This is a truly a very special Blog as it marks the 100^th posting as Queen Mary 2 makes an historic Around The British Isles Voyage. Before I pass over to Peter Shanks (President and Managing Director of Cunard Line), I would like to say a big thank you for everyone’s support over the last 100 postings, including Richard, Matt and Shelley, but most of all to you for logging on and sharing your comments; here’s to the next 100! Now it’s a great pleasure to pass over to Peter on Queen Mary 2

 

I write this from Queen Mary 2. We are just leaving Greenock, with many thousands of people waving goodbye to what has been a spectacular day. Just twenty minutes ago – I pushed the hallowed red button on the bridge to sound our famous whistle and that in turn triggered an awesome firework display to celebrate the occasion. As we left – we heard the sounds of thousands of people singing ‘Happy Birthday’ from the shore – a very emotional, spontaneous and fitting tribute from the people of Scotland celebrating the 5^th Birthday of the finest ocean liner in the world.

 

Today – Queen Mary 2 sailed up the Clyde towards Glasgow for the very first time. Over 120 Cunarders were built in this part of Scotland –  including Lusitania, Aquitania, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, QE2 and our first ever ship Britannia over 170 years ago this year. We were all bursting with pride – our crew, our guests – all of us making history together as the largest ship ever to sail up the Clyde. And yes – we were welcomed by Scottish Pipers.

 

It was also a special moment for me personally as I am a proud Scotsman myself – born in Glasgow. Our lap of honour started in Southampton and over the last few days we have experienced;

 

·         A voyage up the East Coast of England coming close to some famous towns and beaches as we did so. We said a warm hello to Whitby, to Scarborough and Sunderland. You know the coast of the UK is actually very beautiful and the sun shone.

·         As we came into Whitby – Commodore sounded the ship’s whistle in tribute to a friend of his who sadly passed away earlier this year and who had been very active in the Royal National Lifeboat Institution – it is really marvellous when Cunard can play a small and humble part in recognition of things like this.

·         The day in Edinburgh was indeed spectacular with the ship anchored just off the famous bridge – a wonderful sight.

·         We travelled right around the top of Scotland yesterday, through the Pentland Firth, past Scapa Flow, past Old Man of Hoy – this coastline is rarely seen and to see it all the way round was a real treat for all of our guests.

·         Lesley Garret – a delightful and famous British opera singer, performed two concerts to a packed  Royal Court Theatre

·         I was able to deliver a presentation to guests on the forthcoming Queen Elizabeth to a packed theatre. The response was very warm and there is a real sense of anticipation for our next Liner.

 

On board we have 2,600 guests of which over 1,500 are our very loyal and valued Cunard World Club Members. Last night in the Queens Room we were able to thank them for their valued support – it was a real pleasure for us all to see so many familiar faces. I was also able to ask them in turn to give a warm round of applause for the people who lie behind the success of everything we do at Cunard Line – our valued ship’s company.

 

Well – that is all for now. Tomorrow is the big day – we take Queen Mary 2 up the Mersey into Liverpool for the very first time.  As though today on the Clyde was not exciting enough – to take Queen Mary 2 to Liverpool, where Cunard Line was founded 170 years ago should be very special indeed. I will of course let you know how we get on. We will also post some of the marvellous pictures of events over the next few days.

 

I just wanted to share with you the excitement and pride of today. More to come tomorrow I am sure. Since I started writing this – I have heard our ship’s whistle sound 9 more times – with the last one being to say goodbye to the famous Waverley Steamship as she escorted us back down the Clyde – packed with what I hope are hundreds of very happy Scots. We certainly made our mark today……………………….. Thank you Scotland – we will be back!

 

Best Regards – Peter Shanks

President and Managing Director – Cunard Line

 

Thank you Peter, this sounds like an amazing voyage so we look forward to hearing more from you soon. In the meantime I’ll be back on Thursday with the interview with Sir Terry Wogan. Cheers – Alastair

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…

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