Thread: Was Cunard right to sell QE2 when they did?

Originally Posted by Robert W

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.

Very well said Robert

I did not understand why people liked balconies, untill I spent a week in a balcony cabin on QM2 last week. Now I know . I wil just have to keep booking inside cabins and hope for a visit from the upgrade fairy.

After our last cruise I insist on a minimum of a balcony. If I have been unable to go out onto the balcony while I was recovering from Noro, I would have gone crazy.

Originally Posted by Cruise Liner Fan

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

Just this morning here is some news concerning the SS United States http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20...onic_ship.html Regards,Jerry

Originally Posted by Cruise Liner Fan

Just this morning here is some news concerning the SS United States http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20...onic_ship.html Regards,Jerry

I'm sorry that the link will not work.The story is that a local philanthropist will offer to donate $300,000 to aid in the purchase of the SS United States. Regards,Jerry

Here is the story:

Phila. philanthropist to aid purchase of iconic ship

By Robert Moran
Inquirer Staff Writer

Local philanthropist H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest has pledged a $300,000 matching grant to help a nonprofit purchase the SS United States, the iconic Cold War-era ocean liner docked in South Philadelphia.

The record-setting 990-foot vessel, which has languished at Pier 82 for more than a decade, was offered for sale in January by Norwegian Cruise Lines for an estimated $20 million.

A spokesman for the SS United States Conservancy was not immediately available yesterday to elaborate on the nonprofit's matching-grant announcement or say how much has been raised.

Tomorrow night, an awareness program and buffet diner to benefit the conservancy will be held at the Ikea store that sits across Columbus Boulevard from the rusting hulk.

The program will feature a panel of speakers including conservancy president Susan Gibbs, who is the granddaughter of the ship's famed designer, William Francis Gibbs. The program will start at 6.

Walter Cronkite, who died this month, was the honorary chairman of the conservancy. He called the vessel's neglect "a crime against history."
In 1952, the SS United States set the trans-Atlantic speed record on its maiden voyage - a mark that still stands.

Besides being an ocean liner - President Bill Clinton was a passenger on a 1968 voyage to England to pursue his Rhodes Scholarship - the ship was outfitted so that it could carry an infantry division more than 10,000 miles without refueling.

It was retired in 1969.

Phila. philanthropist to aid purchase of iconic ship | Philadelphia Inquirer |

Thanks Char Regards,Jerry

I judt found this youtube video.It is filmed from the deck of the QM2 last March when the QM2 was in Dubai docked behind the QE2.Both Queens do salute each other with their whistles. YouTube - QE2 sounds her whistle to Queen Mary 2 in Dubai. Regards,Jerry

Lets hope they save the SS United States, it's enough to make you cry when you see pictures of the state she is in now.

Originally Posted by Lanky Lad

Lets hope they save the SS United States, it's enough to make you cry when you see pictures of the state she is in now.

Stephen, About once or twice a year I do drive down to Philadelphia from where I live in Northern New Jersey.It is a distance of about 100 miles.As a matter of fact I live in what is considered to be a suburb of New York City.The SS United States is docked in Philadelphia at Pier 82.Pier 82 is surrounded by a chain link fence and the site is guarded by a security guard.This means that unauthorized people are not allowed beyond the gate.This means that the SS United States can be seen outside the chain link fence about 300 feet away.I have asked the guard if I can go to the edge of the waterfront to get a close view of the ship.Of course the answer is always NO.I wish that dumb guard would fall asleep at his post so just for once I can get close to the SS United States.What do these people think I'm going to do? Steal the ship? Yes I will tie one end of a rope to the back of my car and the other end of the rope to the bow of the SS United States and I will steal her But seriously they should open up the SS United States for the tourists.Regards,Jerry