"QE2 - My Home" From Louis

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

At 17h00 i started my shift in Club Lido what a night this was going to be.Around 20h30 things were quite so a went for a long break.I came back around 23h00 and the place was full of Aussies.Theres was this group of 40 guys partying away completly loud and drank.Just after 2 in the morning they started to jump in the pool one by one.What a sight that was with all 40 in the pool we had to call security.I finished work around 4 then we all had a seat in the magrodome and had a few drinks.Then i went to bed need to sleep for tomorrow.

Louis, your stories are just wonderful to read! And it strikes me that in our Virtual World Cruise we have not yet invented too many things that might not have already happened on board QE2! We just weren't around to see them when they did...

[Rob Lightbody]

Oh goodness,  Add Humpty Dumpty to the list of on-board celebrities!!   

[Andy F]

wonder why viewer only one propellor side

I seem to recall the window was to observe the rudder but may be wrong

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

wonder why viewer only one propellor side

I seem to recall the window was to observe the rudder but may be wrong

I couldn't say where but I've heard of that suggestion before.

[Bob C.]

I just looked a the photo again.  It looks pretty hard to see the rudder from where the porthole is located.

[Cunardqueen]

Dont suppose its located near the Golden Rivet.....

I always thought the window was to watch the vane wheels

[Blue Bombay]

11th February 1991
This morning we docked in Brisbane it was a very hot day.I woke up around 10 oclock,made my way ashore to get the shuttle bus service to city center only to find it takes 45 minutes each way.It was to hot to walk around so me and my friends just had a seat in a outside bar and drank a few beers.

Later afternoon we moved on 2 days at sea before arriving in Lae,PNG

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

I think the reason I've heard the comment about using the window to see the rudder is that somewhere else (possibly CC) there was a discussion about it and nobody knew what the porthole was for then either!

[Rob Lightbody]

The porthole was definitely for investigation/watching the Grim Wheels in April 1987.

[Andy F]

Ah yes, of course it was and I must have been thinking about QM. Thanks for the reminder Rob as it was indeed installed to view the grim wheels although unlike them, it (presumably) remains to this day!

[Blue Bombay]

12th February 1991
Last night things were quite at work finished around 2 oclock in the morning.From there i went to the Pursers Office to bring the bills away.Since it was not late i thought ill go out for same fresh air.So i went up to One Deck walked aft towards the outside pool went to the aft end of the ship the night was warm from there i went up to Boat Deck through the outside had a go at the shuffle board.Then i walked along portside all the way fwd,went back in the ship passed the radio room and into the Queens Grill.By now i was feeling hungry so i went into the galley found myself some food.From here i took crew stairway down to the main galley on Quater Deck,i walked through it passed the bakery then down to One Deck.Took a look in the Crew Mess no one around then i went forward to crew stairway 3 walked 2 decks down to the crew bar the place was still full had a few beers with friends.Just after 4 i left walked one deck down to Four Deck.My cabin door was open,my room mate was watching tv.We have to leave the door the cabin is to very hot the AC does not work.We ending up play cards and drank a few more beers until about 6.Time for bed.Around 11 there was a knock on the door,it was the Crew Chief Steward with my new mattress.Finally!!!!!.Since i was up i thought ill go and change my bed linen.Have to walk along Six Deck a bit to the aft from here theres a stariway that goes down to Seven Deck here is the linen room.Back in my cabin i had a shower and went for lunch.Then i went outside fwd onto the bow area and laid in the sun for about an hour.After that i had a stopover in the Crew Bar for a beer.Managed to get an hour sleep before in my 17h00 shift begin.

[Blue Bombay]

Time to kick the party off

[NairB]

This thread must be the best internet forum thread I have read all year, fascinating stuff.  

Absolutely wonderful Louis, thankyou. 

ps As Kev wondered further back in the thread - "That propeller view window - There has got to be a video?" Gosh to see that beast at work on video

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

"That propeller view window - There has got to be a video?" Gosh to see that beast at work on video

I've never seen one but like you find it hard to believe that a video was never taken. If anyone knows of one then I'd love to see it

[Blue Bombay]

13th February 1991
Today was just another normal at sea,nothing new.

14th February 1991
This morning we docked in Lae,PNG.It was very very hot and humid day.Had a stroll a shore but this is a place i will not miss.
Ahead now we have Osaka,Japan with 4 days at sea to get there.

[Chris]

Heres a foto of the Mauri after the refit,see the red square?Thats the bar,and thats me behind it.

It's amazing to see the same style of chair carry over to each phase of this restaurant - Britannia, Tables of the World, Mauritania.  Just a change of the color/fabric:  Cunard red and white formica and naugahide, same in dark black/green and what is seen above.   

The shot that Louis showed of the Mauretania Restaurant post the '94 refit was when it was re-located to where the Caronia Restaurant is now. Before the '94 refit this room was the Columbia Restaurant. 

I dined there on my first trip aboard QE2 in 1995. Amazing to see the differences between the room from '95 and '08!

[Blue Bombay]

15-18 February 1991
After leaving Lae yesterday we set course to North taking us to Osaka.The first 2 days at sea was relaxing we only have onboard 800 passengers.On the morning of the 15th i got my pay wages a bit more of money in my pocket now,on the same day we crossed the Equator line.The sea was a bit choppy on the last 2 days but that is not a problem for the QE2.The temperature outside has dropped a bit.At least my cabin is not the warm anymore.I am looking forward for Osaka.........

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Heres a foto of the Club Lido by night.

[Rob Lightbody]

I remember hearing about the sparkly floor, and I remember seeing it in 87, and it was always in the brochures!

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

I remember seeing it in 87

I'd forgotten all about it  until I saw that photo

[Chris]

Personally I think the 1994 incarnation of the Lido was its most pleasing appearance. The room changed from '94 to '08 through additions of carpeting and heavier furniture however the original 1994 interior with the light furniture and wooden floors was marvellous.

[Rob Lightbody]

Personally I think the 1994 incarnation of the Lido was its most pleasing appearance. The room changed from '94 to '08 through additions of carpeting and heavier furniture however the original 1994 interior with the light furniture and wooden floors was marvellous.

I'd love to see a photo of it in 1994.  The tiles which it had in it later on were HORRENDOUS.  Like from a public off-street toilet or cheap motorway services station.  with grimy grout between them.  Really, really not the look they were looking for I'm sure... although no doubt they were indeed practical!  I want to know if the pool was still under the floor in the lido - I think it must have been, some of it at least, because the basin would have been a huge construction to remove.

[Blue Bombay]

Can this photo help you,Rob?

[Rob Lightbody]

Oh gosh yes, that looks MILES better!  Thanks Louis.

This room appeared to suffer from fairly major leaks - the roof was only put in after the magradome was removed - which might be one of the reasons for the tiled floor...

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

I want to know if the pool was still under the floor in the lido

I think it was all removed. I've a set of plans that, although they're not dated, must be post 1994. They show the area on One Deck, immediately below the pool on Quarter Deck, as being a galley area for the Lido.

[Blue Bombay]

19th February 1991
This morning we docked at Tempozan Passenger Terminal.Its was a cold day,from the dock side i took the subway into the center.Went for lunch it was beautiful experience to enjoy food in a true Japanese ambiance and style.I had a great day.

Now we have 1 day at sea to Keelung,Taiwan.

[Blue Bombay]

Thats me in Osaka

[Blue Bombay]

I want to know if the pool was still under the floor in the lido

I think it was all removed. I've a set of plans that, although they're not dated, must be post 1994. They show the area on One Deck, immediately below the pool on Quarter Deck, as being a galley area for the Lido.

The whole pool was removed in its place is the galley for the Pavilion.

[Blue Bombay]

Here is a photo of the pool been ripped in 1994.
Sorry for the bad quality,battery was low and i had no flash

Louis

[Rob Lightbody]

Wow you really are a mine of information Louis!

Underneath the basin of the pool though, there must have been a huge structure - right down to 1, 2 and even maybe 3 decks I'd think... there must have been bulkheads etc. in place to support the weight of the pool and the water.

I think its a shame, that pool was cool...they should just have removed the magradome, but left the pool there... I remember the indoor tables round the pool, it had a great atmosphere... they should have made this the sports area, with a pool and keep fit stuff etc, and NOT done the buffet at all, or just a very small one, and, yes, shock, made QE2 different from every other cruise ship out there... if you want to eat, go to the lovely restaurant!

[Blue Bombay]

Thanks Rob,i have a few more from that refit sadly my battery went flat and that was it.
I have plenty more photos to post,but it has to be all scanned.I stiil have boxes in Portugal with QE2 stuff hopefully i can bring that over soon.
Hope everyone is patient with me

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

that pool was cool...

It was the one an only time I swam in it! It was our first trip; I thought I'd never go on the QE2 again; so I wanted to do everything. They'd just refilled it with cold Atlantic water that hadn't had time to heat up. We were getting off the next day so my only chance was to swim then. The water might have been cold but at least that meant to pool was quiet!

[Blue Bombay]

I had a chance to swim in it.

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

I had a chance to swim in it.

Once the water had been allowed to warm up I hope!

[Blue Bombay]

21th February 1991
With a very overcast weather we docked in Keelung,Taiwan this morning.I was ashore only for about any hour,the place didnt look safe enough.There was heavy presence of military in the streets,when they spotted me with the camera i was told to put it away.

I am really looking for tomorrow when at lunch time we arrive in Hong Kong.

[odkbull]

Louis, when I was on QE2 and we were going to Taiwan, their government would not let American crew off the ship. The ship made all of us members of the British Merchant Navy and issues us Seaman's books (like passports) but the government did not go with that idea either. So, I was not able to get off the ship at any time in Taiwan. Sad. But, I did make up for it in Hong Kong! 

[Blue Bombay]

Was it in1996?That call was also in Keelung.I went on leave in Thailand that year.  

[odkbull]

Yes, sir that was the one! Day by day, the world gets smaller!

[Blue Bombay]

22nd February 1991

Today was the big day,just after lunch we arrived in Hong Kong.The ship had to slow down to make its way to terminal.Its a busy shipping lane.There is a lot of traffic small boats,big boats,cargo ships,ferries etc.Everbody seemed to be out on decks to see the ship make its way in.You look around and wow its an amazing place cant wait to go ashore later.For some of the crew its a good day today,its time to pack and head home tomorrow.For the ones joining its back to zero.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Arriving in Hong Kong

[Twynkle]

Louis - These are great photos from the bow!
Did you do the anchoring 'stuff' as well?!!

Interesting what you say about it being tricky for QE2 to sail into the HK harbour.
I well remember landing on the old HK airstrip -
Plenty of water on either side of the plane,
and if I remember rightly, there were some very large ships on either side too - Fun!

[Blue Bombay]

2 more

[odkbull]

Louis, love your photos and recollections! Makes me wish I was a journaler!

[Blue Bombay]

With ship docked and all tied up and gangways open,i still had my working shift ahead.I finished work around 1 in the morning rushed to my cabin got changed and went out to see the HK night life,it was Friday even better.I managed to catch up with some crew in bar and what a crazy night i had. .When i stumbled back to the ship the sun was coming up,had a quick breakfast and went down to my cabin for some needed sleep.I got a few hours sleep then it was back ashore again.Went for some chinese lunch in a back street restaurant done lots of shopping, stuff is cheaper here than back at home.

Today was also the leave the party the some old faces are back,good to see some of them.Now i cant wait for them to come back because i am next in line to have leave.Southampton here i come

Today was also a big storing day its the last on before the ship is back in Southampton.

In the afternoon was back to work with a new team.The Bartenders and PRS change bar once a month.I was asked to stay in Club Lido until Southampton.I dont mind it.

After work it was back to the HK night life.................

[Blue Bombay]

24th February 1991

Today we still had a full day in HK.In the afternoon i went to the famous Peninsula Hotel for a cup of tea.It was great.Done some for shopping then back to the ship.I hope to come back next year again.

At midnight we left port next stop is Pattaya,Thailand..........

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

25th February 1991

The sun came up this morning with the ship in the South China Sea.The sea was rough and choppy at lunch time we had Force 8.This morning we had also Boat Drill i have a new muster station now,i am in Area Search that means that i have to ensure all persons have been evacuated to their emergency muster points.I also have to check for hot spots in event of a nearby fire.

My cabin mate had birthday today,that means that the cabin is turned into a party place.

26th February 1991

Today the sea was bit calmer than yesterday,still quite windy outside.

We also had cabin inspection this morning,when the Staff Captain came around we were still cleaning it.There was a lot of mess from the party.

Tomorrow morning we will be arriving in Pattaya,have heard a lot of stories about that place,ill find out if everthing is true

Louis

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

Tomorrow morning we will be arriving in Pattaya, have heard a lot of stories about that place,ill find out if everthing is true

I don't know much about Thailand. What stories had you heard?

[Blue Bombay]

Stories from the wild Pattaya nights.............. 

[Cunardqueen]

Louis
 Who was the Staff Captain, was it Ron Bolton
 As for Pattaya, is that the place where the ladyboys roam free
And how do you check for hot spots? 

[Blue Bombay]

Sorry cant remember who the Staff Captain was.

Lets put it is way everthing goes in Pattaya

Once the area where the fire is closed off,the top deck and deck below are searched for hot shots , this is done by feeling the Bulkheads with your hands,if its a risky fire you can try and water the Bulksheads down.And never open any door without feeling it.

[odkbull]

Pattay was great! I had one of the tastiest dinners that night and went to a show where I watched women shoot darts from their .... well, you know...and pop balloons. And, then smoke cigarettes afterwards with their...well, you know... And, it seemed like everyone in town was for sale...that was actually kind of sad...But, I actually blew threw all my cash that night and a very kind, very trusting cab driver agreed to drive me back to the ship and wait for me to get money to pay him...which I did of course. Very nice guy!

[Blue Bombay]

Yeah its a crazy place...............

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

And how do you check for hot spots? 

Once the area where the fire is closed off

I might be mistaken but I don't think that was the kind of "Hot Spot" Myles was talking about!

Perhaps Myles meant how do you recognise the more "interesting" places?  

(Of course I have no interest at all in these places - I'm only trying to clarify a question )

[Blue Bombay]

Thats me ready for Boat Drill

[Cunardqueen]

I might be mistaken but I don't think that was the kind of "Hot Spot" Myles was talking about!

Perhaps Myles meant how do you recognise the more "interesting" places?   

(Of course I have no interest at all in these places - I'm only trying to clarify a question  )

I was actually being serious, yes l know its hard to believe...
Isnt there some rule that if a watertight door on the lower decks is closing you can be sacked for walking through in the process?
Just how quickly do these things close? these are controlled directly from the bridge?
 And what about those big doors in the passenger cabin areas? are those fire doors, in all my time iv never seen them closed.

[Blue Bombay]

You can get sacked when walking through it or opening one.

They are closed by bridge control or manual.Theres 2 ways of manual one is direct by the door and the other is on the deck above the door in question.I never timmed it but i would think it takes 15-20 seconds to close.

The doors in passengers areas are fire doors.They do get closed sometimes.They are also bridge controles or done manually by the door.

[Blue Bombay]

27th February 1991

This morning we dropped anchor off in Pattaya,Thailand.The weather was very hot.The tender sercive had to be delayed by about 2 hours due to heavy swelling.I managed to get off just after lunch for a couple of hours.Took a look around done some shopping.Then back on the ship for my 17h00 start.Toinght ill be going for fun..............
 

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

I was actually being serious, yes l know its hard to believe...

Sorry 

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

And what about those big doors in the passenger cabin areas? are those fire doors, in all my time iv never seen them closed.

I saw a drill on the WC. All the watertight doors on Two Deck were closed. There were a group of crew members by each one to open it if passengers wanted to go through. I remember they looked vaguely embarrassed!

[Blue Bombay]

Heres 2 more from Pattaya,notice on the second photo the QE2 is on the background