Author Topic: QE2 - The Flagship  (Read 49620 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline Twynkle

QE2 - The Flagship
« on: Feb 24, 2010, 11:08 AM »
It would be interesting to know the formalities of how, as well as when and where this status was bestowed
and then how when and where did she need to relinquish it.
Does the flagship have a special flag?

Also when she was saluted and returned salutes 'then' and
what might the difference be now?
For example - when QM2 'appeared' - did QE2 use the same salute as would be expected towards the flagship?
Or was this simply a 'fleet-mately' greeting?
Maybe there's something of a Dowager (or widow, even?) business about the salutations - as there could have been, say with HRH Queen Mary?

« Last Edit: Apr 03, 2010, 04:48 PM by Rob Lightbody »

Online Michael Gallagher

Re: QE2- as Flagship.
« Reply #1 on: Feb 24, 2010, 03:41 PM »
Flagship status is normally given to the newest and largest fleet member so it was inevitable that QM2 would be made the flagship. (While newer ships did join the Cunard fleet inbetween QE2 and QM2 none of them were of the same status as QE2 and none of them were designed or ordered by Cunard so none of them were made flagship). QM2 entered service in Januray 2004 but we made her wait until April 2004 (when she had completed her first westbound and eastbound North Atlantic crossings) before we bestowed flagship status and we symbolised this with the transfer of the Boston Cup. QE2 is the longest serving Cunard flagship ever.

Previous flagships have been:

Lusitania (1907)
Mauretania (1907 - 1914)
Aquitania (1914 - 1921)
Berengaria (1921 - 1936)
Queen Mary (1936 - 1946)
Queen Elizabeth (1946 - 1968)
QE2 (1969 - 2004)
QM2 (2004 -      )

The whistle salutes do not differ whether the ship is flagship or not and no special flag is flown. One day the Boston Cup will transfer to the next Cunard flagship. The number of whistles sounded etc is generally down to the Captain and none liked using the whistle more than Ian McNaught!

« Last Edit: Feb 23, 2022, 10:12 AM by Lynda Bradford »

Online Michael Gallagher

Re: QE2- as Flagship.
« Reply #2 on: Feb 26, 2010, 11:33 AM »
Apologies... in message above Aquitania was made flagship in 1914 and remained so until Berengaria in 1921.

Offline Twynkle

Re: QE2- as Flagship.
« Reply #3 on: Mar 04, 2010, 08:41 PM »
Thank you - that's interesting!
In the Royal Navy, I think the Admirals (still?) have their own flags flown on the ship they command - not necessarily the biggest, newest etc
Do you know whether any of the Commodores of Cunard's fleet have their own flags?

Online Michael Gallagher

Re: QE2- as Flagship.
« Reply #4 on: Mar 05, 2010, 07:22 AM »
No they don't Rosie. The only time the flag differed at the stern was when the Capatin was an RNR.

Offline holynougat

Re: QE2- as Flagship.
« Reply #5 on: Mar 10, 2010, 02:19 PM »
Infact the current Commodore does fly his own flag, which is a Cunard House Flag in the shape of a burgee (a normal Cunard flag with a triangle cut out of the end with gold edging) - this can be seen flown from the stemjack and the main mast while he is onboard.

In terms of salutes between ships in the same company, you would expect the junior captain / ship to 'dip' the ensign to the more senior first as a mark of respect, but a merchant ship would always 'dip' first to an RN ship. (flag procedures are a mine field)

I never worked on the QE2 with a Commodore so I can't say if she ever flew a flag like this, but as has been said she did fly the Blue Ensign with an RNR Captain on board.


Offline Chris

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #6 on: Mar 26, 2011, 08:19 AM »
At 0:42 seconds on this video you can just make out the Blue Ensign of Commodore John Burton-Hall RD RNR.

🎥 Check out my QE2 & Cruise Ship Videos: https://www.youtube.com/chrisframeofficial/

Offline Twynkle

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #7 on: Feb 23, 2012, 04:04 PM »
QE2 passes flagship status to QM2
1st May 2004
Thanks to Pothila for the video

Offline Twynkle

Re: "Flagship"
« Reply #8 on: Feb 23, 2012, 04:10 PM »
There's now more information on the handover (see above).

It would be good to have the date 1.5.2004 confirmed.
Thank you!

« Last Edit: Feb 23, 2012, 04:28 PM by Isabelle Prondzynski »

Online Michael Gallagher

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #9 on: Mar 07, 2012, 04:08 PM »
It was definately 1 May 2004. One of the saddest days.

Offline Rod

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #10 on: Mar 08, 2012, 12:53 AM »
As far as I am aware, Commodores have NO special flag. In the RN and USN the title has largely disappeared.
Basically it is given by the senior Captain in the fleet. I served under 2, Bil Warwick and Doug Ridley. Neither had flags. Bil Warwick wore the four stripes as I remember and Doug Ridley wore the thick band of the Commodore.

Offline Andy F

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #11 on: Mar 12, 2012, 02:02 PM »
As far as I am aware, Commodores have NO special flag. In the RN and USN the title has largely disappeared.
The rank of Commodore still exists, certainly as far as the RN is concerned and is usually designated Commander of a task group. Rank insignia is the same as adopted by the Merchant Navy (i.e. 1 broad band and ring) and the flag is a swallow tailed cross of St George with a single red disc in the upper canton.
Start every day with a smile and get it over with

Offline Rod

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #12 on: Mar 12, 2012, 10:15 PM »
Regarding the Blue Ensign. I believe that to fly the Blue Ensign, the Capt AND a certain number of the Officers must be serving RNR. This was frequently disregarded.
I am waiting to be corrected.

Offline Andy F

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #13 on: Mar 14, 2012, 08:30 PM »
Just the Master holding certain rank privilege is all that's necessary Rod
Start every day with a smile and get it over with

Offline Rod

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #14 on: Mar 14, 2012, 10:30 PM »
Navy List regulations, 2005
Current rules on merchant ships entitled to fly the Blue Ensign:

ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE AND OTHER VESSELS AUTHORISED TO FLY THE BLUE ENSIGN IN MERCHANT VESSELS (FOREIGN OR HOME TRADE ARTICLES) AND FISHING VESSELS.
A list of Royal Naval Reserve and other vessels authorised to fl y the Blue Ensign will no longer be published in the Navy List.
Its inclusion was intended for the information of Captains of Her Majesty’s Ships with reference to the provisions of Article 9153 of the Queen’s Regulations for the Royal Navy under which they are authorised to ascertain whether British Merchant Ships (including Fishing Vessels) flying the Blue Ensign of Her Majesty’s Fleet are legally entitled to do so.
However, the usefulness of this list serves only a limited purpose as the list of vessels that could fl y the Blue Ensign can change frequently. British merchant ships and fishing vessels are allowed to wear the plain Blue Ensign under the authority of a special Warrant, subject to certain conditions being fulfilled, and which are outlined below.
Vessels registered on the British Registry of Shipping may wear a plain Blue Ensign providing the master or skipper is in possession of a warrant issued by the Director of Naval Reserves under the authority of the Secretary of State for Defence, and the additional conditions outlined below are fulfilled. The Blue Ensign is to be struck if the officer to whom the warrant was issued relinquishes command, or if the ship or vessel passes into foreign ownership and ceases to be a British ship as defined by MSA 95.
Vessels on Parts I, II, and IV of the Register. The master must be an officer of the rank of lieutenant RN/RMR or Captain RM/RMR or above in the Royal Fleet Reserve or the maritime forces of a United Kingdom Overseas Territory or Commonwealth country of which Her Majesty is Head of State, or an officer on the Active or Retired Lists of any branch of the maritime reserve forces of these countries or territories.
Vessels on Part II of the Register. This part of the Register is reserved for fishing vessels. The skipper must comply with the same criteria as for sub-Clause 4.a. above, however the crew must contain at least four members, each of whom fulfils at least one of the following criteria: Royal Naval or Royal Marines reservists or pensioners Reservists or pensioners from a Commonwealth monarchy or United Kingdom Overseas Territory Ex-ratings or Royal Marines who have completed twenty years service in the Reserves Members of the Royal Fleet Reserve.
Action on sighting a merchant ship wearing a Blue Ensign. The Commanding Officer of one of HM ships on meeting a vessel wearing the Blue Ensign may send on board a commissioned officer to confirm that the criteria outlined above are being met in full. If it is found that the ship is wearing a Blue Ensign, without authority of a proper warrant, the ensign is to be seized, taken away and forfeited to The Sovereign and the circumstances reported to the Director Naval Reserves, acting on behalf of the Commander in Chief Naval Home Command, who maintains the list of persons authorised to hold such warrants. However, if it is found that, despite the warrant being sighted, the ship is failing to comply with the criteria in some other particular, the ensign is not to be seized but the circumstances are to be reported to the Director.
Source: The Navy List (2006) (p. 287)

Andrew Thomas, 14 November 2005

I will investigate further!

Offline Andy F

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #15 on: Mar 21, 2012, 02:46 AM »
Sounds Rod, which is why QE (or whichever vessel Chris Wells happens to be Master of at the time), is entitled to fly the Blue Ensign due to him holding rank privilege as Commander (RNR).
Start every day with a smile and get it over with

Offline holynougat

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #16 on: Mar 21, 2014, 08:33 AM »
I wonder if Chirs Wells is still allowed to fly the blue ensign now that the ship is registered in Bermuda?

Online Michael Gallagher

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #17 on: Mar 21, 2014, 07:20 PM »
Yes he is and yes he does.

Offline holynougat

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #18 on: Mar 21, 2014, 07:42 PM »
Well, you say he 'is allowed' - given that the Cunard ships are registered in Bermuda, I don't really see how that can sit with the below:
I'm slightly miffed they are allowed to fly a UK red ensign as it is.

British merchant ships and fishing vessels are allowed to wear the plain Blue Ensign under the authority of a special Warrant, subject to certain conditions being fulfilled, and which are outlined below.
Vessels registered on the British Registry of Shipping may wear a plain Blue Ensign providing the master or skipper is in possession of a warrant issued by the Director of Naval Reserves under the authority of the Secretary of State for Defence, and the additional conditions outlined below are fulfilled. The Blue Ensign is to be struck if the officer to whom the warrant was issued relinquishes command, or if the ship or vessel passes into foreign ownership and ceases to be a British ship as defined by MSA 95.

Offline Alan Snelson

  • Global Moderator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 1115
  • Total likes: 838
  • Ships Photographer '78 - '82
Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #19 on: Mar 21, 2014, 08:48 PM »
The MSA 95 section relating to "British ships" is extracted below.

With Bermuda being a British Overseas Territory, wouldn't the vessel qualify under sub-section (c)

Quote
1 British ships and United Kingdom ships.

(1)A ship is a British ship if—
(a)the ship is registered in the United Kingdom under Part II; or
(b)the ship is, as a Government ship, registered in the United Kingdom in pursuance of an Order in Council under section 308; or
(c)the ship is registered under the law of a relevant British possession; or
(d)the ship is a small ship other than a fishing vessel and—
(i)is not registered under Part II, but
(ii)is wholly owned by qualified owners, and
(iii)is not registered under the law of a country outside the United Kingdom.
(2)For the purposes of subsection (1)(d) above—
“qualified owners” means persons of such description qualified to own British ships as is prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of that paragraph; and
“small ship” means a ship less than 24 metres in length (“length” having the same meaning as in the tonnage regulations).
(3)A ship is a “United Kingdom ship” for the purposes of this Act (except section 85 and 144(3)) if the ship is registered in the United Kingdom under Part II (and in Part V “United Kingdom fishing vessel” has a corresponding meaning).
« Last Edit: Mar 21, 2014, 08:55 PM by Alan Snelson »
Don't just be part of her past, be part of her history!

Offline holynougat

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #20 on: Mar 21, 2014, 09:19 PM »
Yes - I suppose you are both right!

Online Rob Lightbody

  • Administrator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 12375
  • Total likes: 15954
  • Helping to Keep The Legend Alive
    • Rob Lightbody dot com
Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #21 on: May 01, 2014, 12:47 PM »
QE2 passes flagship status to QM2
1st May 2004
Thanks to Pothila for the video

Congratulations to Queen Mary 2 as flagship of Cunard.

Ten years today.

What a ten years it's been.  The beginning for QM2 marked the beginning of the end for QE2. I remember thinking that at the time.
Passionate about QE2's service life for 40 years and creator of this website.  I have worked in IT for 28 years and created my personal QE2 website in 1994.

Offline Isabelle Prondzynski

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #22 on: May 01, 2014, 01:03 PM »
What a ten years it's been.  The beginning for QM2 marked the beginning of the end for QE2. I remember thinking that at the time.

The sale of Caronia took her in the same direction -- QE2 was no longer the principal transatlantic liner, and instead took up the role that Caronia had vacated.

I cannot deny though that I enjoyed those years when QE2 was busy cruising some of the most scenic parts of Europe! As well as continuing world cruises and the occasional transatlantic... they were well filled years... that ended all too quickly...

Offline June Ingram

  • Global Moderator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 9623
  • Total likes: 6557
  • Beautiful, elegant QE2 - forever Queen of the Seas
Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #23 on: May 01, 2014, 02:26 PM »
There is something very poignant and melancholy about our beloved QE2 relinquishing her flagship status, even though she was required to do so.   :(
QE2 - the ship for all of time, a ship of timeless beauty !

Offline Adam Hodson

  • Ocean Liner Enthusiast
  • Princess Grill Diner
  • ****
  • Posts: 843
  • Total likes: 82
  • A young photographer, and a QE2 & Concorde lover!
    • Flickr Photostream
Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #24 on: May 01, 2014, 05:36 PM »
There is something very poignant and melancholy about our beloved QE2 relinquishing her flagship status, even though she was required to do so.   :(

Yes I agree :(
"The QE2 is one of the last great transatlantic liners, and arguably the most famous liner in the world"

"QE2 and Concorde, a partnership that lasted almost 30 years... two stunning pieces of engineering, never to be forgotten!"

Offline Isabelle Prondzynski

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #25 on: May 01, 2014, 06:25 PM »
There is something very poignant and melancholy about our beloved QE2 relinquishing her flagship status, even though she was required to do so.   :(

I wonder how it felt to the passengers and crew on board either of the two ships at the time? Would they have been aware of the gravity of the moment?

Offline June Ingram

  • Global Moderator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 9623
  • Total likes: 6557
  • Beautiful, elegant QE2 - forever Queen of the Seas
Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #26 on: May 01, 2014, 07:01 PM »
Hi Isabelle - I suspect those aboard our QE2 might have appreciated the gravity of the moment more and felt the sadness of relinquishing the role of flagship.  Do we have Forum members here who might have been aboard QE2 or QM2 ?  June
QE2 - the ship for all of time, a ship of timeless beauty !

Offline MiamiCunarder

QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #27 on: May 02, 2014, 11:38 AM »
June, I was onboard QE2 on that last crossing where she relinquished her roll upon arrival into So'ton. We docked at the Mayflower Terminal and not at QEII as she had been used to as Cunard's flagship. QM2 had come in a little later and maneuvered herself at the QEII Terminal. Before disembarking on that gloomy and misty morning, I strolled by the entrance to the Yacht Club and to my surprise, the Britannia Cup was already gone from the display it had been proudly displayed for so long. That's when it truly hit me, that an epic era was truly over.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
« Last Edit: May 02, 2014, 11:43 AM by MiamiCunarder »

Offline June Ingram

  • Global Moderator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 9623
  • Total likes: 6557
  • Beautiful, elegant QE2 - forever Queen of the Seas
Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #28 on: May 02, 2014, 01:38 PM »
June, I was onboard QE2 on that last crossing where she relinquished her roll upon arrival into So'ton. We docked at the Mayflower Terminal and not at QEII as she had been used to as Cunard's flagship. QM2 had come in a little later and maneuvered herself at the QEII Terminal. Before disembarking on that gloomy and misty morning, I strolled by the entrance to the Yacht Club and to my surprise, the Britannia Cup was already gone from the display it had been proudly displayed for so long. That's when it truly hit me, that an epic era was truly over.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you, MiamiCunarder, for your reply and remembrances.  It really must have felt a sad day, with gloom and mist not helping.  The weather felt sad also !  June  :(
QE2 - the ship for all of time, a ship of timeless beauty !

Offline Adam Hodson

  • Ocean Liner Enthusiast
  • Princess Grill Diner
  • ****
  • Posts: 843
  • Total likes: 82
  • A young photographer, and a QE2 & Concorde lover!
    • Flickr Photostream
Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #29 on: May 02, 2014, 06:23 PM »
I'm sure it was a shame for her to lose her flagship status after all those years of service and being the flagship.
"The QE2 is one of the last great transatlantic liners, and arguably the most famous liner in the world"

"QE2 and Concorde, a partnership that lasted almost 30 years... two stunning pieces of engineering, never to be forgotten!"

Offline Hank Hargrove

  • Princess Grill Diner
  • ****
  • Posts: 564
  • Total likes: 346
  • Christ follower, liner lover, and Okie.
Re: QE2- as Flagship.
« Reply #30 on: May 02, 2014, 07:46 PM »
Flagship status is normally given to the newest and largest fleet member so it was inevitable that QM2 would be made the flagship. (While newer ships did join the Cunard fleet inbetween QE2 and QM2 none of them were of the same status as QE2 and none of them were designed or ordered by Cunard so none of them were made flagship). QM2 entered service in Januray 2004 but we made her wait until April 2004 (when she had completed her first westbound and eastbound North Atlantic crossings) before we bestowed flagship status and we symbolised this with the transfer of the Boston Cup. QE2 is the longest serving Cunard flagship ever.

Previous flagships have been:

Lusitania (1907)
Mauretania (1907 - 1914)
Aquitania (1914 - 1921)
Berengaria (1921 - 1936)
Queen Mary (1936 - 1946)
Queen Elizabeth (1946 - 1968)
QE2 (1969 - 2004)
QM2 (2004 -      )

The whistle salutes do not differ whether the ship is flagship or not and no special flag is flown. One day the Boston Cup will transfer to the next Cunard flagship. The number os whistles sounded etc is generally down to the Captain and noone liked using the whistle more than Ian McNaught!

I can think of one exception: P&O's Oriana is the flagship, despite being the oldest and smallest member of the fleet. If I remember correctly she is still the flagship.
The cross: The supreme symbol of love.

SS United States forever.

Online Michael Gallagher

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #31 on: May 03, 2014, 08:20 AM »
Losing Flagship status is a natural progression. Sad for the ship but an inevitable process. As long as the record / legacy you've left behind is a great one then I suppose losing Flagship status is bearable!

And, yes, Oriana is still considered flagship of P&O.

Offline Lynda Bradford

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #32 on: May 04, 2014, 10:56 AM »
Good to know that QE2 was Cunard's longest serving flagship (1969-2004).  I was surprised to learn that the Queen Elizabeth was the flagship 1946 to 1968, also a long time to hold this honour. 
I was proud to be involved with planning QE2's 50 year conference in September 2017 in Clydebank

Offline June Ingram

  • Global Moderator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 9623
  • Total likes: 6557
  • Beautiful, elegant QE2 - forever Queen of the Seas
Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #33 on: May 05, 2014, 04:02 PM »
Our beloved QE2 does indeed have a great legacy in having been flagship for such a wonderfully long period of time !
QE2 - the ship for all of time, a ship of timeless beauty !

Offline Adam Hodson

  • Ocean Liner Enthusiast
  • Princess Grill Diner
  • ****
  • Posts: 843
  • Total likes: 82
  • A young photographer, and a QE2 & Concorde lover!
    • Flickr Photostream
Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #34 on: May 05, 2014, 06:58 PM »
Yes I agree, she has set many records for Cunard.  :)
"The QE2 is one of the last great transatlantic liners, and arguably the most famous liner in the world"

"QE2 and Concorde, a partnership that lasted almost 30 years... two stunning pieces of engineering, never to be forgotten!"

Offline Hank Hargrove

  • Princess Grill Diner
  • ****
  • Posts: 564
  • Total likes: 346
  • Christ follower, liner lover, and Okie.
Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #35 on: May 06, 2014, 01:40 AM »
Losing Flagship status is a natural progression. Sad for the ship but an inevitable process. As long as the record / legacy you've left behind is a great one then I suppose losing Flagship status is bearable!

And, yes, Oriana is still considered flagship of P&O.

Will Oriana continue to be flagship after Britannia arrives? I personally can't see why not considering none of the newest ships took the role. Maybe it had to do with the fact she is currently the fastest P&O ship.
The cross: The supreme symbol of love.

SS United States forever.

Offline Adam Hodson

  • Ocean Liner Enthusiast
  • Princess Grill Diner
  • ****
  • Posts: 843
  • Total likes: 82
  • A young photographer, and a QE2 & Concorde lover!
    • Flickr Photostream
Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #36 on: May 07, 2014, 08:23 AM »
Will Oriana continue to be flagship after Britannia arrives? I personally can't see why not considering none of the newest ships took the role. Maybe it had to do with the fact she is currently the fastest P&O ship.

I suppose we will have to wait and see.
"The QE2 is one of the last great transatlantic liners, and arguably the most famous liner in the world"

"QE2 and Concorde, a partnership that lasted almost 30 years... two stunning pieces of engineering, never to be forgotten!"

Offline Twynkle

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #37 on: May 07, 2014, 05:20 PM »
It was definately 1 May 2004. One of the saddest days.

The tenth anniversary took place last week.
QE2 has been subjected to three really very sad occasions - the first on 1st May 2004, the second - when Cunard chose to sell her, the third must have been, for her passengers and crew, her arrival in Port Rashid.
Not only have people smiled in wonder when they saw QE2, they also expressed great sadness as they left her behind...
She still remains one of the world's most important vessels.
To her owner, when you read this, please, please make wishes come true and allow her to return to the seaside in the UK. She needs to be earning her keep - and it seems a little strange that you are not able to allow others to appreciate what she is, as well as what she represents.

Offline June Ingram

  • Global Moderator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 9623
  • Total likes: 6557
  • Beautiful, elegant QE2 - forever Queen of the Seas
Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #38 on: May 07, 2014, 05:41 PM »
The tenth anniversary took place last week.
QE2 has been subjected to three really very sad occasions - the first on 1st May 2004, the second - when Cunard chose to sell her, the third must have been, for her passengers and crew, her arrival in Port Rashid.
Not only have people smiled in wonder when they saw QE2, they also expressed great sadness as they left her behind...
She still remains one of the world's most important vessels.
To her owner, when you read this, please, please make wishes come true and allow her to return to the seaside in the UK. She needs to be earning her keep - and it seems a little strange that you are not able to allow others to appreciate what she is, as well as what she represents.

Dear Rosie,

Thank you so much for writing what you have just expressed.  I could not agree more with what you have written and I am sure all of us here would agree as well wholeheartedly !

I would add my voice to Rosie's and all of us and say to the current owners of our beloved QE2, please allow her to come home to the UK.  Please allow QE2 to be appreciated by others and represent to others the important ship that she is.  She is truly deserving of that.

June
QE2 - the ship for all of time, a ship of timeless beauty !

Offline June Ingram

  • Global Moderator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 9623
  • Total likes: 6557
  • Beautiful, elegant QE2 - forever Queen of the Seas
Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #39 on: Apr 16, 2015, 03:19 PM »
We are coming up to 19 April and on that date in 2004, our beloved QE2 made her last departure from Southampton as Flagship of Cunard.  Perhaps this would be a good time to read again and see again the messages and videos regarding this momentous and sad event  of 1 May 2004 - QE2 relinquishing her Flagship status to QM2.  Keep in mind though that our QE2 held Flagship status longer than any other Cunard ship !
« Last Edit: Apr 16, 2015, 03:25 PM by June Ingram »
QE2 - the ship for all of time, a ship of timeless beauty !

Offline cunardqueen

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #40 on: Apr 16, 2015, 05:04 PM »
Quote
   Keep in mind though that our QE2 held Flagship status longer than any other Cunard ship !   

For some she will always be the flagship, the others..well... ::) ::) ::)
From the moment you first glimpsed the Queen,
 you just knew you were in for a very special time ahead.!

Offline June Ingram

  • Global Moderator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 9623
  • Total likes: 6557
  • Beautiful, elegant QE2 - forever Queen of the Seas
Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #41 on: Apr 16, 2015, 05:09 PM »
For some she will always be the flagship, the others..well... ::) ::) ::)

Yes, Myles, you are so absolutely correct !
QE2 - the ship for all of time, a ship of timeless beauty !

Offline Brandon Sterkel

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #42 on: Apr 16, 2015, 07:57 PM »
Why was flagship status passed over to QM2 in the first place?
I could have seen QE2 continue to be flagship until about 2007.
Queen Elizabeth 2: A 50 Year Legend!

Offline June Ingram

  • Global Moderator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 9623
  • Total likes: 6557
  • Beautiful, elegant QE2 - forever Queen of the Seas
Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #43 on: Apr 16, 2015, 08:07 PM »
Hi Brandon - See Michael Gallagher's post in Reply # 1 in this topic.  June   :)
QE2 - the ship for all of time, a ship of timeless beauty !

Offline Brandon Sterkel

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #44 on: Apr 16, 2015, 10:53 PM »
Hi Brandon - See Michael Gallagher's post in Reply # 1 in this topic.  June   :)
Thank you June! :)
« Last Edit: Apr 17, 2015, 02:56 AM by Brandon Sterkel »
Queen Elizabeth 2: A 50 Year Legend!

Offline StuM

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #45 on: May 01, 2015, 11:07 PM »
QE2 spanned the last of the "old Cunard fleet", from FRANCONIA and CARMANIA, through the secondary, small cruise ships, and Norwegian units, and into the QM2 and QV era. She did it with a style, grace and power all her own.
To think, that so many naysayers said, in the beginning, that she would never flourish or succeed. She surpassed them all and has left a lasting legacy in hearts and history. She remains greatly missed.

Offline Isabelle Prondzynski

Re: QE2 - The Flagship
« Reply #46 on: May 01, 2015, 11:32 PM »
Well spoke, Stu! It is good to be reminded of the position in history which she occupied, and the link she constituted between two very different eras.

Her Flagship status was well deserved and sadly surrendered.