Author Topic: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage  (Read 26291 times)

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Offline Dr. Edmund Carus

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QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« on: May 08, 2009, 03:21 PM »
I see from some Cunard "blurb" that the QM2 is setting out on a voyage around the British Isles on October 15th as part of her fifth anniversary. Also to quote "Carol Marlow, Cunard's President and Managing Director will be joining Queen Mary 2 on what is set to be a spectacular voyage to host some special events on board." - hmm - I wonder what these are!

I am hoping that the QM2 follows in the wake of QE2 and "drops in" on the Isle of Man. Can anyone confirm if this is planned please?

Thanks,
Edmund

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #1 on: May 22, 2009, 09:52 PM »
I did hear that QM2 will be docked in Liverpool like QE2 did last year.

Online Rob Lightbody

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #2 on: Sep 08, 2009, 02:01 PM »
Anyone on the forum on this voyage?
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.

Online cunardqueen

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #3 on: Sep 11, 2009, 12:01 PM »
I thought Gavboy was booked on it?
From the moment you first glimpsed the Queen,
 you just knew you were in for a very special time ahead.!

Offline Avariel

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #4 on: Sep 11, 2009, 09:50 PM »
I hoped to go on this voyage - but plans fell through.

Offline holynougat

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #5 on: Sep 12, 2009, 08:28 PM »
QM2 will be docking in Liverpool like the QE2 on the 20th October. This will be QM2's maiden call to the port, as will the calls to Greeock and Cobh.

Offline caledonia

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #6 on: Sep 25, 2009, 10:18 PM »
I am booked on this trip the tickets arived yesterday, looking forward to it - though i now wish i had undertaken one of the QE2's voyages around Britain

Offline Malcolm

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #7 on: Sep 26, 2009, 06:47 PM »
I thought Gavboy was booked on it?

I think he is :( He's been very quiet lately - I wonder why?

Offline Twynkle

« Last Edit: Oct 03, 2009, 08:00 PM by Twynkle »

Mr B

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #9 on: Oct 04, 2009, 10:18 AM »
One year ago tomorrow.

 :'(

Mr B

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #10 on: Oct 04, 2009, 10:19 AM »
 :'(   :'(

Cruise_Princess

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #11 on: Oct 05, 2009, 11:49 AM »
It'll be a year since QE2 was in Greenock....:(
http://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/news/roundup/articles/2009/10/03/392530-inverclyde-ready-to-welcome-the-qm2/

hi Twynkle!

a year today .....the 5th October,..except it was a sunday! ..will NEVER forget it standing out on deck from 7am in BLAZING Scottish Autumn sunshine...a flotilla sailing us in....it was the trip of dreams ...

QM2 arriving in darkness to Greenock this trip   and the same for Edinburgh all other port calls are late arrivals to let everyone see the 'ugly sister' you would think at least the Clyde warranted a late sail in...........who are we to say? we are just the fare paying passengers after all!!!  No matter how many times the ugly sisters sail up the clyde it will never be the same.
« Last Edit: Oct 05, 2009, 11:51 AM by Cruise_Princess »

Online Isabelle Prondzynski

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #12 on: Oct 08, 2009, 04:58 PM »
Here are a couple of leaflets / press releases about QM2's visit to the Clyde :

http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Cunard-Line-Limited-1056999.html

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rmktid/3990603554/sizes/o/

I shall be very very interested to see how it goes! The angle that she is following in famous footsteps (with several mentions of the QE2) is a good one, and might even bring the crowds to the Clyde.

Being the biggest ship there ever -- will that pose any particular problems for her?

Offline Twynkle

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #13 on: Oct 08, 2009, 05:17 PM »
Yes - Isabelle
The Cunard press release arrived here too  with the references:
    'and, since the retirement of QE2, the fastest passenger ship in the world'.
as well as, 
    'taking over the mantle from QE2'

It's good she got mentioned!  ;)

Sadly tho', there wasn't anything like, 'The Greatest Ocean-going Liner of All Time - the late, much lamented and now Legendary....'   :)

   
« Last Edit: Oct 09, 2009, 03:54 PM by Twynkle »

Offline Twynkle


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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #15 on: Oct 10, 2009, 10:57 AM »
A huge amount of mixed emotions from me about this visit but I'm doing my best not to be too silly about it.

It will be my first time seeing QM2, despite following her life very closely, from the initial announcements in the late 90s onwards.  But I'll be seeing her in a VERY special place to me.  A place that gave me tears of happiness and sadness as I saw QE2 here many times over the years.

Seeing QM2 will be fascinating I'm sure, but it will also reinforce for me that QE2 will never be coming home again and I'll have to make do with looking up at 12 decks of balconies and a stubby funnel instead!

Don't get me wrong - i think QM2 is amazing, and unique.  I completely respect her and maybe I'll manage that dream transatlantic at some point, but she's not "my" ship, she's not coming "home", and she's not chock full of memories and emotions either.

But... the Queen is dead, long live the Queen ?  We'll see... will let you all know how I feel after seeing her up close & personal!
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.

Cruise_Princess

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #16 on: Oct 10, 2009, 08:00 PM »
Hey....too much talk about the ugly sister and we are here for the one and only  IRREPLACABLE QE2!!!

Im taking a 'swear box' on board the QM next week and every time I utter the QE2 words I need to put a pound in the box....
looks like ill be on a world cruise next year then!!!    LOL

Cause every sentence will mention the Qe2 won't it????

Online Rob Lightbody

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #17 on: Oct 11, 2009, 12:12 AM »
Hey....too much talk about the ugly sister and we are here for the one and only  IRREPLACABLE QE2!!!

Don't worry - this site is devoted to QE2, and QE2 alone, and always will be :)
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 andyh

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #18 on: Oct 11, 2009, 10:13 PM »
A huge amount of mixed emotions from me about this visit but I'm doing my best not to be too silly about it.

It will be my first time seeing QM2, despite following her life very closely, from the initial announcements in the late 90s onwards.  But I'll be seeing her in a VERY special place to me.  A place that gave me tears of happiness and sadness as I saw QE2 here many times over the years.

Seeing QM2 will be fascinating I'm sure, but it will also reinforce for me that QE2 will never be coming home again and I'll have to make do with looking up at 12 decks of balconies and a stubby funnel instead!

Don't get me wrong - i think QM2 is amazing, and unique.  I completely respect her and maybe I'll manage that dream transatlantic at some point, but she's not "my" ship, she's not coming "home", and she's not chock full of memories and emotions either.

But... the Queen is dead, long live the Queen ?  We'll see... will let you all know how I feel after seeing her up close & personal!


Having been on the QM2 several times, I can assure you you will be impressed when you see her, not only by her  size but I don't believe she is ugly at all

Offline highlander0108

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #19 on: Oct 12, 2009, 04:00 AM »
I thought Gavboy was booked on it?

I think he is :( He's been very quiet lately - I wonder why?

Seems to be all quiet from both "icons" as of late.  ::)

I really wish I could have been on this trip with my parents, leaving from NYC, a lap of the UK, and a return transatlantic.  Unfortunately, in the end, we all could not take off that much time at once.

Rob, do you think we are all experiencing the loss of a Queen, similar to those who were around for the loss of the original Queens coinciding with the launch of the radical for the time QE2?  I suspect this is all history repeating itself, even more eerily similar with QE2 languishing around after the sale similar to the Lizzy,which languished in a southern climate of Florida.

Ken
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Offline Twynkle

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #20 on: Oct 12, 2009, 08:27 AM »
Throughout the Sixties  - and 'This time last year' - Liverpool won't be forgetting QE2....
QM2 will just be a wee reminder...
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2009/10/12/city-to-celebrate-queen-s-berth-day-100252-24905307/
« Last Edit: Oct 12, 2009, 08:31 AM by Twynkle »

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #21 on: Oct 12, 2009, 02:01 PM »
I think this is a nicely worded release.

QUEEN MARY 2 TO BECOME LARGEST SHIP EVER TO VISIT THE CLYDE
 
Queen Mary 2, the most famous ship in service, will make her maiden call to Greenock and the Clyde on Monday 19 October 2009 during a special ‘lap-of-honour’ to mark her fifth birthday. Queen Mary 2 will be the largest ship ever to have sailed up the Clyde – a river which has binding and historical ties to Cunard as over 120 Cunarders have been launched there since 1839. Cunard Line is also celebrating the 170th Anniversary of its founding in 2009 – so a double celebration for the company and its flagship.

The 151,400-ton Queen Mary 2 will arrive at Greenock at 0800 hours on 19 October and remain at the Greenock Ocean Terminal until 1830 hours. To mark the call there will be a firework display immediately before her departure.

Commenting on the visit, Cunard’s Managing Director Peter Shanks, said:

“Most of Cunard’s great ships, including Cunard’s first ship Britannia, and Lusitania, Aquitania, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, Caronia and QE2 were all built on the Clyde. As a proud Scotsman myself, born in Glasgow and having spent my early years in Troon, I can say just how we proud we are of our associations with the river. It is appropriate for our flagship Queen Mary 2 to pay tribute to her Scottish forbears and this visit during Queen Mary 2’s birthday celebrations is very fitting”.

The voyage commemorates the introduction into service of Queen Mary 2 five years ago in January 2004. Still the largest, longest, tallest, widest, most expensive ocean liner ever built and, since the retirement of QE2, the fastest passenger ship in the world. Queen Mary 2 entered service just four days after being named by Her Majesty The Queen during the most spectacular naming ceremony Southampton, her home port, had ever seen. Since that historic entry into service Queen Mary 2 has sailed almost 750,000 nautical miles, completed over 120 Atlantic crossings (the route for which she was specifically built, the first passenger ship to be built for that trade in 35 years), and made calls to 115 ports in 45 countries.

Since becoming Cunard flagship in May 2004, taking over the mantle from QE2, Queen Mary 2 has also become one of the most celebrated ships in the world and successfully continues the Cunard passenger liner tradition established 170 years ago.
- Ends -

For Further PRESS Information

Contacts
Eric Flounders, Public Relations Manager: 0207 940 5390
eric.flounders@cunard.co.uk
Michael Gallagher, Public Relations Executive: 0207 940 5391
michael.gallagher@cunard.co.uk
 
Date Posted: 10/8/2009
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.

Mr B

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #22 on: Oct 12, 2009, 07:33 PM »
Oh look who it isn't...  ..it's Mr Shanks talking.

Does everyone remember what he said last year about Queen Elizabeth 2 ?
No ?
Refresh you memory with this link to his staggeringly out of touch remarks:

http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2008/12/10/29739/qe2-held-back-cunard-from-being-luxury-fleet-says-carnival.html

Offline Twynkle

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #23 on: Oct 12, 2009, 09:29 PM »

Offline caledonia

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #24 on: Oct 13, 2009, 08:40 AM »
Well the day is almost here, i am really looking forward to this voyage, a trip around Britain is something i have always wanted to do ( i do now wish i had have done it on the QE2!). If by some chance you havent seen the QM2 my advice is go and see her, she really is a magnificent sight, a one off now,i doubt we will ever see a true ocean liner like her constructed again. She will never replace the QE2 in my eyes, but to travel on her is a wonderful experience, this will be my 3rd voyage on her and i am sure there will be many more in the future.

Offline Gav Boy

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #25 on: Oct 13, 2009, 12:00 PM »
I thought Gavboy was booked on it?

Yes i am Myles and very much looking foward to it  ;D

Hope you are enjoying your Holiday  ;)

Gav

Offline Gav Boy

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #26 on: Oct 13, 2009, 12:02 PM »
I thought Gavboy was booked on it?

I think he is :( He's been very quiet lately - I wonder why?

I have just been so busy at work  :o I need a holiday now  ;D

Offline Gav Boy

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #27 on: Oct 13, 2009, 12:18 PM »
Well the day is almost here, i am really looking forward to this voyage, a trip around Britain is something i have always wanted to do ( i do now wish i had have done it on the QE2!). If by some chance you havent seen the QM2 my advice is go and see her, she really is a magnificent sight, a one off now,i doubt we will ever see a true ocean liner like her constructed again. She will never replace the QE2 in my eyes, but to travel on her is a wonderful experience, this will be my 3rd voyage on her and i am sure there will be many more in the future.

Hi,
I Sailed around Britain twice on QE2 and it was wonderful as im sure this one will be.

We are having a get together on Friday 16th in the Commodore Club at 11.30 am if you would like to pop along.  ;D

Gav.

Offline Twynkle

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #28 on: Oct 13, 2009, 12:51 PM »
Hi Gav Boy!

Have you seen this?
 www.theqe2story.com/GetTogethers/TQS_Cards.pdf

it comes from here:
under Miscellaneous - QE2 Get togethers on board other Cunarders
Post no. 12
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,983.msg11737.html#msg11737
 
Maybe you would like to take a copy with you!? ;D
It would be much easier than my experience on the qV - I think I wrote it out at least 20 times in one morning alone,
and the crew were asking for details as well.

Have a great time!!
Rosie

« Last Edit: Oct 13, 2009, 12:58 PM by Twynkle »

Offline Gav Boy

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #29 on: Oct 13, 2009, 06:34 PM »
Hi Gav Boy!

Have you seen this?
 www.theqe2story.com/GetTogethers/TQS_Cards.pdf

it comes from here:
under Miscellaneous - QE2 Get togethers on board other Cunarders
Post no. 12
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,983.msg11737.html#msg11737
 
Maybe you would like to take a copy with you!? ;D
It would be much easier than my experience on the qV - I think I wrote it out at least 20 times in one morning alone,
and the crew were asking for details as well.

Have a great time!!
Rosie



Hi Rosie,

Thanks for that, i am looking foward to this Voyage very much. She may not be QE2 and i miss her as much as anyone else but we have to move foward.

Gav.

Online Rob Lightbody

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #30 on: Oct 14, 2009, 10:20 AM »
She may not be QE2 and i miss her as much as anyone else but we have to move foward.

The cards are simply to plug the forum, to allow others to share their many decades of memories and fun times on board the previous flagship.  

The "QE2 get togethers" allow former QE2 passengers to meet and share their memories in person, while also (with the cards) giving them a way to continue this when they get home.

Its quite possible to "move forward" while also looking back and - hence the 840,000 views this site has had since February.

Remembering QE2 with fondness, takes nothing away from QM2!
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 Twynkle

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #31 on: Oct 14, 2009, 08:42 PM »
Chris and Rachelle's new book:  QM2 - A Photographic Journey is Very Good Indeed!

Offline Twynkle


Offline Gav Boy

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #33 on: Oct 15, 2009, 10:55 AM »
She may not be QE2 and i miss her as much as anyone else but we have to move foward.

The cards are simply to plug the forum, to allow others to share their many decades of memories and fun times on board the previous flagship.  

The "QE2 get togethers" allow former QE2 passengers to meet and share their memories in person, while also (with the cards) giving them a way to continue this when they get home.

Its quite possible to "move forward" while also looking back and - hence the 840,000 views this site has had since February.

Remembering QE2 with fondness, takes nothing away from QM2!

Fine with me .  ;D

Gav

Offline jdl

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #34 on: Oct 15, 2009, 12:49 PM »
Something good in memory of a friend
http://www.whitbygazette.co.uk/news/QM2-to-pay-its-respects.5724911.jp

This is fantastic and should serve as a reminder to us all of those imortal words ' for those in peril on the sea'.  Very fitting that Captain Warner is to remember the passing of an RNLI crew member in such a way - well done!

I'm planning to vist the QM2 in Liverpool with my 19 month old daughter as the last time she was on board was when my wife was 5 months pregnant with her in 2007 i.e. still 'cooking the bun in the oven'

jdl

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #35 on: Oct 17, 2009, 11:44 AM »
I think QM2's trip has successfully drawn the attention of the UK press :-

Workers gear up to welcome QM2 (Greenock)

http://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/news/greenock/articles/2009/10/16/393010-workers-gear-up-to-welcome-qm2/

Queen Mary on birthday voyage (Sunderland)

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Queen-Mary-on-birthday-voyage.5742860.jp

Queen Mary 2 - Facts, figures and pictures (Bridlington)

http://www.bridlingtonfreepress.co.uk/news/Queen-Mary-2--Facts.5738294.jp

Queen of the seas glides past (Scarborough)

http://www.scarborougheveningnews.co.uk/news/Queen-of-the-seas-glides.5741998.jp

Birthday Liner draws the crowds (Yorkshire Post)

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Birthday-liner-draws-the-crowds.5742539.jp
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.

Online Isabelle Prondzynski

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #36 on: Oct 17, 2009, 12:10 PM »
I really am glad that she is being given this great attention and this good reception.

QM2 is (so far, at least!) the last in a long line of great and powerful Atlantic liners. A ship of speed, and a ship designed to be beautiful as well as powerful. A ship built in a shipyard of great tradition and pride.

In a way, she is our hope for the future. Had she not been there to replace QE2, we might mourn "our" ship all the more, as the entire North Atlantic liner tradition would have died out with her. QM2 has many years of service ahead of her (we hope she will not be robbed of those, as poor Normandie was...), which may create sufficient time for another new generation of liners to be conceived and built for another new era.

Looking forward to the day when I might be able to step aboard her to see and feel her character!

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #37 on: Oct 17, 2009, 01:01 PM »
I found this series of videos on YouTube last weekend.




Very nicely done (its a documentary) and features Stephen Payne too... made me want to go on her to somewhere!  :-[
« Last Edit: Oct 24, 2009, 03:39 PM by Rob Lightbody »
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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #38 on: Oct 17, 2009, 01:02 PM »
Queen Mary 2's webcam showing the famous Forth Rail Bridge (attached)
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 Twynkle

« Last Edit: Oct 17, 2009, 01:33 PM by Twynkle »

Online Isabelle Prondzynski

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #40 on: Oct 17, 2009, 02:20 PM »
I found this series of videos on YouTube last weekend.



Very nicely done (its a documentary) and features Stephen Payne too... made me want to go on her to somewhere!  :-[

Wonderful videos, Rob... and they do remind me of QE2 of course...!

Pictures and commentary moving from the actual running of the ship on an Atlantic crossing (the Bridge, the engine room, the provisions, the medical team, the entertainment), to the passengers and their life on board (being the reasons for all the many activities carried out by the crew!).

Much of what is shown here, being Cunard, and being QM2 walking in the footsteps of QE2, is familiar territory to QE2 fans, and so well presented, very professional.

Offline highlander0108

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #41 on: Oct 17, 2009, 07:44 PM »
Watching this series of videos, I am getting the urge to do a crossing on QM2.  This special was beautifully shot and does capture the essence of the experience.  I especially enjoyed the enterior shots of her slicing through the water.  It does bring back all the QE2 memories....Everytime I see the bow profile, I am reminded of our beloved QE2, who's bow sections were for all intensive purposes, lifted for use on QM2.  Those who have seen the other specials with interviews with Stephen Payne will recall that he mentioned this.  To paraphrase, I beleive he mentioned why mess with a bow design that has been time tested sucessfully for over 40 years on QE2.

Ken
« Last Edit: Oct 18, 2009, 07:31 PM by highlander0108 »
"There will never be another one like her" QE2's last Master Ian McNaught
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Offline Twynkle

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #42 on: Oct 18, 2009, 03:24 PM »

Offline Jem

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #43 on: Oct 18, 2009, 10:39 PM »
Here's a link to the webcam images I've put together of her UK tour so far:




Cheers :)
« Last Edit: Oct 24, 2009, 03:36 PM by Rob Lightbody »

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #45 on: Oct 19, 2009, 09:39 AM »
It would be very naughty of me, wouldn't it, if I said I was a bit glad that there wasn't a surprise beautiful sunny day today on the Clyde, like there was for QE2 last year, wouldn't it...

Interested to see how I feel later on, after seeing her for the first time, and also hopefully stepping on board for a brief visit :)
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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #46 on: Oct 19, 2009, 11:52 AM »
Just say QM2 for the first time and all i can say is wow, and i nearly crashed the car! She is HUGE and powerful looking. Ugly from most angles, but quite stunning from front three quarters - as most greenockers will be seeing her.
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.

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #47 on: Oct 19, 2009, 11:53 AM »
ooooo, who said that ??!

 ;D

Lets pray to the rain Gods !!   :P  :D


Online Isabelle Prondzynski

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #48 on: Oct 19, 2009, 12:52 PM »
Just say QM2 for the first time and all i can say is wow, and i nearly crashed the car! She is HUGE and powerful looking. Ugly from most angles, but quite stunning from front three quarters - as most greenockers will be seeing her.

Are there lots of people about? Would you say, at least half as many as there were last year for the farewell to QE2? Are they also in danger of crashing their cars  ;)  ?

Offline Kathy M.

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #49 on: Oct 19, 2009, 01:03 PM »
Just say QM2 for the first time and all i can say is wow, and i nearly crashed the car! She is HUGE and powerful looking. Ugly from most angles, but quite stunning from front three quarters - as most greenockers will be seeing her.
She is impressive!  Glad you finally got to see her "in person"!
Kathy

Offline Twynkle

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #50 on: Oct 19, 2009, 03:53 PM »
Hey Rob
If you are able to get aboard the Mighty Mary,
as well as lots of other 'things' besides, maybe you'll have a look at a cabin - one with a balcony, and wee one without, even?  ;)
It'll be good to hear what you think...

Has the secret Glaswegian rain-dance worked yet?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8314297.stm






« Last Edit: Oct 19, 2009, 04:09 PM by Twynkle »

Offline Jem

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #51 on: Oct 19, 2009, 09:20 PM »
Here's a link to the second part of QM2's UK tour. These clips show her arriving and departing Greenock. Looks like there was a fireworks display as well.




Cheers.
« Last Edit: Oct 24, 2009, 03:34 PM by Rob Lightbody »

Online Rob Lightbody

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #52 on: Oct 19, 2009, 11:44 PM »
Wow!

She's so BIG!!  Pictures do not do her justice.

There's a simple reason why I liked her far more than I thought I would - and that is that she is nothing at all like QE2!  She's so completely different that there is no point making comparisons. She's something completely different, and something pretty awesome too.

And I really like her!  I love her retro-modern interiors - and some of them were VERY reminiscent of QM1.

I'll post a bigger review and lots more photos tomorrow when I have more time.

My photos of the day will be uploaded here over the next day or two - https://www.flickr.com/photos/lightbody/sets/72157622621520604/



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 Chris

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #53 on: Oct 20, 2009, 01:50 AM »
Great photograph Rob and great to hear you enjoyed QM2.
« Last Edit: Oct 20, 2009, 01:53 AM by Chris »
🎥 Check out my QE2 & Cruise Ship Videos: https://www.youtube.com/chrisframeofficial/

Online Rob Lightbody

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #54 on: Oct 20, 2009, 08:02 AM »
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 Twynkle

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #55 on: Oct 20, 2009, 08:16 AM »
Superb image, Rob
Interesting too, in the foreground - the onlookers seem to be every bit as important as anything else!

http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1446957?UserKey=

The sea looking bit choppy from the QM2 webcam.
Liverpool next call...
Just in time for a plate of scouse and chip buttie :)

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2009/10/20/queen-mary-2-finally-comes-home-to-liverpool-92534-24967751/

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-life-features/liverpool-special-features/2009/10/20/tall-order-for-river-pilot-92534-24967748/



« Last Edit: Oct 20, 2009, 11:52 AM by Twynkle »

Offline luzparis

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #56 on: Oct 20, 2009, 09:21 AM »
superb shot rob , apparently you love the cunarder?

Offline Chris

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #57 on: Oct 20, 2009, 09:22 AM »
Another great shot Rob.
🎥 Check out my QE2 & Cruise Ship Videos: https://www.youtube.com/chrisframeofficial/

Offline Twynkle

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #58 on: Oct 20, 2009, 12:08 PM »
'Now that's a Liner...'
Take a look at the video clip on the live blog!
R side of column. at the bottom of the list -
note that often The Liverpudlians have better things to do than differentiate between 2 and ll ;)
« Last Edit: Oct 20, 2009, 12:11 PM by Twynkle »

Offline Jem

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #59 on: Oct 20, 2009, 01:44 PM »
I have some super webcam shots of her entering the Mersey and another lot of her turning before tying up. The site says all images are copyright, so I'm waiting to hear back to see if I can show them here.

Cheers.

Offline jdl

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #60 on: Oct 20, 2009, 03:12 PM »
Hi all,

I've just got back from a trip to see QM2 in Liverpool or 'ship ship, WOW' as my daughter called her.  She was a little late berthing due to heavy winds off the bar but made up most of the delay once she was in the channel.  

As we have all said many times she's no QE2 but she is certainly impressive and very big!  She totally dominates the imediate shoreline on the Mersey - the only shame is that with the new second tier of modern buildings you can't see her that well as you drop into Liverpool from the M62 direction.

Was great to see her from the mersey ferry including a close full length pass that probably broke the security exclusion zone, it was also nice to be able to see the deck 5 hll balcony cabin we had on a cruise 2 years ago.

Apologies for the quality but they are from my phone rather than a proper camera!

jdl
« Last Edit: Oct 20, 2009, 03:59 PM by jdl »

Offline andyh

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #61 on: Oct 20, 2009, 04:49 PM »
superb shot rob , apparently you love the cunarder?

I am not suprised, those of us that have been on her said she was large and very impressive, she is no QE2, she is a liner for modern times

Offline MiamiCunarder

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #62 on: Oct 20, 2009, 05:20 PM »


 Thanks for the shots, JDL  :)

Online Rob Lightbody

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #63 on: Oct 20, 2009, 06:04 PM »
superb shot rob , apparently you love the cunarder?

Thanks Pat.  No I don't love her.  I don't really feel emotion for her at all, like I did for QE2.  I don't think I ever would either - she is simply so big, inside & out.  She is, however, very impressive, and I would enjoy crossing the Atlantic on her very much.
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.

Online Rob Lightbody

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #64 on: Oct 20, 2009, 06:18 PM »
.... oh and they really need to lose the piped music , its pretty bad...
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 luzparis

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #65 on: Oct 20, 2009, 06:31 PM »
maybe the word love is a little bite strong ? it's true she 's very impressive and so big ,me too i hope I have the ocassion to make an transatlantic crossing on board !! which part inside do you prefer on board and for you the most uggliest part? for me the most horrible was the winter garden and the stern and the most impressive it's for me the space in the public area bars, dining room etc.. or the pool on the top iis very nice

Offline Jem

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #66 on: Oct 20, 2009, 07:06 PM »
Pleased to say I've received permission from www.wirralcam.com to use these images I captured using their webcam. Love the images of her emerging from the mist and the size of her as she swings in the channel. Here's the link:




Enjoy :)
« Last Edit: Oct 24, 2009, 03:33 PM by Rob Lightbody »

Offline Twynkle

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #67 on: Oct 20, 2009, 10:07 PM »
The simplicity of the staircase is exactly like the QE - clever designers!

Jem - thank you for the Wirral cam link
QM2 is visible now - and the fireworks due at 10.50

Offline Jem

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #68 on: Oct 20, 2009, 10:36 PM »
Thanks Rob and Rosie, I'll try and catch her departing!


Offline Twynkle

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #69 on: Oct 20, 2009, 11:48 PM »
Anyone here know who paid the window cleaner?

Offline Jem

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #70 on: Oct 21, 2009, 07:23 AM »
Enjoyed the video and the 'window cleaner' missed the top decks! ;D

Here's Part 4 of QM2 leaving the Mersey:



« Last Edit: Oct 24, 2009, 03:33 PM by Rob Lightbody »

Offline Twynkle

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #71 on: Oct 21, 2009, 02:21 PM »
Here is Mr Shanks
Talking about history...
with very very brief mention of QE2




PLEASE, PLEASE CUNARD, BRING QE2 HOME

It's also YouTube link for other clips from Liverpool
« Last Edit: Oct 24, 2009, 03:29 PM by Rob Lightbody »

Offline Jem

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #72 on: Oct 23, 2009, 04:37 AM »
Here's the 5th part of QM2's UK tour. Cobh to Cherbourg. Unfortunately as she approaches the docks she loses the webcam signal.


Here's the link:

Does anyone know if there is a speed limit on the Solent? As you can see I clocked her doing 21.3 knots as she returns home this morning.

Cheers.
« Last Edit: Oct 24, 2009, 03:28 PM by Rob Lightbody »

Offline Jem

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #73 on: Oct 23, 2009, 07:14 AM »
At last here is the final and 6th part of QM2's UK Tour:

https://www.youtube.com/user/10jem#p/a/u/0/sbFjMo2L8no


Cheers :)
« Last Edit: Oct 24, 2009, 08:02 PM by Isabelle Prondzynski »

Offline andyh

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #74 on: Oct 24, 2009, 01:26 PM »
That was a great tour of the UK by the QM2 you have put together Jem, very interesting and informative.

As to speed on the Solent, I would be supprised if she was doing anything like that speed in such a confined space

Offline Twynkle

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #75 on: Oct 24, 2009, 03:07 PM »
Thank you, Jem!
The Wirral webcam well catches QM2 sidling at right angles to port, as she clears the quayside,
something that we saw at close hand in Southampton too!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/watch_keeper/3428561811/in/set-72157616586725528/

Offline Jem

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #76 on: Oct 24, 2009, 07:56 PM »
Pleased you enjoyed the UK Tour. Took some putting together but she is a 'proper' liner and worth the trouble. :)

Online Isabelle Prondzynski

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #77 on: Oct 24, 2009, 08:04 PM »
Pleased you enjoyed the UK Tour. Took some putting together but she is a 'proper' liner and worth the trouble. :)

I notice that Peter Shanks (in the video above) also calls her a "real ocean liner"... from which I take it that he is well aware of the fact that qV is not one and qE will not be one...

Offline Jem

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #78 on: Oct 24, 2009, 09:02 PM »
Pleased you enjoyed the UK Tour. Took some putting together but she is a 'proper' liner and worth the trouble. :)

I notice that Peter Shanks (in the video above) also calls her a "real ocean liner"... from which I take it that he is well aware of the fact that qV is not one and qE will not be one...

Your right Isabelle, I just wish they'd be honest with us and admit, QV and QE are CRUISE ships. He's already said there's not enough room on the Atlantic run for 2 liners!
« Last Edit: Oct 24, 2009, 09:10 PM by Isabelle Prondzynski »

Offline Twynkle

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #79 on: Oct 24, 2009, 09:51 PM »
Yes!
qV felt like she was built and run to provide people with a good holiday - a cruise.


Just wishing Mr Shanks had said instead - that, "Yes - there'd certainly be enough room for 2 real ocean Liners on Atlantic run" 
That would have been wonderful - "QE2 in her element" again.


 
« Last Edit: Oct 25, 2009, 09:14 AM by Twynkle »


Online Rob Lightbody

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #81 on: Oct 29, 2009, 07:35 PM »
I just received my copy of this

http://www.merseyshop.com/products/details/1398/2957/



and very nice it is too!

The forum even gets a small credit, and I have a strong suspicion that I know which forum member wrote the 'QE2 in Dubai' article !
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.

Online cunardqueen

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #82 on: Oct 29, 2009, 07:48 PM »
Rob
  Great to read that you had an enjoyable visit on QM2 and that you were well looked after onboard.
 Nobody looks after a visitor like Cunard does !! ;)
 Cheers
  Myles
From the moment you first glimpsed the Queen,
 you just knew you were in for a very special time ahead.!

Online Rob Lightbody

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #83 on: Nov 02, 2009, 09:57 PM »
I did have a lovely time on board.  But now that the excitement of the day has passed, and I've had time to reflect, I realise that travelling on QM2 is not really very high up on my "list of things I must do".

Some day, I hope, but at the moment its just not a priority.   (Whereas for years I dreamed and tried to get on QE2 for a cruise and it was very definitely top of my 'list of things i must do sometime!).
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 Twynkle

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #84 on: Nov 04, 2009, 09:15 AM »
The River Clyde, the Commodore, the  Liner and The World's Last Ocean Going Paddle Steamer!


Looks as if RMS Queen Mary 2 has a proper observation deck too!

Offline Twynkle

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #85 on: Nov 06, 2009, 09:22 AM »
QE2 gets a mention -  as part of a list, from Mr Shanks...
http://wearecunard.com/2009/10/queen-mary-2’s-around-the-british-isles-voyage-–-part-1-–-a-spectacular-lap-of-honour/
« Last Edit: Nov 06, 2009, 09:28 AM by Twynkle »

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #86 on: Nov 07, 2009, 11:25 AM »
Does anyone know if there is a speed limit on the Solent? As you can see I clocked her doing 21.3 knots as she returns home this morning.

Cheers.

There is. I can't remember exactly what it is, but it's less than 10 knots. If QM2 was doing 21 kts up the Solent then someone will be getting a fine from the powers-that-be. This is because in the 20s and 30s liners would come up the Solent at high speed, causing wash, flooding property and knocking people off their feet. My late grandmother, who lived in East Cowes at the time, would tell of the times that the first Mauretania would come by at speed and her wash would flood the cellar. My grandmother was knocked off her feet on East Cowes beach many a time by the Mauretania's wash.

Offline andyh

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #87 on: Nov 07, 2009, 06:33 PM »

Looks as if RMS Queen Mary 2 has a proper observation deck too!


Yes she does. it is the deck under the Bridge, (deck 11) and the full width of the ship, a great place to view entering a port as you can see around both sides and the front of the ship

LegendOfTheSeas

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #88 on: Nov 13, 2009, 08:18 PM »
I really am glad that she is being given this great attention and this good reception.

QM2 is (so far, at least!) the last in a long line of great and powerful Atlantic liners. A ship of speed, and a ship designed to be beautiful as well as powerful. A ship built in a shipyard of great tradition and pride.

In a way, she is our hope for the future. Had she not been there to replace QE2, we might mourn "our" ship all the more, as the entire North Atlantic liner tradition would have died out with her. QM2 has many years of service ahead of her (we hope she will not be robbed of those, as poor Normandie was...), which may create sufficient time for another new generation of liners to be conceived and built for another new era.

Looking forward to the day when I might be able to step aboard her to see and feel her character!

That is exacly how I feel about her. QE2 has gone and we all miss her very much, but it's unfair to QM2 to criticise her and dislike her because she is not QE2. As you say, if QM2 wasn't here, we'd miss QE2 even more but at least we have her fabulous 'descendant' to help fill the gap left behind. And that makes me love QM2 all the more.

May she have a long and happy life.

Offline andyh

Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #89 on: Nov 14, 2009, 05:03 PM »
That is exacly how I feel about her. QE2 has gone and we all miss her very much, but it's unfair to QM2 to criticise her and dislike her because she is not QE2. As you say, if QM2 wasn't here, we'd miss QE2 even more but at least we have her fabulous 'descendant' to help fill the gap left behind. And that makes me love QM2 all the more.

May she have a long and happy life.

Thats just how I feel

Offline jdl

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Re: QM2 - Round the British Isles Voyage
« Reply #90 on: Dec 18, 2009, 11:12 PM »
Thats just how I feel

I've come to the same conclusion myself, we all miss the QE2 and we won't see her type again.  BUT at least QM2 was constructed and we are not all stuck with the block of flats cruise ship design as that would put me off going back to sea for a long, long time.

jdl