Review of QE2 Historic Crossing

[Vic The Parrot]

I have to start by saying that this was one of the best crossings I've experienced! And it
only was my 2nd time around! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Thanks to everyone involved who persuaded me to join them on this special celebration of the life of this grand lady.



DEPARTURE FROM NY



Our sailing from New York that evening was truly a spectacular send-off! I can only imagine what a sight it must have been with the 2 ships side-by-side in the bay!
The fireworks, police and military escorts
added to the thrill, and made everyone onboard feel that this was a memorable affair.

As I was watching the fireworks, I have to honestly say that I felt tears swell up in my eyes, knowing that this was indeed a special occasion in the history of Cunard Line. And I was actually there experiencing it!

And add the proverbial 'lump in the throat'
which made the sailaway feel very different from the usual departures.

Lingering out on deck, enjoying the endless glasses of champagne, absorbing the atmosphere
of that night made it worth being extremely late to dinner that 1st night! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]



THE CROSSING


Once in the open sea, we started feeling what the 'Q4' was built for. It wasn't really that rough, but it was hard not to notice the movement of that great hull thru choppy water.

It seemed that weather front from the midwest followed us into the Atlantic the 1st 2 days.
Gray skies, some whitecaps here and there.

There was 1 day when the sun made a long appearance. We decided to enjoy our lunches
outdoors, poolside, on the 1 Deck lido area.
It was the perfect day to sit outdoors with a burger and good company.

However, all good things must come to an end, and it got gray and raw again. This lasted for the remainder of the crossing, with the exception of a few spurts of sun every so often.

Oh yea.... have to mention "The Other Ship"
that was trying to keep up with us! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]
I was under the impression that the QM2 would only be in viewing distance from time to time.
But it was a treat to see her sailing by every day, to the delight of the QE passengers.

From my vantage point, she always looked bigger. There were times as though she would
swallow us whole! But seeing the QM in her element, with her wake churning behind her, and the impressive bow wave, made her a sight to behold.



THE SHIP


Where can I begin?? [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

As always, QE2 is like coming 'home'
The familiar smells as you walk thru the port
on 2 Deck infiltrate your nostrils.
That antiseptic that stays in the carpets and panelling in the passageways. The smell of the Bronnley soaps as you wash your hands for the 1st time on board.

I heard one author put it this way .
"it's like coming back to your favourite small
European hotel. The kind of place that only improves with age..."

And, he hit the nail on the head!
The only thing I regret is not touching her hull
as I stepped onboard, or departed. I can only hope that I'll spend more time on QE2 in the not too distant future.



SOUTHAMPTON


I was crushed upon learning that we (QE2 pax)
won't be able to partake in the flag-passing festivities that were scheduled that day.
It seemed that the only people who benefitted were the govt types, and a few Cunard reps.

I know, everybody had to get off the ship so they could get her to Germany on time.
(Hey Herlan! .... I want my money back!) [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]


All in all, I have to say that this was an experience that I'll always remember. It really was like coming 'home'. My thanks to the crew
(Sean and Julie in the pub), Vicki in the Lido,
Captain McNuaght, who was, as always, the most
excellent host.

He loved the pin I presented to him on behalf of Crouton. I can only hope that I'll run into Capt Ian on the Dec crossing. Have so much to catch up on!



FINAL THOUGHTS


AS I sit here, going thru 'withdrawal', I'm dreaming of the next time! Doug K, Scott, Ron,
Diane, Rudy, and everyone else who made this crossing the best. Thank you!

Is the QE2 the best ship in the world? Yes

Will she be back? Yes

Will I be on board? YES! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

16 - HAL
9 - Cunard
4 - Home Lines
2 - NCL
2 - Royal Viking Line


"Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines"

[Crouton]

Thanks for the glimpse of what it was like on QE2 Vic. I'm so glad that you and those who really care about her were on board to honor the moment in her history.

There really is a youthful spirit in QE2. There were two times I saw her literally come [I]charging[/I] up along our starboard side (in NY after the fireworks and for the UK aerial welcome), and the energy felt something like a young tiger or jaguar or something -- powerful, fast, playful, and confident.

Very cool. Grrrrrrrrr!

Crouton

[Linerguy]

Vic:

Great comments...thanks.

So, apparently, I'm not the only one who goes around touching the hull of ships, eh? Yep, disembarking QE2, Norway, and QM2, I made sure I reached out and touched the hull.....kinda nuts I know; not sure why. Perhaps as a way of saying "thanks for the memorable trip"....I don't know.

So glad to hear that you enjoyed yourself!

Russ

[Austin]

Vic:

Thanks for taking me along on your crossing -- at least as I read your essay I felt as if I were aboard QE2 with you on that historic voyage. Heartfelt emotions are often difficult to convey yet you managed wonderfully.

At embarkation I always 1) tap the hull of a ship or the fuselage of an airplane twice (with the right hand knuckles) when boarding -- and 2) lightly touch a ship's hull upon debarking. 1) - for a safe journey and 2) in thanks for a superb voyage. Silly habit but it's worked every time!

You will be aboard for QE2's December crossing, I presume? She's indeed a wonderful vessel, manned by a great crew.

Glad that you enjoyed yourself and I appreciate your sharing the voyage with us.

Page

[rexford]

Hi Vic!
I've been on QE2 six times and I agree with you. Each time I feel like I'm returning home. I, too, hope to be on board her again soon!
Thanx for a great posting.

[JPEvans]

Vic. what was the general mood on the QE2? At our "cruise Critic" get together on the QM2. We were discussing that it mood on the QE2 may of been more somber, because it was her last scheduled crossing. And the mood of the QM2 was more festive.

J.P.

[Vic The Parrot]

Hi JP, welcome home!

Hope the 'other ship' (as referred to by Capt McNaught) [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] was to your liking.

I have to say, the general mood on the QE was
actually full of joy. I'm sure there were many moments that others took as a little somber, but
never really noticed any unhappy faces.

The ship was abuzz with a definite electricity, hard to explain. I'll surmise it
as a general feeling of looking to the future.

There were a few who told me that they found the QM2 a 'bit too large' and impersonal.
But giving her a try is definetly in my future plans.

And BTW, I'll have my photos ready soon.
If you'd like some copies, I'll be more than happy to send some your way! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]


Have a good weekend, and catch you soon.


vic

16 - HAL
10 - Cunard
4 - Home Lines
2 - NCL
2 - Royal Viking Line


"Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines"

[Vic The Parrot]

............

16 - HAL
10 - Cunard
4 - Home Lines
2 - NCL
2 - Royal Viking Line


"Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines"

[Calliope]

Vic, I'd be happy to send some of my photos of you if you could send a few of us my way!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"When we presently got under way and went poking down the broad Ohio, I became a new being and the subject of my own admiration. I was a traveler!"
Mark Twain

[Vic The Parrot]

Calliope, you got it!


I'll let you know when they're ready. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]

16 - HAL
10 - Cunard
4 - Home Lines
2 - NCL
2 - Royal Viking Line


"Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines"