Queen Elizabeth 2/Queen Elizabeth

[GAV BOY]

I agree. My wife and I will continue to sail with Cunard, in whatever ship, as long as these traditions are upheld. The design of the ship has to move with the times, that's progress. I count myself fortunate to have been aboard QE2 in her second year of operation and believe me, the sentiments being expressed here are nothing new. The onboard experience is the most important thing for us. If that changes we'll look elsewhere.

 

K.

 

I of course also love "QE2", :D im so glad i had the chance to Cruise on her so many times, 15 by the end of her service. I also love "QM2" and hope to feel the same about "QV" and "QE".:)

 

For myself it is not only the Ships, but the entire Cunard experience. :p

 

Having tried many other Lines and Ship`s ,i have now decided to continue soley with Cunard, unless an exceptional reason not to transpire`s.

 

Gavin :cool:

[Kindlychap]

I of course also love "QE2", :D im so glad i had the chance to Cruise on her so many times, 15 by the end of her service. I also love "QM2" and hope to feel the same about "QV" and "QE".:)

 

For myself it is not only the Ships, but the entire Cunard experience. :p

 

Having tried many other Lines and Ship`s ,i have now decided to continue soley with Cunard, unless an exceptional reason not to transpire`s.

 

Gavin :cool:

 

Indeed. I feel grateful that I've been with her for what will be the last five years of her life, from the I first boarded on 19 September 2003 to the last time I will disembark on 30 September 2008.

 

She will leave me with lovely memories of a wonderful and inspiring ship. And, equally importantly, some lovely people I have met along the way.

 

I hope to continue this with QM2 and QE. I exclude QV simply because I'm not really prepared to fly to the Mediterranean to cruise. I would do it if I could do it by train - so please Cunard, if you base QV in the Mediterranean, base QE exclusively ex-Southampton, as her elder sister now does.

 

That would be the best way to get me on board - and (I'd venture to suggest) others who, like me, dislike flying.

 

Matthew

[K.sailaway]

Perhaps the single supplement should depend on how far ahead you book combined with the number of unsold cabins at that time. For example, pay 100% more when you book early to guarantee getting an available cabin, pay 75% more for any cabin available more than a month ahead, and pay 50% more for any cabin that hasn't been booked with less than one month to go.

 

Paul

 

That's a good approach and it would be nice to see it happen. It would make a change from upgrading to maximize capacity.

 

When I first started cruising, sometimes by myself, more than 35 years ago berths were sold seperately. It was possible to book one berth in a two-berth cabin or even in a four berth cabin for no extra charge. Yes, it was gamble but I'm still in touch with half a dozen 'strangers' I met this way. My wife and I had dinner with one of them only a couple of months ago - met him in 1969! Only last weekend I took a call from another I met on QE2 in 1970, proving how cruising friendships endure.

 

K.

[GAV BOY]

And, equally importantly, some lovely people I have met along the way.

 

 

 

Matthew

 

Wait until you meet me Matthew !!! :eek: :p

 

Gavin :cool:

[Kindlychap]

Wait until you meet me Matthew !!! :eek: :p

 

Gavin :cool:

 

Indeed. There has to be the odd (in this case, very odd) exception! ;)

 

Matthew

[GAV BOY]

Indeed. There has to be the odd (in this case, very odd) exception! ;)

 

Matthew

 

Me Odd :eek:

Who told you that :confused:

Was it Myles :eek:

[Lanky Lad]

I'm afraid that economics has to trump sentiment.;)

 

It's not sentiment, it's service. There is a demand for single rooms, there should be a supply. It has come to a sorry state where we the paying customers are told we take what is on offer or leave it. :mad: :mad:

[3rdGenCunarder]

If Kathy feels the modern lines with their balconies will not satisfy the QE2 old-timers then they may be stuck in a loop because if the new ships of Cunard can't satisfy them then just take a look at the competition? Much the same? In fact if there is a real criticism to be laid on the two new ships is the possibility that they will have no individual character and instead be carbon copies of things already floating out there! At least the QM2 and QE2 are one-offs.

David

 

My problem is not with the balconies themselves, but the insular nature of cruising that they foster, and the mindset of the passengers they attract. QE2 has a lot of small cabins (I've been in some of them), and passengers don't spend all day in the cupboard, um, cabin. Instead, they make use of the public spaces, which leads to mingling and interaction with other passengers.

 

But give people private balconies and they sit there, rather than in the public rooms. I blame Americans for the changes in cruise ships. We (not all of us, certainly not me, but many of us) scream for tables for 2 rather than having to sit with--gasp!--strangers. We want big TVs and DVDs and stereo systems in our cabins so we don't have to get out and mingle.

 

And what is there to get us out and about on most ships, other than the pool (if its sunny) or bingo? Cruise lines seem to think Americans want brain-dead vacations. On a recent non-Cunard cruise to the Caribbean, a ship that held 3000+ passengers had only one lecturer (on negotiations tactics) and for "scholarSHIP at sea" they offered ceramics painting.

 

I'm hopeful that Cunard will continue to offer enough interesting daytime programs to get people out and about. That could be the difference that sets QV and QE apart from the other floating apartment blocks and keeps the special breed of passenger sailing with Cunard.

Kathy

[exlondoner]

Indeed. I feel grateful that I've been with her for what will be the last five years of her life, from the I first boarded on 19 September 2003 to the last time I will disembark on 30 September 2008.

 

She will leave me with lovely memories of a wonderful and inspiring ship. And, equally importantly, some lovely people I have met along the way.

 

I hope to continue this with QM2 and QE. I exclude QV simply because I'm not really prepared to fly to the Mediterranean to cruise. I would do it if I could do it by train - so please Cunard, if you base QV in the Mediterranean, base QE exclusively ex-Southampton, as her elder sister now does.

 

That would be the best way to get me on board - and (I'd venture to suggest) others who, like me, dislike flying.

 

Matthew

 

If the QV does Baltic cruises from Southampton again in 2009, we will probably try that. Otherwise, as you say, what could be a more perfect start or end to a holiday than an overnight sleeper journey to Barcelona or Rome, or, of course, Venice. What an excellent idea. With reasonable take-up, Cunard could hire a train, a sort of long-distance boat train. :)

[Rotterdam]

I too fell in love w/ the QE2...after 3 cruises & transatlantic crossings - I will be very sad to see her retire...especially to Dubuai...

 

That being said -I feel fortunate to have experienced her over the last 20+ years..as she retires I also know it is the end of an era....

 

On one cruise - at the start of the 2003 World Cruise - I met many elderly people that had sailed on her for many years & had experinced some of the great oceanliners of the 1900's. One women treated the world cruise as her home for many years...there were women who wore beautiful clothing & the real jewelry from ages ago...men were also so well dressed...people that had global travel experience - sadly all this will be gone also.

 

I will have a "major" birthday this coming year...how to celebrate?????? we will be sailing on QM2 in February as our regualr February break....I may pick QE2 or go to the Queen Victoria....I can't live in the past but the future seems to be a step down...I am not quite ready for Seabourn.....

 

A few years ago I sailed on the Norway & had been lucky to have been on her as the FRANCE!!!!! Very little of the FRANCE days were left - but on the last morning at sea I closed my eyes & could recall the first class diningroom as it was back in 1972!!!!! I smiled & let it go.....

 

Whether or not I sail on QE2 again..I know each time I am onboard any ship - I will toast those ladies & gents at cocktail hour...for to be at sea is the magic of it all.......

[songanddance]

From a hotelier's point of view, one does not make cabins for one person; there is no flexibility there. They cannot transform 2 single cabins into a double when needed. Has anyone seen a modern hotel room built for only one person lately? Even though a high percentage of hotel rooms are occupied by one person, all rooms will take two ore more.

 

I'm afraid that economics has to trump sentiment.;)

 

 

This is all true but when I take a hotel room for one, I pay the same rate I would if there were two and in many cases because so many hotels toss in breakfast I pay a rate less the second breakfast.

 

On a ship not only do they wish me to pay a single supplement that can be as high as 100% thereby equaling two peope but unless I really work at it I don't get to eat two complete meals every day at every meal nor do I use twice as many towels and if the cabin has two beds I don't use both beds.

 

Of course I also don't lose twice as much in the casino. at bingo or drink twice as much. But somehow there should be a middle ground where the savings of one vs two balance out the spending of two vs one and there is where the supplement should be.

[Kindlychap]

If the QV does Baltic cruises from Southampton again in 2009, we will probably try that. Otherwise, as you say, what could be a more perfect start or end to a holiday than an overnight sleeper journey to Barcelona or Rome, or, of course, Venice. What an excellent idea. With reasonable take-up, Cunard could hire a train, a sort of long-distance boat train. :)

 

Eurostar to Paris (from us it's easy - we're on the line that goes into St. Pancras. Taxi across Paris, then take the night train direct to either Rome or Venice.

 

Easy. Not cheap, but easy!

 

Matthew

[KarenR_UK]

 

Perhaps the single supplement should depend on how far ahead you book combined with the number of unsold cabins at that time. For example, pay 100% more when you book early to guarantee getting an available cabin, pay 75% more for any cabin available more than a month ahead, and pay 50% more for any cabin that hasn't been booked with less than one month to go.

 

Paul

 

:( Actually that is exactly what I wouldn't like - I want to be able to plan my holidays just like anyone else, and not have to rely on the vagaries of whether the trip I want to do has any cabins left at 1 month out - and as I understand it, though I have never seen these offers:( , they do actually do this now on occasion.

 

Re the one person never spends as much as 2 debate - it depends on the people. On all cruises I have taken so far (5), I have taken a Cunard tour in every port, whereas many couples, because they have the security of being in a couple & feel comfortable making their own arrangements, might not take any.

I drink a bottle of wine every 2 nights (which was more than one couple at my table) and I drink in the bar during the day - there is no attraction for me to take my own alcohol on board - why would I want to drink it alone (I can do that at home:D )

The other solo (a lady in her late 70s) at my table in June was up to 2 or 3 am in the casino, drinking & playing - the other couples at our table were in bed by 11pm.

 

My bills are not low:eek: :o :D

 

Karen

[travel-to-go]

My family has a history with Cunard as well, generally only in the westerly direction. Grandfather came over on the Laconia, great grandparents on the Mary, and many aunts and uncles on various Cunard ships. I too am on the WCC and would love to share stories.

 

KenM

Okay, Ken, When are we getting together!

I want to hear them. Perhaps we can hit that German pub in East Haddam or wherever it is!

Or maybe the Essex Maritime Museum, where we can see the replica of the Turtle Submarine (not the one which "attacked" the QM2 in Brooklyn, but a replica of the same original) and hoist cold ones at the Gris! Marc and I have eaten there before. and it has a nice pub, occasional good music, too!

 

 

But then, Daddy Warbucks, How would I get to hear your wife's stories, also!

Maybe we need to start a new thread about family coming to America! I know Penny has some tails from earlier times also. I have to look for the one family tree I have that takes us back to the Hardwicks of England. I figured, gee, none of my ancestors ever crossed on one of Cunard's ships. Well, gee, then how the heck did they get here! They sure as heck didn't swim! (Of course I am not talking about the part of my family which was reputed to be native born AKA Cherokee) So, who knows? Maybe my ancestors a few generations back DID cross on one of the famous liners!

 

I'm not on the WCC, but on the SCC (early tanning club) the April crossing. Would you two mind changing your plans for me? <G>

 

My thoughts are as a die hard QE2 fan the QM2 does nothing for me, and never will do, at some stage l might:o consider a crossing but never a cruise QE2 is a good size in that you can meet people and meet them again during a cruise.

 

Myles! How can you say that! How will we ever get together and wow all of the staff, crew and other passengers! We've already decided we will make a dynamic Duo that can absolutely take over the ship! How can we do that if you are not on my one scheduled QE2 trip, and you refuse to sail on the Mary? Darling! Don't break my heart this way!

 

And, equally importantly, some lovely people I have met along the way.

 

I exclude QV simply because I'm not really prepared to fly to the Mediterranean to cruise. I would do it if I could do it by train

Matthew

 

Matthew, dearest, You have yet to meet ME!

And I was about to suggest Eurostar continuing on to the Med by transfer. Yes, a hassle, but doable, and by all appearances, affordable to you.

Do consider it. While not the QE2, I think they are trying, on the Vicky, to present exactly the atmosphere that appeals to you, and judging from who they have taken off QM2 for the fitting out, you will have all of the best people on board in the best traditions of service. I suspect Grills Class will be well-appointed, and will have Butler service which will be sin qua non! I really think this is the ship for you. And I suspect she will eventually be doing the Norway Midnight sun, or even maybe some Baltic routes. Just my opinion, but as good as anyone else's! And maybe better able to run in those shallower water ports and run more efficiently with the smaller engines (no gas turbine) that a bigger ship (higher GT) with more expensive propulsion built more to handle ocean crossings. (Understand I am not that knowledgeable about ships' propulsion and navigations systems nor the specs of the two ships, so this is just my supposition- Bad I know!)

 

Karie

[Mayor Kathie]

Hi everyone,if we all think of the QE2 as a wonderfull experience(and I do)nothing is going to change the fact that in a years time it will be no more.I loved the times Tony and I spent on her and will allways have those wonderfull memories, BUT things change ,and I will be taking our daughter Caroline on her in July for 'Tonys wish ' and also going on the Victoria before in May.Miles ,if you felt this way ,why enter the draw when so many people have been dissapointed.Sorry, but thats how I feel ! I guess I have a good excuse at the moment.Karie ,we have to meet some day,we really are a lovley bunch this side of the pond!

p.s.Anyone who has meet us on our lovley QE2 holidays,please join us on the 17th July '08 for a lovley send off!!

With love

Kathie x:)

[travel-to-go]

Kathie,

I suspect by 17 July I will be quite broke! After crossing on QE2 then four days at large, then crossing back on QM2, I fully expect to be in the poor house! But rich with memories!

We still have not decided what to do with our 4 days.

We both like the idea of going to Paris on the Eurostar- Just to say we've been there!

And of course there is London, New Forrest, And as someone has suggested, Yorkshire is really beautiful, and we are coming to know more and more people in the vicinity! (But probably yet a bit chilly in April!)

 

<sigh>

I, too would love to meet you. I cannot tell you how often I think of you and Tony. Tony has become my morality tale for reminding people to live NOW. And to enjoy what you have, and tell your loved ones how important they are to you. I don't recommend people go out and mortgage the future, but enjoy every day that you have as a gift. So know that your painful tale, and Tony's all-too-early demise is still a gift to others to remind them that life could be short. you need to live it now. Tony is affecting the lives (I hope) of people he never knew. So he lives on, in that way.

I cannot think of a nicer memorial.

 

Some day, our paths will cross, I hope! I would be honored to meet you!

 

Karie

[lexxity]

Karie, if you get upto Yorkshire give me a shout and I'll drive over and meet you. Leeds is lovely! Even if you don't like shopping the arcades are very pretty and just browsing is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Or you could come over to Manchester, the best city in the UK! There is a direct train from Southampton! London is a tourist trap, granted it has some fabulous sights, but you're going to get stung at every turn. Come and see the real UK.:D

 

Talking about Tony, I totally agree. My friend lost her Mum last week, 43 years old. 43! What kind of age is that? Get out there and live!

[carlmm]

On a cocktail party the other day Captain Perkins told about having a letter in his quarters by the Queen, confirming the name giving story and Her Majesty continously refering to "Queen Elizabeth the Second" when talking about the ship.

He also confirmed Her Majesty having agreed to launch the new ship Queen Elizabeth.

[dak]

On a cocktail party the other day Captain Perkins told about having a letter in his quarters by the Queen, confirming the name giving story and Her Majesty continously refering to "Queen Elizabeth the Second" when talking about the ship.

He also confirmed Her Majesty having agreed to launch the new ship Queen Elizabeth.

 

Can she be trusted?

 

David