"QE2 - My Home" From Louis

[Blue Bombay]

View from the Crew Mess

[Blue Bombay]

22nd March 1991

This morning we docked in Walvis Bay,since we only stayed until 1400 hours there was no watch off for the Bar Staff.

I managed to speak with one of the casino girls to bring me a local bottle of beer,which she did

When i finished the lunch time shift at 1330 i went to my cabin got changed and went out on deck to see the ship sail.

Since it was very warm i stayed out on deck until about 1600.

Now in front of us we have 3 days at sea until we arrive in Freetown,Sierra Leone.

Basically i am heading home now.Lisbon here i come

Louis

[Cunardqueen]

FOR FIRE WAS PHONIX
FOR FLOODING WAS NIAGRA
FOR MEDICAL TEAM WAS STARLIGHT

Mercifully l have never heard the Phoenix call but on the Maiden Voyage in 87 Niagra,Niagra was forever being called out in various locations from the Childrens Nursery to cabins on 4 deck. Starlight calls always make you wonder how serious the situation is.
 In recent times it would appear these words been replaced with just the call Code and a number with a location

[Blue Bombay]

In recent times it would appear these words been replaced with just the call Code and a number with a location

Until when i left in 1998 it was like that.It can be that they were replaced later.

[Twynkle]

Hi Louis

Isn't there a separate call too, if someone aboard has died?
Rosie

[Blue Bombay]

Isn't there a separate call too, if someone aboard has died?

No ,not that i know of.

[Blue Bombay]

The Alpha tender

[Blue Bombay]

23 to 25 March 1991

Wow 3 full days at sea. :)And the best ship to be on it is the QE2.The sun was shinning and sea had a heavy swell the ship was on a long roll but nothing that she cant handle.

Down below decks all crew are back to their daily routines,the 6 Deck alleyway is been painted and also the Fwd crew bathrooms on Five Deck.

With the weather getting hotter outside you can feel it down below decks.In my cabin the AC has its problems i have to keep the deadlights closed too cool it down a bit.When i am around in the cabin i leave the door open too.

Before our arrival in Freetown we crossed the Equator once more the last time for this World Cruise.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

26th March 1991

Today we docked at a very hot and humid Freetown,Sierra Leone.

I didnt manage do get ashore this morning had to work.

At lunch time we had some agents with Staff Captain come to the bar for a round of drinks.They also had lunch in the Columbia Restaurant.

After lunch i got the shuttle bus into town,was there for about an hour bought some stuff,then back to the ship.

Tomorrow at lunch time we arrive in Dakar,Senegal.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

How peacefull

[Blue Bombay]

27th March 1991

With an hour late we docked at 1400 hours in Dakar,Senegal.

The furthest i got today was until the dockside.There was a lots of stands of locals selling their goods.I managed to get myself some nice wooden crafts animals,they were quite cheap.

At midnight we set sail for Tenerife,Canary Islands.

4 more days to go then its home for me

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

28th March 1991

Today was a day at sea.For me the second last day at sea this contract.

I spend most of the day packing,with all the stuff i have to get off the ship thanks god i am not flying.

I am so happy that my time is almost up.As much as i love the ship and work but know its time for a break.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

29th March 1991

At 8h30 the ship berthed in Muelle Del Sul,Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

I got ashore this morning,there was a shuttle bus to town.But i decided to walk into town the weather was nice not to hot and a little breeze comig in.

Today i already got a bit of a taste from home.The Portuguese and Spanish languages are quite similar so had no problem in understanding the people.

Before i got back on the ship i still had time for a tapas dish and a nice cold draught beer.

At 14h00 i was back at work.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

QE2 docked in Tenerife

[Blue Bombay]

30th March 1991

Today was my last day at sea this contract.

This morning before i went to work i went along the Crew Office to pick up my final wages.

Lunch in the Theater Bar was busy as ever got a few more tips from the regular passenger hopefully ill see them again next World Cruise.

In the afternoon i finished with most of the packing.

Tomorrow we will be docking in Gibraltar but i have no watch off

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Thats my Boss

[Blue Bombay]

Heres a couple more from the World Cruise.

Morning market in Suva

Taxi ride in India

[Blue Bombay]

St.Thomas thats were i stocked (booze) up for the World Cruise.

[Blue Bombay]

Photo taken from inside the Magrodome area the roof is open looking up towards the tender.

[Blue Bombay]

31th March 1991

Today we arrived in Gibraltar.

I had to work this morning so i only went ashore after lunch.

It was just a nice walk to town and back.

My mind is already in Lisbon.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

The Funnel photo taken in Malaysia.


The Mast notice of old South African flag photo taken in Durban.

Louis 

[Blue Bombay]

QE2 in Sydney.

Notice the Magrodome roof is open.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

1st April 1991

After a night of heavy drinking session and not going to bed,I was out on the Bow Deck as we were arriving in Lisbon.I think Lisbon is one of the best ports to come in.

We docked at 8 by then i was almost ready to leave.

Once we were docked i had to finish the last things.We have a paper on it is a few signatures we need to get that is from the Public Room Manager,Linenkeeper,Chief Crew Steward and from the Crew Office.So first i got the bed linen and uniform together and brought it to the Linenkeeper from here i went up G stairway to Upper Deck into the Yacht Club then left past the bar the office is around the corner.From here its back down to Six Deck all the way Fwd back up to One Deck Fwd the Chief Crew Office is Fwd of the Crew Mess here i hand my cabin key in.Last but not least is back down to Six Deck to the Crew Office here i hand my Crew Pass in,they check the paper and sign me off.Then i get my passport then i am a free man.

Back to my cabin and get my stuff i had a few of my mates helping me out.That was around 9h30.MY parents were outside waiting for me fill the car up then we drove off.

Then we take the route across the Bridge to the other side my home is about 10 minute from the Statue.It was nice to be back home.

Because of Military Sercive i would only join again on the 15th of June.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

My day in Brisbane.

Lunch in Mombasa with friends

[Blue Bombay]

Me at lunch the day after

[Blue Bombay]

With 20 years old and my first World Cruise complete i was on top of the world.To go to places that i had only seen in books or tv was marvellous. I was already looking for next years World Cruise.

During theses months of the WC i came across so many people for so many backrounds and learned so much.To come across passengers that stay onboard for the whole WC and they come back every year was a wonderful experience.Some of them are really down to earth people.

The receptions we get in some ports are a memory for ever,even for just been crew people are amazed with us for travelling around in such a big ship.And for those people who find out that you from the QE2 its amazing how many go out of the way for you.

A example i have was a few years later in Bali when we took a taxi to the other side of the island during that trip the taxi broke.The taxi driver stopped a car and said we were from the QE2 the guy brought us back to the port without charge.We gave him some the QE2 stuff that we had with us then.We really made his day there and him ours.

Now for the next WC there are places that i have marked which is a must for me to see.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

15th June 1991

It was time to join the ship again.At 14h30 i flew from Lisbon to Gatwick upon arriving i took the National Express bus to Southampton and from there a taxi to the Dockside.I arrived on the ship it was past 22h00 hours already.The QE2 was on a overnight stay.

On this evening Prince Edward and the Duke of Edinburgh were onboard attending a Royal Ball security was tight it took me a while to get through.

The expenses i had on the bus and taxi i hand them to the Crew Office and get my money refund.

I was not joining from a normal leave party i was replacing someone that had got sacked.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

16th June 1991

Today at noon we set sail for New York via Cherbourg were we docked at 18h00.

At 19h30 we left with a full ship towards New York with a distance of 3065 miles.

The weather forecast is for a nice and smooth crossing.

I am now in Yacht Club it is my first time working there.My partner is a female from Germany.My two Barkeeper are Swedish and Scotish.My station in the Yacht Club is on the stb.side the includes the seats around the piano.

Tonight was also an hour back on the clocks.

Louis

[Twynkle]

Hi Louis

Good to know that you were in the Yacht Club!
What on earth time were you able to go off duty watch(!) at night?

[Blue Bombay]

What on earth time were you able to go off duty watch(!) at night?

The opening time was until 2 a.m. but had to stay until the last passenger left.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Suzanne and Me in the Yacht Club

[Blue Bombay]

17th June 1991

Today we had the first full day at sea.The weather outside was typical of a transatlantic windy,rainy and the sea a bit choppy.

For crew and passengers there was a Boat Drill this morning.My Muster Duties now is Stretcher Party that is in helping the Hospital out in case of a emergency.

At 1130 this morning i was also on duty for a private party for the French speaking passengers in the Queens Room.The Captains Columbia/Grill Reception was also held in the evening in the same room,which i was also on duty too.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Me outside the Yacht Club.
In the Queens Room ready for the Captains party.

[Twynkle]

Hi Louis

About the uniforms!
How ever many did you have?
I know it was different depending on where you worked - and at different times of the day.
Did you have to wear formal dress on Formal Nights?

[Blue Bombay]

Rosie,

Our uniform consisted of 3 jackets,2 dark greyish collars(evening) and 2 light grey collar(day).

The jackets are the some its just the collars that are changed.

I just noticed on the photos i posted from the Queens Rooms shows me in day uniform therefore i think that was not a Captains Reception Party but it was another function.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

18th June 1991

I was last night late in finishing work thanks god there was the hour back so at least i got a drink in the Crew Bar.This morning before i got back to work i had to clean the cabin at 1100 there was Cabin Inspection.

The weather today was much better the ship was on 30 knots at lunchtime and doing good time.

This evening it was time for the Captains Reception for Mauretania Passengers.1st sitting was at 1745 and the 2nd at 2000. I was on the 2nd sitting party doing the canapes round.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

19th June 1991

This morning we entered the 3 day on this crossing,weather has been great normal for this time of the year.

Our ETA in New York is as planned.

At 1100 oclock this morning there was Captains Inspection of Health and Hygiene.The bars was part of this inspection.

This evening there was also the Officers Cocktail Parties in their quaters.I was on the one of the Hotel Manager on 2 Deck.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Heres the Public Room Stewards just as a curiosity its all 100% European from the following nationality:
3 Austrians
1 Italian
12 English
2 Germans
2 Portuguese
1 Swedish

How this all changed a few years later

PS-can you spot me?

Louis

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Yes, I can spot you, Louis  

There seem to be two types of jackets there -- day time and evening time collars?

And did the women all wear skirts, or was there a choice between skirts and trousers?

[Blue Bombay]

There seem to be two types of jackets there -- day time and evening time collars?

And did the women all wear skirts, or was there a choice between skirts and trousers?

Yes,there are 2 types of jackets-day and evening.

Women wear only skirts.

Louis

[Twynkle]

I can see you too, Louis!
Yours is an amazing collection of photos!
The girls are wearing green down the front collar bits of their jackets - was there a reason?

[Blue Bombay]

20th June 1991

Today was the last day at sea before NY.It was a very relaxing day today.

The passengers i had this crossing in the Yacht Club were great very easy going which makes everthing smooth to run.I hope to get good tips from them.

This morning there was the CWC in the Queens Room at 11h30.I was on duty again.I dont mind doing this parties they are easy and simple to do and i get my 10 dollars for it.The only bad thing about is it sometimes happenes on your break time.And once you miss your break slot you get no break.

Tonight it also 1 more hour back.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

The girls are wearing green down the front collar bits of their jackets - was there a reason?

Rosie,do you mean the collars?If so they arent green but dark greyish and that is the evening jackets.

Louis

[Bob C.]

How this all changed a few years later

Louis, I'm curious.  How did it change a few years later?  

The crew in 1969 and early 70's, at least those in direct contact with passengers, were all British.  I don't remember if it was our 1977 or 1979 trans-Atlantic but the British crew had evolved into an "international" one.  I don't remember if it was all European or global nationalities but I only remember Europeans (we had a British and a Polish waiter).  As I look back on my '69 and early 70's voyages, I enjoyed the "all British" days a bit more simply because a Scottish built (I realize parts were made in several countires) and a British crewed ship was more than just a 5 star resort, it was also a symbol of national pride  National pride today, by and large, is diminished and sometimes looked on as being arrogant especially here in the US.   I have no problem with a global international crew and believe the service onboard QE2 and today's ships is impeccable but I do think that true symbols of national pride, as the QE2 was, are few and far between nowadays.  JMHO.

Are there any former crew members out there that know the timeline of the stages of the QE2 crew's international make-up?  I think that would be interesting to trace.

[Blue Bombay]

Louis, I'm curious.  How did it change a few years later? 

The changes was when they got non-europeans to do the same job as the europeans for less money.
Then came the pre-paids and for some (the europeans ) it was bad news.

Louis

[Bob C.]

The changes was when they got non-europeans to do the same job as the europeans for less money.
Then came the pre-paids and for some (the europeans ) it was bad news.

My point exactly.  National pride has been overtaken by the lowest bidder - such a shame but an unavoidable reality in today's world...

[Blue Bombay]

21st June 1991

At 7H30 this morning we docked portside to Berth 3,Pier 90.

I was on cleaning gang duty today so didnt get a chance to set my feet ashore.

We had no passengers in transit so the ship was very empty this morning.

By noon all embarakation staff on duty to report in,shortly after embaraktion commences.

At 15H00 we departured for Southampton,also on the same time there was an hour forward.

Later in the afternoon there was Boat Drill for embarked passengers.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

A coupe of shots from me around the ship

[Cunardqueen]

The refit in 1986/87 refit saw a major change when she was de nationalised and the NUS objected to the unions no longer having a say in everyday onboard life. Certainly l recall in 86 being aware of just how British she was onboard and then surprised how much had changed in a year and QE2 went international, there was a huge fuss made in the papers/news about the Unions being disbanded, but a lot of the crew were re-employed having been given generous payouts etc
 And lets not forget the British workers were can we say were not the best at flexable working.....

 I do remember in recent times onboard speaking with the Hotel Manager and shortly before QE2 re entered service in 87 he was up in Scotland interviewing for the hotel operations side. He was staying over at one hotel and popped down for breakfast before interviewing the expected hadful of applicants and noticed the hotel seemed very very busy with people miling around waiting for something and he casually mentioned mentioned to a member of staff why it was so and was told "All these folks want to see YOU !!! " And his reply was "Oh skip the breakfast just get the coffee and we had better start now" Which he did and as he said it was one of the best sessions they did as he picked out a young man who was employed as a waiter on QE2 and later went onto climb the ranks and later moved to QM2. And featured a lot in the brochures over the years
 Those that know him will know who l mean, those that dont know probably wont
 It was particulary interesting for me to hear his side of the  events and the new staff were employed at very short notice as looking back, the staff onboard some didnt seem quite sure of what they were doing at times on the new QE2

[Blue Bombay]

22nd to 25th June 1991

The transatlantic eastbound was uneventful,the weather was not that nice like on the westbound.

Speaking for myself i like these back to back transatlantics.You get your working routine.You get your breaks you finish on time it is just great.When we in ports there is always late tours,functions etc ,etc.all that stress.

The only negative side with the eastbound is the hours forward but you have to live with it.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

26th June 1991

This morning was still a sea day as we approach Southampton.

At 13h00 we had 2 hours on the clock to 15h00 local time,time in which we docked too.

I used to hate theses 2 hours foward up the river.The bars have to close dead on 15h00 because of the bills that still have to be booked on passengers.Because our next cruise is a english cruise the menus and computer system have to be changed from dollars to pounds.Thanks good this ended a few years later when all cruises became under the dollar currency.

This was an overnight stay in Southampton.Tomorrow we sail on a Party Cruise.That is always fun and loads of money


Louis

[Blue Bombay]

27th June 1991

After a lovely night out with dinner and a movie in the cinema btw. i watched "silence of the lamps" this morning was back to work.
The ship was getting ready for the Cruise to Nowhere,we going to have a full ship.

We sailed shortly after lunch time and at 15h45 there was a embarkation party in the Grand Lounge.

At night it was very very busy in the Yacht Club we ended requesting one more PRS to help out.It was a very long night.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Dockside in Southampton

[Cunardqueen]

Louis
Whats your view on these shorter party night cruises, l know some crew dont like them as its not the normal QE2 type passenger
 When l did the one nighter a number of years ago, l found the room stewardess and her attitude chanegd when she realised l had been a number of times before. The yacht club never stoped all night, it was very much a party atmosphere all night.
Sadly the table guests were not impressed and rated Thompson cruises above QE2.... And it wasnt what they expected. The raw fried eggs at breakfast were the final straw.

[Blue Bombay]

We had 2 kinds of party cruise, the US (out of New York) and the UK one.For me that UK was the better the reason for this was that we had a lot of regulars that came for this cruise 2-3 times a year.As for us in the bar money was better and the brits are more friendly.On the US the people are more rude,ungrateful and arrogant ,they pay peanuts for the cruise and then think they can get what they want.Then they normal say "We were told we can get what we want on this Boat".They dont even have a clue from a boat or a ship.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Yacht Club one of the best bars to work in(until 1994 of course).

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

Yacht Club one of the best bars to work in(until 1994 of course).

Not just to work in - that bar was fantastic to sit and drink in

[Blue Bombay]

28th June 1991

After a long night and a few hours sleep i was back to work at 10 this morning.Today was another busy day as we cruise around the Channel at low speed.

Today was just work work and work i went for like about 16 hours with a couple of shorts breaks just to eat.

Around the bars all day long there was a lot of private parties keeping us all busy and rushed of our feet.But at the end of the cruise money was good.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

A couple more of me

[Blue Bombay]

29th June 1991

Back in Southampton after a very busy Party Cruise. I went ashore this morning had breakfast in Solos Dinner,time for relaxing later this afternoon its back to zero with a new voyage.And i always wonder how will it be.

For the next month i am back in Midships Bar.

Mid afternoon we slipped away from the dockside down the Solent pass the Isle of White then out to open sea,4 full days at sea we have now ahead of us.We will be arriving in New York on 4th July.

Louis