Queen Elizabeth 2, or QE2 as she is better known, is the most famous ship of our times. Built nearly 40 years ago, she was the last great ship of the ocean liner period. However, her basic design was so advanced and flexible that the ship has been able to evolve constantly since that time. As a result, she remains an icon of style and luxury today.
QE2 entered service in 1969, the same year as Woodstock and the first man walked on the moon. As her owner, Cunard Line admitted, ships were considered “boring.” To dispense with that image, QE2 was given a space age design both in her exterior lines and in her interior design. It was consciously intended to be much different than the old Cunard giants QUEEN MARY and QUEEN ELIZABETH, which had just gone out of service. The goal was to “create a setting for the world's best party," according to her designer.
Over the years - - much like many who grew up in the 1960s - - QE2 became more like her predecessors. Leather wall coverings, plastic scooped chairs, and bright colors were replaced by wood paneling, traditional furniture, and a more subdued color scheme. She reflected the tastes and styles of the times. Indeed, that is part of the reason QE2 has remained viable for so long was this ability to adapt to the times.
This ability to adapt was also present in the ship’s technology. She was built with a very strong and sleek hull because her primary mission would be to take passengers across the North Atlantic where any type of weather may be encountered. In 1987, her steam engines were replaced with a diesel-electric system. Not only was this better from a reliability and efficiency stand point but it gave the ship additional speed. In fact, she is the fastest passenger ship now in service, even faster than the new QUEEN MARY 2 and the new mega-cruise ships.In November, QE2 will retire from active service and become a floating hotel in Dubai.
Accordingly, I recently went aboard QE2 and photographed her to document her final state of evolution. I have combined these photos with photos taken in the past and I have written a commentary to go with them. In addition, I have posted copies of menus and daily programs reaching back 20 years so as to give you a feel for this great ship.
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