"QE2 - My Home" From Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Southampton 12 July 1990
QE2 docked portside just before lunch i walk up 5 deck fwd crew gangway into our lobby-the sailors square.My dream had became true to work on the biggest,fastests and most famous ship in the world.Almost 9 years later and after 136 transatlantic crossings over 1000 days at sea,111 visits to New York,7 Panama Canal transit,3 Suez Canal transit,4 complete world cruise and 3 incomplete world cruise,with lots of good days and bad days too,that was the best time of my life.The QE2 is still part of my life and i am proud to be part of her life too.
Over the next days ill write more about my life onboard.

Cheers Louis

[ancoaster78]

Wow Louis,

Sounds like you really have had a fantastic experience there, really looking forward to hearing all about it!

Many thanks for coming to the forum to share with us :-)

Cheers!

Andy 

[Andy F]

Agreed and great memories there Louis, which will never leave you.  Looking forward to hearing more of life 'below decks'

Andy (the other one!)

[hollihedge]

Looking forward to hearing more of your life aboard our QE2 Louis.

[Kev]

Louis-this is a completely new angle to hear about-brilliant- and as others have mentioned thankyou for sharing and we look forward to more

[stowaway2k]

and.... we certainly wouldn't mind seeing any photos.....   

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

I can only join in with everyone else to say I am really looking forward to reading your recollections. (I'd echo what Kyle says about photographs as well )

[Blue Bombay]

Once onboard we were taken to the crew library on one deck fwd stb.side.We were a group of 40-50 new crewmembers.There we meet our head of deparments,we had a brief welcome speech,then papers given out with lots of ship information.The 2 most important papers are the MUSTER CARD for boat drill and the CAPTAINS MASTER ORDER.Afterwards we were lead to cabins ,my cabin was 503 on five back fwd stb.side.The showers and toilets were more foward of my cabin as you can imagine it is way way forward.Trying to do your needs there on FORCE 10-11 is an adventure.Later that afternoon we set sail for New Ýork,my first transatlantic crossing what a feeling that was.We done back to back transatlantic crossing returning to Southampton on the 22 of July.During theses 10 days is was a challenge trying to find your way around

Kids need me have to go.
Cheers  Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Heres the muster card.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ex-crewmember/3940220341/

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Since i had a chance to see so many ports i have decided to open a photo album of me.
Comments are welcome.
Heres my first one
Arriving in Acapulco,Mexico-16 January 1991

[attachment deleted by admin because its too large]

[Blue Bombay]

Osaka,Japan-19 February 1991
Thats me on the right.

[attachment deleted by admin because its too large]

[Andy F]

Great shots there Louis and nice to see you!

[Blue Bombay]

Suva,Fiji -29 January 1991,having a beer with the lads

[Blue Bombay]

First time in Sydney 1991

[stowaway2k]

very cool....   

[Chris]

Great shot there near the Magrodome!

[Kev]

What a great photoalbum and memories to have

[Rob Lightbody]

Digging the subtle shorts!!

[Blue Bombay]

Heres the crew information sheet

[ancoaster78]

Nice one, thanks for shareing that unique insight! Cheers 

[stowaway2k]

Thank you for posting these, I found them fasinating and looking forward to more of your posts!   

[Kev]

Fascinating Reading. Confirms to me that she was a well run ship in Service.
How much for a 'crew cut'? !

[Blue Bombay]

Southampton 22 July 1990
After 10 days onboard i set my feet on solid ground again.What a feeling that was.I manage to get into town i call my mother saying that my dream is wonderful.By lunch i was back onboard,the ship was getting ready to go HOME.By afternoon we sailed on the 150th anniversary of Cunard Line.This was to be one of my best voyages on Her.We sailed to Cobh-maiden call,Liverpool-maiden call,back home to Greenock and Chebourg.The calls in Cobh,Liverpool and Greenock were out of this world.So many people came to greet the QE2.I was a deck steward on helideck for the first time then i saw a helicopter land on deck that was in Greenock.Ill have to look for the photo of that.Back in Southampton HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN came onboard i managed to shake her hand-sadly i have no photo of that.Attached is the menu for that event.

More coming soon............
Louis

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

Wonderful - thank you

[Blue Bombay]

1-Me in New York
2-Mombasa,Kenya on my first world cruise,
   that was a wonderful day.

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Great memories -- and great pictures too!

Thank you for the pictures and also for the memories of on-QE2 life. I would just love to know how everyone walked from their crew cabins to their places of work without needing to pass through passenger areas... There must have been a whole mesh of crew stairways and corridors intertwining with the public areas. Imagine working out the design for all this... and building it... !

[Blue Bombay]

This is 6 deck alleyway this is were the crew walk to go from one end of the ship to the other.When the watertight doors are closed we can use 5 deck then.On this deck there is from fwd crew cabins-mostly the winestewards,then theres more crew cabins loads of them with lot of narrow zig zag corridors,theres is our crew office(where we get paid twice a month,our flight tickets etc,etc,we also have to leave there our passport when joining ther ship),theres a crew bank(send money home),then cabins and cabins.Here its also the entrance to engine room and conrtol room.There is also a stairway going down to 7 deck for the crew laundry.Back on 6 deck theres towards the aft a self laundry room,there is also the 6 deck aft fire locke room.All the way aft is only crew cabins and the carpenter shop.When the ship came out there used to be a crew bar too but that was removed.This 6 deck alleyway is NOT a straight corridor.

[Blue Bombay]

Heres a diagram were you can see the crew and passengers stairways and the watertight doors.

[Andy F]

You posts continue to enthrall us Louis.  Thank you!

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

The crew areas of QE2 were areas that I ventured into once or twice (maybe three or four times - that would be it ) so I never knew what there was there. These photographs give a wonderful insight into crew life.

Thank you

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Louis and Rob -- it would be great to see the two charts you have sent in a bigger size 

My eyes want to take in all those wonderful details... 

[Blue Bombay]

Adding to my last post i forgot to say that on 6 deck is also the crew hospital.And there is also a telephone line for outside connection when the ship is in Southampton.Looking at that diagram,apart from the main crew stairways there is also a few stairways that just go over one or two decks.Theres is also service elevators for crew and movement of stores.Roughly in the middle of 6 deck there is every day some sad philipino crew cleaning the engines parts.On the aft end theres a section of cabins that is only for female crew the other only female crew cabins is on 3 and 4 deck aft.On 3 deck aft crew cabins starboard side theres a few cabins for married couples.

LOUIS

[Blue Bombay]

More from 6 deck

[Twynkle]

 Hi Louis

Thank You!
You are giving us all a really good picture of your QE2 'home' .

I was in a cabin not far from H stairway on deck 5 -
Sometimes when the doors were open on Deck 6 it was possible to see along the alleyway
As well as being very long, it was always spotlessly clean too!

Not so sure though, about whether the Crew ever got any time off duty.
It seemed that they were always, always working incredibly hard.
A very industrious home!

[Blue Bombay]

When ship is at sea everyone works theres no way around it.Apart from the normal working hours we also have cabin inspection,boat drill,USPH cleaning and other bits and pieces.When in port it all depends in which deparment you work.Speaking for mysef i was Restaurant Barkeeper working in the Caronia.We were 4 Barkeepers.We number the ports of call from 1 to 4,so i will be off on ports of call with number 1 for example.The other with 2 off and so on.There was possible to change if necessary.And since i was portuguese everytime there was a call in Lisbon it was my watch off.The ports of New York and Southampton when possible was 2 on 2 off.But every deparment is different.Theres is also what is called a "minimum manning" that is in every port theres 10% of the crew have no shore leave.This is done by rotation the names of the crew are given to the bridge by heads of deparment.This crew of 10% is enough to bring the ship out to sea if an emergency happens or maybe in case of a fire while in port.In 1997 the QE2 was charter for the Ryder Cup we stayed alongside in Algeciras,Spain when a fire broke out in the Queens Grill kitchen there was enough man on board to fight it.

Cheers Louis

[Kev]

Louis this is continually fascinating stuff thankyou so much

So the crew have an independent hospital-was it staffed by the same duty as the passenger hospital or always seperate team?

Well done for those that got the Queens Grilles over zealous flambe sorted !

[Blue Bombay]

The hospital team is the same for crew and passenger,but the crew have a different attending room and waiting room to passenger.That i know off theres no portholes on 6 or 7 deck.As for aquarium views i am not 100% sure but i think theres a hole where you can overlook the propellers.Ill try and confirm this.On the photo i have circled it out.I was one of the guys in the fireteam that put the fire out.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

20 August 1990,at sea towards Bergen,Norway the QE2 was called for a rescue operation.

[Blue Bombay]

1-Geiranger,Norway 21 July 1991
2-Stravanger,Norway-22 July 1991

[ancoaster78]

Wow thats an awesome story, thanks so much for sharing!

Think if i'd been stuck on some skanky rig adrift in that weather and the QE2 had rocked (literally!) up, I wouldnt been a bit more keen to be taken on board it!!

Fascinating to read an exciting extract from the Log....

Louis, have you considered using your experiense to help us out on the Virtual World Cruise?! 

Cheers  Andy

[Twynkle]

Hi Louis

That is such an amazing report - and thank you very, very much for showing it to us.

I'm wondering (and you may wish to ignore this one!)- Did the passengers all get very excited - if so, what happened to them - if anything!?
It would have been an awesome experience for those wanting to watch - but if the winds were that strong, then I guess the open decks were all out of bounds.

(I used to sneak out onto the 'bit beneath the bridge' - or the decks at the stern when it was really windy - specially at night - I loved it! 
This was before all the CCTV cameras were installed!)

You haven't mentioned pouring wine in rough weather....yet!!!! 

Thank you again and again - it's great to read your posts.
As Andy mentioned - if you'd like to help us on the World Cruise 2009 that would be fantastic -
I'm going to be daring here - you could choose to be anyone else - even a difficult, cranky passenger!!
(not 'kranken' meaning unwell, tho!)
Cheers
Rosie

[Blue Bombay]

Thats was one hell of a day,its was my first big rough stormy weather at sea, all morning long i was seasick(yes crew also get seasick).I was working then in the old Club Lido.All the chairs in the Club Lido were stored,stacked and tied down on the staboard side.The magrodome area was also all cleared.The pool was emptied and covered with the net there was water coming in through the magrodome roof.The big buffet stand of the portside just before the magrodome entrance turned over.There were passengers walking around but not many.I to would presume that the doors to open decks especially on boat were closed.I was to busy with other things to pay attention for that.
Next is a photo of me sitting in the magrodome area on calmer waters.
Cheers

[Kev]

That's a fascinating document relating to the West Gamma Oil Rig Louis. I remember the incident occuring and she sank.As helicopter winching was impossible most or all crew survived by jumping into the sea in their survival jackets tied together in groups of 5/6 and being rescued by vessels nearby. I have been evacuated from an Oil Rig on more than one occassion but it's nice to know that any vessel including the QE2 is always ready to respond to a distress call if needed.

http://home.versatel.nl/the_sims/rig/westgamma.htm

http://www.esvagt.dk/Default.aspx?ID=83

[stowaway2k]

A Six-Deck porthole.   Notice the water between the glass and the deadlight! 




Louis, thank you again for continuing this priceless thread! 

[Rob Lightbody]

It might only be the odd drip, but if the deadlight is a proper seal, and it never gets opened, then i guess this would happen!

Is it actual water though, or just a 'tide mark'?  The ship's designers must have thought it was safe to have portholes there - look at all the bolts to secure the glass!

[Cunardqueen]

I wonder how thick the glass would be,I dont know if anyone has ever tried to  put a deadlight in place, My cabin 3006 on one voyage late one night l was  restless and by the time l had cleared the top and scrambled up and got into a resonably comfortable position l was surprised at just how heavy it was, needless to say after l had got the thing unhooked l wish to god l hadnt started this lark in the first place. 
And god only knows that the contraption is called that finally screws the whole thing closed?

[Andy F]

Your stories continue to interest all us Louis, many thanks

[Kev]

I wonder how thick the glass

The Porthole glass in our 5 deck was clearly labelled as 'Armoured' This would normally have a spec thickness of about half inch I would think

[Blue Bombay]

Apart from the galleys that have to cook for passengers the crew also need to eat.We have the crew mess with own galley-see photo to cook for 700-800+ crew 3 times daily.Its located on one deck foward.
With following opening times:
Breakfast 5h30-9h00
Lunch 11h30-14h00
Dinner 17h30-21h00
later at night sometimes we get what is left over from the midnight buffet.
Coffee,tea or milk is available around the clock.
FOOD IS NOT ALLOWED TO BE TAKEN TO CABINS.
On the wee hours of the morning after a few drinks drank and feeling hungry and if you know the night chef unofficial you can get something to eat for a few bucks or trading it for a few beers.



Cheers

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Amazing what goes on behind that wall of the end of the One Deck alleyway! Looks quite spacious and pleasant.

And now, we know at least one reason why the A lifts do not stop on One Deck 

Thank you for yet another insight into life on board QE2, Louis!

[Blue Bombay]

16 of December 1990 the QE2 sets sail on last transatlantic of the year to New York arriving on the 21st of December.(the crossings then was still 4 days).What crossing this would be,as soon as we cleared Isle of Wight we got hit by force winds 8 and all the way over we had force 8-10.But the great Lady behaved well,though what was in her did not have a good time.I was in cabin 503 that is way way foward i had the top bunker and for the first time i had to tie my mattress down.Everthing just kept bouncing around.Trying to shower or shave is one hell of a task.On first full day at sea the Boat Drill went on as usual though not many passengers around.The Captains welcome cocktail party was canceled.I was working then in the old Midship Bar and you could see the waves smashing onto the windows.It went on like this for all the crossing the ship bouncing around pitching heavily but like i said before the ship behaving very well.Lots of damage around the ship specially in the kitchens with lots of plates and glass broken.I did hear from cabin stewards that some passengers never left the cabin during the whole crossíng.


Louis

[ancoaster78]

That must have been quite an experience, one i'd love to try, once, on a ship as good as QE2, but don't think i'd like to on anything lesser...

[Blue Bombay]

Here is a normal operatinonal orders for a cruise.This is given to the head of deparments from the bridge and it is also put up on the information boards throughout the ship.


Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Before joining the ship all new crew are to attend a Safety at Sea Course,this is valid for 2 years after that there is redone course.There is also a medical check up every 2 years this is done in Southampton.

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

Amazing

There is so much about that ship that I never saw. I really wish I could go back with an "access all areas" pass and see all these wonderful sights

[Blue Bombay]

5 January 1990 New York
QE2 is ready to sail on its World Cruise.We embark only around 900 paxs today,there will be more embarking in Fort Luaderdale.This is my first full World Cruise.For the next 88 days ill have my dream come true,ever port is going to be an excitement.I will be working in the Club Lido during the whole World Cruise i only start to work at 17h00 hours so i will have time off.7th January we sail from Fort Lauderdale with a full ship on its first segment to Los Angeles.After 1 one day at sea we arrive at St Thomas then 1 day at sea to Curacao.On the 13th we arrive at the Panama Canal for our transit.What a day this was going to be.

more to follow..........

[Blue Bombay]

At 6 oclock the ship arrives at Colon Breakwater,Panama Canal Pilots boards.QE2 sails past the ports of Colon and Cristbol and enters the Limon Bay and sails South to the Gatun Lock.At 7.30 she enters the Gatun Lock ,Lower Chamber then she goes to the Middle Chamber and by 9.00 she clears the Gatun Locks.Ship now in Gatun Lake.At 12.30 QE2 enters the Pedro Miguel Locks,by 1.00 its clear and enters the Miraflores Lake.At 13.30 the ship enters Miraflores Locks by 15.30 the ship is through and sails past the port of Balboa and out into the Pacific Ocean.This day i done bar service outside on Boat deck portside just before the stairs that go up to under the bridge wings.It was very hot and humid.Sadly on this day 1 passenger passed away.
Next we have 2 days at sea to Acapulco.

[Bob C.]

That shot of the bridge-wing passing the building along the canal from the focsle is one you don't see everyday.  These have got to be some of the best posts on this board, X-C.  Keep them coming!

[Blue Bombay]

1-Istambul
2-Cape Town

[Blue Bombay]

Heres some more of the Panama Canal