calling regularly for many years and is much beloved. The largest and most emotional send-offs are in Australia.
March 18: QE2 reaches 32.8 knots for a time, proving again that she is still the world's fastest ship in service, and on engines over twenty years old.
April 22: After Cunard decide to have QE2's 'tune-up' in Southampton, all three of Cunard's ships are together for the first and only time at their home port. This day also marks the 39th anniversary of QE2's entry into service. QE2 is at Berth 105 for her work to be done, Queen Victoria is at the City Cruise Terminal, and QM2 is at the QEII terminal berth 35. The event draws large crowds and wide media coverage.
June 2: At Southampton, HM Queen Elizabeth II marks the 55th year of her coronation with her farewell visit to QE2.
The Queen toured the vessel escorted by Captain McNaught before attending a reception and lunch onboard with 300 guests, including the former Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher.
September 30: QE2's Farewell to Britain cruise. Public reaction is intense and bitter-sweet, with huge crowds and celebrations along the way.
October 10: QE2 departs Southampton for her final-ever westbound transatlantic crossing to New York, in tandem with her younger sister Queen Mary 2.
October 16: QE2 makes her 710th and final call to New York. She departs on her 806th and final ever transatlantic crossing and bids farewell to America, her second home since her maiden call in New York in 1969.
QE2 crosses in tandem with Queen Mary 2. Her final transatlantic crossings sell out in a matter of a few hours over a year before.
November 11: QE2's final day in Southampton begins at 5:30am with breaking news as QE2, on her arrival from her final round-trip cruise briefly grounds on a sandbank in Southampton Water. The grounding is widely covered by the media.
Armistace Day in Britain.
At 11:00am to commemorate the end of WW1 a de Havillnad Beaver does a fly-over of QE2 dropping one million red poppies over the ship.
HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh journeys to Southampton to pay his final visit to QE2 and to attend a special luncheon on board.
1:40pm an RAF Harrier honors QE2 with a fly-past and a dip of her nose as she hovers off QE2's starboard flank.
Global media covers othe retirement-departure of the world's most famous ship. Huge crowds of well-wishers crowd into Southampton, Mayflower Park becomes a gathering spot with BBC live coverage. A flotilla of charter vessels including the historic SS Sheildhall, Blue Funnel Line and Red Funnel ferries join hundreds of private boats in the harbor to see QE2 out for her final time.
QE2 pushed away from her berth for the last time at the Queen Elizabeth II terminal at about 7:30 pm, then positioned herself off Mayflower park for a spectacular fireworks display. About twenty minutes later, with her own whistles sounding across the waters and those of hundreds of craft joining in, she sails away for her final destination. As QE2 sails past the Hythe Pier, a trumpeter plays Taps.
November 27: Finished With Engines
Queen Elizabeth 2 arrives Dubai, ending her long and celebrated career as the world's most famous and beloved ocean liner.
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Congratulations, what a tremendous amount of work. I vote this should have a place on the site where people can visit and read this without having to find it on the discussion board. Also the idea of a day by day calendar of QE2 events could be put on with it. I have to go to work now, but I will make another suggestion. World Voyages. This would take some time to do, and probably may need a dedicated site for QE2 history (herstory). Many thanks, to Stowaway2k.
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September 22: QE2 and QM2 outbound from Southampton, pass in the evening. The last time two Cunard Queens passed at sea was September 25, 1967
Absolutely brilliant piece of work. Thanks for compiling and posting. I can report that late one windy night on deck during the Trafalgar celebration in June 2005 when we were heading for France a few of us witnessed QM2 going past, heading out on her Transatlantic crossing into the night.
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Aha, I have found something out. QE2's maiden port call in Auckland may have been dring the world cruise of 1978, when I THINK I saw a white funnel poking out above Princes' wharf. I was in the old City Depot mess room and looked out the window. What I MIGHT have seen was QE2's original funnel, was it white in 1978? I remember it was Jan or Feb (she usually came sometime in Feb). Once again, many thanks. Recent world trips - from about 2000 are documented on the World ship ny site. I am slowly printing out those years I don't have a brochure for.
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Yes - you are right!
According to my QE2 'Birthday Book' (!) - she made her Maiden call to Auckland on St Valentine's Day! (14.2.1978)
There's no picture I'm afraid, and I guess it won't be long before someone fills in something definite about the colour of her funnel on that day...
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23rd March 1970: Welcomes her 75,000th passenger!
25th March 1975 - First transit of the Panama Canal,
making her the biggest ship ever to transit the canal!
She paid the largest sum to date for the transit.
HATS OFF TO THE QE2!
With credit and many thanks to Neilius - http://shipwatchernews.blogspot.com
25th - 26th March 2008: Final call at Honolulu
27th March 1989: Chartered for 72 days by a consortium of Japanese companies.
29th March 1998: President Nelson Mandela embarks, Durban, South Africa
30th March 2008: Final call to Los Angeles, USA
2nd April 2008: Final call Acapulco, Mexico
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Agree a wonderful amd most comprehensive record. Well done Stowaway and thank you!
I echo Mauretania's comment that this certainly merits its own area of the forum if possible.
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12 April 1976 QE2: Maiden call at Odessa, Russia
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Good work Rosie
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March 4th, 2008 - QE2's first and last call at Albany, Australia.
The ENTIRE town comes out to see QE2 - or so it seemed (you can see the people lined up on the hill in the first video).
Note the cannon firing in the second video and her magnificent horn - we will never see the likes of her again.
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March 4th, 2008 - QE2's first and last call at Albany, Australia.
It is incredible to think that I was actually on that ship then. Thank you for the video of her arriving - I didn't hear the cannons at the time - I was probably too busy having breakfast!
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07 May 1969 - QE2's maiden Arrival in New York. Check out the B&W photo on Rob's website (second picture down). She is a thing of beauty. It would be just 99 more days until I stepped aboard for the first time.
http://www.roblightbody.com/liners/qe-2/1969_POBI/ (http://www.roblightbody.com/liners/qe-2/1969_POBI/)
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May 13 2002
Cunard confirms that QE2 will be removed from transatlantic service in April 2004, and will be deployed on itinerary based voyages out of Southampton. Queen Mary 2 will assume the role of Cunard’s transatlantic carrier.
That quote is from today's :
http://wearecunard.com/2009/05/cunard-stars/
I sometimes wonder whether the sale of Caronia (she left Cunard service in November 2004, if I remember well), together with the launch of QM2 that same year, spelt QE2's doom... QE2 left the North Atlantic and took over cruising from Caronia... and she continued doing that until qV appeared.
Now that I have written all this and am rereading it, there is actually no need to wonder...... :'(
At the time (2004), we saw the immediate outcome only. We saw QE2 leaving the Atlantic and were so pleased to have her in Southampton and to be able to enjoy cruises on her almost every year... and of course, for a while, we had lovely times... enjoying just that !
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World Ship Society of New York website has some good photos of this 40th anniversary date.
http://www.worldshipny.com/qe2mv09.html (http://www.worldshipny.com/qe2mv09.html)
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Thank you for the link above!
The World Ship Society of New York site kept me going during QE2's Final Voyage :'(
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9th May 1975: Maiden call at Bremerhaven, Germany
Little did they realise that Bremerhaven would become such an important port for QE2. The work done at that yard significantly lengthened her lifespan.
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May 12th 1982 QE2 set sail to join the Falkland conflict.
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Thanks for the reminder, Myles.
Just noticed too that she went with 3,000 troops and 650 Crew volunteers.
Brave people.
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24th May 1997: Maiden call at Corfu, Greece
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I have to correct you, Rosie. The 24th anniversary of QE2's keel laying will be next month on 05 July. I love the story about the cranes almost lifted themselves rather than the lifting the keel section into positiion. The keel section was finally moved into position a few days.
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4th September 1995: Maiden call at Invergordon,Scotland.
5th September 1995: Maiden call at Newcastle,England.
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I have to correct you, Rosie. The 24th anniversary of QE2's keel laying will be next month on 05 July.
Interesting, the point that you have made there, Bob!
There are several references to several dates relating to her keel. Each denoting different stages of its construction!
I mentioned the 'laying' of her keel in relation the 5th June, this being the first date mentioned in my QE2 reference books!
(Hoping, as Rob mentioned, to maintain a QE2 history in contemporary and chronological order!!)
For example - The Keel laying Ceremony took place on 2.7. 1967
The Keel was actually hoisted into place on the 5.7.1967
It feels a bit too soon for these at the moment!
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There are several references to several dates relating to her keel. Each denoting different stages of its construction!
I mentioned the 'laying' of her keel in relation the 5th June, this being the first date mentioned in my QE2 reference books!
(Hoping, as Rob mentioned, to maintain a QE2 history in contemporary and chronological order!!)
For example - The Keel laying Ceremony took place on 2.7. 1967
The Keel was actually hoisted into place on the 5.7.1967
It feels a bit too soon for these at the moment!
I did not think about the actual assembly of the keel section. I remember follwing QM2's construction and her first steel cut (ceremonially by Pamela Conover) followed by her keel laying on 04 July that same year - almost 37 years to the day of QE2's! - so there are more dates out there than I may be aware of. The point being that I don't know when the QE2's first steel was cut or the welder's torch started to connect the plates to form the keel section - thanks for pointing that out.
What book do you have that references 05 June? I might like to add that to my collection. Thanks!!!
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Bob,
You will find the details under the 'Books about the QE2' thread (Passenger and Enthusiasts' Memories)
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,74.0.html
'QE2 Forever - A Pictorial Tribute and a Perpetual Diary' - Marc-Antoine Bombail 2007.
- this isn't a 'technical' book!
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1th August 1998 Maiden call at Kirkwall,Orkney Island
And as an Orcadian it was of special interest to me, alas l had moved away
But here was the programme for that day
** OLD DEAD LINK REMOVED **img269/5769/img065o.jpg[/img]
** OLD DEAD LINK REMOVED **img132/5078/img066o.jpg[/img]
** OLD DEAD LINK REMOVED **img268/4420/img067b.jpg[/img]
** OLD DEAD LINK REMOVED **img269/8868/img068dbi.jpg[/img]
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14th July 1997: Maiden call at Dun Laoghaire, Ireland
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14th July 1997: Maiden call at Dun Laoghaire, Ireland
Yes, remember that day........... :)
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Just 7 more days until my 40th anniversary of boarding QE2 for the very first time. I think I am more excited now than I was back in 1969! Cabin 4144 and table 407 in the Britannia, here I come!!!
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OK it's close enough - 12:48 am GMT 14 August and because I won't be near a computer when it's 14 Aug in the states, now is a great time to post this.
My first time on QE2 - 40 years ago today, 14 August 1969.
More photos of that voyage can be seen here (https://www.flickr.com/photos/33120597@N03/sets/72157616250526148/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/33120597@N03/sets/72157616250526148/)).
Five of the eventual six of us (my mom, dad, 2 sisters and me) were on that first voyage with 7 more crossings, and a brother to come, over the next 10 years in our future. I'm the 6 1/2 year old boy in the photos.
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Great photos Bob.
Louis
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Some shots of her first return to the Clyde in July 1990 to celebrate Cunard's 150th Anniversary.
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4th September 1995: Maiden call at Invergordon, Scotland
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11th September 1995: Sails through a 98 foot freak wave on her way to New York
http://www.roblightbody.com/liners/qe-2/1995_freak_wave.htm
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11th September 1995: Sails through a 98 foot freak wave on her way to New York
And heres the damage.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ex-crewmember/sets/72157621962244680/detail/
Louis
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4th September 1995: Maiden call at Invergordon, Scotland
I remember it well, my second time onboard as a visitor, took mum with me, and she fell in love with the ship right away.
Invergordon as always put on a special welcome anytime QE2 visited. Sadly she never called there on her farewell to the UK voyage last year. Had she done the sendoff would have left Belfast and South Queensferry attempts well in the shade. (well lets face it a group of school children with balloons could have done better ::))
I did make one mistake of staying too see her sail off, Not the best of choices and it wasnt to be recommended, To be on the quayside and see her sailing off was a very strange experience
Now just where did l put those photos....
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September 16, 2008, saw QE2 call on New York for her second to last time. I was there, although I just photographed the ship. See link below of my recollection of that day. It pained me to see her sail off into the sunset, but I knew this time was not the last.
Ken
http://qe2-prideoftheclyde.blogspot.com/
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September 16, 2008, saw QE2 call on New York for her second to last time. I was there, although I just photographed the ship. See link below of my recollection of that day. It pained me to see her sail off into the sunset, but I knew this time was not the last.
Ken
http://qe2-prideoftheclyde.blogspot.com/
So, Ken, we could have met much sooner!
I was there too, steaming into and out of New York on QE2... exactly a year ago today.
The write-up is under this photo (it was part of my diary, written on board) :
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2864905581/
The other photos of the day (over 100, I have to confess...) are here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=%22day+7%22&w=55206992%40N00&z=m
As the pictures are assembled here following a "search" in my photostream, they are pretty much in random order -- which may or may not add to your enjoyment!
It was one of those supremely memorable days, and I am so very lucky to have been able to do this on QE2... doing what she was built to do!
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Funny that we both had the same shot taken of us in front of QE2 that day. There is a good chance too that I saw you on the pier while milling about. I had a brief chat with Thomas in the terminal that morning I think, as he was rushing out.
I wondered why the ship ever so gradually was turned and pointed down the river by the tugs. Now, having read that the bow thruster seals were leaking and they were avoiding using them and it all makes sense. It was pretty neat to see the tugs at work down at ground level, seeing the tow lines get taught and creak as a load was put on them to pull the ship off the pier. That new tug was pretty impressive too as it could spin around on its own axis. I was one of the few on the pier waving you off and i would have done anything to sneak onboard.......
The Crystal Symphony appeared to be on the same itinery as QE2 and had a far superior webcam so I monitored your progress through that, especially on the departure from Boston when QE2's cam locked up and was not refreshed for hours.
Ken
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Amazing! I was surprised that there were only a handful of people waving us off -- mind you, they were enthusiastic...
So you were one of them -- had I known, I would have made sure to wave to you... :D
I did take pictures of them, but have not uploaded them -- so shall check some time whether I might have caught you there!
The tugs scraped QE2 a bit that day, as we saw when tendering in Newport next day, but the crew did not think that this was much out of the ordinary for New York. It must be one of the hardest places to manoeuvre her.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/3338964358/
Here is a video I enjoyed making, of our lead tug, Gramma Lee Moran, tooting in farewell to the lovely voice of QE2 :
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/3163046827/
And of course, it was a fabulous sunset, with all the New York buildings gleaming, and the sea itself turning gold before we retired to our cabins to change for dinner...
Crystal Symphony stayed with us for the next two days, but never said a word... ;D ... was she shy about her voice?
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Amazing! I was surprised that there were only a handful of people waving us off -- mind you, they were enthusiastic...
So you were one of them -- had I known, I would have made sure to wave to you... :D
I did take pictures of them, but have not uploaded them -- so shall check some time whether I might have caught you there!
The tugs scraped QE2 a bit that day, as we saw when tendering in Newport next day, but the crew did not think that this was much out of the ordinary for New York. It must be one of the hardest places to manoeuvre her.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/3338964358/
Here is a video I enjoyed making, of our lead tug, Gramma Lee Moran, tooting in farewell to the lovely voice of QE2 :
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/3163046827/
And of course, it was a fabulous sunset, with all the New York buildings gleaming, and the sea itself turning gold before we retired to our cabins to change for dinner...
Crystal Symphony stayed with us for the next two days, but never said a word... ;D ... was she shy about her voice?
My Dad got off the Symphony in NY on 9/16 - he said it was rather snobby - maybe the ship has the same attitude!
Also - I noticed in your Flickr account a video of a plane flying low over QE2 when you were departing - this may be a photo of it!
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20th September 1967 Launched and named at Clydebank by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll
'Hat's off' and Three Cheers for QE2!
Hip hip Hooray!
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hip hip hooray
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Hip hip Hooray!
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Many Happy Returns And May You Have Many More ;D
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Well done!
http://www.thenationalpages.co.uk/blog/2009/09/september-20th-birthday-of-qe2/
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These probably have been posted before, but deserve another look on the anniversary of her launching.
http://scotland.stv.tv/see-do/76386-qe2-memories-part-1/
http://scotland.stv.tv/see-do/76387-qe2-memories-part-2/
http://scotland.stv.tv/see-do/76388-qe2-memories-part-3/
Brings a grown man to tears....
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Superb Ken, thanks for sharing this!
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Nice find Ken,thanks.
Louis
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Alastair Greener has written this in his wearecunard blog :
September 20 2008
QE2 celebrates her final Cunard birthday on her last Transatlantic crossing from New York to Southampton
http://wearecunard.com/2009/09/queen-victoria-returns-to-her-birthplace/
It seems amazing that QE2 facts can get forgotten and distorted, even by a Cunard blog, after as short a period as one single year!
QE2 was in St John, New Brunswick, Canada, that day, and had a wonderful pipes-and-drums concert performed for her by the Simonds Lions Caledonian Pipe Band :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=qe2%20%22st%20john%22&w=55206992%40N00
Nor was the transatlantic crossing, which she started after leaving Quebec, 4 days later on 24 September, her last...
This Forum is doing a really important job ensuring that facts about QE2 (even small ones like this!) are recorded as accurately (and as caringly!) as possible...
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I missed posting this yesterday. September 24th was the 250th anniversary of Guinness, which many of us enjoyed onboard. When a heard a news story about this in the car yesterday, it took me right back to QE2. I loved my fish and chips with a Guinness in the Golden Lion for lunch.
Ken
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3rd November 1070: Maiden call at Luanda, Angola
I remember my father telling me this call in Luanda he was there at that time.
Louis
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Here she is at Gib.....
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Nov 16 Civitavecchia Italy
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This time for 15 years i was in mid Atlantic heading towards Hamburg for the 1994 Refit.There was a skeleton crew onboard and loads of contractors,most of them done no work for been seasick. :D
Louis
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Amazing memories, Louis! You have certainly seen QE2 at times when few others had the chance... and seen parts of her that few others get to see.
Tell us some more about those days! Why was QE2 crossing the Atlantic without passengers? What were the contractors up to, when they were able to stand up and work? How was QE2 prepared for the refit?
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Nov 17 Naples Italy
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Nov 18 Leaving Valetta
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Nov 20 Alexandria Egypt. Her penultimate port of call :'(
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20 November 1994 the QE2 arrives in Hamburg for the refit.What a day i had. ;)
Louis
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21 Nov 2008 Early Suez transit. Is that a search light on the bow??
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Neillius's account of QE2's final transitting the Suez Canal 21.11.2008
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Nov 23 2008 Red Sea
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A year ago today - 26 November 2008 - QE2 spent her last hours in open water as a Cunard ship. I always thought it was quite spooky, and somewhat satisfying, that exactly 40 years earlier on 26 November 1968 she spent her first hours in open water. While she was still technically in the ownership of the yard back in 1968 she was to all intents and purposes a Cunard ship then and I think the open water connection is perfect!
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26th November 1968: Departs Greenock, Scotland, for her first sea trials.
26th November 2008: Arrives in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
27th November 2008: Cunard Line hands ownership of QE2
over to Nakheel Property Services / QE2 Enterprises, Dubai UAE.
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I hadnt realised that. Worked out quite perfectly then.
James
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4th December: QE2 completed the first million miles of steaming
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10th December 1991: Maiden call at Agadir, Morocco
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10th December 1991: Maiden call at Agadir, Morocco
Heres a photo of the Port Entrance from that day.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2655/3861962337_8e043b9615.jpg)
Louis
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13th December 1995: Maiden call at Amsterdam, Holland.
With a overnight and all, great for the crew.Here is the QE2 that day.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ex-crewmember/4187475696/
Louis
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8th January 1971: QE2 rescued survivors from the burning French liner 'Antilles' off the Island of Mustique
See Para. 3 under details of Career
http://www.ocean-liners.com/ships/qetwo.asp
and
http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/CGT_PCs_07.html#anchor34564
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8th January 1971: QE2 rescued survivors from the burning French liner 'Antilles' off the Island of Mustique
Rosie, it was 1972 not 1971
Louis
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i was a waiter the time we went to russia i remember it well i had a watch of and was waiting to go ashore when the tender was told to return the russian officials were told to leave the ship it was uncertain what would happen as if i remember right the british navy escorted us part of the way captain arnott did get a standing ovactio when he went to his table that night
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22nd January 1993: Maiden call at Port Stanley, the Falkland Islands.
I was not onboard during this call,i was working on another ship that visited Port Stanley too.I was there on 16-17 January just a few days before the QE2.
Louis
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22nd January 1993: Maiden call at Port Stanley, the Falkland Islands.
Louis
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25th January 2010
H A P P Y F I R S T B I R T H D A Y T O T H E Q E 2 S T O R Y F O R U M
CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU TO ROB AND QE2
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24 February 2008 - exactly 30 years after her Maiden call - QE2 made her Final Call at Sydney!
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5th April 2008: Final transit of Panama Canal, Central America.
Thanks to Magic Tyger.
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5th April 2008: Final transit of Panama Canal, Central America.
Twynkle Thanks for the link to the Panama Canal Final Transit. I always regretted not doing the Panama transit on the QE2 and now I see what I missed.
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I've now completed adding the events from this topic to the 2 topics created for Timelines (events and maiden/final calls), I am also creating this - http://timeglider.com/app/viewer.php?uid=line_c7e17b99041ca5aa04221f37eb6bddb4
I'm going to pull out relevant information from this topic and add it to either new topics, or existing topics where appropriate.
The timelines are going to link, where appropriate, to the relevant topics on the forum.
As I mention on the timeline topics, thanks to EVERYONE who originally contributed to this topic, and thought of it in the first place, because its made the timeline work possible.
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8th April 2007: Final call to Capetown, South Africa
https://www.flickr.com/photos/worlddiscoverer/3314013514/
8th April 2008: Final call to Montego Bay, Jamaica
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10th April 2008: Final call Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
http://www.expertcruiser.com/blog/port-everglades-welcomes-a-pair-of-queens/
This shows QE2 being admired by everyone on qV! (click on the small image!)
QE2's Final Voyage From Port Everglades
http://cbs4.com/slideshows/Queen.Elizabeth.2.20.696969.html
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8th April 2003: Final call to St Helena, Atlantic Ocean
http://www.cruiseports.co.uk/cchel.html
12th April 2007: Final call to Walvis Bay, Namibia
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8th April 2003: Final call to St Helena, Atlantic Ocean
http://www.cruiseports.co.uk/cchel.html
12th April 2008: Final call to Walvis Bay, Namibia
Rosie, here is where she was April 12, 2008. :P Manhattan. She came out of the fog as she approached the pier, a magnificant sight!
(http://highlander0108.smugmug.com/Travel/Queen-Elizabeth-2/QE2-NYC-April-12-2008/DSC03784/407984620_esTWs-M.jpg)
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Oh Ken - Thank You!
Great shot, btw.
I did nearly post that 12th April 2008 was QE2's penultimate departure from New York
and Eastbound crossing - then thought it was unnecessary!
Then got stuck into finding decent pics from Walvis bay - preferably of fuel barge!
Heading off to change the year on the post.
Rosie
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26th November 1968: Departs Greenock, Scotland, for her first sea trials.
My exact full birthday :-) what a coincidence
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9th April 2006: Final (and Maiden??) call to Safaga, Egypt
10th April 2006: Final call to Aqaba, Jordan
(Rob - if poss - please don't delete this post just yet! -
There could well be more to add to it when time allows!)
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16th April 1982: Maiden call at Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands.
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22.4.2008
Hey Rob,
This was the date that QE2 was due to enter drydock at Bremerhaven,
What happened, was it 'cancelled' or changed'?
Many thanks!
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23 years ago today (25 April) that QE2 was handed back to Cunard after her re-engining - the biggest conversion job in history. 1.7 million man hours. £100 million. 179 days.
And Rob the anniversary of your first trip is dawning....
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23 years ago today (25 April) that QE2 was handed back to Cunard after her re-engining - the biggest conversion job in history. 1.7 million man hours. £100 million. 179 days.
And Rob the anniversary of your first trip is dawning....
I remember it like it was yesterday, i can't believe its been 23 years. This photo was taken that first night.
(http://www.roblightbody.com/liners/qe-2/1987/waiter2.jpg)
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Happy Anniversary
Rob
Your first date with the Queen.. :)
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Great photo! You were so lucky to have "met" her at such a young age; I was in my 20s when I made her acquaintance!
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Congratulations, Rob! :)
To you and your family.
Can you remember when your first ever memories of QE2?
Maybe she was always around - in the air, as it were!
Great colour co-ordination, too btw!
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What a fantastic photo that must bring back many memories. You were very lucky to have been there at such a young age and at that time you could never have imagined that all these years later you would start a forum aimed at keeping the legend alive.
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2nd May 1969 Official maiden Voyage from Southampton to New York.
(Already noted in the Timeline!)
1st May 2007: Final Call at St Thomas, Virgin Islands
2nd May 2007: Final call at St Kitts, West Indies
3rd May 2007: Final call at Grenada, Carribean Sea
4th May 2007: Final call at Barbados, West Indies
5th May 2007: Final call at St Lucia, Carribean Sea
6th May 2007: Final call at Antigua, West Indies
10th May 2007: Final call at Ponta Delgada, Azores
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I have the Daily Express article of the Yalta incident, unfortunately I don't have a scanner at present.
World Cruise: Yalta. Soviet authorities suddenly demand that only passengers with a Soviet visa or pre-paid tour be allowed ashore.
Realizing that more than half his passenger would never make it ashore, Captain Arnott orders a full tender to return to the ship, orders the Soviet authorities off the ship, and to the strains of "Rule Britannia" and "Stars and Stripes" ringing throughout the ship, pulls up anchor and sails away.
Passengers send masses of flowers and hundreds of messages of support to the captain's quarters, and Captain and Mrs. Arnott receive a standing ovation upon entering the restaurant that evening.
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Wednesday 20th September 1967
43 years ago today - A fine day!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to QE2
and A Great Big Thank you, too!
http://www.thecunarders.co.uk/QE2%20Special%20Articles.html
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As I imagine that no one will bake her a cake today, she might like to remember her last one, from two years ago, in Britannia Grill :
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/2886147091_ffd9f2d47f.jpg)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2886147091/
And here was her other cake, from Princess Grill :
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/3354297133/
And her Anniversary Ball :
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/3356322382/
But of course, we are thinking of her here -- and Rob will be spreading his enthusiasm to more people too :)
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Happy Birthday QE2.
Thanks Rosie for the web site link and Isabelle for the photos of the cakes. You are right Isabelle she will not have a cake baked for her today but she has had some wonderful celebrations on many of her anniversaries. I have attached a link to a photo of a cake that was baked for her by the City Bakeries in Clydebank to celebrate her launch in 1967. I remember this cake being on display in the shop.
http://www.scotlandsimages.com/Respages/Preview.aspx?Trans_No=1000460&vfrom=search&sword=AAA00203&pos=0&curr=0
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Happy Birthday to Me.
Today it is my Birthday...now I'm Forty Three
Oh it is so different ...nobody to congratulate me
I always had a party a great big birthday bash
But now It feels as though I've been thrown into the trash
There's been no flag waving no shouts of I love you
Has everyone forgot about this old ship the QE2?
I used to be the IT girl the 'POSH' of ships afloat
But now I sit here all alone with not even a special note
So I'll just have a quiet day reflecting on the past
Wondering just how long in this awful heat I'll last
I'll have a little drink or 2 just to celebrate my day
will you also raise a glass to me though you are so far away.?
Does nobody loves me...on this my special day...
But I think I know there are some folks who are so very far away
I'd love you all to come over and have a great big party
It'd be just like the old days we'd all be hail and hearty
I sure hope that I'm still not sitting here when I turn forty four
Its' been 2 very long years now.. and.I JUST CAN'T TAKE ANY MORE!
Seeing as it IS my Birthday can someone tell me when
I can get on with living and just be myself again.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY QE2!!!!
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Happy birthday QE2. May your second 43 years be as accomplished as the first!
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Happy Birthday to Me.
Today it is my Birthday...now I'm Forty Three
Oh it is so different ...nobody to congratulate me
I always had a party a great big birthday bash
But now It feels as though I've been thrown into the trash
There's been no flag waving no shouts of I love you
Has everyone forgot about this old ship the QE2?
I used to be the IT girl the 'POSH' of ships afloat
But now I sit here all alone with not even a special note
So I'll just have a quiet day reflecting on the past
Wondering just how long in this awful heat I'll last
I'll have a little drink or 2 just to celebrate my day
will you also raise a glass to me though you are so far away.?
Does nobody loves me...on this my special day...
But I think I know there are some folks who are so very far away
I'd love you all to come over and have a great big party
It'd be just like the old days we'd all be hail and hearty
I sure hope that I'm still not sitting here when I turn forty four
Its' been 2 very long years now.. and.I JUST CAN'T TAKE ANY MORE!
Seeing as it IS my Birthday can someone tell me when
I can get on with living and just be myself again.
That was lovely, lets hope she'll return home to us one day..............
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QE2 arrived in Dubai - 700 long days ago, today.
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27 th October 1986, she arrived in Bremerhaven and her steam plant was shut down for the last time!
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QE2 has been alongside in Dubai for three years and two days.
She's been there for three days short of 1100.
QE2 has the patience of a saint :)
Very many thanks to you, QE2_DXB and her Captain and Crew.
Hope this finds you well and enjoying the lovely clear views.
Given her 'circumstances' (sand storms etc), she looks incredibly well-cared for.
Very much hoping that you are still enjoying her company ;)
and that new light bulbs for her are still in production!
Rosie
Edited after re-calculation - grateful for correction ;)
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Three days short of 1100 by my maths? But yes, still a long and patient wait whichever way you look at it.
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Three days short of 1100 by my maths? But yes, still a long and patient wait whichever way you look at it.
I agree, 1098 tonight I think
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December 23 1988:
Rod Fair left the QE2 after 20 years!
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Hey Rob
19th April 2005 - 'Crew go on the rampage, after the end of the World Cruise'
This is mentioned on the Timeline, and also mentioned in Stowaway's 'timeline' of Anniversaries.
Might it be worth mentioning in 'Did you know....'
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OK it's close enough - 12:48 am GMT 14 August and because I won't be near a computer when it's 14 Aug in the states, now is a great time to post this.
My first time on QE2 - 40 years ago today, 14 August 1969.
More photos of that voyage can be seen here (https://www.flickr.com/photos/33120597@N03/sets/72157616250526148/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/33120597@N03/sets/72157616250526148/)).
Five of the eventual six of us (my mom, dad, 2 sisters and me) were on that first voyage with 7 more crossings, and a brother to come, over the next 10 years in our future. I'm the 6 1/2 year old boy in the photos.
Today marks the 44th anniversary of my first voyage on QE2 in August of her inaugural year. To put that into perspective, if I had sailed on RMS QM in her inaugural year, the 44th aniversary would be in 1980 (a year I remember quite vividly). I must be getting old...
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Yesterday, 4 December, in 1975, our beloved QE2 completed her first million miles as a steamship.
Who was aboard on that day ? :)
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As noted in Reply 4, our beloved QE2 completed her 500th Atlantic crossing on 9 August 1990 - Southampton to New York - 21 years into her career.
As that date approaches, let's offer a toast to our ship ! :)
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Another Happy Launch Day to QE2 - 48 years ago today - almost to the minute.
After a crash of glass, then down the slip and backing on up the River Cart before reaching the Fitting Out Basin - we send you and all who sailed in her our very best for a future full of more good things.
Thanks to TheFoxSays
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How refreshing and wonderful to see the actual footage with original sound and music as opposed to the excerpts you see quite often in promotional "things"
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I stood on that exact spot this afternoon, 48 years later, to Film our 'big' announcement. It was completely dead, except for some bungee jumping off the titan. Amazing how times have changed.
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I stood on that exact spot this afternoon, 48 years later, to Film our 'big' announcement. It was completely dead, except for some bungee jumping off the titan. Amazing how times have changed.
Log in to see Rob's film and Big Announcement in the Chat section.
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,6971.msg74364.html#msg74364
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To our beloved QE2 -
Happy Anniversary of your launch day 48 years ago ! It was a memorable and exciting day as captured by the video which Rosie has posted. The momentary hesitation of the start to her launch which seems in hindsight to announce that she, QE2, would always be dramatic in a beautiful, powerful, and charismatic way. The excitement of her propellers touching the water for the first time ! The pride that must have surged through all who brought her into being !
QE2, may events take a turn and your future be bright with the care, the comfort, and a rich fulfillment, a future which you so richly deserve after having provided the same to so many people over your long and illustrious career !
June :) xo
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Well said June, thank-you :)
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"16 October 2008 - QE2 makes her 710th and final call to New York. She departs on her 806th and final ever transatlantic crossing and bids farewell to America, her second home since her maiden call in New York in 1969. QE2 crosses in tandem with Queen Mary 2. Her final transatlantic crossings sell out in a matter of a few hours over a year before." Quote is from - https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,1789.msg19627.html#msg19627
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Hey thats tomorrow..In the meantime some of us were stil enjoying (?) the last night of the Final Westbound crossing, and the stark realisation that tomorrow was my final embarkation.
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Is there one photo that captures the moment for you better than any other that you took during our QE2's final transatlantic crossing ?
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Now that tomorrow is here today....
a few pics of that last day in New York..
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and the departure...
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and a few more
(suppose l really should show a few of QM2... ::))
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Wonderful photos, Myles! :)
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October 22nd 2008: QE2 completes her final transatlantic crossing in tandem with QM2.
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I've been sent this...
QE2 23 October 1986
29 years ago to the day she was 2 days out of New York on her last transatlantic crossing under steam power.
It was the first time she had a heavy following sea that lifted the props out of the water which caused the turbine over speed trips to shut the steam stop valves, which causes a lot of operational problems like quickly reducing the fires on the boilers and steam safety valves lifting. Imagine producing 1,000,000 lbs. of evaporated steam per hour at 850 psi and 950f and then it reducing the requirement to 100,000 lbs/hr within a minute. where does the surplus steam go?, up the funnel by the boiler safety valves. An impressive sight and sound.
Then having to stabilise the plant before opening up everything again to get full power to the main turbines.
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Blue Peter filmed her last crossing and as she was be made ready for the trip to Germany.
I had only disembarked some four months earlier and sat glued to Blue Peter... Never thinking l would be on her next voyage.
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Hello Stowaway2k,
On your anniversaries list you have notes that QE2 had maiden calls at Cob Ireland twice or ; June 30th 1971 & July 23rd 1990 they can't both be right. I must say thought it is all very interesting. John
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4 December 1975 - QE2 completes her first million miles, between Antigua and Boston. :)
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Today, 24 February 1978, QE2 made her maiden call to Sydney and on 24 February 2008, she made her final call to Sydney.
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Tomorrow, 12 May 1982, QE2 began her career as a troop ship joining the legacy left by ships Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth.
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24 July 1990: Maiden call to liverpool, Cunard's spiritual home,what a day it was very special glad I was part of mark in the ships history
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5 September 2005, QE2 became Cunard's longest serving express vessel as noted on our 2016 QE2 calendar. :)
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Every QE2 enthusiast knows what today is! :)
September 20th 1967
QE2 is launched from John Browns and enters the sea for the first time!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY QE2!!!!
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Yes, Brandon, what a glorious day it was and what a glorious career our beloved QE2 enjoyed ! :)
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20 September has already come and gone, but it is never to late to toast our beloved QE2 !
To the best ever, our beloved QE2 - long live QE2 !
Hip, Hip, Hooray ! Hip, Hip, Hooray ! Hip, Hip, Hooray !
Who will join me in the toast ?
June :)
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Who will join me in the toast ?
Oh l can think of a few others..
Hip Hip Hooray
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Excellent, Myles! That is a great mix, gave me a chuckle :) .
The Queen! As we said on board, when we toasted her...
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Today 8 years ago QE2 says goodbye to Southampton
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.....yes....how could every turn of event since then have gone so very wrong for her...
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It was a day none of us would forget... :'(
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During the Month of March back 2009 QE2 had her "CUNARD" writting removed from her side
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Today in History - 3rd April 1998 Carnival purchases Cunard Line,this would lead me to leave QE2 4 Months later
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25 April 1987: "The New QE2" is delivered back to Cunard after successfull re-engining. She makes 33 knots on trials.
25 April 2001: QE2 rescues an injured fisherman while travelling towards Madeira.
25 April 2004: QE2 berths alongside QM2 in New York for the first and last time The media go wild.
25-29 April 1982: The City of Philadelphia charters QE2 for celebrations in connection with the 300th anniversary of the city. QE2 remains in Delaware Bay on her maiden call for four days.
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25 April 1987: "The New QE2" is delivered back to Cunard after successfull re-engining. She makes 33 knots on trials.
25 April 2001: QE2 rescues an injured fisherman while travelling towards Madeira.
25 April 2004: QE2 berths alongside QM2 in New York for the first and last time The media go wild.
25-29 April 1982: The City of Philadelphia charters QE2 for celebrations in connection with the 300th anniversary of the city. QE2 remains in Delaware Bay on her maiden call for four days.
Thanks for the reminder! 30 years ago today I stepped aboard QE2 for the first time. I can remember it amazingly clearly.
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Thanks for the reminder! 30 years ago today I stepped aboard QE2 for the first time. I can remember it amazingly clearly.
...and when you disembarked l embarked for The Maiden Voyage of the NEW QE2... the rest as they say....
What date and time did you actually dock in Southampton ? Did you see anything of Alan Whicker onboard ?
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What amazingly thrilling times !
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What amazingly thrilling times !
And I still can't believe that this was 6 years ago tomorrow... another forever memorable QE2 moment for me.
Can you guess where I am just now, from the attached photo? :)
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29 April 1987: Maiden Voyage of QE2 following new engines refit
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Some of us will never forget that voyage.
Hard to believe it was 30 years ago tonight.
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Just 7 more days until my 40th anniversary of boarding QE2 for the very first time. I think I am more excited now than I was back in 1969! Cabin 4144 and table 407 in the Britannia, here I come!!!
48 Years ago today! Am I that old?!?
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December 23 1988.
I disembarked for the last time as a crew member.
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December 23 1988.
I disembarked for the last time as a crew member.
Where was the ship? Did you know it was the last time?
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Ship was n NY. Yes I emigrated, legally!
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Ship was in NY. Yes I emigrated, legally! Bob Venning, the Security Officer at the time, took me through Customs, explained what was going on, and they let me through with my going away presents.
2 cases of The Famous Grouse Scotch,
20 cartons of Benson and Hedges Cigs
and over $3000 of Waterford chrystal!
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Ship was in NY. Yes I emigrated, legally! Bob Venning, the Security Officer at the time, took me through Customs, explained what was going on, and they let me through with my going away presents.
2 cases of The Famous Grouse Scotch,
20 cartons of Benson and Hedges Cigs
and over $3000 of Waterford chrystal!
Wow. Great story Rod!
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Today back in 1998 my days on QE2 was coming to a end.... :(
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5 September 2005, QE2 became Cunard's longest serving express vessel. What an amazing accomplishment ! A toast - The Queen !! :)
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Today back in 1995 QE2 got caught in Hurricane,we onboard were lucky to see the morning of the 11th.
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Today back in 1995 QE2 got caught in Hurricane,we onboard were lucky to see the morning of the 11th.
I take it this was the transatlantic with the two freak 90ft waves in rapid succession?
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On this day, May 2, 1969, our beloved QE2 set off on her Maiden Trans-Atlantic crossing !
Who made this crossing with her ?
A toast to QE2 ! :)
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Happy Maiden Voyage
Some of us were enroute on her Second Maiden Voyage
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On August 9, 1990, QE2 completed her 500th Atlantic crossing. Were you aboard ?
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By 13 October 1972 QE2 had completed her 100th Scheduled Transatlantic Crossing and on 9 August 1990 she completed her 500th Scheduled Transatlantic crossing. A milestone we can commemorate today 9 August.
Looking forward to learning more information on this milestone and other milestones for QE2 to add to this topic.
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Today 4 December is the anniversary of QE2 completing her first one million miles when she sailed from Antigua to Boston on 4 December 1975. I noticed this on the QE2 timeline topic (https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php?topic=1789.msg19627#msg19627)
and when looking for a topic about QE2's milestones I came across this topic where Stowaway2K had posted lots of QE2 anniversary dates (https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php?topic=314.msg3204#msg3204)
Good to take time to read from the beginning of the topic. :)