The QE2 returns

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Saturday 23rd March



I now realise why we don’t like flying.

Ok, the initial boarding at Birmingham was tolerable, the flight tolerable but when we landed at Dubai so did 22 other flights within 30 to 40 mins and that caused chaos in passport control and immigration.



Our accommodation looked good as we circled waiting to land, the Queen Elizabeth 2 looking majestic in Port Rashid lit by a watery morning sun. She looked to all intent and purposes ready to set sail but sadly her cruising days are long gone but from a distance she was looking good.



This holiday is to reacquaint us with Queen Elizabeth 2, the first ship we ever cruised on and we jumped at the chance to stay on her when the package was announced a few months ago.

We had seen the old girl her in Dubai in 2014, she was languishing between two rusty tankers and looking in a sorry state.





Transferring to Port Rashid was smooth and we had our first real glimpse of the ship.

Now a floating hotel she still has such sleek lines and a coat of paint has done her the world of good.

I believe she is still in what’s called the “the soft opening stage”, that is she has only had paying guests for a few months and there will be some glitches to contend with.

Check in great and room ready within minutes and nothing too shabby with the refurb on that account.





So our three nights on board as part of a package includes a cocktail party, a gala buffet dinner and on the second night a dinner with fellow guests in the Queens Grill, an iconic part of Cunard’s legacy.





The ship is definitely work in progress but as we walked around finding our bearings it does bring back huge memories.

The lifeboats and all the davits and paraphernalia that goes with them have all gone and in some ways gives the old Queen even sleeker lines and if you choose one the balcony rooms now you don’t get an obstructive view because of lifeboats.





So our first day done, the buffet and entertainment exceptional and we cannot fault the staff, they are friendly, courteous and nothing seems too much trouble. We have been made very welcome.





A few pics of the ship.

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Comments

[Graham and Ann Wilkinson]

Thanks
I you two hope your in good health, your right the old Queen looks good.