QE2 Story Forum
Introductions and Our own QE2 Stories => Final Departures & Final Season Memories => Topic started by: Isabelle Prondzynski on Nov 16, 2010, 09:23 PM
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During this our last voyage on QE2, I wrote up a diary every day. And every night, I uploaded a small selection of photos to Flickr to accompany the text, so that our family and friends could have a look at what we were up to.
What a wonderful voyage it was -- enjoy the stories and the memories!
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We had booked the “Autumn Colours” voyage on QE2 in July 2007, well over a year before it was due to take place. And all that time, we were looking forward to seeing QE2 again, happy that we could do so before she is sent to Dubai. There were arrangements to be made -- sorting out who looks after the dogs and the garden, whether visa would be needed, how to get to Southampton, and all the usual practical details. And then, one day, it was only a week to go, and finally, departure day was tomorrow.
Because of the necessary travel, we slept very little in the run-up to the voyage, and by the time we reached Southampton, felt thoroughly tired, exhausted, and not in the most buoyant of moods. QM2 was in town that day, at the Mayflower Terminal, and we had decided in advance that we wanted to take a peek at her before heading for the Queen Elizabeth II Terminal. The taxi driver was able to take us right up to where she lay, and we stopped long enough to take photos and to realise that, seen close up, she really is very different from QE2. A possible ship for another crossing or cruise another time? What we saw, did not immediately turn us into enthusiasts. But it was good to have caught a glimpse of all three “Cunard Queens” within a couple of months and be able to think about another possible journey after QE2 heads for Dubai... think, yes, but not dream...
From Mayflower Terminal, we headed for the QEII Terminal, and as we got nearer and nearer, our mood lifted, enthusiasm returned, a couple of nudges and pinches appeared -- and then, there she was! And there was the drop-off point, and the embarkation queue, already formed by the door, as yet closed but about to open. Check-in went well -- but with the consequence that my Mum and I acquired a mixed identity -- her details and photos on my card with my name, and mine on hers. It took us days to return to our separate identities!
From there, into the embarkation hall, and a seat for our Mum. Pia queued for drinks for us all, but I could not wait a moment longer and dashed up to the viewing terrace, where, on a grey Southampton day, QE2 lay and breathed and ticked over as she waited for us to board and be on her way again.
I am always overwhelmed when I see her -- a huge, beautiful, living ship with her own character and history and so much life both within and around. Giving life and work and leisure and joy to so many.
There was just one man on the terrace at this time -- a man with a camera, who told me something about his own joy and sadness. He had been on board once for 16 weeks, a full World Cruise and a bit more. He had got to know many of the staff and had helped out in the kitchens for a while. A man full of happy memories and full of sadness that QE2 would be herself no more.
But at the start of a cruise, it is happiness that takes over. When Pia arrived, bearing two cups of tea, the QE2 champagne of happiness started to bubble. Photos of each other, happy and relaxed, full of life, with tiredness forgotten. We hardly noticed embarkation time approaching -- and then, it was there! We were among the first group to be allowed on board.
The embarkation photo -- the gangway into the ship -- the QE2 with her own personal smell -- the harpist in the Midships Lobby -- the waiters helping us with our bags -- the suitcases already in our cabins -- and the joy of seeing those corridors, stairways, lifts and cabins again! Champagne ready for us, and fresh strawberries too -- life just cannot get much better.
QE2 is like champagne -- bubbly and invigorating -- all tiredness was soon forgotten, as we set out on a beautiful sailaway.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2848982357/
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2848982357_d95c9d6ff1.jpg)
I uploaded the diary photos on QE2 each day, for our friends and family. They are just a few pictures every time -- such as these for Day 1 :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?w=55206992%40N00&q=forum1&m=tags
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Woke up this morning, and for the first time in my life felt seasick! Not a good idea, on what must be one of the best days of this voyage. 7 metre high waves, wind force 7, and lots of beautiful breakers going squoosh over the bows, with the spray flying all the way up to the Bridge. This is what I had been looking forward to! Instead, I found it hard to drag myself out of bed, harder to wash, even harder to get dressed, and quite impossible to leave the cabin.
So, I could enjoy the waves breaking close to my porthole, and watch this extraordinary spectacle on the bridgecam TV channel. QE2 is wonderfully stable in a choppy sea. She rises and falls, occasionally rolls a bit, but that is all. The woodwork in the cabins creaks, and one has the wonderful feeling in bed that one is being rocked to sleep.
Getting up was more difficult.
But we had been given some literature about seasickness, and so, I rang the Purser’s Office and asked for medicine. And when I added that I was quite incapable of walking over to fetch it, it was brought to my cabin immediately. As it works better with some food, the cabin steward set out to bring me some tea and biscuits. Not long after taking the tablet, I felt distinctly better, though drowsy, and slept for the rest of the morning -- surprising my Mum by turning up for lunch and eating well.
In the afternoon, I ventured out on Boat Deck and found the sea and the ship, just as I had expected -- exhilarating! QE2 cutting through the high waves with determination and serenity, the waves breaking and the spray flying not just on the foredeck, but here and there on the promenade decks as well. A few passengers out, enjoying the air and the sense of adventure. We all had to look after our cameras, not really made to cope with sea water. For a few moments, a shower pelted down, each drop hitting our faces like tiny pebbles. There was the start of a rainbow on the horizon, then the rain stopped, and it was back to the wind, the waves, the sky and the ship. A moment I shall not easily forget!
My sister Pia did not turn up all day. She got seasick more than I did, and was given an injection, which did not get rid of the nausea for her. My Mum, as expected, did not suffer at all, except for the physical difficulties involved in walking about. But even during the morning, while I rested, she found willing helpers, especially in the restaurant, where the waiter, and later the Assistant Maître d’, took her arm and escorted her all the way to her table, and all the way back out of the restaurant again. She was enchanted and full of praise at this courtesy and consideration.
As I write, QE2 is riding the waves, under a waxing moon, and I shall take another stroll round the deck before dropping into my comfortable bed.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2848991569/
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/2848991569_cae227e87e.jpg)
More photos of the day here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?&w=55206992@N00&m=&q=forum2
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Wonderful writing Isabelle. Almost feel as if I'm with you. The photo's of the force 7 are great. Those sort of sea's really make you feel alive. ;D
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Wow, what a lovely idea. Loved the picture of the wake in heavy seas. Reminds me of our transatlantics when we used to be out there and she would be creaking. Wish wew were there right now. :'(
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Brilliant stuff Isabelle, looking forward to reliving the whole thing with you.
keep it coming, but take your time if you wish, no need to rush a trip on the QE2 :)
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(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2852245026_f8407d226c.jpg)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2852245026/
Today, this detail caught my eye... Mothersills Seasick Remedy...!
When I turned up for breakfast today, after a wonderful slumber, Pia had revived too, and we were ready to tuck into the excellent food which the Britannia Grill offers. The fabulous choice starts at breakfast time, with Swedish herrings, maple syrup pancakes, egg Benedict, porridge, Birchermuesli and (almost) anything else that one could possibly want at this time of day. Freshly squeezed orange juice, as well as tea, coffee, etc.
And as we enjoyed our meals twice as much today, I am adding a couple of pictures. The Britannia Grill must be one of the best restaurants in the world, and the service cannot be bettered. The staff are friendly, courteous and kind, and they have a knack of remembering one’s likes and foibles with alarming speed. I was slightly consoled for my embarrassing seasickness yesterday by knowing that some of the staff too had been under the weather, returning today looking less and less wan as the day went on.
We have still been enjoying the waves and the wind, now that they are slightly abated, and continue on our way to America at an average speed of 23 knots.
More photos of the day here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum3&w=55206992%40N00&m=tags
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(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2854344174_29636de4e9.jpg)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2854344174/
For the first time, following Thomas Quinones on his Cunard Heritage Trail round QE2. The history of Cunard, of QE2 herself, and of the various items of art and Cunard history scattered and preserved around the ship.
Thomas Quinones visibly loves the ship, and enthuses about his subject, drawing in even reluctant participants and thoroughly earning a round of applause at the end.
For every item he showed, he asked "And where will this go in November? Will it go back to its original owners? No, it will go to... Dubai...". There was just one single exception to this answer -- the Mauretania painting to be returned to Newcastle.
More diary photos of Day 4 here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum4&m=&w=55206992%40N00&z=e
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On Sundays at sea, the Captain leads an interdenominational Service for the ship, and today was one of those rare occasions when I have been present on such a day. Captain Ian McNaught was brought up in the Church of England, and as he led the Service, one would hardly have known that he was not a church worker himself. He stayed very much with the standard text, printed for such Services on QE2, merely adding that, after our stormy days this week, we had seen sufficient “tempestuous seas” and had reasons to be thankful (this by way of introduction to the hymn “Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us o’er the world’s tempestuous seas”).
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2860215599_8ec104e978.jpg)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2860215599/
The congregation completely filled the Theatre, and I was glad that my Mum and Pia had kept me a seat while I had run out to hear the ship’s foghorn tooting at regular 2-minute intervals over the banks of the St Lawrence off Newfoundland.
From today's Daily Programme :
"Today's track takes us south of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. Shortly before noon we will pass the 'Tail of the Bank'. The 'F' word : Sailors are generally very superstitious folk. One common belief is that the mere mention of a particular three letter word that begins with an 'f', ends with a 'g' and has an 'o' in the middle can cause white fluffy stuff to appear around the ship. So when onboard ship, one must be very careful about using the 'F' word! This is particularly important in the vicinity of the Grand Banks, where white fluffy stuff (also known as fob!) is a common feature."
After the Service, the Captain and the senior officers, all in immaculate white uniforms, stayed for a while to chat with members of the congregation, before making their way to the Bridge for the noon announcement of the ship’s progress and position.
Today, for the first time since our sailaway from Southampton, the deck under the Bridge was open to us, and it was a huge pleasure to look out again over the foredeck and see QE2 steadily moving forward in the sea. There was a lovely silver light around us, and the sea was calmer than we have seen it so far, with temperatures rising and many passengers taking to the deck chairs and the steamer chairs in various stages of dress and undress.
In the afternoon, we were invited to a wine tasting in the Caronia Restaurant, led by the Chief Sommelier of QE2. We were each given 5 glasses, neatly set out on a special table mat, and one by one these were filled with wine, two whites and three reds. The sommelier explained how a wine tasting is done and introduced us to some of the things to watch out for and some of the vocabulary -- which was a lot of fun. At the end, Pia and I decided that we still liked the wine waiting for us in Britannia Grill, better than the ones we had tried -- but we had enjoyed the experience and learnt something new.
And these are the diary photos of Day 5 :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum5&w=55206992%40N00&m=tags
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(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/2861931252_571d2c219a.jpg)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2861931252/
This is Five Deck with its crooked alleyways, winding around the funnel. I developed a particular fondness for it in July 2008, when I lived here for a few excellent days and nights.
This time, I have been more aware of QE2 living and breathing than on previous occasions. During the storm, she heaved and groaned as much as I did, and even when the seas calmed down, she retained a creaking of woodwork, reminding me of a breathing being. There is also the occasional jangling of clothes hangers, as well as the odd judder here and there.
Walking down the alleyways, I have become aware of her heartbeat -- the closer to the funnel the more so. Last time on board, I walked along every corridor from Five Deck upwards, and located the funnel in each of these, between D and E Stairways. The farther down you go, the broader and longer the funnel is. In Five Deck (this picture), it actually extends well into the alleyway. From Three Deck upwards, the corridor stretches out in a straight line, as the funnel is already narrower at that height and no longer encroaches on the corridor space.
When approaching the funnel on the alleyways, the heartbeat of the engines becomes clearly audible, throbbing like a human heart, perhaps a bit faster. On Five Deck, I find this sound to be particularly clear, and in addition, the floor gently vibrates under my feet. QE2 is alive!
After all that, I cannot imagine what she will be like in Dubai. Not just because of the impending changes, but because she will no longer be a living, breathing ship. At the moment, her engines beat to a rhythm closely resembling a human heart. Her floors vibrate. Her spaces are filled with the sounds of a working ship. Her wooden walls and fittings creak in the waves and the wind. She rocks me to sleep, ever so gently. When all this is no more, when she is stationary and supplied from the public electricity networks, when she is no longer producing her own drinking water, she will be dead. I just cannot imagine this great big living ship in a dead state. And I think I shall not want to experience it either...
More Day 6 diary photos here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum6&w=55206992%40N00&m=tags
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Rare are the days when I get up before 4.00 am -- but for a year or more, I had known that today would be the day to do that! Pia and I were on deck before we reached Ambrose Light (where the New York pilot embarks) at 4.00, and found the lights of New York already all around us in the distance. It was dark and cold and good to be there -- a cup of tea in the Pavillion helped to heat us up after a while.
Approaching the Verrazano Narrows Bridge was as magical as I had imagined. When the time came, we took our positions on the funnel deck and saw the bridge approaching, looking “certain” to hit our funnel, and then passing just inches below the cars above, just as QE2 had been designed to do, more than 40 years ago. One of those moments that will stand out in my life for many years to come!
Together with our Mum, we watched the statue of Liberty approach and pass, and entered the Hudson River on our way to Pier 88, where we would berth. Seeing the skyline of New York, so surreal to us, and seeing this skyline gradually, gradually, lit up by the light of early dawn, was spectacular... And then, QE2 reached for the 709th time to her home from home, which she will see only once more.
My Mum and I spent all our time at breakfast eating, drinking and holding in our hands any hot food and drink we could get hold of, as we now realised how chilled out we had become after our long pre-dawn watch on deck -- the QE2 water glasses, filled with hot water, worked wonders for our hands and our bodies!
A tour round New York showed us the main sights, the great diversity of this huge city, and some of the bridges, including Brooklyn Bridge, which I had always wanted to see.
But the highlight (at least for me!) was returning to the place where we had started and being once again overwhelmed by the beauty of our beautiful ship. One of those moments when I felt fortunate beyond all words...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2864905581/
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2864905581_cc25f8f6ac.jpg)
Our sailaway (not the final one, hence no special ceremonies -- which was good in itself, as we experienced a New York sailaway as QE2 has had it countless times) included watching the famous Moran Tugs again doing their highly skilled work, manoeuvring QE2 against the fast flow of the Hudson River. Three tugs were at work and, in this location, some of them need to push QE2 rather than pull her -- the river does all the pulling, and some counterweight is needed to keep her on her track. One of the tugs (Gramma Lee T Moran) spun in salute, and caught up with us again later, to exchange whistle blasts with QE2 as we steamed down the river.
This time, I watched the passage under the Verrazano Bridge from the Boat Deck. And I watched the traffic on the bridge and the traffic on the river and the sea and enjoyed every second. Stayed on the funnel deck for another hour to drink in the golden sunset, until QE2 slowed down almost imperceptibly (with a change of voice for a mere minute or two) to let the pilot depart. The skyline of New York, bathed in the sunset light, stayed with us for another while, and even at this 2-hour distance, I was still able to pick out the lovely shapes of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. What a beautiful day!
More diary photos of Day 7 here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum7&m=tags&w=55206992%40N00&z=e
That day, I just had to upload lots -- so they are 29 pictures, starting from the bottom of the selection created by the link.
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After all that, I cannot imagine what she will be like in Dubai. Not just because of the impending changes, but because she will no longer be a living, breathing ship. At the moment, her engines beat to a rhythm closely resembling a human heart. Her floors vibrate. Her spaces are filled with the sounds of a working ship. Her wooden walls and fittings creak in the waves and the wind. She rocks me to sleep, ever so gently. When all this is no more, when she is stationary and supplied from the public electricity networks, when she is no longer producing her own drinking water, she will be dead. I just cannot imagine this great big living ship in a dead state. And I think I shall not want to experience it either...
More Day 6 diary photos here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum6&w=55206992%40N00&m=tags
Isabelle, so enjoying your TA. I know what you mean about the heart beat of a vessel and how the sound and vibrations rock you to sleep. It really is like being on a breathing living being, I also find it so lovely and reassuring, magical. :) :)
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Isabelle, so enjoying your TA. I know what you mean about the heart beat of a vessel and how the sound and vibrations rock you to sleep. It really is like being on a breathing living being, I also find it so lovely and reassuring, magical. :) :)
Thank you, Jem! I too am enjoying reliving this voyage -- the notes I wrote at the time seem so fresh now, and they bring back some of the sounds and smells that are hard to recreate in my memory.
More to look forward to -- at this stage, the cruising part of the three weeks is only beginning... :D
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Really looking forward to reading the next instalment ;D.
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Newport, Rhode Island, was an anchor port, where we arrived early in the morning to glorious sunshine, and anchored beside a long, elegant bridge across the bay. Very soon, our lifeboats were off their davits and out ferrying passengers to their excursion tours starting at the town pier.
Some passengers dislike the hassle of tendering -- while I find it a delight. Seeing our beautiful ship anchored in beautiful surroundings, leaving QE2 on her own lifeboats and returning to her, watching her growing distant and then close again, getting a chance to see her from water level and to enjoy the reflections of the light on her hull, or indeed her hull reflected on the water -- all that, for me, is a pleasure in its own right.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2870398931/
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/2870398931_1b0f139219.jpg)
This time, we were shuttled into Newport by a hired boat, “Amazing Grace”, as our stay was short and queues were long at times. Together with our own lifeboats, this provided a steady stream of traffic for the passengers.
All day, the fact that we had anchored was marked on the foredeck by the presence of a black ball (there must be a proper name for it...) hanging on an extra staff. Shortly after 15.00 hrs, the anchor was weighed, and we watched the anchor cable being wound around the capstan, with the QE2 deck crew from time to time sounding a bell a decreasing number of times, to indicate how much of the anchor cable had already come up. Finally, the bell was rung in a determined manner, and the ball came down and was carried away. We were ready to leave.
Our observations were later confirmed by the Chief Engineer. The combination of ball and bell show the state of progress in bringing the anchor in, and are clearly visible / audible on the bridge right above.
From an anchor position with sufficient space to turn, QE2 can accelerate and be off without the help of tugs. Which is just what she did, blowing her whistle for the benefit of Crystal Symphony and the town of Newport -- with no response received whatsoever. Very soon, we had gathered speed and were moving out of the bay in fine sunny weather.
Meanwhile, the deck crew had not finished their work of stowing the anchor. The cable had already been cleaned and the foredeck hosed down -- but the anchor was not yet properly in place. For at least an hour, the crew worked on the anchor, trying and trying again until finally, all was well and the anchor was properly stowed. The problem turned out to be a uniquely local one -- lobster pots (lobsters are a speciality of the area) and seaweed had become entangled in it, and needed to be shaken off!
Two more anchor ports to look forward to on this voyage!
More Day 8 diary photos here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum8&w=55206992%40N00&m=tags
Once again, the story starts at the bottom, and each photo may be opened for more size, text and possible comments.
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On this voyage, QE2 is saying her final farewells to all ports visited, with the single exception of New York (where she will call one more time). In July, I had already experienced final farewells in Rotterdam and Zeebrugge.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/2873985047_f45a74226f.jpg)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2873985047/
Boston laid on a pipe and drum band dressed in traditional military costumes, and marching on the pier as we pulled away. We then played "God save the Queen", which some of us joined in to sing with conviction, as we love this ship. Many of the passengers waved the Union flags we had been given -- it was a moving occasion.
Two fire tugs came out and gave a magnificent display, remaining stationary while varying the patterns of their water spurts quite beautifully. Eleven cannon shots were fired as we left, the eleventh absorbed by the powerful whistle of QE2 with three full-throated blasts, followed by a shorter one. We thought this a very satisfactory farewell, at least as good as those of Rotterdam and Zeebrugge.
Newport had not taken as much notice of the final departure of QE2, but Bar Harbor brought a weekly newspaper to our cabins, with a special supplement for QE2 passengers. In its editorial, it reminisced about the difference that the first arrival of QE2 had made to the life of this tiny town in Maine, and regretted that there was not a similar display for her final departure.
More Day 9 diary photos here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum9&w=55206992%40N00&m=tags
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Great shot of Captain Ian McNaught in his 'office'.
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(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/2885253158_9220674c85.jpg)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2885253158/
This is a detail of the mural in the Midships Lobby, past which we have walked so often. The more I see of QE2, the more the details strike me, and of course I am hoping that they will remain etched in my memory. One of these days, I shall be to a younger generation like one of those people I now hear enthusing about Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth and France and other famous ships I never knew but they remember so well... With the retirement of QE2, we too who love her shall move on to become the older generation.
I have not been to America (any part of it) for well over 20 years, and never by ship at all. When we arrived in New York, we were made to understand that immigration would be a hassle, but that we would need to do it only once, in New York. We had been told about passport and visa rules, and had received documents already half-filled in for us by the QE2 staff, as well as helpful instructions about how to approach what somehow looked like an ordeal to be gone through valiantly.
When we left QE2 in New York to undergo this trial, the crew helpfully checked our documents on our way to the gangway, making sure that we had each required item, and that we were carrying them in the right order, and then let us loose into an enormous hall, with plenty of kilometres to run through, and nothing much by way of decoration or welcoming messages. When we reached the end of the walk and the head of the queue, we were blessed with a cheerful and friendly immigration official of Asian extraction, who managed to make us feel totally at ease as we were examined, tested, finger printed and photographed, and sent us off into the new world feeling thoroughly uplifted and relieved.
Leaving the USA again in Bar Harbor, no formalities of any sort were applied. We merely received a note in our cabins, asking us to return to the Purser's Office the remains of a green form that had been stapled into our passports -- which Pia has already done, with minimum extra information to fill in. And that was that.
As I am slightly behind in this diary, I can now move on to Canada. We arrived in St John, New Brunswick, a day later (20 September 2008), and were met by a welcome committee, handing each of us a beautiful rose, complete with its own mini vase, as well as a map of the town. We were greeted at our buses by tour staff dressed in Loyalist costume, and no one at any stage asked to see our identity documents.
Ship security is a problem in both countries. We cannot here, as in European ports, walk along the side of our ship and admire her every curve and observe her every dent or new patch of paint. This is for security reasons -- although I cannot manage to figure out why QE2 should be in any danger from her own devoted passengers!
More Day 10 diary photos here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum10&w=55206992%40N00&m=tags
... staring the day at the bottom of this selection.
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Isabelle - This is a great voyage!
Did you get a sighting of the Margaret Todd in Bar Harbor?
http://www.downeastwindjammer.com/
Hard even to think of QE2 without genuine sadness, affection and gratitude,
you are keeping memories well and truly alive!
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Did you get a sighting of the Margaret Todd in Bar Harbor?
Here she is, Rosie! She figured on the excursions programme too.
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=%22margaret%20todd%22&w=55206992%40N00
You might enjoy the little video called "Sailing by" :D !
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QE2 is well known for her “white-gloved afternoon tea” service. In the run-up to 4.00 pm, waiters from all restaurants of QE2 appear, taking it in turns to help with afternoon tea. Tables are set in the Queen’s Room, in the Lido and the Pavilion -- green table cloths, cutlery and crockery, and a white cotton napkin for each seat. Trays weighed down with dainty sandwiches, with cakes and scones, are brought into the Queen’s Room and laid out on a central table. The harpist or pianist set up their instruments in readiness for tea.
Passengers drift in and, by the time 4.00 pm is reached, everyone is ready -- the passengers to eat (after all, it is by now two hours since lunch!), and the crew to bring food and drink. White gloves are on, and staff move from table to table, from group to group, while the musician plays and conversation flows. Quite often, the Queen’s Room is already decorated for an evening event, and the coloured garlands and balloons may add to the atmosphere.
We have always taken afternoon tea after embarkation in Southampton. Sitting down on the comfortable chairs while the tea service is going on, is somehow the height of luxury, and allows the fact to sink in that, after months of looking forward to a voyage, we have finally arrived. Also, of course, we are hungry after an early-morning start!
Afternoon tea is also particularly welcome when we return on board after a lunchtime excursion, with a good appetite. Twice on this voyage have I sat down for afternoon tea, on such occasions, when it was almost 5.00 pm, and have been made to feel that my presence was particularly welcome, despite my late arrival. A full pot of tea arrives, a tray of sandwiches to choose from (six delicious varieties), and another tray of cakes and scones. My plate is filled, and I tuck into all those delicious flavours, filling my teacup several times before the pot runs dry.
As 5.00 pm approaches, tables are cleared all around me, trays are taken back to the kitchen, tables and chairs are rearranged into their neat patterns, and the Maître d’ responsible for the Afternoon Tea collects the white gloves, says an individual word of thanks to each of the waiters on duty, and makes sure that everything is cleared away fast, so that preparations for the next event can start. On both occasions, I was told to take my time, not to hurry, and was left to finish my tea undisturbed, while work swirled around me.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/2886137527_f305502ecf.jpg)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2886137527/
Curtains are drawn, coloured lights are switched on, music begins to play, crew members appear and take their positions, for instance for a Captain’s Reception. The whole operation runs smooth as clockwork, or like an orchestra playing in harmony, each knowing their part and each reacting with friendliness to the others. A masterpiece! Even when not sitting down for tea, cakes and sandwiches, I love observing this ritual. Cunard at its best.
More Day 11 diary photos here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum11&w=55206992%40N00&m=tags
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Halifax, Nova Scotia, is the original home of Samuel Cunard and his shipping line. We have on board a so-called “enrichment lecturer”, John G Langley, who has been telling us about the life of Samuel Cunard, as well as about some of the Cunard ships with exciting histories, such as Carpathia, which rescued all the Titanic survivors in a dramatic effort off the coast of Nova Scotia, and Lusitania, dramatically sunk by a German U-Boot in 1915 off the coast of Cóbh (then Queenstown) in Ireland.
We appreciated the Halifax tours, giving us more background on Samuel Cunard, on Cunard Line and White Star Line, as well as taking us to see the Titanic graves in the local cemetery.
Given Halifax’s long Cunard history, a special farewell had been arranged for QE2. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (the “Mounties”) gave a pipe and drum display and concert in the Grand Lounge. Theodore the Tugboat (a much loved television character, resembling Thomas the Tank Engine in style) came to see QE2 off, and we were requested to sail all around Halifax Harbour before departing seawards. This, we did, clutching our champagne glasses and wrapped in our warm clothes, as the wind was chilly despite the fine sunshine.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/2887759271_1239924cd8.jpg)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2887759271/
Queen Mary 2 will be arriving here shortly, on a similar voyage, and Halifax will not be left for long without a Cunarder... But the Haligonians agree with us that QE2 is unique and totally special. Theodore the Tugboat, together with several other ships, large and small, tooted their farewell -- and QE2, as usual, responded generously in her deep warm voice.
More Day 12 diary photos here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum12&w=55206992%40N00&m=tags
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The QE2 Bookshop is doing a roaring trade, enhanced by the fact that the QE2 fans are buying up the QE2 related books and mementos, and extending their buying spree to other items too.
For our sea day, travelling up the St Lawrence Seaway on our way to Quebec, the daily programme announced that the Captain would be signing books and other items purchased during our voyage. A maximum of three items per passenger would be allowed. As Pia and I were expecting a queue, we decided to turn up an hour before signing was due to start, and found that we were not even the first in line. We did, however, manage to be the last to sit on chairs while waiting! Soon, the line extended from the bookshop to well past the jigsaw puzzle by the Chartroom. Passengers were bringing not only books, but also sets of crockery from the onboard shops, first day cover stamps, and even a lifebuoy!
When the Captain appeared, he brought all kinds of pens, to suit each item, and signing began. A personal word for each passenger, a relaxed smile, the same words for each signature, “Captain Ian McNaught, Master QE2, 22 September 2008”, then a handshake when each signing was complete. Pia’s turn came before mine. She presented former QE2 Captain Nick Bates’s book for signature -- to Ian McNaught’s surprise! Turning to his assistant : “Can we really do this?”, he grinned for a couple of light-hearted moments, then did just that -- and same again for me!
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2889199931/
A little later, I was wandering along the Two Deck alleyway in search of a cup of tea, when I met a smiling Nepali, tall and handsome -- a security man with whom I had chatted before. Conversation turned to Dubai and post-Dubai. He would be staying on board until QE2 arrived in Dubai, and would probably move to one of the other Cunarders afterwards. Inevitably, as the conversation turned to QE2 and her fate, my eyes clouded over... and suddenly, the lump in my throat was so big that I could not continue talking... “Oh! You really love this ship...” ... and he opened wide his arms and gave me a big hug that buried my face in his starched white uniform.
I hope he will be on duty at the gangway in Southampton when my tears will be streaming and a hug might come in very useful!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/2889201733_556e427585.jpg)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2889201733/in/set-72157607200825563/
More Day 13 diary photos here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum13&w=55206992%40N00&m=tags
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This morning, we found ourselves underneath the towering Château de Frontenac, in the city of Quebec. An elegant city, with a long history, and once again, the weather was fine for us.
In Quebec, we stayed overnight. For the crew, this meant looking forward to all-night parties in their favourite spots -- and all day, there was a great air of anticipation. For the passengers, it meant excursions in the morning, afternoon or evening, including the chance to opt for dinner in town.
For me, it meant negotiating with the port security staff, to be allowed to photograph QE2. As we left the ship directly for the quayside (without having to transit via a terminal building), chances were much better than in most of our previous ports. Passengers were expected to use a narrow path half-way between the ship and the port buildings. Stopping for too long to take pictures was not ideal, and leaving the path led to immediate and polite requests to return to it.
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2891363953/in/set-72157607200825563/
Walking alongside QE2 after dark, with her strong beams directed at her mast, funnel and decks, is a chance to see her literally in a different light. She was shining splendidly -- with her passengers and crew coming and going, in their evening wear, both the ship and the people looking their best. Walking on deck, too, without the normal night time winds, was a special pleasure -- the beams cast their lights on the ship, and the city’s lights complemented them in the background.
QE2’s powerful engines kept running all night -- the wonderful hum of the ship which can be heard both outside and within, and her vibrations which can be felt on every deck. I sat for a while in the Synagogue on Three Deck, feeling the energy of her engines. This inner life will come to an end in Dubai -- there, she will also be sitting in port, but maintained on life support machines, rather than living by her own heartbeat.
It was very late by the time I finally reached my cabin!
More Day 14 diary photos here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum14&w=55206992%40N00&m=tags
These are some of my favourite pictures of the whole cruise!
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Such wonderful night time shots Isabelle. Really like the close up of her deck timbers. I know what you mean, these days it is very difficult to photograph the outside of the vessel your actually sailing on. Security is so tight.This is the best outside photo I was able to take when we went on QM2 this year, poking a camera through security fencing!
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I had already realised that, at some stage, I got mixed up with my diary dates, and now I find that this is the case here. On 24 September, we were in Quebec and had the best sailaway of the farewell season which I had the privilege to be on board for.
It seems I got so carried away that I never wrote up the day at all...
I shall therefore just link to some of the photos of a splendid day. A walk through Quebec. A good look at Sea Princess. And an opportunity to walk along QE2 in daylight and to sit quietly hidden behind some containers to look at her, listen to her engines, listen to the sea lapping against her. And my very last picture of her exterior, taken from the gangway as I boarded her for the last time :
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3535021723_5e3f22b8e9.jpg)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/3535021723/
And all that was followed by that excellent sailaway (which turned out to be my last ever...) :
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/3537781831/
All along, even hours after we had left Quebec itself, there were small crowds in the villages, waving and flashing cameras, right into twilight and via porthole views as we prepared for dinner.
Quebec itself gave us the best send-off! No fireworks, no public performances, but a great wave of goodwill expressed by the people of the city and the towns and the villages of the St Lawrence seaway. A memory to treasure.
More Day 15 photos here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum15&w=55206992%40N00&m=tags
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QE2 is a huge ship. But she is well walkable, for most passengers. Unlike QM2. Our Maître d’ told us that on QM2, one might spend the major part of the day just walking to and fro between one’s cabin and one’s restaurant! Woe betide those who forget an essential item in their cabins...
I have been wandering around the ship quite a bit. Getting to a favourite place to enjoy the sea view, fetching a mug of Japanese green tea in the Lido, going on photographic expeditions here and there. And everywhere, there is something to see. Lectures beginning and ending. Groups learning bridge or napkin folding. A cookery demonstration. A delightful number of people sitting and reading, or solving crossword puzzles or sudoku. Someone engrossed in the jigsaw. Sunbathing or swimming. Someone fallen asleep in an armchair, or on the sofa in the Midships Lobby. The crowd walking the regular Heritage Trail with Thomas Quinones. And today, I missed a parade of 21 chefs in their full regalia, walking to a cookery demonstration, and then back to their kitchens again!
Every day, there are dancing lessons in the morning, and an opportunity to try out dancing for real in the evening. And in the early afternoon, there may be line dancing... the other day, the tune was “strolling along” -- particularly appropriate for this diary entry. There are pianists and harpists playing in their venues at their scheduled times. There are deck games, such as shuffleboard and deck quoits.
And of course, there are all the major events, such as destination lectures, experts talking about their respective fields, show time in the evening, and many activities surrounding skin care, hair care and beauty.
And if you turn up regularly in a particular place at a particular time of day, you get to know the staff in that place at that time. And get a chance to chat. And after midnight, right into the wee morning hours, life goes on. Crew cleaning and vacuuming and hosing down the decks, passengers chatting to passengers, crew or performers... and photographers lurking, enjoying the night time alleyways and stairways, when most passengers have taken to their beds!
This photo : Studying the chart of our voyage and the daily notice. There was usually a small crowd here directly after the Captain's noon announcement on sea days.
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2895078729/
More Day 16 diary photos here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum16&w=55206992%40N00&m=tags
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Isabelle, I'm trying to place location of the photo. Where is it exactly?
I remember many decades ago the chart being on the upper deck near the theater entrance but this looks like Q-deck? I see a stairway in the back but can't place it. It would be easier with the original stairway colors!
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Bob, it's outside the bookshop with the corridor going round to the caronia restaurant.
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We had really looked forward to our last port on this voyage, our last anchor port too, our first glimpse of Newfoundland, and a potential meeting with a friend there. The Daily Programme too was full of promise :
St John’s Newfoundland prepares for QE2 Visitors
Dockside Welcome : A Dockside Welcome is planned for Queen Elizabeth 2 visitors upon arrival in Foxtrap and will be comprised of a Newfoundland Dog, a Labrador Retriever and an Accordion Player. St John’s and Conception Bay South Ambassadors will be at the site to meet and greet visitors throughout the day. Ambassadors can be found dressed in bright red vests with a question mark on their back.
We were promised crafts stalls, ambassadors ready to tell us about life in Newfoundland, musicians -- and we had also booked an excursion to learn more about the geology of Newfoundland. We were really excited about this visit -- and particularly about the Newfoundland Dog and the Labrador Retriever! In addition, Newfoundland is one of those rare areas of the world where the time zone is 30 minutes away from another time zone -- we had changed our watches by half an hour during the night, and had been asked to change them by a further half hour at 5.00 pm, during the promised sailaway.
Our visit was important to St John’s too. Not only was it to be QE2’s last one -- but also her third one only. In 2007, the ship could not land passengers due to weather conditions.
And this is exactly what happened this year too... When I got up for breakfast, I found that we were not at anchor as expected, but steaming along at quite a fast pace -- the TV screen showed that we had swerved along the Newfoundland coast, but were now headed out to sea again.
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2961887401/
My Mum, who had been up earlier than me, had heard the Captain’s announcement... weather too rough... tenders could not attempt the 30-minute crossing from ship to shore... what a disappointment! Indeed, it must have been a harsh disappointment for the owners of the two dogs, the musicians and ambassadors, the owners of the crafts stalls and excursion guides, and the people of this small town, so keen to welcome QE2 and her passengers... Our failure to land was bemoaned in the local newspaper next day...
Instead of staying put and allowing us a view of the island, as well as a proper sailaway in the afternoon, the final one of the voyage, we had already started our eastbound transatlantic crossing... And with an extra day in hand, we were saving fuel and travelling more slowly than we would otherwise have done... another disappointment! Rumour had it that this early start may have saved Cunard close to half a million dollars in reduced fuel consumption...
And so, we enjoyed life on board, had a lovely time, got an extra noontime announcement from the Captain (this is only done on sea days), changed our watches by half an hour at tea time, watched the amusing Crew Show in the evening, and were generally pleased to be on board QE2! But the disappointment of missing our final port, our final tenders, our final views of QE2 from the sea, and our final sailaway, did linger for a long time...
More Day 17 diary photos here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum17&w=55206992%40N00&m=tags
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Isabelle that must have been so disappointing not to have called at St John's on QE2's final visit. In your mind you mentally plan what to look out for and do. I'd have loved to have seen the dogs too.
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Thank you, Jem, for your kind remarks. Yes, missing out on our very last port of call was such a disappointment -- but at least it did not reduce the number of days on board QE2 :) .
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Bob, it's outside the bookshop with the corridor going round to the caronia restaurant.
Thanks Rob. This is on the port side of the ship, correct?
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Thanks Rob. This is on the port side of the ship, correct?
Yes, this is at port side on Quarterdeck, and the stairway you see in the distance is D Stairway.
Behind the wall to which the chart is attached, is the Ocean Bookshop, and the people standing in front of the chart would have the Cruise and Travel Sales office to their left.
http://www.chriscunard.com/images/qe2/deckplans/Quarter_Deck_Plans.gif
In pretty much the same position on the starboard side would be the jigsaw table and the Chart Room.
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Thanks Isabelle! There were two libraries back in my day. The Q-deck library is in the same place and the book shop was a card room. The Upper Deck library was also on the port side but on the Upper Deck and just off stairway E where the casino is now.
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Two months until QE2 is abandoned in Dubai. On board, you would not know it. Among the first photographs I took, during the sailaway in Southampton, were repairs to the “plugs” keeping the teak deck planks in place. And towards the end of the cruise, when we were already crossing the Atlantic in an easterly direction, the deck crew were out recaulking the deck planks.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2942765084_0388018664.jpg)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2942765084/
Every day, the ship was being cleaned top to bottom. One morning, I ran into two young crew members, in animated chat, as they walked down D Stairway, each holding a wet cloth -- the first one cleaning the upper part of the banisters, the second the lower part, as they enjoyed their conversation.
Carpets were being hoovered all the time, the wires cleverly draped so that they could not possibly trip anyone up -- and just in case there was the slightest risk, moveable signs were put up, warning “Caution -- Trailing Wires”. No matter how late I dawdled off to bed, I could not cross the public rooms without finding a cleaning team still busy at work.
In various ports, the hull of the ship was painted, and we could check for ourselves that the colour used is a dark grey-blue, not black. Lifeboats were also painted and maintained -- which meant that we were at times not totally free to go and explore the upper decks!
Every sea day, the three ship whistles are tested, at noon precisely, just before the Captain’s announcement. And in case any passenger out on deck might be surprised by the blasts, there is a loudspeaker warning three minutes ahead of the whistle test.
Towards the end of our transatlantic return crossing, I stood for a while with another passenger, both of us gazing at the deck repairs. QE2 will be handed over in Dubai in immaculate condition... It it is so sad that this work, which the crew continue to lavish on her, is a total waste... But it is also wonderful that they are continuing to give the same extraordinary standard of care to the ship, even as her time is running out...
More Day 18 diary photos here (fingers crossed!!) :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum18&w=55206992%40N00&m=tags
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Now that it is possible to be on QE2 as early as 13.00 hrs on embarkation day, the first thing we do on board, after dumping our hand baggage, is to take a light lunch in the Lido, followed by a relaxed Afternoon Tea in the Queen’s Room. It is only then that we get involved in what used to be our very first activity on board. The safety drill.
An unbelievably shrill alarm sounded in all the cabins makes it quite impossible to resist the call to the safety drill. All the tired passengers grab their life vests and traipse tiredly up the stairs (the lifts being reserved for passengers with mobility problems for this exercise). Everyone gathers at their designated muster stations, and crew members make sure that all are attentive.
A recorded message over the loudspeaker system then informs us about the alarm signals, the use of the muster stations, the use of the life vests and the way to leave the ship if this becomes necessary. Hold your nose with one hand, clutch your life vest with the other, and step off the ship (“Don’t jump!”). I have practised the nose holding and life vest clutching bit, but hope that I shall never need to step off the ship in such circumstances -- I might even forgot not to jump!
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2965304384/in/set-72157607200825563/
The crew have frequent emergency drills. Sometimes these take place around the lifeboats, usually when QE2 is at rest in an anchor port. Quite often, the water tight doors in the passenger decks are tested. And on our second-last day at sea, we had a major emergency drill, which took most crew members to their muster stations where, if necessary, they would be directing passengers to life boats and life rafts.
Breakfast had to be finished in good time, instead of lingering over the last cup or two of tea or coffee -- all the waiters were involved in the drill. An announcement informed passengers that they would not be expected to take part in the drill, but that they should not expect services from the crew either!
I watched it all on the deck, and found the smooth operation and the discipline of the crew really pleasing to observe. Such a well-oiled machine! It will take a fair while for it to be dismantled and reassembled in the various new places where the crew will be working after QE2 has been handed over in Dubai...
More Day 19 diary photos here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum19&m=tags&w=55206992%40N00&z=e
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Thanks Isabelle for sharing those photos and stories, memories that can never fade away :)
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Here are the Atlantic waves on our first day at sea, as seen from my porthole on Two Deck.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/2930447722_b68457414c.jpg) (https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2930447722/in/set-72157607200825563/)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2930447722/
As I finalise this diary entry, over a week after returning to Southampton, QE2 is setting out once more, for her last westbound transatlatic crossing, this time in tandem with QM2. These two ships are the only true Atlantic liners left in the world, and soon, QM2 will be there on her own.
Every sea day at noon, the three QE2 whistles are tested. This is followed by the noontime announcement, made by the Captain, who talks about the important geographical or meteorological aspects of the past and future day, and gives times for the important events coming up. This is when he told us, for instance, about our arrival in New York, reminding us that this was a very special event, well worth getting up early for, “and it beats JFK any day”!
On the final day, he told us that we had been so fortunate to have experienced QE2 “on the Atlantic, where she belongs”. So true! She is such an Atlantic-worthy vessel, stable and solid, like someone who has been there many times before and knows every drop of water in this vast ocean.
Our voyage started with the storm, with the waves crashing into the bow of the ship and the spray flying all over the Boat Deck. Once I had got over my seasickness (which did not take me long!), I went out and relished this spectacle. We experienced fog, with restricted visibility near the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, and the fog horn blew every two minutes. We travelled by day and by night, into the sun and away from it. We berthed in cities and tendered in anchor ports. We met whales, dolphins, gannets and lobsters. QE2 is indeed totally at home on the Atlantic, where she belongs... and we loved being taken there by her!
Other Day 20 diary photos (and some great videos!) here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum20&w=55206992%40N00&m=tags
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Great images Isabelle. Thought the video at the stern was fantastic, really shows the mood of the seas and QE2's power. Your right she belongs on the Atlantic, it's her natural home.
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And here is a second diary entry for this our last full day on board QE2 :
Last day on board this voyage, last day on QE2. And I spent this day doing what one of my “shippy friends” has called “Dancing with my Lady”. So, I danced with her. The last dance, and one full of happy memories.
Five Deck. That crooked alleyway, twisting this way and that around the funnel. My old cabin, remembered with affection. The engine room right underneath. The floor vibrating with the power of the engines. The sound of the engines, and the warmth of the alleyway wall where the funnel rises.
Three Deck. The Synagogue. I am not a Jew, but this place breathes peace and serenity.
All the stairways, each one of them explored anew, yesterday and today. Starting from the bow, A Stairway is the longest and the most perfect spiral. Leading from Five Deck right up to Boat Deck, past two of the restaurants where I have dined on past occasions and visited on this voyage. D Stairway the most irregular, leading past many of my favourite sights (and sites!) and arising from several locations on Five Deck. E Stairway with the lady’s voice on the lift, which for years and years has been warning on every deck “Caution : Narrow Landing” -- the other day she sounded just a tiny bit hoarse! G Stairway shorter and, like E Stairway, an irregular double spiral. The A Stairway is red, D, E and G are green, while the minor ones (B, C, and F) are also red. Each of them had a different colour when QE2 was launched, for easy identification.
Quarterdeck. So many of my favourite places. The Queen’s Room, serving afternoon tea. Tomorrow’s afternoon tea will be enjoyed by new passengers... The beautiful sunlight, almost always there on this deck, either on the port or the starboard side.
The Chartroom, with its calligraphy -- many sayings are well worth reading. And there is the piano from the original Queen Mary. And the transatlantic map, copied from that in the original Queen Elizabeth. The jigsaw puzzle under the Mauretania painting. The ship models, particularly the huge one of Mauretania. The bookshop and the library. The navigational chart and the noontime report from the bridge. The side entrance into the Caronia and Britannia restaurants, conceived right from the start for passengers with walking problems, as they could thus avoid the steps of the main entrance.
My lady too was ready to dance. She talked to me with the voice of her engines and the vibration of Five Deck. With the voice of the funnel on the higher decks. And with the voice of the passengers and crew. A lovely amusing moment occurred when I was taking yet more pictures of the Queen’s Room ceiling. Watching me, an Indian lady advised me that the best place to catch it well was to lie on the floor. So, while I took my position down on the dance floor, in front of the assembled afternoon tea crowd, she captured me doing just that! And of course, she was right -- the views were excellent from directly below!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/2971457456_107d43924b.jpg) (https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2971457456)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2971457456
The Midships Lobby, always a lovely place and, on this voyage, also a lively place, used by passengers to read and sleep, and reverberating with the voice of Thomas Quinones, using the wall panels to start the story of the Cunard Line. The Computer Learning Centre, so close to several cabins we have had over the years, and so full of memories of messages we have received and sent from QE2. Like this one.
And then, the nocturnal ramble on the decks. The wetness of the planks after their nightly washing by the crew. The wind and the sea rushing past. The funnel and the mast, steady as ever. This is how I wish to remember her -- going strong “on the Atlantic, where she belongs”.
And the corresponding diary photos can be seen here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum20a&m=tags&w=55206992%40N00&z=e
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Disembarkation. For the last time. But after these three wonderful weeks on board, even disembarkation was not as traumatic as it might have been.
After a tiny rest, I was up on deck again before 6.00. So, for the very first time, I was there to see the Southampton waters approaching, the tugs arriving far out and escorting QE2, the familiar landscapes emerging from the pitch black and gradually becoming visible, and finally that turn in the Lower Swinging Ground, where the water was just deep enough to give QE2 one metre under her keel. The windy air seemed just as cold as it was during our arrival in New York, but there was not the same exhilaration to keep us warm inside -- here, it was the wish to be part of our QE2 voyage, fully aware, until the very end.
And then, it was breakfast time, a final good-bye to our excellent waiters and our table neighbours, packing the last bits and pieces, and waiting for our deck to be called for disembarkation. A cold, numb feeling -- so hard to believe that we would never be there again -- and also, a feeling of huge gratitude for this beautiful time. As I gave QE2 a good pat on her solid steel hull at the gangway, I said good-bye to the Nepali security officers -- and found myself face to face with Third Officer Zak Brockmann, who had been making all the navigational announcements every day at noon!
We had had it all, during this journey. We had even had some things we had never experienced before! And we had lived through it all fully aware, enjoying our moments on this beautiful ship.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/2986435492_56652efd76.jpg) (https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2986435492/)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2986435492/
We had tasted the storm, seen the waves, felt the motion, heard the sounds, and we had sailed in calm waters, through lobster pots and among islands. We had seen sunshine and fog, and the waxing moon which reached its full size as we entered New York. We had heard the foghorn and the wonderful QE2 whistle. We had dragged ourselves out of bed for the early morning arrivals, and lingered on deck for the golden sunsets. We had felt the wind, as well as the calm -- but did not have any rain until we finally reached Southampton and it came down as we made for our terminal!
We combined both crossing and cruising (now that is a rare opportunity!). We stopped in cities and villages, along quaysides and in anchor ports. We enjoyed land days and sea days, went on excursions, and did our own exploring both off and within the ship, right into some of her deepest recesses. And for the first time, we failed to anchor at an anchor port and sailed away before we had even arrived!
We had enjoyed our beautiful cabins, been spoiled with superb food and service in the Britannia Grill, and relaxed on deck and in the public rooms. I had moved in and out of the warm sea water in the swimming pool as if it were my natural element. We had observed the crew going about their work -- including the Captain waving from the bridge, signing books and leading interdenominational services. We had enjoyed every minute, and every part of this wonderful ship, which has been our home now and again for the past decade. There was nothing more we could have asked for -- apart from the chance to do it again next year!
More Day 21 diary photos and one video here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum21&w=55206992%40N00&m=tags
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Great to know you had a good time, Isabelle.Like i say once you got on board you just had to fall in love with her.
Louis
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On rechecking what I had written, I have finally found the Day 15 entry that I thought I had lost! So, here it comes :
To Dubai or not to Dubai?
Tea queues in the Lido. Sailaway neighbours. Restaurant conversations. Chance meetings with crew from previous cruises. Onboard shopping. Conversations during excursions. The same topic always arises. Dubai.
QE2 going to Dubai. Is she ready to retire? Being who I am, I probably get into conversations with far more QE2 fans than with those indifferent to her charms... and the QE2 fans, one and all, want her to continue, for many years yet. If a major refit is required to keep her up to date with safety at sea regulations, so be it. QE2 could be booked out for years to come.
There are others who say (yes, even in my presence...) that she is a bit worn out, that the bathrooms need improvements, that she represents “nostalgia” for a long gone age, that other ships are more comfortable and modern...
These last voyages of QE2 are attracting a core of fans who want to enjoy her once more before she is no more. Many, many people I have spoken to have been on QE2 six or more times, this year alone! Many have known her for decades and will miss her like a family member. Several I have spoken to played a part in her construction (yes, Scotland is particularly well represented here on this occasion!), never thought they would sail on her, and then saved up for years to do so before she goes. Others have been on board many dozen times in the course of the years. The Cruise Critic Memory Book is full of the reminiscences of passengers -- and I have realised that, in my passion for QE2, I am by no means unique... and that I know her far less than very many others...!
The QE2 fans are by no means united in saying “once QE2 is gone, we are no longer interested in Cunard ships”. One lady, who was singled out during the Cunard World Club reception as having sailed on Cunard ships more than most, told me a day or two before this was revealed, that she was quite willing to give Queen Victoria a chance. She would start with the World Cruise this winter, and then see what next...
Dubai. Most passengers on board with us, will be leaving QE2 for the last time after this voyage... many of them in tears. Those living near Southampton will of course be watching her come and go until she leaves her home port on 11 November, never to return. And I shall be on the Clyde, just a few days after disembarking -- no doubt the very best place to say good-bye to this wonderful lady. But there are also quite a few people on board who will be on the Dubai voyage. Who want to escort her all the way. And of course, most of the crew will be there too -- sticking with her until they have to go. As one of the waiters said in July, “This lady has been good to me -- and I shall stay with her until the end.” Another crew member thinks the Dubai voyage will be one long party... the only possible way to bear it... I have a lot of sympathy for that...
It is so sad that she will go with her entire contents -- everything on board will go with her to Dubai, except that one Mauretania painting, to be returned to Newcastle upon Tyne. Even the GBTT call signal will be gone with her -- she inherited this signal from the Queen Mary herself, but will not pass it on.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2975896678_bf80532cfb.jpg) (https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2975896678/)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2975896678/
Dubai. And what will happen to her there? Rumours abound. Those in the know are keeping mum, except in very private conversations. In any case, all the rumours are still likely to change. But no one is saying that they are looking forward to QE2 as a hotel, that they intend to stay there when in Dubai. QE2’s friends will want to remember her as she is now, or as she was the first time they saw her. They want to remember her as a ship...!
Leaving Quebec this evening, we got a wonderful farewell. Sea Princess and QE2 exchanged whistle blasts liberally, and the port was thronged with people come to see QE2 off for the last time. As we sailed out in the St Laurence, we were escorted for a long time by a flotilla of small craft, and everywhere along the banks, crowds had gathered to wave and flash their cameras. This continued for hours, and even after darkness had fallen and we had retired to our cabins to change, the camera flashes were still visible from the portholes. While perhaps other ports had laid on grander displays, it was in Quebec that we got the feeling of genuine affection for the ship and a genuine sadness that she would not be coming any more. All the better, therefore, that we had stayed here for the night and given the people a real chance to visit her one last time.
And the other photos that go with this diary page, are here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum15a&w=55206992%40N00&m=tags
There are many detailed shots from Cabin 2044, the QE2 whistle during the Quebec sailaway, the entries of Captains Perkins and McNaught in the Cruise Critic Memory Book, and a lot of nostalgic comments in the light of the changes we were then expecting to happen within just a few months in Dubai. One of them even caused Rob to remark that I was "off my trolley"! ;D
Looking back at the texts I wrote for these pictures at the time, I am so grateful that QE2 is still there, largely unchanged, so many months after we left her... :)
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It was enjoyable to have had this look at this our last voyage again, a couple of years later. I am so glad that I wrote at least something every day (far too little -- I was far too busy enjoying the ship!), because I can see that my memories are fading but what I wrote at the time is still there :) .
I took such a huge number of pictures on that voyage...
The diary photos (292 photos and 17 videos) are in this set :
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/sets/72157607200825563/
All the other pictures of the voyage (another 1,091 photos and 46 videos) are here :
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/sets/72157610969303408/
And in addition, there is a set of photos of particular places, such as the synagogue, the Princess Grill and Britannia Grill, Theatre, stairways "and some of the less accessible decks". The latter were the mast deck and the funnel deck, with particular joy at having finally found the doggy lamppost! This set (149 photos) is here :
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/sets/72157608999766831/
I suppose the only thing that saves me from thinking I was totally mad to take so many photos, is the fact that many others did too. QE2 was always one of the most photographed moving objects on earth -- but in her final year she must have beaten all previous records!
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Lovely photos you have i keep on looking at them over and over
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QE2-Herbstfarben "The final Call" vor NY
Video by dieterling
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What a lovely bit of video ! Thanks for sharing...
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I just stumbled on this topic and thoroughly enjoyed stepping back in time with your commentary and photographs Isabelle. It sounds as though you really took the time to savour every moment you were on board.
Of course much has changed since my time aboard, though many places are still recognisable from the photos and your descriptions bring it all back to life so wonderfully well.
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As Alan I have only came across this topic which is shocking behaviour given how long I've been reading this forum!!
I didnt think it was possible to miss a ship I'd never set foot on but there you go I do!
I was given the chance of a cabin on the 2007 Round Britain but I lacked the funds (and the leave) to go. How I wish.....
Anyway - I can (to an extent) experience QE2 through the memories of those on this forum who did sail or crew the girl and I thank you all for that from the bottom of my Clydebuilt heart...
And now I've a lump in my throat too!! Best :-X it!!
Gav
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Thank you, Alan, for bringing this topic to our attention. I shall certainly take a look at the photos and read the commentary. I had not come across this topic either. June