I have to admit, I was not impressed at all when I saw QE2 for the first time in December of 1983 in Ft. Lauderdale. She was back to her Federal Grey color and with the original thin funnel. The condition of her hull was memorable as I got an up close view from the excursion boat Jungle Queen....RUST everywhere! The ship looked very run down. Picture Rob's recent posting, but with the darker hull hiding some of the rust. I'm guessing that the repaint in the water was not the best paint job. I also was not fully versed in what QE2 was all about at the time and when the tour guide mentioned we were going to be in for a treat...seeing the QE2, I was expecting to see a three or two funneled ship with much more stout funnels ala Queen Mary, which I was completed versed in. It would take me another 16 years to see her again in 2000, and also in Ft. Lauderdale. She looked stunning with her recent paint job!