Onboard QE2

[Liam Fjellstedt]

Hello all,
It is only a week and a bit until I will first step onboard QE2! I am very excited! I was wondering if there are any rooms, spaces or specific things you would like for me to try and photograph onboard? I will try my best to visit them as she will have areas closed I have been told.

[Thomas Hypher]

Congratulations Liam! You will be even more passionate about the ship once having been onboard 

We haven't seen the Queens Room or Caronia Restaurant in recent "unofficial" photos or any official photos yet for that matter so if you are able to take photos of these rooms without getting into trouble that would be amazing!

If you mention your connection to the forum and to other people related to QE2 it might help with accessing these areas without getting into trouble.

PS. I can imagine the Bridge will be a challenge to try and visit as that would require official permission due to the route to the Bridge for example. A Bridge visit would be the icing on the cake for your visit! 

[Brandon Sterkel]

Hi Liam,
Congratulations on being able to be on QE2! You must be thrilled!

If it isnt much trouble, can you try and see what the Grand Lounge currently looks like and see if any heritage items are on board that we haven't really seen yet (large Royal paintings, Mauritania model, etc).

Thank you and good luck on your QE2 visit!

[Scott Ebersold]

Congrats Liam!

All the spaces above are great suggestions. Some details would be great too, like the carpeting on the stair case, the staircases themselves, carpeting in the companionways, stateroom doorknobs (its our photo of the month competition!).  I'm also curious to see what they've done with the Chart Room, the mirror above the Chart Room bar (is the ceiling still gold leaf?), and a classic QE2 view is a shot down the long covered promenade just outside the Chart Room looking back with its series of curved arches. And definitely the Queens Room.

I could continue but I'm sure you will get more suggestions!

[June Ingram]

Congratulations, Liam !  and any and all news and photos will be much appreciated !  Perhaps a photo of the Midships Lounge ?   

[Twynkle]

Liam Hi!

That is Such a lovely offer - Thank you!
It's a really kind gesture - and please don't worry if you don't manage it!

Just guessing - the place inside may seem quite different, carpets, wall hangings, art work etc
and so its well nigh impossible to choose, specially knowing QE2 as we knew her - and perhaps not quite ready for the 'Difference'.
I've been thinking hard today - and there were somethings on board that could still be there, and that haven't been changed yet...I think the Queens Room could be 'interesting, and my main haunt - The Bit Beneath the Bridge - The Observation Deck looking forward, so that the Missing Lifeboat nakedness doesn't show...
Even just a bit of teak railing even!
And if you can get into what used to be the Caledonian Suite - the bathroom was Beautiful (!), it would be grand to see that Suite  again - If I remember rightly, it was accessed on the STBD side of the Boat Deck forward, just under and aft of the Bridge.
Also you might find yourself wanting pics of the museum area in the Cruise Terminal too.

Just wondering how much of an SD card you'll have!

I also found this Topic earlier - you might be interested as well.
It was the First Poll that Rob set up, Very soon after The QE2 Story was started.
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,47.0.html

Thank you, again - and keeping fingers crossed for you and your new camera
You never know - they might well need a  Ship's Photographer!
Rosie

[Thomas Hypher]

I was wondering if you're going onboard on the 18th or the 19th, Liam? If so you may be able to take photos of QM2 in the distance from onboard QE2 (a first in several years! 2012 being the last time there are photos of QM2 from onboard QE2 as Louis has just told me and I remember seeing from John Duffy's visit in a topic on this forum). QM2 will dock in Port Rashid as far as I know on her overnight visit on those dates.

As others have said, thank you for offering to do this Liam as it gives those of us not in Dubai a look inside at the start of her (hopefully long) second career!

[Trevor Harris]

Hello all,
It is only a week and a bit until I will first step onboard QE2! I am very excited! I was wondering if there are any rooms, spaces or specific things you would like for me to try and photograph onboard? I will try my best to visit them as she will have areas closed I have been told.

Grand Lounge!

[Liam Fjellstedt]

I was wondering if you're going onboard on the 18th or the 19th, Liam? If so you may be able to take photos of QM2 in the distance from onboard QE2 (a first in several years! 2012 being the last time there are photos of QM2 from onboard QE2 as Louis has just told me and I remember seeing from John Duffy's visit in a topic on this forum). QM2 will dock in Port Rashid as far as I know on her overnight visit on those dates.

As others have said, thank you for offering to do this Liam as it gives those of us not in Dubai a look inside at the start of her (hopefully long) second career!

I will be onboard hopefully to look around on the 18th, and to stay on the 20th!

[Rob Lightbody]

Can you take photos of restaurant and bar menus and price lists please?!

[Rod]

Can you take photos of restaurant and bar menus and price lists please?!

Expecting to see Luis' QE2 cocktail?

[Rob Lightbody]

Expecting to see Luis' QE2 cocktail?

Just a canny Scot doing my sums!  To visit QE2 will take a4 figure sum, unfortunately.

[Hank Hargrove]

I know it doesn't appear to be open yet, but if the indoor pools are available to look at, even if only for museum purposes, I'd like to see them, though I doubt they'd be open. I personally would like to just see any photos you take.

[Rob Lightbody]

I know it doesn't appear to be open yet, but if the indoor pools are available to look at, even if only for museum purposes, I'd like to see them, though I doubt they'd be open. I personally would like to just see any photos you take.

They've said they'll open by October, but are not yet open.

[Rob Lightbody]

Liam,

If you can just please take a couple of photos of each room/area thats open?  And then I would personally be super-grateful if you were able to upload them to our new gallery - it would give a single place to look at them.

I think on Wednesday/Thursday next week there will an explosion of photos across Facebook as she opens, but it would be nice to have a careful selection of your best photos here in our gallery for us to ponder over.

Thanks very much.

You're a lucky man!  I'd have loved to have been there on Wednesday, and could have been if I'd known to book tickets and time off work about a month ago.

[cunardqueen]

Liam

With the many requests you have for the photos your going to be a busy man. However most importantly, take time for yourself ! it very easy to get wrapped up taking many photos that you miss what your seeing .

Maybe ive missed it, but whats your connection with the great ship ?
Enjoy your time onboard !
Safe Travekls
Myles

   You're a lucky man!  I'd have loved to have been there on Wednesday, and could have been if I'd known to book tickets and time off work about a month ago. 

I think its such a shame that given your links Rob and what you have done that those in the hot seat couldnt have extended an invite to you .

What is surprising (or maybe not) with the various groups is that a lot of the names we dont see on here 

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Liam, enjoy your time on board! Looking forward to reading your tales and seeing your pictures.

Could you take a picture or two of the Boat Deck, so that we get an idea of what it looks like without the lifeboats? Thank you very much .

[Liam Fjellstedt]

Can you take photos of restaurant and bar menus and price lists please?!

Should be able to! Not sure if you have seen this, found it today on the QE2 Hotel Facebook group.

[Liam Fjellstedt]

Liam,

If you can just please take a couple of photos of each room/area thats open?  And then I would personally be super-grateful if you were able to upload them to our new gallery - it would give a single place to look at them.

I think on Wednesday/Thursday next week there will an explosion of photos across Facebook as she opens, but it would be nice to have a careful selection of your best photos here in our gallery for us to ponder over.

Thanks very much.

You're a lucky man!  I'd have loved to have been there on Wednesday, and could have been if I'd known to book tickets and time off work about a month ago.

I wish you came as well, would have been very nice to meet you! That I will do, should be going on a tour of her at 1:30 and will also have time to walk around so will try take pictures/videos of everything!

[Liam Fjellstedt]

Liam

With the many requests you have for the photos your going to be a busy man. However most importantly, take time for yourself ! it very easy to get wrapped up taking many photos that you miss what your seeing .

Maybe ive missed it, but whats your connection with the great ship ?
Enjoy your time onboard !
Safe Travekls
Myles

I think its such a shame that given your links Rob and what you have done that those in the hot seat couldnt have extended an invite to you .

What is surprising (or maybe not) with the various groups is that a lot of the names we dont see on here

I do not have a very special connection as most of you on here do, but I love Ocean Liners and have lived in the UAE since 2003. I have been following the QE2 here since she arrived here and have been taking photos of her since 2012 (From Port Rashid to the Drydocks and back). I really would have loved to sail on her but am very glad she is opening now (A bit sad its just a few months before I move from the UAE but can always come back to visit! )

[Liam Fjellstedt]

Liam, enjoy your time on board! Looking forward to reading your tales and seeing your pictures.

Could you take a picture or two of the Boat Deck, so that we get an idea of what it looks like without the lifeboats? Thank you very much .

Planning to walk on her boat deck and take picture of QM2 from QE2 as well!

[Liam Fjellstedt]

Will try and take pictures of most her spaces on Wednesday, if I miss parts of the ship, I will have much more time when staying overnight on Friday to explore her!

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Flat rate charges for the meals, that seems a good idea. I have not converted the amounts, and in any case that would make little sense without knowing what will be on offer. I would be interested to know whether there are good vegetarian options (i.e. options that give vegetarians a bit of choice).

I do notice two other things : Alcohol seems to be fine on board, with offers of gin, beer and wine at various locations.

And the casino machines are still there, but "vintage" and serving as photo backgrounds -- not a bad idea either.

[Twynkle]

Congratulations, Liam !  and any and all news and photos will be much appreciated !  Perhaps a photo of the Midships Lounge ?   

Hi June
Might you mean the Midships Lobby?

I've been trying to find out more about Peter Sutton's great Mural here,
'The History of Cunard'
Just wonder whether it was this that you were interested in too?

[Rob Lightbody]

That menu is only for QM2 guests.  We received the pdf yesterday but was asked not to post it. We also have the agenda for Wednesday.

[Thomas Hypher]

I do notice two other things : Alcohol seems to be fine on board, with offers of gin, beer and wine at various locations.

On further research and speaking to friends who've been to Dubai in recent times, Dubai has a minimum drinking age of 21 and within the hotels and resorts is much like the West with regards to alcohol. Drinking on the streets in Dubai is frowned upon but doesn't seem to carry any particularly heavy punishment from what I've been told...although I wouldn't want to test that! QE2 now has a minimum age of 21 which matches the above law although of course people under that age can be guests if accompanied by someone or people 21 or older as per establishments in the West or when cruising (18 here in the UK).

Abu Dhabi's minimum drinking age is 18 from research and alcohol is banned in Sharjah. This is the inconsistency in the United Arab Emirates as each Emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi etc) seems to be fairly autonomous with their laws.

[Rob Lightbody]

PDF attached now

[Rob Lightbody]

Has anyone seen recent photos showing the boat deck looking ready?  It might be closed off just now, until they get wood (or some covering at least)) put back down, assuming they're going to do that.

[Hank Hargrove]

They've said they'll open by October, but are not yet open.

Thank you!

[Liam Fjellstedt]

Flat rate charges for the meals, that seems a good idea. I have not converted the amounts, and in any case that would make little sense without knowing what will be on offer. I would be interested to know whether there are good vegetarian options (i.e. options that give vegetarians a bit of choice).

I do notice two other things : Alcohol seems to be fine on board, with offers of gin, beer and wine at various locations.

And the casino machines are still there, but "vintage" and serving as photo backgrounds -- not a bad idea either.

Alchohol will be served in almost every restaurant onboard, which is nice
There is a dedicated Vegetarian restaurant in the Queen's Grill as well!
They are going for this classic QE2 style, I think they want to preserve all they can

[Liam Fjellstedt]

That menu is only for QM2 guests.  We received the pdf yesterday but was asked not to post it. We also have the agenda for Wednesday.

Hi Rob, would you able to email the Agenda to me? I know the tour times but am curious what more will be going on her throughout the day when I am onboard

[Liam Fjellstedt]

Has anyone seen recent photos showing the boat deck looking ready?  It might be closed off just now, until they get wood (or some covering at least)) put back down, assuming they're going to do that.

I will try get there, I am not sure if they will try to replace the wood. Would they have not done that in the dry-docks?

[Rob Lightbody]

I will try get there, I am not sure if they will try to replace the wood. Would they have not done that in the dry-docks?

They couldn't possibly have had the time I don't think, especially as they were reworking all those bits of railing where the davits were before (to create more deck).