As I mentioned in my previous blog – we will be featuring some guest bloggers to share their experiences of that memorable day and of course it’s always fantastic to hear from readers. We’ll be hearing from QE2 herself very soon but in the meantime it’s a great pleasure to introduce Peter Shanks (Chief Commercial Officer for Carnival UK) with his guest blog.

 Alastair

We started by preparing to welcome HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. He duly arrived and came on board just as it turned 1100. Being the 11^th of November and Armistice Day – we therefore started with a 2 minute silence. To do this in the presence of HRH in front of the famous ‘Falklands Corner’ on deck 2 was very moving indeed. As we stood there, two historic aircraft flew over the ship and dropped a million red poppies over the ship. Given that it was the 90^th anniversary of the end of World War One - this was a very special tribute and carried out in true Cunard style.

HRH then continued round the ship meeting as many of our current and past crew as he could, including past Captains. On arriving in the Queens Room we asked HRH on our behalf to present a specially commissioned painting of QE2 to the Mayor of Southampton. This had been unveiled in June by Her Majesty the Queen when she came to bid farewell this year. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh decided he would say a few words. Marvellous I thought – the time had come for one of his much loved personal insights. The picture was of QE2 in the Solent weaving her way amongst a flotilla of yachts. HRH is a keen sailor and went on to mention that many times he had to take action as this wonderful liner had him in her sights. He went on to say that Cunard then built two even bigger liners to get in the way of his yacht! There we go – mission accomplished. My objective throughout the QE2 farewell celebrations has been to promote the fact that although QE2 is moving on we have two other fabulous liners and Queen Elizabeth on the way – and here we were with HRH endorsing the story himself. He went on to say that his one regret was that he had not had the chance to cross the transatlantic on a Cunard Liner. Now we are about to launch some fabulous offers for Queen Mary 2  Transatlantic Crossings and I will make sure that HRH gets a personal mailing!

Now I have not mentioned the heroes of the piece yet – the Cunard crew. They set about serving lunch for HRH and 70 guests in the famous Princess Grill. They served immaculate smoked salmon, beef wellington and coffee. We only had 55 minutes for lunch before being out on deck for a very special fly-past. The Cunard team delivered – in fact they did it with time to spare and nobody felt rushed. It was a beautiful lunch and our famous White Star Service was very much in evidence.

So out we all went onto the upper decks. We were expecting a Harrier Jump Jet from the Royal Air Force at 1340. Now for those of you who may not know what a Harrier is – it is a vertical take off fighter aircraft. They came into service at the same time as QE2 in 1967 – and played a major part in the Falklands War alongside QE2. So at exactly 1340 the jet whistled in. It stopped dead in its tracks just 500 feet opposite the funnel. It hovered, bowed its nose in respect, turned and then screamed off into the distance at full speed. Unbelievable, one iconic engineering feat paying tribute to another.

We bid farewell to HRH, it had been our pleasure to have him on the ship and he made the day very special indeed – especially for all those amongst our crew that he was able to meet.

Let me now fast forward to 1830, with all guests embarked for the final voyage of QE2. No normal voyage - this is the one that sold out in 36 minutes at full brochure price.  By now the media interest for the departure was at fever pitch. Our President Carol Marlow was hosting a special event in the upper level of the QE2 Terminal. I had volunteered to be the co-presenter on the 60 minute live BBC coverage of the departure. The water was full with hundreds of small boats, tens of thousands of local people lined every inch of water, helicopters were in the air the ship was ready to go and the fireworks were primed.

My strategy for co-presenting the live BBC broadcast soon became apparent to all. No matter what I was asked I was going to refer to the future of Cunard , the wonderful Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria and of course Queen Elizabeth. The wonders of live television – as I have learnt from watching the more astute politicians,  you can say exactly what it is you want to say no matter what the question. After all, why let the facts get in the way of a good story.

Well I sort of achieved my objective, but I have to be honest and say that the evening was of course about a very special lady – the QE2 – and rightly so. Like all good ladies, having been fashionably late in the morning – she left on time to the second. The presenter asked me afterwards , as we stood at the bow , how was I so confident to say live on TV that the ropes would definitely be let go in two minutes and she would come of the berth in four minutes. I told her it was just the confidence I had in the crew – the real answer being the blackberry messages I was secretly glancing at every few minutes.

As to what happened next –pictures say it better than words. QE2 slipped off the berth lit up by flash bulbs from ship and shore and sound drowned out by the band. She moved slowly down to salute the many thousands of local people escorted by hundreds of boats. Just at that moment we relayed a message in person from the Captain to giant screens ashore. He finished his few words with ‘she will never return to Southampton again………………’. Then – the mighty QE2 whistle sounded, everybody cried (except me because I used to play rugby) and the fireworks then lit up the sky.

As the fireworks finished you could just pick up the sound of thousands of people with ‘Three Cheers for QE2 – hip hip , hip hip,  hip hip ‘. And then the QE2 slipped through the dark and off to the next chapter of her life in Dubai.

All of us who work with Cunard are so very privileged to be part of such a legendary company. The one word that binds us all together is ‘proud’ . This was an event of which we can all be proud and an event that hopefully will persuade more and more guests around the world to come and witness the pride we all share.

We are Cunard !

We probably use the word “Historic” rather a lot on this Blog but Tuesday’s Farewell to QE2 in Southampton was that and so much more. Before we get this week’s emotional events, here is “This week in Cunard’s History” for the week of the 7th to the 13th November:

November 7 1970

QE2 makes her maiden Call Durban, South Africa

November 8 1999

Queen Mary 2 General Plans are completed and the first images are released

November 12 1931

The Georgic is launched at Harland & Wolf in Belfast and becomes part of the Cunard Fleet in January 1934.

November 12 1999

Carnival Corporation acquires the 32% of Cunard it did not already own, thus taking control of 100% of the company.

November 12 2007

Crew move on board the Queen Victoria for the first time

It was a day of mixed emotions on Tuesday as QE2 come to her home port for the 726^th and final time on Tuesday 11^th November and her home city came out in their thousands to say their own farewells to a legendary ship that has been part of their history for the last 39 years, since she came in to service in 1969.  I know you will have seen so many reports already, but I will do my best to add my perspective, and try to do justice to an event that was nothing short of momentous.

I always enjoy seeing the ships in their berths as you come in to Southampton but there is nothing quite like the red funnels of Cunard liners and to see QE2 at the berth of her namesake was a poignant moment which stirred many memories and emotions. Southampton was clearly gearing up for the event with special car parks, a big screen in Mayflower Park and TV crews filming all day capturing this amazing day.

Before I arrived in Southampton QE2 was part of the commemorations for Armistice Day (a veteran of service herself during the 1982 Falklands conflict), as one million poppy petals were dropped on her decks in the morning. His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh paid his own tribute at a special reception in the presence of senior officers past and present.

Despite the incredible hard work involved over the last few months of special voyages you had the sense of all the crew pulling out the stops to make this a fitting farewell for such a beloved Queen.  The time came that I had to disembark for the last time as she prepared for her sailaway celebrations and yes the Band on the shore side were playing ”Land of Hope and Glory” as I went down the gangway – did they see me?

Meeting on a balcony overlooking her final Southampton berth I was able to enjoy witnessing one final moment of tradition. President and Managing Director, Carol Marlow introduced QE2’s Master, Captain Ian McNaught who presented the Mayor of Southampton a “Paying Off Pennant” as is tradition when a ship leaves her homeport for the last time.  The magnificent pennant was 39 feet long representing each year of service and it was a very emotional moment for us all as the reality of the event, of her final departure, struck us. 

Then for the last time QE2 gracefully let go of her lines from Southampton to a massive cheer from those on board and on shore, and on the QE2 Terminal balcony everyone crammed as close to the rails as possible to get their final view of a legend that has been described as the closest a ship could be to being human. As she gently moved away from the berth the ships rails were also packed with guests, and you could see crew, still at work in the restaurants and staterooms, stopping work for just a moment to be part of an unforgettable moment.  

QE2 reversed gently to alongside Mayflower Park and as that wonderful whistle blew a salute to her hometown. That was the cue for a magnificent firework display which lit the night sky – no-one in the surrounding area could have missed this very special tribute.

It was quite strange for me having spent so many years at sea, and normally part of these events on board, to witness history from another perspective – from the pier. But it was so fantastic to see the affection that QE2 has quite deservedly gained, and to see that amongst those gathered on the shore side.

We got our final glimpse of the legendary Queen as she passed us for one final time and someone spontaneously shouted “Three cheers for QE2”. Everyone responded with a heartfelt “hip hip hooray” and started hugging one another to share the moment.

As I left in my car I listened to the radio to hear all the reports of QE2’s progress towards the Isle of Wight and the excitement generated by visitors and residents of Southampton. This was a day which no one will ever forget and everyone will have their own personal thoughts and memories as we saw that distinctive red funnel slip into the night. Personally all I could feel was pride that I had been privileged to have had the opportunity to serve on such an amazing ship and was delighted to see that Southampton had said good bye in a true elegant style befitting a legendary Queen.

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.

QE2 in Cobh

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…

Departure from Cobh

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…

QE2 In Liverpool

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.

HMS Ark Royal

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.

HMS Manchester

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.

Greenock

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