Was Cunard right to sell QE2 when they did? - Page 2 - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Cruise Liner Fan · 07-19-2009, 12:47 PM

Stephen, I am a member of the Steamship Historical Society of America and they do have a quarterly publication called Steamboat Bill.Anyway in the Summer 2006 issue of Steamboat Bill,Cunard President Carol Marlow is interviewed and she is asked about the future of the QE2.She did reply that SOLAS 2010 would not stop the QE2 from sailing beyond 2010 and when asked about competition from other cruise ships Carol replied that people choose to cruise aboard the QE2 because she is the QE2.I have heard that the QE2 already had 80% of the work already done to make her compliant with the 2010 SOLAS regulations.Maybe the other 20% of the work was just too expensive for Cunard/Carnival Corp. Regards,Jerry

Lanky Lad · 07-25-2009, 05:28 PM

Thanks Jerry. I think Cunard saw $$$$$ and went for it. QE2 was 40 years old and even if she could get past 2010 how much longer could she have lasted?

Having just come back from QM2, I now know why people who were used to modern ships did not like QE2.

All good things must come to an end, and with any luck, QE2 will be kept more of less as she was, a beautiful and graceful liner.

nealberk · 07-25-2009, 06:01 PM

With a hotel growing out of her middle....... (ouch! hopefully never)

Cruise Liner Fan · 07-26-2009, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lanky Lad

Thanks Jerry. I think Cunard saw $$$$$ and went for it. QE2 was 40 years old and even if she could get past 2010 how much longer could she have lasted?

Having just come back from QM2, I now know why people who were used to modern ships did not like QE2.

All good things must come to an end, and with any luck, QE2 will be kept more of less as she was, a beautiful and graceful liner.

Stephen and Nealberk, I do hope that the QE2 is a success in South Africa,Though it would have been better if she sailed back to the UK instead.Regards,Jerry

nealberk · 07-26-2009, 01:59 AM

Yes, Jerry, but what then?

Cruise Liner Fan · 07-26-2009, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nealberk

Yes, Jerry, but what then?

Nealberk, To use the QE2 as a floating hotel and conference center.Probably in Southampton since it seems that the majority of the UK passenger ship arrivals and departures happen at that UK port and Southampton is the QE2's homeport.Regards,Jerry

Lanky Lad · 07-26-2009, 08:16 AM

I would like to see here in Liverpool where she was planned. It would also mean I could see her more often as it's only about 40 miles from where I live

Cruise Liner Fan · 07-26-2009, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lanky Lad

I would like to see here in Liverpool where she was planned. It would also mean I could see her more often as it's only about 40 miles from where I live

Stephen, Liverpool would also make a great home for the QE2 and Liverpool is also the homeport for the first Queen Mary and first Queen Elizabeth.I admit if the SS United States can be saved as a floating hotel and conference center,I would want to see her homeported in New York since New York is her homeport even though she was built in Newport News,Virginia.And another reason why I would want to see the SS United States homeported in New York is that I live only about 23 miles from the New York piers where she would be docked

Regards,Jerry

Robert W · 07-27-2009, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lanky Lad

Thanks Jerry. I think Cunard saw $$$$$ and went for it. QE2 was 40 years old and even if she could get past 2010 how much longer could she have lasted?

Having just come back from QM2, I now know why people who were used to modern ships did not like QE2.

All good things must come to an end, and with any luck, QE2 will be kept more of less as she was, a beautiful and graceful liner.

QE2 may be moored at Capetown and not left at Dubai. We were on the last Transatlantic Voyage in October. She was then a very tired Grandmother of the Sea. Cunard was proper in respect to seek a gentile and thoughtful retirement. One may hope that the years ahead may be gracioust to a Lady of the Global Seas. Of her heritage, she has left a vision of a time, that is now sweet remembrance. Today, many want the balcony, to wave to the fish and the onshore natives and to have the gin and tomnic shaken, yet not stirred. Her fraility was here golden orb.

nealberk · 07-27-2009, 11:53 PM

Well said, Robert!