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Heard on the Deck

Tragic Fate of the QE2

Bankers overseeing the troubled financial affairs of Dubai have selected assets to be sold off and the QE2 is one of them. Purchased in 2008 for $100 million, her conversion to a hotel and apartment complex has never taken place. Instead, the 70,000-ton, 41-year-old liner sits at Port Rashid. A plan to use her at Capetown as a hotel for the World Cup fell through, and the plan to tow her to Singapore for refitting as a hotel also went by the wayside. Currently, the QE2 is being looked after by an Egyptian crew and is in good condition. During a recent visit to Dubai during the world cruise of the Queen Mary 2, the two liners exchanged whistle salutes. 

 Some suspect that in view of current worldwide financial woes, the QE2 might find her way to nearby India and to the scrappers at Alang. What a tragic fate for such a world famous ship. Like former passengers who loved the QE2, I am deeply sorry to see this happen. She should be preserved in all her glory, similar to the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California.

Cunard’s longest-serving four-strip officer, Hotel Manager John Duffy, received the prestigious Seatrade Insider Cruise Award for “Seagoing Employee of the Year 2008″ in recognition of his long and distinguished service with Cunard and onboard Queen Elizabeth 2. He has served Cunard since 1965 and played a key role in making the QE2 the best-loved ship in the world. He joined the Queen Mary 2 in March 2009. I’ve been aboard the QE2 four or five times with John Duffy and he’s always been hospitable, friendly, and efficient. Good luck on the QM2, John. 

Before her retirement to Dubai in 2008, the QE2 sailed 5.5 nautical miles, more than any other ship ever. She’s carried almost 2.1 million guests, and completed 24 World Cruises. She is the fastest merchant ship in operation–can go faster than other cruise ships and outrun pirateers!

7 Reasons Not to Miss the Boat

A cruise is the next best thing to the fountain of youth to keep you healthy, happy, and young at heart. Here are seven reasons why a cruise gives you the most rewards for your vacation bucks.

1. You unpack once in your stateroom. There’s no waiting in airport lines, missed flights, or lost baggage. But don’t overpack—save room for shopping on the ship and on shore.
2. You can drink the water. Ships are a safe, comfortable way to see exotic world locales while enjoying the amenities of a floating hotel. Lifeboat drills and on-board doctors and medical facilities assure your health, safety, comfort, and peace.
3. You never go hungry. Twenty-four hours a day, you’re wined and dined as world-class chefs prepare gourmet or casual meals, and the service matches the finest restaurants in New York and Paris.
4. You don’t need cash. You pay for purchases and beverages on board with your ship’s identification card. At the end of the cruise, you receive a bill, which includes gratuities, and if you use a credit card, you don’t have to pay until after you get home.
5. You can spend your day sunbathing on deck, being pampered in the beauty salon, or exercising in the spa. Or, you can take part in educational and cultural programs offered by scientists, explorers, and professors. Evenings you can enjoy Broadway-style floorshows, try your luck in the casino, and dance to the music of live bands.
6. You can bring your entire family. A cruise is the perfect place to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, and to renew wedding vows. Toddlers and teenagers have separate supervised activities on board most ships.
7. You’re not getting any younger.

Will you be a passenger on one of the seven ships launched last year or the nine debuting ships this year? Grab your passport and don’t miss the boat. Bon voyage!