Tandem Crossing  17^th October 1^st day at sea

 

Waking up on the first sea day is like waking up on Christmas morning. Today the excitement is still present and my porthole frames the reason why – QE2 sailing beside us. I wasn’t expecting to see her right next us and outside my window so I’m thrilled to see her slipping along, majestically gliding her way through the water.

 

This morning, I meet with the publisher to give her a guided tour of the ship. There are so many places to see on board and I’ve promised to keep the tour to an hour. Trying not to sound like an estate agent or a proud parent, I pick out the highlights I want her to see: Illuminations with its threefold purpose (theatre, cinema and planetarium), the library and bookshop (suitably poignant given our on board discussions), Todd English with its sumptuous setting and tempting menus, the outdoor sports areas, the spa and my favourite view point: The Commodore Club at the front of the ship.

 

Later, on calm waters, I take the time to walk around the deck. We’re sailing through a cross wind, which leaves me experiencing the microclimate on deck 7: port side is windless and the sun is trying to break through, but as I turn the corner and make my way back starboard side, the wind blows hard against the side of the ship and the spray has dampened the floor. It’s just a small reminder of how powerful and mischievous the elements can be, a metaphorical post-it note:“Remember, I’m the boss”.

 

This evening was the first of the Commodore’s cocktails and I arrange to meet my guests in the Queens Room. Outside guests are mingling, waiting to meet Commodore Warner in person as he greets them individually and poses for photos. I creep around to the starboard side not wanting to take up his time instead of the guests on board. But in true White Star fashion, no one is left out. At the other entrance I’m greeted by Johanna the Assistant Entertainment Director and introduced to Trevor Hall, our Staff Captain. Embarrassed to be given the “special treatment” not wanting them to feel they have to put on any special ‘show’ for a colleague I explain I work shoreside and I’m on board hosting a guest of Cunard’s. I should have guessed this made no difference at all; the White Star credo is part of the on board staff genetic make-up. They all seem genuinely pleased to see me and with sincerity wish me a wonderful voyage and ask me to let them know if I need anything whilst on board. It’s a humbling experience, but it does really make me feel special.

 

Commodore Warner is the ultimate host. He is warm, witty and welcoming. He’s resplendent in his uniform. His easy, professional manner is reassuring with none of the intimidation that his rank may denote. Perhaps it’s his confident and calm manner that makes me feel he could have been a success in any job and in any industry. Whatever it is, I’m sure this is one of the reasons he is now Commodore of the Fleet. At the reception, I have the pleasure of meeting a new member of the crew, Wendy a nurse on board. She used to be a paramedic nurse but the lure and romanticism of Queen Mary 2 seduced her to join up and sail as a member of the Cunard family. Her children have grown up and she is now experiencing her Dick Wittington moment.  I also meet a lady called Gerry who is travelling alone and has been delighted by the Bridge lessons and the Creative Arts classes. It’s the first time she has travelled alone and now she wonders why she didn’t do it sooner. Music to my ears.

 

On my way out, I meet up with the actors from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Some of them have been coming on board from the ship’s launch date. I take the time to catch up on their news and hear all about the successes of their new shows on board.  Leaving the Queens Room I decide to wander through the ship whilst guests are dining. My favourite times on board are when you can hear the buzz of conversation in the background but still experience the ship as though she were empty. As we move across the ocean, she cuts through the water. The sound is the ship breathing.

 

Tandem Crossing 18^th October

 

Today we are screening the World Premier of the American version of the ‘Monarch – The Royal Family at Work’. New and unseen footage will be screened. The BBC UK version gained controversial coverage with the promo footage of the Queen “apparently” losing her temper with the American Photographer Annie Leiberwitz. The real footage which we see on board shows the whole version of events, very differently to the advertorial version. Robert Hardman the series writer and Royal Correspondent, introduces the first episode and I now realise what a coup this is for us to have on board. The theatre is full and the footage, seen on the large screen is fitting and appropriate for a Queen.

 

Travelling on the opposite side, QE2 can be viewed by guests residing in starboard staterooms. Today the water has a new rhythm. In the sunshine, the black hull in the distance is shiny and looks nothing like 41 years of sea faring age. Her red funnel is majestic and glamorous. It’s difficult to comprehend that she is a working liner and in reality how many guests must be on board looking back at us.

 

Tandem Crossing 20^th October

 

Today I have an opportunity to walk around the ship and observe the Entertainment staff.  

 

Joining me for dinner  was Clive Kneller, Director of the RADA group on board, his fellow actor and regular RADA contributor Mark Inman and Julian Jacobson our Classical Pianist Guest Entertainer for this voyage. It’s an ideal time to reflect on the previous successes and highlights of the past months as well as to discuss new ways to improve the RADA offering on board. Julian, a lecturer at the Royal College of Music joins us all in the Commodore Club and for his love of playing, offers our resident pianist a brief break whilst he entertains us.

 

The past two days has been filled with an array of entertainment highlights, which include Jon Courtenay, a fantastic pianist, entertainer and comedian; a matinee show of Richard III by RADA condensed into one hour and renamed “The Bottled Spider”; a classical concert in Illuminations with Campbell Simpson; a talk by our Royal Astronomical Society speaker Dr. David Whitehouse on “The Story of the Moon” and The Royal Ascot Ball in the Queens Room. All of this is hosted by our talented Mr David Pepper, Entertainment Director who seems to defy the three laws of motion and appear at multiple places around the ship: introducing shows, talks and events, shaking hands outside the Royal Court Theatre and phoning guests to wish them a personal “Happy Birthday” from the ship’s company. I cannot imagine anywhere else I could see, hear and take part in such a high standard and range of entertainment all hosted by The Talented Mr Pepper.

 

Tandem Crossing 21^st October

 

The sunshine is streaming down on both ships today. QE2’s bow is pushing out from the water and in the light of the sun she has a sharper profile and more alive than her years prescribe.

 

Moving closer to the UK, the buzz we felt on embarkation day returns. In the afternoon, port side, dolphins swim beside the ship. It is the first time I have seen them so close in all my times aboard Queen Mary 2 and rarely have I been fortunate enough to see them this close to the UK. It is a touching sight and a privilege to witness. Once again, our backdrop is QE2 and I wonder if this clever species has come to say farewell.

 

This morning the theatre is full for Barry Brown, our Film Historian and Documentary Film Maker on board. We are all in attendance to hear about “Hollywood’s Master of Suspense – Alfred Hitchcock” with famous clips and intelligent narration, Barry tells us all about the Hitchcock genre and the mater’s life. Sinking in to the deep, plush chairs in Illuminations with the Planetarium dazzling above, we are all captivated by Barry’s knowledge and insight and lulled along by the dulcet tones of his BBC voice.

 

At 16.30, it would appear that nearly everyone is on deck seven, eight and twelve. QE2 and Queen Mary 2 have drawn closer together and there is now only a third of a mile between us. It is close enough to hear the excited shouts from our Sister at Sea. (I found a video posted on Youtube filmed by one of the guests on board which captures this fantastic moment and have included this below). The Commodore makes an announcement recognising QE2 achievements and Commodore Warner leads us in our “Three Cheers for QE2”. Across the water we hear our fellow Cunarders cheering back at us, throwing their caps in the air and waving their arms frantically. Further forward and members of the crew jump out to have their photos taken with QE2 as the backdrop, guests are emotional and tears well up and I hear fellow travellers recounting proud tales of trips aboard the World’s Most Famous Ocean Liner.

 

 

 

Firstly, another big thank you to Warren Smith for his report on QE2’s final Transatlantic Crossing in Tandem with Queen Mary 2. Despite being quite an emotional time it’s great to hear your comments celebrating our grand lady. There are lots more to come as we keep you updated with her farewell season and of course we look forward to sharing more of your memories. So on to this week and: “This week in Cunard’s History” for the week of the 24^th   October to the 30^th October:

 

October 27 1986

 

QE2 arrives in Bremerhaven for a six-month £110 million re-engineering and refurbishment programme, the largest such refit in the history of the merchant marine. Steam turbines replaced by a diesel electric power plant. The funnel is widened and repainted red (from white). HRH the Princess of Wales boards on the ship’s return to Southampton.

 

October 29 1970

 

QE2 offers medical assistance to the ‘Cerinthus’ in the Atlantic

 

October 30 1949

 

Caronia II is launched is launched by Princess Elizabeth (H.M. Queen) at John Brown Shipyard, Clydebank. She becomes known as the ‘Green Goddess’ because of the colour of her hull.

 

I would also like to thank another guest blogger, Caroline Mathieson. It’s great to hear things from a different perspective. Caroline works incredibly hard with her team (especially Julia Young) back in Southampton with Cunard Insights which is our on board enrichment programme and thanks to her I have been able to introduce some amazing speakers, most recently Melvyn Bragg, Joan Syms and Roy Hattersley. In her last blog Caroline wrote about the departure on Queen Mary 2 from New York. This week I am handing back to her to talk more about her Transatlantic Crossing experience.

 

Queen Victoria continues her autumn season in the Mediterranean, as Queen Mary 2 continues her Transatlantic season and QE2 enjoys her last few voyages in the Mediterranean. Coming soon we have an interview with the master of Queen Mary 2, Commodore Bernard Warner and of course more from QE2’s farewell season, so as usual please keep logging on and write if you get a chance.

 

Cheers for now – Alastair

 

We have just ended our back to back final Transatlantic Crossings with Queen Mary 2 on our flanks and they have been as expected totally unforgettable. Our Guests have experienced what sailing the North Atlantic is all about and what makes it such a legendary voyage!

 

It was Friday 10^th October 2008 and QE2 was imminent to steam off on our 805th North Atlantic Crossing over to New York City, the BIG Juicy Apple… This with our grand larger sister Queen Mary 2. In Southampton on this day Queen Mary 2 was alongside at the City Cruise Terminal. Also in Southampton was P&O Cruises newest ship Ventura, docked at the Mayflower and we were berthed at our usual spot at the Queen Elizabeth II Terminal.

 

All guests boarded, 1668 in total including 22 different nationalities. Our crew totalled just over 1000 spread across an amazing 56 different nationalities who were all geared up and ready to ensure that this would indeed be an emotional, memorable penultimate transatlantic for this Grand Old Queen of the high seas.

 

 

 

 

 

Entertaining us on this voyage in the Grand Lounge was Petrina Johnson, Dave Evans and Steve Hewlett. As well as our magnificent cast of the Royal Cunard Singers & Dancers. Lecturing in the Theatre was Brian Hoey, Sir. Michael Parker, Bill Miller and Ted Scull. Also included in the Entertainment package was our outstanding jazz band the ‘Ray Terry Jazz Band’, our Caribbean band ‘ChangeZ’ and three super talented classical ladies from the Ukraine ‘Celestial Strings’. A great line-up! 

 

The first two days of the Atlantic proved to be just a little bumpy but both ships stayed beautifully stable and calm. This is exactly what these two gracious ships were built for…

 

Queen Mary 2 from QE2. Photo by Paul Davies, Photo Manager QE2

 

I must say I have forgotten how lively Transatlantic Crossings are, all our venues bustling with atmosphere and excitement and before we knew it we were arriving at New York City and no matter how many times you have been there, it takes your breath away every time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We glided under the Verrazano Bridge with just a few feet to spare with Lady Liberty on our port side welcoming us as she has done graciously for so many years. It was a gorgeous day and the decks were lined with our Guests, flashes going off every few seconds, some genuinely spectacular photographs captured memories that will last forever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our sail-away, the 806th and final for QE2, was amazing and dramatic at the same time as we pushed away from Berth 90 and slipped into the Hudson. The weather was perfect, almost as if it was ordered by Samuel Cunard himself, it was an ideal day for these two ladies to once again take to the North Atlantic back to Southampton… 1697 guests on board.

 

QE2 met with Queen Mary 2 at Lady Liberty before they both set sail into the deep blue… I have attached some pictures below.

 

QE2 meets Queen Mary 2

 

 

QE2 leads Queen Mary 2 away from NYC

 

 

 

Entertaining us on the way back was Maria King and Annette Wardell. Lecturing we had none other than Stephen Payne, one of the Naval Architects involved in the design of Queen Mary 2, Celebrity TV Presenter Jennie Bond and Brian Hoey QE2’s favourite Royal Author. 

 

Yet again the days went by very quickly. Time flies when you are having fun in a first rate atmosphere around the ship. Could there be anything better…?

Firstly, a big thank you again to Warren Smith for his reports on QE2’s “Farewell to The British Isles” Voyage. What amazing memories for everyone and added thanks for the links to your videos and pictures.  We’ll keep you updated with her farewell season and of course we look forward to sharing more of your memories. Before we look at the ships this week I’ll start the blog with: “This week in Cunard’s History” for the week of the 16^th October to the 23^rd October:

 

October 17 1843

 

Hibernia (1843 – 1868) comes in to service

 

October 20 1986

 

QE2 makes her last Transatlantic Crossing under steam power

 

October 20 1989

 

QE2 makes her maiden call to Cadiz, Spain

 

October 20 1997

 

QE2 makes her maiden call Port Delgada, Azores

 

Many of you will read with interest that the programme to install new drawers in all the staterooms on Queen Victoria is now complete. The project started some time ago with the design team looking at how they could best provide more drawer space, whilst maintaining the staterooms’ spacious and elegant appearance. After careful consideration it was decided to add drawers to the bed side cabinets and under the beds themselves. That may seem quite straightforward but this project involved 3,722 bedside and 2,016 under bed drawers (yes that’s a total of 5,738 drawers)!

 

Installing the drawers while the ship was in operation was quite a challenge and took a lot of planning by the shore side team as well as those on board to ensure our guests weren’t disturbed. The eleven skilled carpenters and their manager arrived on board prior to the first batch of drawers being delivered, so as they could assist with the loading, which had to be coordinated and planned so as not to interfere with normal loading operations.

 

A total of 243 pallets of pre-assembled drawers, drawer fronts, runners, screws and tools, were delivered from the UK by truck to the ship. They came in three batches in our ports of call and safely stowed in the limited spare space the ship has available, whilst ensuring they could be easily transported to the guest staterooms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

At this point, our on board team of engineers under the guidance of Ships Services Engineer Tim Chillingworth, coordinated the install with our housekeeping department under the supervision of Executive Housekeeper Rosemarie Christiner.

 

In order to complete between 30 and 50 installations a day, a notification letter was sent out to the relevant staterooms the night before outlining the plan for the day. If the timing wasn’t convenient for our guests, their staterooms were completed on another day, which sometimes meant the limited time available on voyage turnaround days.

 

 

 

 

 

In most cases, the installations took place mid morning after guests had had their breakfast and proceeded ashore.

 

Initially 45 minutes was allowed for the full installation in each stateroom, using two carpenters but this was reduced to about 30 minutes as they familiarized themselves with the operation. The project was completed in 3 voyages between the 6^th of September and the 12^th October so we can happily say the Queen does have drawers and very nice they look too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to Trimline (the British outfitting company involved) and of course the on board Engineering and Housekeeping departments for making the operation so smooth, and special thanks to Tim Chillingworth for providing the photos and details of the operation.

 

Meanwhile as Queen Victoria continues her autumn season in the Mediterranean, QE2 and Queen Mary 2 have been crossing the Atlantic in Tandem so we have a report on that today too. We have some great ideas for subjects coming up as well including more interviews and of course QE2’s farewell season, so please do keep logging on and as usual your comments are always welcome.

 

Cheers for now- Alastair

Even after four and a half years and over 20 crossings, I still feel enormously proud when I step on board Queen Mary 2. But today was special. Today was the start of the final tandem crossing of Queen Mary 2 and QE2 and the final eastbound Transatlantic Crossing for the Grand Dame before she heads further east to the start of her new life in Dubai.

 

Arriving in Brooklyn, the excitement in the terminal is tangible and feels like a slight vibration, a pre-celebratory energy. Security and check in staff are excited for us and memories of Queen Mary 2 Maiden Voyage return. I feel as I do every time I step on to the ship. I feel as though I am the start of a great adventure, and I have the whole glorious time stretching out in front of me… I feel as though I have the best job in the world.

 

My role on board for this voyage is to host a lady from a world renowned publisher who is teaming up with Cunard to present a series of high profile speakers on board with an exciting twist. At this stage I can’t say too much more but our new partnership is due to launch next April. Having boarded the ship, my first stop is to meet with the Entertainment Director, David Pepper, discuss the timetable of the talks and entertainment on board and to run through the highs and lows of recent weeks. There’s a lot to discuss with the recent Ian Fleming Centenary Voyage. Queen Mary 2 transported the Ian Fleming Bond Exhibition on the first leg of its world tour from Southampton to New York for the inaugural exhibition at Bonhams.

 

Soon, David and I are joined by Robert Hardman, series writer of the BBC Documentary “The Monarchy At Work”, six one hour episodes which form a series to be screened on PBS. The American version has an additional episode with more unseen footage of the British Royal Family – so we are proudly presenting a ‘World Premier’ on board. This voyage also sees the return of one of our most successful Cunard Insights speakers Barry Brown Documentary Maker of the ‘Hollywood Greats’ and two new speakers include Dr. David Whitehouse from the Royal Astronomical Society and Dr. Eric Dolin a marine expert talking about the history of whaling – which took grip of the islands not far from New York over 250 years ago.

 

The ship holds a magic. This magic works a spell with time. This magic is intertwined with a new vocabulary which everyone adopts on board.   The days of the week are replaced and we no longer refer to Monday, Tuesday or the weekend. We talk about the first, second and third sea days and these time units are punctuated by ‘formal night’, a Ball in the Queens Room, Captains Cocktails and Martinis in the Commodore Club. Soon this becomes the norm and I’m shocked once again to notice how quickly I adapt to the luxury and attention on board. Gaining a dignified balance between professional politeness and embarrassed gratefulness towards my on board colleagues who serve me the bars and restaurants is not always easy. I’m always proud to be associated with them in front of guests and people I bring aboard the ship.

 

Sailaway starts at around 5.30pm and I join my companion from the publishers up at the Terrace Bar on Deck 8 aft. The weather is warm, on the better side of humid, but the soft breeze reminds me we are no longer in summer.  We set sail along the Hudson, passing alongside the Statue of Liberty and wait for QE2 to join us. Musicians from the Queens Room are playing on deck with a set list from the trad jazz era. It feels suitably traditional and as the World’s Press and NYPD helicopters swoop above and the water hydrant ships spray coloured water we spot our sister ship in the distance. Queen Mary 2 blows her horn -  a maritime metaphorical hat tipping towards the wisdom of an older relation? Whatever it is, there is a definite element of respect in this gesture as fellow guests on board wave their flags and cheer QE2.

 

She moves majestically towards us and Queen Mary 2 turns slightly to the side leaving enough room for her to catch us up and sail beside us, eventually taking the lead guiding us towards the Verrazano Bridge. Guests on board both ships whoop and cheer, flags are waving and cameras are flashing. It’s a very proud moment in Cunard’s history. As she sails by the port side of Queen Mary 2, we make our way inside and up to Deck 9 forward to the Commodore Club, from here we can watch QE2 sail in front of us as she guides us slowly towards the bridge. The light is fading quickly now and it’s not long before darkness provides the backdrop for the glistening ships. Both ships are moving very slowly and everyone is savouring the final moments of the Tandem Hudson Goodbye. As we close the distance with the Verrazano, we gain in speed and with optical reassurance the QE2 seems to slip easily under the Bridge, whilst Queen Mary 2 follows protectively behind.

 

The video below shows spectacular footage of our two Queens departing New York together for the last time.

 

Thank you again for your comments and it’s good to be hearing from some regular bloggers already. Please keep those suggestions coming in and yes Jerry I’ll work on that interview with Captain Paul Wright soon. Also a big thank you to Warren Smith for his blog last week; it was great to hear how “The Grand Lady of the Seas” is still held with so much affection around the British Isles, with fitting tributes wherever she went. Warren has written about the rest of his voyage below including some wonderful comments from some of the crew. Meanwhile it is another emotional time this week, as QE2 completed her final westbound Transatlantic Crossing to New York in Tandem with Queen Mary 2. Before we get to that historic event here’s what happened this week, 9^th to 16^th October, in Cunard’s History:-

 

October 9 1967

 

Captain Read was advised that Caronia was to be sold nearly 18 years after she had been launched by Princess Elizabeth (H.M. Queen) at John Brown’s Shipyard, Clydebank, She was known as the ‘Green Goddess’ because of the colour of her hull.

 

October 11 1973

 

QE2 makes her maiden call at Halifax, Nova Scotia.

 

I actually left Queen Victoria this voyage to go on leave for a couple of months. Yes I know working on a Cunard liner is a great environment to work in, and some may question the need for a break, but it’s always good to be home. So I am writing this from home in Wiltshire, England and believe it or not enjoying the damp Autumn days – well for the moment anyway! However I will still be blogging every week and paying visits to QE2, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria as they come in and out of Southampton as well as preparing for the upcoming World Cruise, so there’ll be lots to tell you about between myself and guest bloggers. Still in the Mediterranean, Queen Victoria is now in the very capable hands of Amanda Reid as Entertainment Director, who many of you will know from Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 and a few years before that as a dancer on QE2, although she’d probably rather me not say how long ago! I’ll be asking her to guest blog soon but in the meantime it’s time to handover to my fellow Entertainment Directors.

 

Cheers

 

Alastair

 

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE CONTINUED … Warren Smith, QE2 Entertainment Director

Greenock

 

It is Sunday October 5^th 2008 and we made our way towards QE2’s birthplace, Greenock in Scotland. The morning seemed like any morning at sea with the usual events, activities and seminars taking place in all the Public Rooms. Lecturing this morning was John Whitworth, former Managing Director of Cunard, who worked at the time of QE2’s ‘Conception to Launching’, which ideally was the name of his talk…

 

It was 10.30am in the morning as we entered the Clyde Channel… ETA Greenock 12.30pm. The shoreline dotted with admirers who were enjoying the finest of Scottish workmanship as QE2 made her way up the Clyde; in the background you could hear the faint sounds of Scottish pipe music as QE2 was welcomed by a flotilla of boats that proceeded to cheer her up the Clyde. The weather, well, not a typical Scottish day to say the least, was at its very best. ‘The sun does shine on the righteous…’

 

Soon after our arrival a party atmosphere prevailed over the city of Greenock and throughout that afternoon the crowds still came. Multitudes descending towards Greenock Dock to witness the legend. A pathway to the ship was created and visitors were charged a pound to view QE2 from the quay. Over twenty thousand pounds sterling was raised, all of which donated to a local charity. There is a lot of love for this Grand Old Lady of the Seas, on board and all around the world; evident from the never ending streams of public admirers.

 

That evening as we sailed the festivities were peaking in anticipation of something special, still with the sounds of Scotland from the shoreline QE2 pushed away from Greenock for the final time. With a long blast from her whistle which was the cue for a dramatic unforgettable twenty five minute fireworks display which lit the Scottish skies above us… ‘Rule Britannia’ playing at this point over our open decks, an emotional moment for everyone on board and ashore… what an honour for us mere mortals to be apart of such a momentous occasion.

Next stop South Queensferry, Scotland… our call for Edinburgh.

 

South Queensferry

 

Our arrival into South Queensferry was rather different than our previous stop in Greenock, the weather had turned and the rain was coming down clearing periodically… a typical Scottish day… but, none the less once again the boats were out to welcome us as we sailed in to our anchorage, ferries full to the rafters with QE2 admirers and the one road that runs through Queensferry was jammed packed with onlookers as our tenders were coming alongside the pier they were greeted with live Scottish piped music and the smiles of proud locals.

 

I managed to get a sole piper to join us on board and sail with us to Newcastle. Louise Marshall Millington came highly recommended and with an impressive résumé, she has been entertaining tourists from all over the world playing the bagpipes and she is often referred to as ‘Scotland’s best known Piper’ or ‘Edinburgh’s piper’ in the press. Louise performed at our sail-away on the open deck, to an appreciative audience, her backdrop being a fireboat water display. Later, she closed out the main show-times in the Grand Lounge after the performance by the Royal Cunard Singers and Dancers… standing ovations and a great close to the day in Edinburgh.

 

 

 

Newcastle

 

We arrived at the Tyne Heads early in the morning and there they were, crowds lining the shoreline once again. This ship QE2 is 41 years old and still pulls in the crowd like no other. Again, fireworks saluted our sail-away. We sailed at 10pm promptly and I was on the Port Bridge wing with Soprano Annette Wardell who was going to do an impromptu song ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ over the address system. It was a rather brisk evening and Annette arrived in a stunning gold dress, ready to perform as if she was at the Royal Albert Hall. The breeze on the Bridge Wing was cutting and Captain McNaught offered her a large blue jacket, which she accepted.

 

As the ship slipped off the dock and the Captain blew her B flat horn, which ricocheted off everything and back, the crowds went absolutely wild on the quay side, wow, what a feeling… very moving, literally… the deck below me shook to the sound of the ships horn as the hairs raised on my neck. Next, the sound of Annette’s voice over the entire open decks, it was ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ to Newcastle and I think there were not only tears in my eyes but, definitely Captain McNaught’s, as this is his home port and absolutely nothing that can match sailing in and out of your home port.

 

The fireworks began behind the aft decks where Guests had the best view. Not only did we have the organised fireworks but as we sailed down the Tyne, locals were setting some off as their own personal final farewell! There where people standing everywhere and the Captains wife Susan McNaught, Annette Wardell, the Bridge Team and myself had a wonderful view as we all watched the crowds waving and cheering us down the Tyne, they seemed close enough to touch… I noticed as we curled around towards the heads there where bands positioned at various locations along that final stretch which created a festive atmosphere, it was just another spectacular sight as we left the heads and headed for open sea and just when we though it was all over another crescendo of fireworks arced behind us as the sounds, crowds and lights of Newcastle faded in our wake as we steamed away.

 

 

 

 

 

Below I have attached comments from the Ship’s Company on what QE2’s final British lap of honour meant to them…

 

• Master QE2, Captain Ian McNaught – Throughout the entire Round Britain Voyage, I was thrilled to see the crowds that came to see our arrivals and departures. Despite her 40 years I am deeply touched by the special place this great ship has in the hearts of the British people.
• John E. Duffy, Hotel Manager, 1981-2008 – It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have been Hotel Manager of this wonderful ship since 1981. The ship may be going but, the memories will last forever
• Paul J. Yeoman, Chief Engineer QE2 – As we approach the final chapter of an epic adventure, I am proud to have played a small part in Maritime history by serving as Chief Engineer on such a special ship as QE2.
• Jason Heskins, Food and Beverage Manager – What a fitting voyage to undertake in the final days of the ocean going life of QE2. A chance for the ship and her company to say goodbye to the ports that have been a part of her life and a chance for the people of the United Kingdom to bid a fond farewell to an icon that has a place in the hearts of everyone, not just those who have had the privilege of sailing on her.
• Roz Price Evans, Executive House Keeper – The round Britain Voyage tugged at every emotion possible, from pride, to joy, to sadness, stress & relief… you name it we had it.. I am glad to be part of QE2’s family. From a true Cunarder.
• Lisa Fanning, Assistant Cruise Director – This Round Britain Voyage demonstrated that QE2 is undoubtedly the fastest, most famous and most loved merchant ship in the world – a legacy she has maintained during her entire 41 years afloat.  A part of history that I am very fortunate to have witnessed…
• Dr. Timothy D. Berlyn, Baby Doc QE2 – Our QE2 brought the sun, gathered a cloud, said goodbye under the blessing of a rainbow… and left a legacy.
• Dan Deedigan, Public Rooms Manager – It was a Fantastic Experience to be present for this Final Round Britain trip. I was very proud to be the last Public Rooms Manager on this Lap of Honor and to be Continuing 40 years of Excellence on QE2.
• Gary Burgess, Chief Cashier – A fabulous farewell to the British Isles from the Best and Most Famous Ocean Liner of them all. Never to be forgotten.”
• Karen Scott, Assistant Tour Manager – Greenock had the best welcome and farewell to QE2 – it was just fantastic.
• Zak Brockman, 3rd Officer, QE2 Bridge – It is hard to describe the feeling. You are on the Bridge, or Mooring Station, for an arrival or a departure, and there are thousands of people waiting to see the ship, to hear her whistle blast one last time, and to wave goodbye. To think of all those people who braved the cold (and at times wet!), to see her final sail-ways is overwhelming. It gives me a huge sense of pride to think I was part of it and have sailed on board the British Merchant Navy’s finest ship.
• Brian Young, Casino Manager – The last British Isles Voyage reiterated how much QE2 is adored by the country, the reception in all the ports was just awesome, I especially enjoyed South Queensferry (Edinburgh) and Newcastle as I have lived in both for almost my entire life.
• Susan Smith, Receptionist Purser Office – The British Isles Voyage was just fantastic, it showed just what QE2 means to so many people, what a wonderful way to say goodbye…

Firstly, thanks again for all messages and comments especially from those who I have sailed with and from those of you around the Cunard world.  It’s another very busy week for Cunard, so I’ll start the blog with our new feature from last week. Here’s: “This week in Cunard’s History” for the week of the 3^rd October to the 9^th October:

 

October 4 2001

On QE2 Captain R.W. Warwick (who of course became Commodore) performed the wedding ceremony of his daughter Rebecca in Boston

 

October 5 1994

QE2 rescues three seaman who are transferred from fishing the vessel ‘Gail Ann’ in Mid Atlantic

 

This week it’s my pleasure to introduce our first of many guest Bloggers. QE2’s Entertainment Director – Warren Smith has reported on how things are progressing with QE2’s Farewell to the British Isles Voyage in my special guest area of this blog. But I am busy building my database and I have to tell you it’s fascinating to read. I have also found some comments on the Cunard website from Carol Marlow, our President and Managing Director which may answer some of your questions about QE2 and her life at Cunard.

http://cunard.co.uk/news/default.asp?Cat=&View=ViewArticle&Mode=News&ContentID=7308&Active=News.

 

Keep the comments and postings coming in and I look forward to sharing more of the Cunard world with you next week, where we’ll have information from the Tandem Transatlantic Crossing of Queen Mary 2 and QE2 as she crosses to New York for the final time.

 

 

Cheers for now- Alastair

We started our final lap of the British Isles with QE2 full to capacity and a feeling of sadness and excitement all at the same time… Captain Ian McNaught at the helm and everyone poised for a Legendary, Elegant and Memorable Voyage… Our first stop Cherbourg, France…

 

This was not to be, the weather was against us and the Captain made the decision to press on to Cobh, Ireland for an overnight… an overnight to be enjoyed by both guests and crew alike…As usual there was plenty happening onboard during the first couple of days such as seminars in the Yacht Club and dance classes in the Queens Room. Maritime Historian William Miller’s Lecture captivated a packed house in the theatre and as always Carol Marlow’s talk on ‘Queen Victoria and a Year in the Life of Our Cunard Queens’ was fascinating.

 

We arrived into Cobh at around 3pm with crowds of people welcoming us as we came alongside… The gangways were jam packed as guests proceeded ashore to enjoy the sights and sounds of Ireland… What a sail out! Everywhere you looked, people lined the shoreline and every vantage point to say a final farewell to QE2…

The next day we arrived in Liverpool, England and everyone was anticipating a spectacular day there… and it was… the Celebratory QE2 Concert at Liverpool’s magnificent Anglican Cathedral was unbelievable. What a venue… the cathedral is one of the largest in the world and just an absolute splendour, and yes it takes your breath away…Nearly two thousand in attendance and there was not a dry eye in the house, the service was deeply touching, with performances by The Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra combined with the Liverpool Cathedral Choir, Natasha Marsh and Jon Christos who where absolutely impressive to say the least… Time to Say Goodbye left a lump in everyone’s throat… and what a sight when the Band of the Welsh Guards marched up the isle and Natasha broke into Jerusalem…

A 39 foot ‘Paying Off’ Pennant, the largest in Cunard history, 1 foot for every year the QE2 has been in service was presented to the Lord Mayor of Liverpool…The tributes paid to QE2 included one by Dame Beryl Bainbridge in which she talked about the progress of time and how things we love change and move on. Amongst others, QE2’s former Captain Robin Woodall, Carol Marlow and Captain Ian McNaught each delivered wonderfully moving tributes to QE2 and a resounding rendition of Rule Britannia with plenty of passion and flag waving perfectly rounded off a truly unforgettable event…Take a look at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7651948.stm  to see for yourself some clips from this wonderful occasion.

 

When QE2 started to untie from the berth for her sail-away there were spectacular fireworks which lit up the Liverpool sky and soon after the Beatles Tribute Band kicked off at the Funnel Bar… It was not so much a final farewell but, a celebration of what Liverpool means to Cunard and to QE2…As we moved away from the berth QE2 sounded her whistle to let everyone know who has the best baritone in the industry, prickling the hairs on your arms… What a finish to a very special day!

 

Belfast was yet another fabulous sail in with a flotilla of boats escorting us in, we came along side at around 2pm… Once again the locals where out to welcome QE2 despite the poor weather…On the crossing to Belfast HMS Ark Royal paid a surprise visit and came alongside to pay her respects and just before arriving the Red Arrows gave us an amazing display with their death defying stunts to an excited and captivated crowd from the QE2’s aft decks.

That morning Commodore Ronald Warwick’s lecture in the theatre ‘The QE2 Story’ was standing room only… He is a well loved Captain with crew and guests alike…In the evening the Local Show ‘Gaels Afloat’ dazzled the guests in the Grand Lounge with audience participation, Irish dance, music and lots of good ole’ Irish humour… The old favorite ‘Danny Boy’ was definitely a crowd pleaser…The Beatle’s Tribute Band performed after the Local Show, and oh my goodness I have never seen the Queens Room so alive with the rhythms and sounds of ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’, ‘Hello Goodbye…’ and all those Beatles favorites… very reminiscent of a bygone era…

 

Richard Curtis, Cunard’s Head of Marketing was on QE2 for her call into Greenock and was kind enough to give me a few words on the arrival:

 

As we made our way to Greenock on Saturday morning we were treated with one of those perfect (and very rare) autumn days – chilly and fresh but not a cloud in the sky! Sailing towards the approach of the Clyde we were first greeted by type 42 frigate HMS Manchester who made a graceful sweep around us and the followed closely behind, occasionally speeding up and drawing level.

Over the next hour she was joined by more and more boats, every one packed full with admirers of QE2’s beauty and grace and to cheer and wave their best wishes.

 

As we got closer to Greenock the flotilla swelled further to several hundreds and included craft of every shape and size including speed boats, pleasure cruisers, yachts, jet skis and several Scottish Isles ferries specially chartered for the day.

On the banks of the Clyde every conceivable space was taken by rapturous admirers franticly waving and cheering. See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7651286.stm for a video of her arriving in Greenock.

 

Finally at 12 noon as we approached her berth QE2 sounded her whistle and was answered by a cacophony of every conceivable pitch.

 

Such a special moment that sent many thousand shivers down the spines of all fortunate enough to be there, and which will always be remembered as one of those very special and unique Cunard moments.

 

After a resounding send off from Greenock with many thousands of QE2’s fans and admirers enjoying yet another spectacular firework we headed on our way towards Edinburgh and Newcastle which I will tell you more about in a few days time.  Also, thank you to Richard Curtis for supplying these pictures of QE2 on this wonderful voyage!

 

Warren

Firstly, thanks again for all the viewings and more postings.  It’s also great to hear from those of you I have sailed with, on our different ships, in the past. Judging from your feedback, it seems this is just the beginning, so I look forward to hearing more from you and inviting my colleagues around the fleet to Blog as well. We now have a few ideas for upcoming weeks, and thanks to Kazzie for asking about a lecture I did on Queen Victoria, about the building of the ship, which I presented on the World Cruise. I have a few subjects to get to first but will work on that including some fascinating pictures of her construction. Also I will make sure you are the first to hear about the progress on Queen Elizabeth, so as the cliché goes – watch this space.

 

I know as Cunarders we all share a love of the history of the company, and enjoy taking a nostalgic look back in time. With that in mind I thought we could try a new feature called “This week in Cunard’s History” which I will include in the Blog. So here’s the first one for the week of the 26^th September to the 2^nd October:

September 26 1934 
The 80,744-ton Queen Mary is launched at Clydebank and becomes the first merchant vessel to be launched by a member of the Royal family (Her Majesty Queen Mary). Because of her French arch rival (The Normandie), she was launched with a bottle of Australian wine

September 27 1938
The Queen Elizabeth 83, 673 tons becomes the largest liner ever built. She is launched by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

September 27 1967
Queen Mary sails in to New York for the last time completing her final transatlantic crossing, with 1,400 passengers on board including the designer John Brown incognito. Shortly afterwards she sails for Long Beach, California.

October 1 1971
QE2 makes her Maiden Call Boston, USA

October 1 1972
Completion of the Queens Grill Penthouses addition to QE2

October 1 1979
QE2 makes her maiden call to Boston, Massachusetts

Before I get to the David Hamilton interview, here’s what’s being going on around the fleet after last week’s milestones.

 

QE2 has bid farewell to Canada and New England (she returns to New York, just one more time on her final westbound transatlantic crossing beginning on the 10^th October), and on Tuesday started her “Farewell to the British Isles Voyage”. We are hoping to have QE2’s Entertainment Director, Warren Smith as a guest Blogger next week, to tell us all about the voyage.

 

As you know from last week’s Blog Queen Mary 2 completed her 100^th crossing marking another key date in her history and is now enjoying her “Autumn Sojourn” visiting New England as well as the birth place of Samuel Cunard – Halifax Nova Scotia.

 

Meanwhile here on Queen Victoria we have being enjoying new ports of call with our maiden visit to Odessa and Yalta. To get to there the ship had to go through the Bosporus (or Bosphorus) Strait. It is the world’s narrowest strait used for international navigation and connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara (which is connected by the Dardanelles to the Aegean Sea, and thereby to the Mediterranean Sea). It is approximately 18 miles long so leaving Istanbul at lunchtime gave us some spectacular viewing and an opportunity to see Queen Victoria going under the two bridges that connect Europe (Rumelia) and Asia (Anatolia). It’s funny how we all instinctively hold our breaths, and may be even duck, as we go under but of course the Captain and Bridge team had planned everything in advance, to ensure there is enough of a gap to squeeze through, and in this case it was just 9 metres!

 

 

When we arrived at our berth in Odessa, we had a prime spot, where we could walk straight off the ship and within a short walk were in the centre of the City. This is a fascinating port and although quite a few ships do visit each year, you get the feeling that tourism hasn’t affected the city that much. You certainly felt a little bit more like a fly on the wall watching the locals going about their daily business and routines. Certainly fashion seems to be in a bit of a time warp, so if you want to see mullet haircuts and drain pipe jeans; Odessa is the place for you. It seems they also like their beer rather a lot as I can’t remember visiting a port where so many beers are on offer and in so many places including news agents! Clearly I had to try one or two for research purposes and yes they were very good. The city is undergoing a huge transformation with a lot of construction taking place and clearly they are investing a lot in their city, so I have a feeling it will be very different when we next visit. They have recently completed the magnificent Opera House and I was amazed to see you could go and see “La Traviata” for just £5 ($9), and for the very best seat in the house £20 – what incredible value.

 

This is the view from the aft lido deck of the ship, of the 142 metre long Potemkin Stairs constructed between 1837 and 1841, which was made famous by the 1925 film “Battleship Potemkin” by Sergei Eistenstein. It’s a very impressive way to enter the city and you can of course walk up or take the small funicular along the side. 

 

The Sailaway was one of the most impressive I have seen since some of the ports on the World Cruise. It seemed the whole city was out to wave us off and as one guest told me as we watched the crowds “I suppose it would have been like this in the old days of the transatlantic crossings”. It was also lovely to see our 37 Ukranian crew being able to proudly show their families around their place of work and show off the ship (this was once we had resolved some rather interesting immigration issues – they do things very differently in this part of the world!). It was great to see families reunited and of course it was an emotional send off for them waving good bye to loved ones as we set sail.    

But what a send off, the atmosphere was amazing as a spontaneous exchange of gifts took place from guest balconies and those on the pier. I think our guests were donating their turn down chocolates in return for – well I don’t know what was thrown back but the thought was there and I am sure we will all remember that Sailaway for years to come.

 

Now it’s time to chat to Queen Victoria’s Hotel Manager, David Hamilton and before I get to the interview this is his story so far:-

 

Brought up in Salisbury, Wilts, where he still lives, David attended a prep school on the Somerset coast of the Bristol Channel, and later Allhallows School on the Devon Coast. His first seagoing employment was with Union Castle Line, for whom he had worked on shore for some four years before “taking the plunge” and joining Pendennis Castle as Assistant Purser in January 1974. In 1976 he transferred to the Windsor Castle and remained with that ship until 1977 when Union Castle ceased operating and David joined Cunard, being appointed to the Cunard Countess, where he spent many happy years sailing the Caribbean gaining experience and promotion. In 1990 he was appointed relief Purser of Cunard Countess/Cunard Princess, and spent the next three years sailing the Caribbean on the Countess and the Mediterranean on the Princess. In 1994 David was appointed Purser of QE2 although he sailed aboard Vistafjord, Sagafjord and Dynasty around this time, later progressing in 1997 to relief Hotel Manager of QE2. In 2002 he was promoted to Hotel Manager and assigned to the Caronia (formerly the Vistafjord). In 2004 he returned permanently to QE2 and remained with her until August of 2008 when he joined Queen Victoria. His hobbies include cycling, backgammon and looking for his golf balls in the more remote parts of golf courses. Although he still has an apartment in Salisbury, David spends much of his leave time with his partner Kelly who lives in Australia and whom he met aboard QE2.

Firstly please could you describe your role on board?
As Hotel Manager I have overall responsibility for the smooth running of hotel operation of the ship. With over 650 members the hotel department is the largest department and in simple terms, with the support of our colleagues in the marine and technical departments, delivers the guest service, entertainment and experience both on board and on land. Victualling, entertaining and providing the creature comforts for 2000 guests and 1000 ship’s company whilst moving them from port to port, safely and on time is no small achievement and I am proud to be a part of the team who accomplish this every day.  

What is the most frequent question you get asked – and what is the answer?
Probably a combination of ‘ How long have you been at sea ‘  and ‘do you still enjoy it’  The answers are 34 years and for someone who only ever intended to go to sea for a couple of years – I think that’s a given

 

What were your feelings about leaving the QE2 for the last time?

Definitely sadness and some disappointment that I will not be there with the many friends, both guests and ship’s staff, who will be on board for that final and historic voyage but at the same time, not entirely unhappy to miss the more sentimental moments.

 

Would you have liked to see the ship to the end?

Although there are some great occasions and therefore memories yet to happen, I am comfortable to have disembarked and left her the way I will always want to recall her, ready for sea.

 

What were your thoughts as you walked up Queen Victoria’s gangway, what were your pre-conceptions about the ship?

I don’t think I had any pre-conceptions, because I had visited Queen Victoria on two occasions prior to actually joining her and I had seen the magnificent interior designs, but her size, comfortable atmosphere, elegance and the scope of the guest facilities continue to be a source of pleasure and pride.

 

What were the most surprising aspects of Queen Victoria you have discovered since being on board?

I think most impressive is a better term – however the answer would have to be the detail that has gone into the design and building of the ship the richness of the public areas.

 

Could you describe the reaction from guests you have sailed with before who you have now met on Queen Victoria?

In a number of ways similar to my own – we will always have and be able to share fond memories of QE2, great voyages, great people but we are experiencing and creating what will be the future – Elegant, Memorable and Legendary to borrow a phrase.

 

Where is your favourite place on board?

I think the answer to that one has to depend on the time of day and whether one is looking for a lively show, a quiet and private dinner or simply a chance to watch and listen to the sea but it takes a lot to beat the views from the Commodore Club.

 

What message would you have for QE2 guests who have yet to experience Queen Victoria?

Having been aboard for just over a month now, I have to say that I feel very much at home and indeed was made to feel very welcome from day one.  Yes there are some things that are not exactly as they are aboard QE2 but Queen Victoria is a beautiful ship and it’s great to see many familiar features from QE2 developed to be even more stunning on Queen Victoria such as the Queens Room, Golden Lion Pub and the Royal Court Theatre is nothing short of spectacular. Above all the friendliness and morale of the ship’s company (quite a number of whom you will know from QE2) are as we know and expect them to be on board a Cunard ship, and I am confident she will become another legend.

 

What would be your favourite golden nugget of advice to Guests coming on a Cunard voyage for the first time?
Take time to experience and enjoy somewhere that I hope and believe you will find quite amazing

 

What does “We Are Cunard” mean to you?

To me it means an acknowledged standard of excellence in behaviour, service and people – a yardstick to judge how something should be presented, provided and operated. In other words “The White Star Way”.

 

If you could pick any shore excursion to go on what would it be?

I have always wanted to take the Garden Route in South Africa.

 

Where would you like to go in the world that you haven’t been to yet?

Petra

 

When you are on leave; what is your perfect night?

An extravagant seafood dinner with my partner Kelly

 

Do you have any dreams you have yet to fulfill?

I have always admired people who play musical instruments, especially the piano, so although it may be a little late I would love to learn to play the piano.

  

What is your favourite quote and who said it?

It’s only those who never do anything who never make mistakes – Sorry I don’t know who said it!

 

Thank you David for taking the time to chat – I’m always amazed how many things a Hotel Manager looks after, which is a huge responsibility.

 

Well that’s it for another week – keep the comments and postings coming in and I look forward to sharing more of the Cunard world with you next week, where QE2’s Entertainment Director, Warren Smith will be a Guest Blogger reporting from QE2’s busy “Farewell to the British Isles Voyage”. I am sure we are all looking forward to seeing the pictures and sharing the experience.

 

Cheers for now- Alastair