QM2 (and other Cunard) Staff Retirement

[3QueensGirl]

Through a friend I learned today that Captain Nick Bates will retire in May 2010, although I was told on a QM2 crossing last year that he would retire in August. Also retiring in May will be John Duffy, Hotel Manager. Oh, I am going to miss both of them, but John Duffy in particular. I was lucky to be at his host table on my back-to-back transat in June 2009 and it was a wonderful table, carefully chosen guests and a formidable host.

Apparently also retiring in May will be Paul Wright, Master of Queen Victoria. Captain Ian McNaught with Seabourne. So it is just Chris Wells left of the old gang? (pre-carnival as my friend put it?)

Coincidence or is this a major reshuffle? All of them certainly contributed to the athmosphere on the new ships and brought some of the 'old Cunard spirit' with them.

I wonder who will replace them. Has anyone heard of names yet?

[Peter Mugridge]

What?!  Paul Wright retiring?

He was our Captain in September 2002; he certainly didn't look as if he was anywhere near retirement then and that was only 7 years and a bit ago...!!

[Cruise_Princess]

Dont think Cunard want any old ties specially to Qe2 ......its all  got to be young and trendy now to attract new business.....they wont be getting ours......everything changes......we had the best of it all....

[Chris]

This is very sad / strange news for regular Cunarders, if it is accurate.