"QE2 - My Home" From Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Party time in cabin 6001.



Louis

[Blue Bombay]

22nd April 1992

After a busy fours days in port it was nice to have a day at sea again.Last night i had a group that stayed late in the PG Bar so i only finished after 02h00.After everthing was cleared and closed i sneaked in through the back door there you have the Mauretania all the lights were off so i walked Fwd towards the galley then i found the fridge were the food was in and had a bite (I have a cook in the galley that keeps me some food ) of course if i get caught i am in big trouble then.

I only got a few sleep because at 08h00 i was part of a USPH Sanitation Course.This will be done today and the sea day after Ft.Lauderdale.

This evening in the Bar things went nice and easy,some will be leaving tomorrow and i got my tips.   When i closed down at night i still had to go help out in the Club Lido,things were really rocking there.  

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

23rd April 1992

Back in Ft.Lauderdale this morning.I had a watch off day,so a slept until about 11h00 and only after that i went ashore.Took the shuttle bus to the Galleria Shopping Mall had some lunch then back to the ship.

Sailing from here was packed with people again all lined along the shore and the buildings.It always nice to see to sailways like this.

The evening onboard was quiet there was only about 1200 passengers onboard ,when i finished around midnight the ship was almost dead even when i popped into the Columbia Restaurant to see how the Midnight Buffet was going there was hardly anyone there.

At night there was a party in the crew bar and that means another late night.And at 8h00 i have to be back at the USPH course.LOL 

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

24th April 1992

This morning i just made it on time for the course and what a hangover i had LOL.

Today i didnt have much time for me i had the morning course from 08h00-10h00 then i done lunch time until 14h00, back to the course at 14h30 until 16h30 and at 17h00 i was back in the Bar for night luckly tonight was not busy so i finished staright after closing time.

Tomorrow morning we are back in New York.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

25th April 1992

This morning we were back up the Hudson towards the pier, its always wonderfull to sail into New York.
Sadly this time round i was on Cleaning Gang so had no time to get ashore.

Later in the day we sailed for Southampton, this would be my 32nd Crossing.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

26th to 29 th April 1992

Our crossing over to Southampton weather wise was great smooth seas sunny really perfect.

For the crew it was just another crossing with the normal routine.The only downside about the Eastbound Crossing is the hours you loose at night.Less time for party. 

For our day in Southampton is going to be a big one.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Here is a link to my blog.This blog wont have a lot of stories it will contain mostly photos from the time on the QE2.More photos will be add over the next few days.

http://qe2-my-home.blogspot.com/

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

30th April 1992

This morning was still spend at sea as we headed towards The Solent, once going up the river the clocks go forward by 2 hours, this clock change was always a killer thanks god that changed in later years.

As the ships approaches the docking area its time to try and close the bars down ( bars have to be closed due to customs ) ,all the bills has to be taken to the pursers office asap.

Once the disembarkation starts the board currency has to be changed into pounds.This is another one of does things that caused loads of problems, it too got changed in later years when the currency became US dollar through out.

This evening and night i had a watch off so i went out for some dinner and a few drinks.

Tomorrow is going to be a big day for the ships history.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

1st May 1992

This morning the ship was still docked in Southampton and getting ready for a important day.

At 11h30 there was a big function in the Grand Lounge, Margaret Thatcher was a guest of honor to mark the 10th anniversary of the Falklands War.She aslo made a speech to the audience.It was a very busy morning and with very tight security.

Later in the afternoon we sailed for the Canary Islands.

Louis

[Chris]

Did you meet Margaret Thatcher?

[Blue Bombay]

Did you meet Margaret Thatcher?

Chris i took part in that function so yes i did see her.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

2nd to 7th May 1992

After leaving Southampton now we head two full days at sea before our call at Tenerife.

The first day at sea in the Biscay is was we are used too choppy seas and quiet chilly out on decks.For the crew and passengers at 10h30 there was a full Boat Drill.For the Fire Party we had a fire training in the Crew Mess.

In the evening at 19h00 i was on the Captains Reception for the Grill Passengers.

The second day at sea nothing much happened.

On the thrid day we arrived in Tenerife i had no watch off this day.The following day was our call at Funchal, Madeira here i had a watch off.I went to Machico its about 24km to the east of the Island to visit some family members.Had a nice lunch and a few vinho secos ( this is the juice that comes direct from the pressed grapes ).

After leaving Madeira it was again two days at sea to Southampton.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

The QE2 leaving Funchal-sorry for the bad quality.



Louis

[Blue Bombay]

8th to 13th May 1992

Back in Southampton this morning after a busy cruise.

Down below decks was a busy today.There was a Crew turnaround for the ones going they are happy to go for the ones that are rejoining (or the new crew) its time to enter the other world for the next 3 months the QE2  is home.

I did manage to get into town for a few hours.

Later in afternoon it was time to leave for another crossing.As for the crossing it started rough but as we head west the seas got better.

Work wise ill be working in the Yacht Club for the next month.I will have memories of this crossing because onboard as passengers we had the rock band "The Cure" they came in every night for drinks the atmosphere was great with them around,though they kept me up very late.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

13th to 17th 1992

After sailing from New York we set sail for Bermuda.This kind of cruise is like a mini cruise 2 days at sea one port for the crew it is wonderful.There was a group called Confederate Heritage of Bermuda that made the cruise onboard.

I had no watch off in Bermuda.

On the 17th we arrived back in New York.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Uploaded new photos from Geiranger, check it out.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ex-crewmember/sets/72157621921746496/detail/

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

17th May 1992

This morning we arrived back to very rainy New York.I was on Cleaning Gang Duty so i didnt get ashore.

Later in the afternoon we sailed to Southampton.This would be my 34th crossing.

Following is the extracts of the Operatinal Orders for this crossing.

12h00 Embarkation Staff on Duty
12h15 Embarkation Commences
14h30 All Passengers and Crew Onboard
14h45 Stations for Departure
15h00 Ship sails for Southampton-Distance 3100 miles
          Stowaway Search to be Carried Out
15h00 Clocks Advanced One Hour to GMT -3
17h30 Passengers Embarked Emergency Drill
18h00 Informal Dress

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

18th May 1992

05h00 Night Sea Boats Crew Drill
10h15 Special Parties Muster
10h30 Crew Emergency Drill, followed by Crew Boat and Raft Drill.
          Passengers Stations and Stairways to be manned 5 minutes before.
          Lifejackets be to worn.
          On completion of Liferaft Drill, Groups "D" will remain behind to secure Davits.
          WTD.N° 32,55 to be closed by remote control from Four Deck
18h00 Formal Dress
19h00 Captains Reception for Grills and Caronia Passengers in the Queens Room.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

19th May 1992

04h00 Clocks to be Advanced by 1 hour to GMT -2
09H00 ATD Inspection-Section 3-Grand Lounge
10h30 WTD Drill.All Watertight Doors on 5 Deck to be closed by Local Control on orders from Bridge.
           All doors below 6 Deck to be closed by Bridge Controla.All doors to be manned by designated personnel.
11h00 Captains Inspection of Crew Accomodation.
17h45 Formal Dress
17h45 Captains Reception Mauretania 1st Sitting-Queens Room.
20h00 Captains Reception Mauretania 2st Sitting-Queens Room.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

20th May 1992

04h00 Clocks Advanced 1 hour to GMT -1
10h30 WTD Drill.All Watertight Doors on 5 Deck to be closed by Local Control on orders from Bridge.
          All doors below 6 Deck to be closed by Bridge Controla.All doors to be manned by designated personnel.
18h00 Formal Dress

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

21st May 1992

10h30 WTD Drill.All Watertight Doors on 5 Deck to be closed by Local Control on orders from Bridge.
          All doors below 6 Deck to be closed by Bridge Controla.All doors to be manned by designated personnel.
1030 Captains Inspection Of Health And Hygiene
         Inspecting Officers to Muster Boat Deck A Stairway
11h00 Divine Service for Passengers And Crew-Theatre
11h45 CWC Cocktail Party
18h00 Informal Dress

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

22nd May 1992

11h00 ETA Pilot
12h00 Clocks Advanced 2 hours to GMT +1

  SHIP TO BE READY FOR PORT HEALTH INSPECTION

14H00 In Berth Portside to Queen Elizabeth Terminal
15h30 Approx.Self Help Disembarkation- 2 Deck Midships
16h00 Approx.Commence Main Disembarkation

This was a overnight stay.

There was a in Port Function this evening and i was on duty.  

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Heres the letter from the In Port Function with a big thank you.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ex-crewmember/4232596437/

Louis

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

What a great letter! That really is a big thank-you, and well deserved I am sure. Glad to see it here too.

Otherwise, Louis, don't go so fast! I like the glimpses of your daily programme, and have questions arising on each day.

On 18 May, and you mentioned it before, you have a "special parties muster". What does this involve? How did ot make you know the ship so well?

[Blue Bombay]

On 18 May, and you mentioned it before, you have a "special parties muster". What does this involve? How did ot make you know the ship so well?

Special Parties Muster are holders of the red card (rest of crew are white card).Most of the Crew on SPM have a CPSC ( certificate of proficiency in survival craft ) course i took mine in 1996.

On our weekly Boat Drill ( by law there must be ever 7 days a full Crew Boat Drill ) the SPM are all called at the some time on a real scenario this wont happen like that.

Imagine know the following scene:

Alarm was raised about a fire in the Computer learning Center no tannoys will be made straight away.The Control Party is called first.This Party has about 6-8 Crew the First Officer on Duty is part of it.If they cant put the fire out the next phase is called out.First a tannoy is made into crew areas only calling SPM these parties will be the following Area Search,Back Up Supply,Close Down,FWD Fire Party,AFT Fire Party,Midships Fire Party,Hose Party,Messengers,WTD Party.Next the Zone 3 will all be closed down.If the fire gets of of control and an abandon ship is called out by the Captain, the rest of the SPM will be called for example Boat Preparation,Liferaft Preparation,Check Off,Passengers Stations,Direct Passengers,Provisions etc.

Because you do theses weekly simulations around the ship as a Fire Party you have to know your away around,even when the ship is pitch black below decks.

BY KNOWING THE SHIP INSIDE OUT THE BETTER ARE YOUR CHANCES OF SURVIVAL AND MAYBE SAVING OTHERS.

[Cunardqueen]

Heres the letter from the In Port Function with a big thank you.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ex-crewmember/4232596437/

Louis

I must confess l always thought Ocean Pictures were great onboard QE2. When exactly were they replaced with this IMAGE lot. At times their service was pretty shambolic   

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

  SHIP TO BE READY FOR PORT HEALTH INSPECTION

Louis, you have mentioned this US inspection a couple of times. What did / does this involve? Did QE2 have to undergo this each time she arrived in US waters?

Were the same sort of rules applied by the authorities of the relevant place any time she arrived in any other waters?

Did she have inspections every time she returned to the UK?

[Blue Bombay]

Louis, you have mentioned this US inspection a couple of times. What did / does this involve? Did QE2 have to undergo this each time she arrived in US waters?

Were the same sort of rules applied by the authorities of the relevant place any time she arrived in any other waters?

Did she have inspections every time she returned to the UK?

There was 2 Public Inspections in the US ( New York,Fort Lauderale and Los Angeles where they would come onboard most likely ) and in the UK ( Southampton ).The local inspectors came onboard at least once every six months.

Of course when the ship was arriving in the US or UK extra care has to be taken they can sometimes make a surprise visit.

But normally all year round at least once a week inspection take place.Apart from those coming around no one knows where they will do the inspection.

Everywhere were handling of  drink and food is part of the the inspection.That is all Galleys,all Restaurants,all Pantries,all Bars and the stores on 7 Deck.

Following is what is involved and must be taken from the crew.For example in the bar you must make sure that nothing is stored on the floor,all fruit are in containers and labelled,all fruit juices are in plastic containers and labelled,no open cans of juices or cream,the fridges have all to be cleaned extra care must be taken with rubbers around the doors,fridge temperatures checked ( by every fridge onboard there is a paper where the temperature must be filled in daily ).If they came during service you must be carefull not to touch the fruit with bare hands or the ice,the ice scoop must not be in the ice.Most important is that there is a separate sink to wash the hands with soap and paper towels.

Pretty much appllies to the rest ,of course in stores on 7 deck each fridge is labelled with what it contains.For example the meat fridge can only contain meat and nothing else.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

23rd to 26th May 1992

After spending a overnight in Southampton onboard, this morning i was off the ship early had a nice breakfast done some shopping and was back onboard around lunch time.I was on embarkation duty today.

Later in the afternoon we sailed for Lisbon with a full ship and lots of regulars.

On the morning of the 24th the ship was in the Bay Biscay at full speed towards the next port of call.For crew there was a full crew Boat Drill.The simulation during this drill was that a passengers fell and broke a leg up on Boat Deck by the tennis court.The Hospital and Stretcher Party are called to the scene.The passenger has be taken to the Hospital ( a crew member is laid down on the stretcher and has to be carried down).

The next day we arrived in a sunny Lisbon i had a watch off and went home for the day.

The day at sea back to Southampton was just a routined day at sea.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Hello all Forum Members (and guests)

I am sure everyone has been happly reading my blog and seen my photos,this is just to remind that any questions or comments are more than welcomed.  

Regards Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Now my memory of Rhodes is enriched, just as every mile of this journey has been immeasurably enriched by studying Louis' photos and reading his recollections.

Nice to hear that   

Introduce yourself please.What was your job onboard?

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Suprise Louis! It's Greg Diakun from the piano in the Yacht Club....

Finally you are here, you made my day.     

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

Glad to be the one to view the 20 000 mark on my blog. Thank you all.  

Louis

[Cunardqueen]

And heres to the next 20 000 !!!
Keep it up

[Queet-two]

Yes please do Louis.  It makes my day.

[Blue Bombay]

27th to 6th June 1992

On the morning of the 27th we arrived back in Southampton, a quick turnaboard and the ship was off again.

I didnt get ashore, i was in Port Function.In the afternoon we sailed to New York were we arrived on the 1st of June.

The crossing over weather wise a good apart from the fog showin on the last day.

The day in New York was a rushed day.Just had time to go do some shopping then back the ship.

Then it was another crossing back to Southampton.We arrived back on home on the 6th for the overnight stay.It was my birthday is on the 7th and how lucky i was to have that overnight stay, went out and really blew it out  

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

7th to 11th June 1992

After a heavy drinking night out i got back onborad early morning and just went to bed.

Later in the afternoon we sailed for the English Cruise with calls at Rotterdam, Stavanger and Copehagen then back to Southampton.

[Blue Bombay]

Me in Stavanger with the QE2 in the background.



Louis

[Blue Bombay]

The QE2 docked in Copenhagen, Denmark 1992



Louis

[Blue Bombay]

It looks as if this link on flickr is private!

Rosie the link was not in private.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

22 222 is on me lol 

[Blue Bombay]

During this last cruise their was an incident in the Engine Room see here post 2 and 3.

http://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,1039.0.html

Louis

[Matt]

I have to get round to reading all of this! You really have some stories Louis! Thankyou!

[Blue Bombay]

I have to get round to reading all of this! You really have some stories Louis! Thankyou!

What you havent yet ?    What you waiting for go and read it !!! LOL

Louis

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

The QE2 docked in Copenhagen, Denmark 1992

I see Asuka there in the foreground of your picture. Did you get many chances to visit other ships in port? Or, if not, you probably mixed with their crews here and there and exchanged views, stories and criticisms? You must have heard many interesting tales in many parts of the world!

[Chris]

Asuka is just another ship with a QE2 inspired funnel.

[Blue Bombay]

My QE2 Statistics, check it out

http://qe2-the-legend.do-forum.com/qe2-my-story-f46/my-qe2-statistics-t289.htm

[Blue Bombay]

Did you get many chances to visit other ships in port? Or, if not, you probably mixed with their crews here and there and exchanged views, stories and criticisms? You must have heard many interesting tales in many parts of the world!

Yes, Isabelle i did mix with other crews and mostly was during the Carribean Cruises.We had a lot of exchange of stories over.There was a girl i meet in Barbados on the beach she worked then on the Monarch of the Seas over a few drinks i told her about all the wonders of the QE2, a months later was shocked when i bumped into her onboard in the Crew Mess.

Louis

[Blue Bombay]

12th to 14th 1992

Back in Southampton this morning after a vey busy cruise, now its was time for a quick turnaround before heading for the Party Cruise and this will be another busy cruise for sure.

The ship left in the afternoon heading down for the Channel, then its is just cruising around at slow speed before heading back to Southampton on the 14th.

For me that would be time to pack and head home...........

[Cunardqueen]

What were your thoughts or the crews thoughts in general of thsese short party cruises.

 As a passenger much as those these are fun, they are pretty hectic, having done the one and two nighters the bars are usually mobbed, the shops are usually hectic and you do get a very varied passenger mix.....
 On a one nighter l dont even remember using the cabin berth by the time the yacht club shut it was time to shower and change too see the arriving back in southampton and of course to have breakfast. I do rememeber once being served drinks from a warm glass in the yacht club. Even at check in you saw various passengers with the posh frocks, On my last one nighter the dress code was changed  a very short time before departure from informal to Formal.
 The stewardess on that trip just assumed l was a newcomer, untill l gently slipped in l had sailed a number of times and her attitude really did change.
 The tables guests were hard going and compared QE2 to Thompson cruises , the wine took forever to arrive (unlike Thompson) the cabin was down in the bowls of the ship (unlike Thompson) the food service was a bit slow (unlike Thompson)
 in fact everything was so unlike Thompson. The final straw for them was at breakfast when the fried eggs arrived and they were still very raw, and the one comment was " They cant even cook eggs on the QE2!"
 I hated having my ship slagged off and to be compared to Thompson l was just gobsmacked at.. They didnt like the QE2 and she hadnt matched upto the image they imagined of her. But l did eventually get through to them that QE2 was no ordinary cruise ship, she was a liner and what they were doing wasnt  a party cruise they were taking part in history and really these short trips didnt she her at her best.The longer trips the dress codes were more enforced, which didnt go down well with the guy with no tie They did give in eventually and conceed that they didnt know exactly what QE2 had, but she did have something special about her, and they were pleased to have sailed on her.
 But it does show some folks just didnt like her    
 For what its worth that was the year l did 3 trips, this one and a back to back Zebrugge trip with a Med cruise and really this one nighter was only fitted in as it happened my 100th night at sea would have fallen on the day we were overnight in Alexandria. Having given serious consideration to a party for my 100th night party  l did this trip so that the 100th night landed on a sea day.
 Well l had to have some reason to sneek in the one nighter on my ship
 As it happened on later voyages l did meet with some other regulars who were on this same trip, and most of us agreed these short party cruises really didnt show off QE2 to her best, but it still didnt put us off booking them, a very quick fix indeed.
 




Cabin 1098

[Blue Bombay]

Today 20 years ago (wow that long ago) i was sitting in a plane on my way to London then for a short bus trip down to Southampton where i would board the QE2 on the 12th.

[Chris]

Louis, I'm interested to know about your last day on QE2? Did you know you weren't coming back, and if so are there any farewell rituals for departing crew that aren't returning? How did it feel to leave your "home" for the last time?

[Scott Ebersold]

That is an excellent question, Chris.  I am curious too, Louis.  What was it like?