Maggie O'Donnell, QE2 Casino girl 1981-1983

[Casinogirls]

Hi,
My name is Maggie O'Donnell and I worked in the Casino on and off from 1981 - 1983... I still have many friends I made onboard from those hazy, crazy days... lots of great times and brilliant people...with fantastic memories 

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Hello Maggie, and welcome to the Forum!

Enjoy the excellent company of so many QE2 fans here, and the memories of your time on board.

We would love to hear something of your time as a casino girl -- there must be many stories to tell ...

Have a look around, you may meet up with some old colleagues again, and come across some stories from your time on QE2.

[Casinogirls]

world cruise - cocktail  party

[Casinogirls]

I was one of the lucky casino staff to be on there before the Falklands, and also did the maiden voyage after... plus when Alan Whicker was on there making his film... the maiden voyage to Philadelphia.. plus many, many more..
Always remember Casino barmen, Kevin McGee, another Kevin, Omar, Benji and Peter Wordley..just so many names and people to remember... the scouse barmen crew who looked after us !!! and the whole upstairs, downstairs environment was a blast.
As Casino staff you were not supposed to socialise with crew.. but of course we all did... looking back at my photos I just can't remember how all those people used to fit into our cabins for the numerous parties... if those cabins could talk LOL !!!!

[Pat Curry]

world cruise - cocktail  party

Welcome aboard Maggie.  You will enjoy this forum.

Looking forward to your memories.  Casino Crew was about sixteen if I recall. Quite a responsibility, I would think. 

Great photos.  Get the hair     

Which one is you?

[Barrie Evans]

Welcome aboard Maggie.  You will enjoy this forum.

Looking forward to your memories.  Casino Crew was about sixteen if I recall. Quite a responsibility, I would think. 

Great photos.  Get the hair     

Which one is you?

Hi Maggie. Welcome "Back on board". I have to say that its has to be "Odds On" that you are going to have lots of very interesting stories for us, with all your memories, and lets hope you get some contact from your fellow crew members  Im sure that you will enjoy the friendship with our forum, and that you will also make some new friends.
Barrie
 

[Lynda Bradford]

Welcome to the Forum Maggie. Looking forward to hearing more of your stories. 

[Casinogirls]

This is me... doing one of the shake and grins...

[Casinogirls]

Hi ...

Top photo I am second on left... so posted pic below just of me... my hair goes through various stages in the 80's.. it's a scream.. the make is a killer as well... but absolutely crazy days.. often remember finishing a night shift - bearing in mind we could'nt close until last (big money) punter went... going down to 5 deck my cabin was 5054... and there would be parties just randomly going on everywhere.. people in all sorts..
We had passenger status and in those days never had to work the ports, was illigal... so all in all had the best of both worlds.
Saying that some people who came on just couldn't hack the pace, of work hard and play hard... not us though... getting paid to be on such a fantastic icon... and travel the world..
For me it was the people who made it... some of the passengers were great but unfortunately working in a casino you don't always get the better side of people... but overall it was great.

I remember once we were in St Thomas having a party on Megans Bay Beach... passed out - got sunstroke and nearly missed the ship.... Oh! happy days... still had to go to work.. ankles all bandaged up after I'd had a shot ( you know where ) from the doctor..and everythime we would go on a break.. one particular barman would say.. ' special orange juice'  Maggie... umm I'd say... you'd get to the break room - and of course it would have a large vodka in it..
More stories to follow....

[Twynkle]

Hi Maggie - and Welcome!

It's great that you have joined us - Thank you for posting!

So - about those truly glam photos - it looks as if the Casino was definitely the place to be!
Love the Big hair - I wonder whether (when on duty), you had to wear a sort of uniform from the start of your time on board?
And during times at sea, when the Casino was quiet / closed, did you have to go and fill in duties in other Hotel Departments?
(Casino staff of the current Cunarders look very formal now - almost like the head waiting staff!)

Have you had time to have a look in the Search window for fellow crew-mates?
Here's another place that'll make you feel at home (or not , as the case may be!!)
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,330.0.html
It seems a much quieter topic than some - it would be great to hear more!
All the best
Rosie

[Louis De Sousa]

Welcome onboard Maggie

[Rod]

Welcome to the forum Maggie. When I was on board the Casino girls were usually great fun. Magical Maggie? Gilly Patterson?

[peter ward]

Hi maggie, If you were on board from 81' then I probably served you..my names peter and I looked after the casino staff in the restaurant.
It was great looking after you lot as you never came down for breakfast ,so we had an easy ride. I also remember cabin 5054 as I went to many a party there , I remember one morning about 7.30am as I was walking past on my way to do breakfast there was a party in full swing .I was spotted by the girls and dragged into the party ,a large vodka was thrust into my hands (vodka for breakfast !) and I was expected to join in !!
some great girls there and great times . peter

[Casinogirls]

Hi Peter,

Lovely to hear from you.. maybe you can put up some photos.. I remember so many names, far too many to list.. eveeryone loved looking after us lot.. as you say, never ever went to breakfast think I only made it once after a party in the three years.
Could'nt tell you what lunch was all about.. I know some of the slot techs used to go (boring)... but you guys were always such a laugh and of course you all had the added bonus of being invited to our parties, funnily enough everytime I went on I always had 5054 or 5052...you will have to give me some names you worked with.. and I am sure I will know them.
Happy crazy days...and some of the people I met on there are still my friends today..
I always remember our parties they were madness, you would have everyone and anyone.. I've got some great photos of some very wealthy passengers at our parties who got very drunk (surprised for casino parties - I bet !) and don't ask how or why ended up wearing our casino dresses and shower caps.. just anything happened... bodies always everywhere..but all just harmless good fun, special, special people on a very special ship that will always hold a big place in my heart...

I stayed in Casinos up until about ten years ago..did very well and worked in many countries.. what about you ?

Lovely to catch up   

[Peter Mugridge]

Hey!  That's next door to the cabin we had on honeymoon - 5050!

That was a bit later on, though, in 2002....