Will Cunard help QE2 ?

[Rob Lightbody]

All the assurances in the literature and given to us in person at Captain's cocktail receptions seem rather hollow now, don't they?

If they'd said at the time they were going to abandon the ship in the desert, what would the QE2 regulars have said?

[Cruise_Princess]

ROb they couldnt care less......think we all know that now....they don't even like it when you mentioned the Qe words on the Queen Mary....its just glossed over......they are just happy to get the money....its all just so sad...

[singlemalt]

Should they?
As their most famous & celebrated ship; in my heart I think they should.
However the head says $100 million or whatever it was means the same now as it did when the sale was announced.

Can they?
Financially? No idea.
But am assuming the money pots earmarked for QE as new baby of the fleet are unlikely to be diverted to assist the elder matriarch of the family; should the opportunity ever arise.

Will they?
Honestly, I think no - even though it pains me to admit it.

..... but would be more than happy to be proved wrong! 

[Twynkle]

Seems to be a bit of a muddle between Needs and Desires!

Cunard may actually need QE2 - but don't wish or desire to look after her,
rather like a rich ageing relative!

Nakheel et al may have desired QE2.
Desire gratified, maybe they need to rid themselves now of an expensive and unecessary 'trophy'
gained seemingly (then) without much effort!


Yes - Cunard should must  help QE2-  this would ensure safety for the real treasure of  Britain's  heritage,
for generations to come.
(Think of the SS Gt Britain!) 
This is a seafaring nation - Cunard and US Parent Co, Carnival, have contributed much to make it such.
Now they need to continue what they helped with in the early days of trans-Atlantic trade and passenger travel!
We need them to do this.

Yes - 'Cunard could' - if they reckon that she could pay her own way.

Really hoping that she won't end up on Ebay


 

[LegendOfTheSeas]

I may be wrong, but I believe they stepped in over the original Queen Elizabeth in the early 70's just before her sale to CY Tung, but that could have been a wrangle over money being owed, I don't know. It would have been nice if Nakheel's cheque had bounced, or that they were paying in instalments which they defaulted on but sadly, they paid for her outright as far as I know, or Cunard would have taken her back as quick as.
If Nakheel had not offered Cunard all that money and, bearing in mind Carol Marlow had stated that they didn't see SOLAS 2010 as much of a problem, she'd still be sailing now.

I wish they'd save the old ship from the desert hell hole but they're a business and, when it comes down to it, sentiment goes out the window, unfortunately, or a lot of good ships would still be sailing the seas instead of being laid up or scrapped. However, having said that, while Cunard is a business they are also a group of human beings and, as such, surely feel regretful they parted with that ship and condemned her to an uncertain, and possibly unpleasant, future?

Maybe they care on a personal level but on a public, and business, level they don't give a monkey's.

You're going to get people saying 'oh but it's just a ship, get over it', and these were the politer of some of the rather nasty comments in the 'Have Your Say' section of the local press when she was sold and again when she eventually departed, but take no notice of them, they are soulless fools.

[Richard Coltman]

I think Cunard has an "issue" here.  The QE2 is associated with Cunard like Concorde is with BA and Air France.  They all have a halo effect on their respective companies - I think to a certain extent BA has lived off its Concorde associations despite the fleet retiring.  Cunard is living off the QE2 by evoking associations with her in the new QE, like the Yacht Club.  But in both cases, its when the need too, i.e. for marketing/money making.  The only thing would be if the QE2 fell into disrepair or was threatened with scrapping.  When the Concorde from the Interpid was land-based whilst the Intrepid was refitted recently some prat in a van managed to fetch the nose off Concorde, but if memory serves BA intervened and made sure she got some attention and TLC.  if the QE2 was threatened, I'm sure they would intervene if it were going to affect their image, but otherwise I reckon they'll be hands off.

[Bob C.]

If Cunard was still Cunard and not a susidiary of Carnival or any other company, I believe they'd step in somehow. But then again if Cunard was still Cunard, I don't think they would have let QE2 be in this predicament.

[Jeff Taylor]

Cunard did step in before the sale to Tung, but only because they were still holding the paper--the Ft. Lauderdale sharpies never paid the notes--but Cunard never advanced any funds to support her.  Tung ended up hiring Geoffrey Marr (her final skipper) and the Chief and several engineering ratings to help straighten out her il-maintained boilers for the trip to Hong Kong, but again Cunard wasn't directly involved.  As an aside she barely made it out of Lauderdale and ended up stranded off Aruba for weeks while they flew in boiler tubes and finally got all 12 on line.

[Chris]

Can they - Yes, anything is possible if people persist to make it happen.

An idea: Bring QE2 back to the UK and use her as a "pre cruise" hotel in Southampton. Who wouldn't want to stay overnight in Hotel QE2 before boarding their cruise ship? Sure beats the Holiday Inn!

[Mr B]

Will they ?  ...as Richard said above, only if the worst case scenario for her were to be announced; the negative publicity of Cunard in the media & public eye would be completely overwhelming.

Should they ?  ...just as Chris says, anything is possible, and it would be an intelligent decision for them to do so, (albeit a somewhat humiliating u-turn) as they simply cannot compete against firms such as Royal Caribbean who are really going to change the definition of 'cruising' in the future with a well-oiled marketing machine and "floating cities" targeting new generations of young folk. Cunard have rather lost their brand identity without Queen Elizabeth 2.

Can they ?  ...NOT with the likes of Peter Shanks and co. in the boardroom. I wonder what Samuel Cunard would make of the course the Cunard/Carnival marriage is attempting to navigate ?

[mksmith]

I am currently on QM2 now and QE2 is hardly "offically" mentioned. I ever doubt that Carnvial would ever lend a helping hand and do the right thing. They washed their hands of the QE2 long ago.

[Cunardqueen]

I frankly have trouble believing whats written in the brochures these days.  But then lm of the mindset that lm a passenger and never a guest
 And with the idiot Shanks (remember it was he who said QE2 held the cunard brand back.... ) in charge, we have more hope of flying to the moon than of Cunard even thinking to step in,and really why should they? Remember they sold the family jewels big style ran to the bank with the money and then with some hindsight decided to mess about with the final sailings of QE2 and hastily rearrange something that was l suppose was  fitting for a send off. Hardly a glorious end for the words best ship, then again even P&O had the attitude with the Canberra and her final destination of Alang it wasnt released till she had left the quayside, so perhaps it was P&O that showed Cunard how to do it

 I hardly call the NY send off very fitting and as for being slowed down on the crossings with the other ship, we should have sailed (not cruised) across the atlantic and then when we left New York the Captain should have for for once rung full speed ahead and opened her out, and so what if we arrived a day early (we would still have been ontime in the old days!!!)

It strikes me the fact that they had the best ship in the world for 40 years , and she is now part of history and best not mentioned ever again.

[junglejames]

A lot of you seem sure of the Morals of Carnival. I for one dont reckon they will ever do anything, even if she was threatened with Alang.

Put it this way though, if she ever did get threatened with Scrapping, and Carnival did nothing, I would never sail with Carnival or one of their subsidiaries ever again.

Id also be well known for my hatred of anything Dubai.

Quick change of subject. Can anybody get Emirates to pull out of their sponsorship of Arsenal and the Stadium? Its embarassing.

James

[junglejames]

It is amazing to see how Cunard never mention QE2 anymore.
Id say they were embarassed at what they have done, so they daren't mention her.

They can mention the QE and QM, as it was long enough ago, but with the QE2 there is still a lot of embarassment and ill feeling.

Also, Cunard are slowly moving away from what they were. Unique ships, posh traditional interiors. Basically keeping up what crusing always used to be.
The QM2 kept to these lines, although in a more modern sense, but the QV and QE are just bog standard Italian junk. Interiors are moving away from what Cunard was and in places are bordering on something too extravagant and tacky. Youd be better off travelling with P&O or something like that.

Anyway, it definitely looks like Cunard/ Carnival are embarassed at what they have done.

James

[pjswansea]

Cunard is a brand - it's just a name.  QM2 and the QV are Cunard 'themed' Carnival vessels.

As for Carnival coming to the aid of the QE2 - Never in a million years.

The best example of this is the Carnival purchase of Holland America Line.  They quickly determined the Rotterdam V was far too old and expensive to modify for the SOLAS regulations.  She was sold to Premier Cruises who did the necessary work for a fraction of the Carnival cost.  Carnival then commissioned a new vessel.

Essentially QE2 was old tonnage that didn't fit in with the Carnival desire to create modern 'tower block' ships with their Cunard theme.

The QE2 (although priceless in our hearts) was certainly not worth $100 million - they jumped at the sale!

We need the QE2 to be saved by either English Heritage or the National Trust!!

[Andy F]

 Just my opinion for what it’s worth but putting sentiment aside, I can see no logical reason why Carnival would want to become involved.  Don’t get me wrong, what I would give to have her sailing once more but I fail to see how Carnival can be to blame. Of course they could afford to buy QE2 back if they wanted but NH made them an offer they simply couldn't refuse, the money’s in the bank and that’s the end of the matter as far as they are concerned but is that really unreasonable?  The stark reality is like any business, they need to achieve a good return for their shareholders and to get the price they did for QE2, which far exceeded what they could reasonably have expected and simply one they couldn't afford to turn down, has meant this can be re-invested in modern cruise ships, which makes sound business sense.    

One fondly remembers ‘The Greatest Ocean Liners in the World’, of a time when ‘Getting there was Half the Fun’, but as pjswansea rightly says, their core activity is now based around having the youngest fleet.  Sure they will lose some guests for whom the ship itself was the main draw or the standards for which Cunard traditionally stood for were essential factors in determining their continued patronage.  Conversely, they will gain others whom, dare I say, are not bothered what the ship looks like or its heritage, provided they have a good time and consider they’ve got value for money.  Let’s be honest, how many of us would still have travelled with Cunard had QE2 not existed?  Not me for one but the fact QE2 has now gone, and it saddens me greatly, I will still sail with Cunard as I’m happy with what I get for my money.   The voyages I’ve been on post QE2 have all been fully booked. Some like me were ex QE2 guests curious to try out the other ships and make up their own minds but by no means all though as many were sailing with Cunard for the first time. The acid test is whether they will return.

The point I wholeheartedly agree with however, concerns the heritage.  Stepping aboard a modern day Cunarder and it’s almost as if QE2 never existed.  Sure you’ll find a couple of paintings or models discretely dotted here and there and a nod towards the past by way of a Chart Room or Yacht Club maybe but that’s about your lot.  Whenever the subject of QE2 is brought up, this is usually conducted in hushed tones rather than with deserved pride. Why should this be?  Likely because they wish to move on and concentrate on their latest vessels rather than dwell too much in the past.  Fair enough to a point and I appreciate each ship needs its own identity but while it’s right to move forward, you should never forget your past, from where you came and what it is that helped get you there. Move on by all means but do not underestimate the formidable part QE2 played in the great Cunard story. Maybe I’m being unfair and that this will be addressed with the new Elizabeth. 

[Chris]

We need the QE2 to be saved by either English Heritage or the National Trust!!

Now there's a good idea!

[junglejames]

You dont talk about QE2 in 'Hushed Tones' if all your worried about is moving on and letting your current vessels have their own identity. You would still talk about her normally.
Talking in hushed tones means there is more to it.

James

[Chris]

When I was aboard QM2 in March I hosted a gathering in the Winter Garden where those with stories about the great Cunard liners were invited to talk.

I'd say 90% of people came specifically to talk about QE2. It was a wonderful discussion however towards the end it turned to how the new ship's can not compare to the intimate elegance and classic timeless beauty of QE2... so much so that as moderator I had to bring the conversation back on track.

Cunard may speak in hushed tones because mention of QE2 brings out a lot of emotion which ultimately results in their new ships being spoken poorly of.

As I said at the gathering, it's not that the new Cunarder's aren't great ships, it's just QE2 was the greatest. However, that doesn't justify picking on the current fleet - they're beautiful ships in their own ways.

[pjswansea]

it's not that the new Cunarder's aren't great ships, it's just QE2 was the greatest. However, that doesn't justify picking on the current fleet - they're beautiful ships in their own ways.

True - but to me QM2 and QV are simply great Carnival ships with a Cunard theme.  Nothing more, nothing less.

As the Cunard website states:

Cunard Line is one of the world's most recognised brand names with a classic British heritage and is part of Carnival Corporation and PLC.

[Cunardqueen]

Cunard Line is one of the world's most recognised brand names with a classic British heritage and is part of Carnival Corporation and PLC.

And lm quite sure if we took a poll on the high street how many folks would recognise the Cunard brand ?.However the name QE2 is different, everyone knows that name

[Mauretania1907]

Cunardival will Never do anything to help QE2. Nakheel became the answer to Peter Shank's prayers - what to do with this aging hag of a ship who still attracted a loyal band of admirers. The money Nakheel waved was a dream come true.
Now Nakheel has the problem of what to do and Cunardival have slipped out from under and left Nakheel holding the baby. Hoping that when Nakheel decides, they will wear everybody's wrath while Shanks and Co sail off sneakily in their brand-new elizabeth ship.
And you are right, only the brand name is left, the classic old Cunard company is gone.!

[LegendOfTheSeas]

Cunardival will Never do anything to help QE2. Nakheel became the answer to Peter Shank's prayers - what to do with this aging hag of a ship who still attracted a loyal band of admirers. The money Nakheel waved was a dream come true.
Now Nakheel has the problem of what to do and Cunardival have slipped out from under and left Nakheel holding the baby. Hoping that when Nakheel decides, they will wear everybody's wrath while Shanks and Co sail off sneakily in their brand-new elizabeth ship.
And you are right, only the brand name is left, the classic old Cunard company is gone.!

Peter Shanks...I can think of at least one word for him, it rhymes with his name and I can't type it because it would get me banned! 
I wouldn't be at all surprised if, should anything nasty happen to QE2 in future, that the outpouring of wrath from the ship's fans, of whom there are many, will make Shanks' - and Cunardival's - ears burn. Joe Public probably don't give a toss, but there are enough QE2 fans to cause a hue and cry. <evil>

[Andy F]

One of the great things about this Forum (and there are many), is the way a thread can stimulate such stirring debate!  

We all have our own opinions of Carnival’s decision to sell our beloved Queen but all I would add is that had it not been for Carnival, the chances are QE2 would have gone long ago, thus denying me and many others the opportunity to experience life aboard the greatest ocean liner in the World.  Personally, I shall always be grateful to them for keeping her as long as they did and giving me the chance to achieve my boyhood dream.  Yes, she could have remained in service longer but she could just as easily disappeared long beforehand.  Thanks Carnival for while I lament the losing of a dear old friend, I am left with a lifetime of memories that no-one can take away.  

[Mauretania1907]

Dear Andy, what you say is indeed true, also thanks to carnival we still have one transatlantic liner, even tho I call her QMary die Grosse.
However I would be extremely surprised if the offered one penny towards anything to do with QE2. They have sold her and that's that, as far as they are concerned.
But what's this hush-hush regarding her about. What are they ashamed of?

[junglejames]

But what's this hush-hush regarding her about. What are they ashamed of?

They are embarassed at what they have done.
They realise its a mistake.

James

[Cruise_Princess]

  QE2 is  something that Cunard  do NOT want  passengers to discuss or mention on board ANY of their current new young fleet..regardless of  how many sailings you did on  on QE2 ...they forget that if it wasnt for all of us over the years keeping  QE2 sailing there would be no QM2 Queen Vic or the new Elizabeth...something they would do well to remember when having any dealings with past passengers of QE2 when we are  bluntly reminded NOT to compare QE2  with their current ships.........
( Personal Experience)

Theres NO comparison...........

And they DONT like it......
.
How can you just switch off and NOT compare the ships..its human nature.....obviously every ship in the world has its own character and atmosphere....but QE2 was an icon....and Cunard want her firmly in the past.

Nuff said I think........

[usqe2fan]

I believe that Carnival/Cunard will not and candidly should not be expected to do anything further with QE2 other than perhaps allow Nakheel to resell the ship to a party better suited to look after her and (wishfully thinking) perhaps even to someone who could put QE2 back into service for a few years. 

Going back to Rotterdam V, after buying Holland America Line in 1989, Carnival also looked after Rotterdam very well until she was retired from HAL service in 1997 and was subsequently sold to Premier Cruises.  When Premier collapsed in 2000, Carnival/HAL did nothing further with Rotterdam.  While nowhere near as famous and iconic as QE2, Rotterdam V also had quite a following and was sorely missed by her fans.  Rotterdam was thankfully saved by the Dutch, who cherish her every bit as much as the British do QE2, and returned her back to her true home port last year.  She looks magnificant there.

A repeat of Rotterdam in 2000 is what I would expect from Carnival if QE2 changes hands again.

If anyone at Nakheel is listening, QE2 still had quite a bit of life left in her in October 2008, and it would certainly not be beyond possibility to resell or charter her to someone who could get a few more years of service from her.  She would absolutely be successful if properly managed and maintained.

Alternately, recognizing that there would be logistical and financial considerations, a repeat in some fashion of what was accomplished with Rotterdam V in Rotterdam with QE2 in Southampton would give you more positive PR than just about anything else you could do with QE2.  I have no doubt that with proper planning and execution QE2 would be very successful and well looked after for many, many years back in her home port.

I and the many other QE2 fans around the world truly do hope that something positive will happen with QE2 in the near future, please do not disappoint us. 

[bswan]

She isnt just a national treasure but is admired all around the world. She could have continued sailing im sure for many more years to come, she is in a class all of her own which is what alot of people look for and cant find in modern day ships. She has class, style a rich history and the list goes on.

As a past QE2 cruiser i would like to think a Ship which has brought so much pleasure over the years and has made 'Cunard'what it is today, allow Cunard think about what can be done with this beautiful liner. There are a few of the traditional liners still sailing out there that are alot older that our beloved liner.

[rough crossing]

Yes, Cunard have a problem in how to deal with the QE2 question! Having just returned from the last 2009 QM2 crossing to New York, it's quite clear she is 'persona non grata'. So they clearly have a dilemma, not only because she is constantly referred to by passengers in the know, but the ship historians like Ted Scull, Maxtone-Graham and Bill Miller will no doubt refuse to cooperate with a policy of erasing her from their very popular lectures. Of course it's only common sense that any discussion of Cunard history inevitably leads to mention of the QE2. It's a fact of life, so instead of burying their head in the sand and hoping all things QE2 will go away, Cunard management need to address the issue head on, embarrassment or not. I'm sure this would be the advice from any news management consultant.

[Mauretania1907]

That would be my advice also. ADMIT they got an offer they could not refuse. FACE UP to the negative publicity they fear. and return QE2 to her rightful place in Cunard's history. She was for many years regarded as the last great ocean liner on the North Atlantic, she is referred to as such in several shipping books I own. If I owned QMary die Grosse, I would be telling everyone that she sails in QE2's wake and continues the North Atlantic crossings in the best Cunard tradition. I would NOT be pretending QE2 never existed, what on earth are Carnicunard  ashamed of.

[Twynkle]

Wouldn't it be really good to hear that Cunard are now in negotiations with Istithmar, hoping that, as they were helped out with the sale of QE2, they could now return the favour!

'Cunard - you need to know that in response to our encouragement in July, Nakheel kindly joined us and kept us posted (albeit with a 'less-is-more' approach!). They would probably be  delighted to hear from you now!

So - please Cunard, with all your knowledge and experience of ships and the UK - lease her from Istithmar, bring her home and restore her with the White Star 'treatment' - She would then return to being the finest Cunarder EVER!'
 

[Matt]

I agree with you Rosie, They should take her back off their hands! It would be magnificent having 4 Cunard Queens, especially 2 Elizabeth's, even tho there is only one that is so close to our hearts!

 They should just bite the bullet and try and get the dear girl back!

 Matt.

[Mr B]

Aye, Carnival/Cunard should wangle something together - and grin and bear the U-turn humiliation - as it would be a monumental PR coup without question.

Alternatively:  stop piddling about you guys in Dubai ! ...come on, dip your toes in the water and get working on her Solas 2010 compliance !

[Mr B]

With regards to the "admission of an offer to good to refuse" as mentioned in the first post above; Carol Marlow did admit that, I heard it spoken from her mouth when I asked her about the sum involved outside QE2's theatre.

[rough crossing]

Aye, Carnival/Cunard should wangle something together - and grin and bear the U-turn humiliation - as it would be a monumental PR coup without question.

If addressed with some intelligence, it most certainly would not be viewed as a 'humiliation' - rather a pragmatic response in the light of drastically changed economic circumstances. The ship could be returned at a fraction of the initial sale price and Cunard could bask in reflected glory (and income) from a delighted ocean liner fraternity for years to come. Nakheel would be grateful to lose a liability off their books. Job done - simple!  

[Twynkle]

What might it take for Cunard (Carnival Corporation) to change their minds?!
A crucial question, perhaps!

QE2's being kept in very good order - now visible for all to see!
OK - her upkeep to keep her ticking over is costing a fair amount...
But... Hey! Mightn't these costs be re-claimed from income she would generate as 'QE2 -The White Star hotel'?


Cunard, please -  are you thinking about it?

[citrail]

Yep, that means I could change allegiance from sailing with NCL and go Cunard cruising again

[Twynkle]

And...just think of the photo-opportunites
The Vista-sisters...
The QM2 + The Vista-sisters...
Lots of possibilities -  All Cunarders sailing endlessly in tandem, 
with of course, the finest of them all  - RMS Queen Elizabeth 2!

Hey, Cunard - this wouldn't need much advertising
Perhaps 4 pages in the Sunday Times - just the once!
 

[Cunardqueen]

Hey, Cunard - this wouldn't need much advertising
Perhaps 4 pages in the Sunday Times - just the once!

Flagship, or better still ask John Honeywell from the Mirror, he always gave a great review and loved her to bits

[Matt]

MS Queen Elizabeth and RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 in Tandem would be nice! How could Cunard Refuse?

[Blue Bombay]

MS Queen Elizabeth and RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 in Tandem would be nice! How could Cunard Refuse?

And then QE2 has to slow down so the other can keep up!   

Louis

[highlander0108]

Yep, that means I could change allegiance from sailing with NCL and go Cunard cruising again

I can't make myself sail on anything NCL after how they handled the whole Norway/France disposal as well as all the empty promises for the SS United States that they still own.  Norway went to Alang with damaged boilers.  QE2 sits in fine shape, ready to sail so there is no comparision.  I can't blame Cunard for jumping at the 100 million offer, but now that the whole future plan for her to continue on in Dubai is in jepardy, I sincerely hope they step back in if the situation merits it.  It would be a marketing win win situation if they do to appease their loyal customers.

[Matt]

And then QE2 has to slow down so the other can keep up!   

Very good point Louis! I'd Still love to see it! As im sure you would, Just to know shes back where she Belongs!! 

Matt

[citrail]

MS Queen Elizabeth and RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 in Tandem would be nice! How could Cunard Refuse?

I can think of a few million reasons why they will. $$$$$

[Matt]

I can think of a few million reasons why they will. $$$$$

Thats very true, But they would surely have the ability to buy her back cheaper than they sold her for, So they still would have some profit! Unless, ofcourse Nakheel do not sell her!

[Richard Coltman]

The QE2 is "so" associated with Cunard that if she were to be sold and used in a way which didn't reflect well for her (like sailing around in circles doing booze cruises - White Star did that during Prohibition in America) then I'm sure they'd intervene.

[mickey g]

If Cunard/Carnival buy back/lease/use our beloved ship I will happily donate £100 to the RNLI. In this accountant driven age I just do not believe that Cunard will ever have anything to do with QE2 again.

Nothing would please me more to be proved wrong.

[Jeff Taylor]

Let's remember that Carnival doesn't write a check and pay cash for ships--they sell notes secured by a new, Solas compliant ship with a 30-40 year anticipated income stream.  Nobody would more enjoy seeing QE2 back at sea or properly situated and upgraded as a hotel than I would, but that proposition probably doesn't justify anything close to what Dubai paid for her, not to mention the fact that the market for bonds secured by any uncertain proposition would be tough to sell in today's climate.  I would have to guess that unless Carnival coulld get her back literally for nothing, or close to it, it wouldn't make economic sense, and anything that doesn't make economic sense depresses stock prices.  Now we all know NCL are fundamentally con men.  I don't feel that way about Carnival, but they still answer to the shareholders.

[nigelrob]

The only reason NCL bought the big U is so no one could sail her as a cruise ship if she was rebuilt. Carnival not Cunard sold QE2 they wanted to rid of her because she over shadowed her fleet mates who  lets face it are ugly looking even QM2. She should be brought back home. Lets hope some good news comes QE2s way in the new year. Perhaps she could be used as hotel ship for the London Olympics?

[Jeff Taylor]

Agreed, but NCL bought Indy and Big U as a total subterfuge to work their way around the Jones Act which prohibits foreign flag ships from serving consecutive US ports (that's why QM2 stops at Ensenada on a round trip to Hawaii).  Anyhow, they're skunks!

[Twynkle]

'By the way...'!
Has a shipping line ever bought a ship that they had previously sold?

[citrail]

So not much going for NCL then well at least they're not carnival yet

[nigelrob]

Another point about carnival is if you saw the BBC live coverage of QE2 leaving Southampton last year the Carnival guy seemed glad she was going kept saying "this is the right time" Why was not a Cunard representive there perhaps they would have been in tears like during the handing over of QE2 in Dubai. I can not think of any shipping line that bought there old ship back. Perhaps if Cunard could rid them selves of Carnival they would but this will never happen. Also if Cunard had the full say perhaps all the historic items on QE2 would have been taken off as they should have been, god only knows what is happening to them on board now. The answer is Cunard would consider perhaps buying her back but Carnival would not.

If I remember correctly QE1 Cunard did consider buying her back as they did have some shares in her but due to her very poor condition i think they dedcided not to.She was going to run along side QE2 hence her refit in 1966 what a waste of money that turned out to be,but they sold her instead.


 

[highlander0108]

What a vast contrast in Cunard personalities between those two days.  That Carnival person was Peter Shanks who should have kept his personal thoughts to himself on that solemn day.  In sharp contrast, Carol Marlow could not hold back the emotions in Dubai.  Now we have lost her and gained Peter, who is trying to erase all memory of QE2 from the line. I am afraid that there is little hope that Cunard will take her back with that attitude.

[Mauretania1907]

I think Ms Marlow is now CEO of P&O.
Mr Shanks said something like - ' the queen is dead, god bless her.' Note the lack of capitals, as in my opinion he seems to have litte regard for God (I could be wrong here) and NONE for a certain Queen (I'm sure I'm not wrong here).
So, no help for QE2 from canicunard. At least Nakheel are looking after her.

[highlander0108]

I found Mr. Shanks comments that QE2 was holding back Cunard offensive that he made that day.  While I do understand that in many ways, the ship was harder for travel agents to fill due to her unique cabin arrangements, lack of amenities as compared to current cruise ships, and her general age, QE2 is Cunard and he fails to see that this ONE ship carried the name through quite a few years on her own.  Mr. Shanks is most happy now that he has the youngest fleet of ships now in service, but in my opinion, he's making no friends by not honoring what QE2 did for the company and for the millions who traveled on her.