Are you impressed by the fact that the QE2 has been sailing for about 41 years?

Question

I am. When you consider all the stresses and strains the ocean must have subjected her to. Apparently she withstood a 90 foot wave on one voyage without sustaining any major damage.

Answer 1

Saw her in Dubrovnik last September. Looking a bit tired round the edges.

But when you compare her to the floating cattle boats they class as cruise liners nowadays she's still got class and quality.

Answer 2

Although it's fairly unusual to see a cruise ship still sailing that is over 40 years old, it is by no means unique... for example Marco Polo has also been sailing for approx the same time.

I think it is about time that she was retired.. she was looking a little tired the last time I saw her, and although she has a great atmosphere, she just doesn't compare to more modern vessels in terms of passenger facilities, and also environmental impact which is becoming increasingly important.

Answer 3

no sir, I am not impressed

Answer 4

i sure do!

Answer 5

couldn't give a ****

Answer 6

ya!

Answer 7

Yes and I've been on her- she's a great old lady !

Answer 8

I live near the docks that built the Titanic. so the QE2 is very impressive.

Answer 9

I also have survived 41 years and i think i haven't done to bad either.OK i haven't encountered 90 foot waves but have done many other things i am very proud of. 41 isn't that old you know.

Answer 10

ermmmm.....

no not really.

Answer 11

wow

Answer 12

Yes, the QE2 has had an impressive number of years plying the oceans but the QE2 has many more years of sailing left.

Cunard are taking her out of service because she is not up to the standard required for cruise ships of to-day.

The regulations are changing in 2010 (SOLAS) and it would have cost an inordinate amount of money to get the QE2 to that standard.

There is a Cruise ship still sailing today which has a longer sailing history (also being withdrawn from service in 2010), Regal Empress, launched 16 April 1953, the Regal Empress is now sailing out of Port Manatee in the winters and New York City during the summers.

Answer 13

She's an amazing ship with a great history.  A few other cool highlights:

- Holds the speed record for currently-operating cruise ships at 35 knots (most ships top out at 22)

- Converted from steam to modern diesel engines in 1987

- For years conducted joint operations with the supersonic Concorde across the Atlantic, allowing guests to travel "modern" style one direction, and "classic" style the other.

- She will retire as a hotel in Dubai

We did a little retrospective on the site blog recently, that has links to articles from our archive of QE2 news stories over the years:

http://www.cruisesavvy.com/site_blog/qe2...

The article includes links to articles from the 80s, 90s and 2000s about the ship's various historic milestones.  (Alas, our archives don't go back as far as QE2 herself!)

Answer 14

Did you know that her last cruise is this fall?

Answer 15

yeah that is quite interesting