QE2 off the Isle of Man, 3 October 2008

[Dr. Edmund Carus]

As a soon to be returning resident of the IOM I have been looking for pictures of the QE2 when she paid a brief visit there last year. Here are some which I've found and - which are very moving for me:

http://www.iomtoday.co.im/your-pictures/QE2.4555570.jp

I understand QM der Grosse might be calling later this year. Can anybody confirm this please?

Thanks,

[hollihedge]

Lovely photos Edmund - thanks for posting. 

I think QM2 is doing a round Britain voyage this year but unfortunately can't log on to Cunard website as at work to find dates for you (if she is visiting IoM). 

[caledonia]

Yes the QM2 is undertaking a round Britain voyage in October this year, she will pass the Isle of Man on the morning of the20th of October on her way into Liverpool from Glasgow. She is due into Liverpool at 11.00am, so i would imagine she will pass the Point of Ayre around 6 -7.00am before heading down off the east coast. l have written to Cunard and requested that they once again bring her close to the coast of the Island to let the Manx residents have a look at her ( on a personnal note it would be wonderful - i am travelling on the voyage and have a great love of the Island).

I have also been in contact with the two wonderful ladies who developed the superb Isle of Man Post Office products last year to celebrate the last voyages of the QE2 - they are keen to get the QM2 to sail down the coast as well.

[Dr. Edmund Carus]

Please keep me posted as I could well be on the IOM when she is around.

Thanks

[caledonia]

Edmund

I forgot to mention that there is a photo in the new book published by Ferry publications - QE2 Britains greatest liner of her sailing across Douglas Bay in the early morning, apparently there were quite a few Manx people about that morning - a good friend of mine got a few photos before departing the Island to join me in Liverpool to see her there on her last visit.
She did also sail up the West Coast of the Island the following morning on her way to Belfast, i tracked her on the AIS but i think the weather that morning was none too good so i don't think there will be any photos sadly.
If i here any thing else form Cunard or the Manx Post Office ladies i will let you know.

[KEV]

Nice photos

[Andy F]

Indeed they are and thanks Edmund

[southfielddane]

I was onboard the QE2 as she sailed towards Douglas Head light just before dawn. It was bitterly cold as we watched the IOM awaken to a glorious sunrise. There were quite a few headlights on Douglas Head so a number of the locals had braved the darkness to witness a unique event. Daylight rapidly revealed the coast and we turned towards Liverpool just off  Laxey. It was a beauitiful golden dawn and so clear you could see the Cumbrian Mountains and Blackpool Tower. Your photos are a superb reminder of an unforgettable experience. I have photos & video taken of the IOM from QE2 but you had the better view!

[highlander0108]

Here are a few more pics from that cold early morning arrival.



You can see the cars on the road all lined up to get a glimpse of QE2 for the final time, if you look carefully.



I was onboard with my son, one of the very few children onboard, and it was a very special trip, as was each time we traveled on QE2.

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Ken's blog here of the final sail-past the Isle of Man, just before QE2 arrived in Liverpool for her final call :

http://qe2-prideoftheclyde.blogspot.com/2012/01/tourist-navigation-qe2-style.html?spref=fb

[cunardqueen]

   Ken's blog here of the final sail-past the Isle of Man, just before QE2 arrived in Liverpool for her final call :

 

.......some of us slept through the sail past....
 On board various rumours circulated that the sail past was to collect a bag of first day covers from the Isle of Man Post Office or was it due to the fact that is was a chance for a pair of "regular" passengers who stay there to say Good Bye to QE2, or was it just an way to pass the time....   enquiring minds and all that..

[cunardqueen]

On the subject of sail pasts, On one QE2 cruise we called into Naples and a great many passengers had booked the Capri tour, the high wind prevented us taking that excursion, and naturally some of us were traumatised and distressed that Capri was going to be missed. When we sailed that evening the Captain told us over the loudspeakers that in view of the fact we didnt make it to the island he would take us on a  sail past of Capri.  l was on deck with a few other nutters and we shouted to Capri that we would be back, It was a lovely view of what is a lovely island.

I did make it back there twice, Once with QE2 and we had a pretty rough crossing to get there, much more and l would have been throwing up,that has maybe more to do with the night before than the crossing, but it was rough, and another time with MSC cruises,The Melody was sailing at 6pm, the Capri tours only arrived back in Naples at 6.30. it was a very quick dash to get back onboard.one of the benefits of taking an organised tour, the ship will usually wait if your late. 
It still remains a most magical place. 

[highlander0108]

.......some of us slept through the sail past....
 On board various rumours circulated that the sail past was to collect a bag of first day covers from the Isle of Man Post Office or was it due to the fact that is was a chance for a pair of "regular" passengers who stay there to say Good Bye to QE2, or was it just an way to pass the time....   enquiring minds and all that..

Nothing or no one approached the ship or came onboard.  I might have been a bit groggy, but I'd have seen that!