Author Topic: Rob Lightbody on board QE2 in Dubai 24th to 26th April 2011 (Read 12156 times)

Rob Lightbody · « **on:** Apr 26, 2011, 05:12 AM »

Can you guess where I am just now, from the attached photo?

Tom · « **Reply #1 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 05:49 AM »

Wow, Rob! How'd you get this picture?

Needless to say, it was taken on QE2's bridge VERY recently

Hope there's more on the way!

Edit: I found a pic in my albums that shows this piece of equipment! Along with the coordinates, there's no longer any doubt whatsoever. If you've managed to get onboard, WOO HOO!!!!

Rob Lightbody · « **Reply #2 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 10:19 AM »

Is Tom correct?

Here's another clue as to where I am... (image attached to this message)

I will explain all in a few days time, when I will do a question and answer – like a virtual press conference – we’ll open a topic for you to ask your questions, and I’ll answer them in a hopefully coherent way in a separate topic.

In brief though, I was recently pleasantly surprised when a request to visit QE2 was granted by her project manager and Captain and, because I am between jobs with some spare time, and because it seemed something I simply had to do. I splashed out on a flight to Dubai, and have spent most of the past couple of days on board. Amazingly, I have permission to publish the photos and videos which I have taken on board, which I will do so soon.

For now though, cheerio both from myself and all of the crew, here on QE2 in Dubai.

- Rob Lightbody, 26th April, 13:20 Dubai time.

citrail · « **Reply #3 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 10:22 AM »

where's the green with envy smiley?

Bruce Nicholls · « **Reply #4 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 10:24 AM »

Lat & Long check out & date! (look on google earth if you don't have a chart of the area).

Really impressed that you got to take this Rob

CONGRATULATIONS

Please take lots more

Peter Mugridge · « **Reply #5 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 10:55 AM »

Fantastic, Rob, Fantastic to an extreme.

How long are you out there for? I do hope you are getting to see all over her?

PS Please bring a ( 70,000 ton ) souvenir back to the UK with you.

Isabelle Prondzynski · « **Reply #6 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 10:58 AM »

... and I see you got to a wonderful part of the ship that most of us ex-passengers would have given LOTS to have reached!

I can hardly wait to hear more news, see more pictures and read your story.

What a coup for you, Rob, and the QE2Story Forum, that you have been invited on board by those who have the say and that you can officially publish your pictures!

Quite a miracle...

Cunardqueen · « **Reply #7 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 11:06 AM »

Rob,
Great pictures, and very well done!!!

skilly56 · « **Reply #8 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 01:11 PM »

Well Done Rob,

I will be in Southampton on August 2nd-3rd, Aug 17th, and again Aug 29th, on a thing with a red funnel.

Can you plan your return eta for any of those dates, along with the nine engines and their containment vessel, also with a red funnel?

Cheers

Skilly

Matt · « **Reply #9 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 01:40 PM »

Fantastic Rob, and such a fantastic gesture of Dubai, Nakheel and the crew to let you onboard, to check out all about our old girl, and im certain you will put all of our minds at ease!! Hopefully some plans for QE2 come out soon! Are you staying onboard? If so, what cabin? All the best Rob, enjoy your time with our Queen! Please log every part of her in photos!!
Matt

Bob C. · « **Reply #10 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 02:29 PM »

So exciting Rob. On your way home be sure to bring QE2 with you!!!

Rob Lightbody · « **Reply #11 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 02:48 PM »

Here's another wee shot.

This is in the ECR, on Sunday morning at 11.23 Dubai Time.

Alpha engine giving out 2 and a bit megawatts.

One interesting fact that I was told - QE2 could easily power the entire Palm Jumeirah - and having seen it for myself with hundreds of houses and huge hotels etc., I found that amazing.

Miguel · « **Reply #12 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 03:01 PM »

Quote from: Rob Lightbody on Apr 26, 2011, 02:48 PM

Here's another wee shot.

This is in the ECR, on Sunday morning at 11.23 Dubai Time.

Alpha engine giving out 2 and a bit megawatts.

One interesting fact that I was told - QE2 could easily power the entire Palm Jumeirah - and having seen it for myself with hundreds of houses and huge hotels etc., I found that amazing.

Hi Rob take all photos you can... We want see how the QE2 looks now.

3QueensGirl · « **Reply #13 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 03:21 PM »

Fantastic, Rob, can't wait to hear all the details!

Chris · « **Reply #14 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 03:49 PM »

Hi Rob,

Once again, congratulations and I'm very happy that you got to be aboard. What you have done to keep QE2 alive is nothing short of legendary and your visit aboard is extremely well deserved.

Chris.

RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 · « **Reply #15 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 04:12 PM »

I am so jealous! lol The size of her funnel is very impressive and really love that shot. You are one lucky man to see her majesty the Queen in retirement.

I am sure Queen Elizabeth 2 was proud to see a huge fan and former passenger to see her. Very nice of you and Nakheel to do this so us fans can see what QE2 is like up close in retirement.

skilly56 · « **Reply #16 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 04:18 PM »

Sorry Rob,

It just isn't good enough any more.

You will now HAVE to change your photo to one with a great big happy smile in it!

Skilly

QE2 Canuck · « **Reply #17 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 04:31 PM »

Rob, all I can say is OH WOW, GOOD FOR YOU!!!! Looking forward to what you have to tell us about our beloved ship. And all the pictures, as well. And please give her a pat on the hull for me.

QE2 Canuck Linda C

Twynkle · « **Reply #18 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 05:20 PM »

WELL DONE ROB!

YOU ARE A HERO

QE2 and all her family must have been so pleased to see you
Bet they were smiling, too!

Janice Naylor · « **Reply #19 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 06:00 PM »

So exciting, Rob

I love all the comments suggesting you bring her home with you. Can't wait to see and hear all about it.

Janice

Rob Lightbody · « **Reply #20 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 06:09 PM »

Quote from: skilly56 on Apr 26, 2011, 04:18 PM

Sorry Rob,

It just isn't good enough any more.

You will now HAVE to change your photo to one with a great big happy smile in it!

Skilly

After the first few hours back on board, my face hurt from grinning so much, it's true. It was, literally, a dream come true. I had trouble sleeping that night even though I was totally exhausted! The QE2 people were all superb and I know they're reading this so I'll say thank you to them once again.

matdark · « **Reply #21 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 06:32 PM »

Can't wait for the pics! Can't wait for the pics!

QE2 whistle · « **Reply #22 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 07:08 PM »

Great news Rob. Hurry home and tell us all your stories.

bobso · « **Reply #23 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 07:28 PM »

This nothing short of a MIRACAL Rob that you have been invited ON BOARD and to be allowed to take pictures and video's of the QE2. Also, a really good gesture of the owners --Nakeel, and the crew to let you on board and have free access to the ship. Looking forward to seeing the pictures and video's of our favorite liner. Any news of what they intend to do with the QE2?

I wonder if a visit to the U.K. with the QE2 is on their agenda?

QE2forever · « **Reply #24 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 07:56 PM »

WOOOWW!

Well done, Rob!

And thank you Nakheel and the team on board.

Can't wait to read more details and to see more photos!

No 736 · « **Reply #25 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 08:03 PM »

Hello Rob,
A great reward for all your efforts, keep up the good work.
Steve S.

usqe2fan · « **Reply #26 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 08:11 PM »

When I saw the posting on Linerslist, I had to pinch myself to be sure I wasn't dreaming.

Truly awesome, much anticipating your followup report and pictures. Have a safe flight home.

Cunarder Man · « **Reply #27 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 08:32 PM »

Cunard and any other cruise company, 'we' know a man who could do a wonderful lecture about the life and times of QE2 the greatest liner in the world - and, his story is bang up to date! Perhaps that man will give his lecture to The QE2 Story first? I'll be there, front row.

Well done Rob.

Rob Lightbody · « **Reply #28 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 08:44 PM »

Hello from Dubai!

Nearly time to board my flight back to reality...

I'm extremely sad to leave behind that lovely old ship and her truly wonderful crew who all made me so welcome on board, and who are taking such awesome care of our Queen. You'll get to meet them soon at TheQE2Story.com. they quite literally are keeping the legend alive. As I type this they're in the engine control room, the safety control room, on fire patrol and up on the bridge.

See you on the other side!

hollihedge · « **Reply #29 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 08:54 PM »

Have a safe trip back - can't wait to hear lots, lots more and see the photos!!!

luzparis · « **Reply #30 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 08:58 PM »

Now we wait for yours pictures ... You are amazing rob !!!

Kev · « **Reply #31 on:** Apr 26, 2011, 10:29 PM »

Hi Rob and anyone else who remembers me!
Am still alive (just- ha ha) and look over the excellent progress of the forum when I can!

Couldn't let the moment go to not say well done Rob for such a scoop and a huge thankyou to the powers that be that have allowed it

All the best

Kev

Chris · « **Reply #32 on:** Apr 27, 2011, 12:12 AM »

Rob's time aboard is testament to the trust he has built with QE2's crew and the high class and standards he has run this forum with since day 1.

Once again, congratulations Rob, so very well deserved. And thank you to the crew of the legendary QE2 for 'Keeping the Legend Alive'.

C & R.

Ed. Post · « **Reply #33 on:** Apr 27, 2011, 12:23 AM »

Hi Rob,

What an amazing feat!

I very much look forward to seeing the photos and reading about your experience.

Best regards,

Ed.

Mauretania1907 · « **Reply #34 on:** Apr 27, 2011, 06:41 AM »

O wow, congratulations, friend Rob. Hurry home safely and tell us all. God bless, ellen a.k.a Mauretania.1907.

k.sailaway · « **Reply #35 on:** Apr 27, 2011, 09:28 AM »

This is truly wonderful news, Rob, and we so much look forward to your pictures and full report.

My wife and I were aboard Queen Elizabeth as she went into and out of Dubai at the beginning of the month and enjoyed an emotional exchange of whistles each time, something we never thought we would ever hear again. She sounded and looked as good as ever.

K.

Rob Lightbody · « **Reply #36 on:** Apr 27, 2011, 11:16 AM »

Hello from Glasgow - its good to be home!

skilly56 · « **Reply #37 on:** Apr 27, 2011, 11:35 AM »

Hi Rob,

Lucky Man.......sorry to hear about the painful grinning muscles!

but you did ask for it!

You'll just have to have a wee dram or two to reduce the aches and pains and help you get a good sleep tonight.

Cheers

Skilly
(in Perth)

QE2forever · « **Reply #38 on:** Apr 27, 2011, 05:41 PM »

Quote from: Rob Lightbody on Apr 27, 2011, 11:16 AM

Hello from Glasgow - its good to be home!

Welcome home Rob!

bobso · « **Reply #39 on:** Apr 27, 2011, 06:26 PM »

Hi Rob, Welcome home and what an experience you have had. Looking forward to seeing the pictures and video's of your time on the QE2. Thanks again for all your help for all of us who for whatever reason can not make it to Dubai to see our favorite liner.

News:

Author Topic: Rob Lightbody on board QE2 in Dubai 24th to 26th April 2011 (Read 12156 times)