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Cruise Reviews

Q.E.2 Farewell British Isles.

Reviewed By: Mitchell, Shipston on Stour on 12th Oct 2008
Cruise Line: Cunard Cruises Times cruised before: 10+
Cruise Ship: Queen Elizabeth 2 Sailed: September, 2008
Destination: British Isles Age: 65+
Q.E.2 Farewell British Isles Voyage 30 Sept.- 10 Oct. 2008
Having sailed on Q.E.2 seven times before I have so many happy memories that I approached this final cruise with sadness but what a joyful trip it turned out to be. From the first bottle of chilled champagne waiting in our cabin to the respectful attention shown by every member of the crew I really felt like Royalty. Whatever I wanted ,from caviar to Haggis was readily available.
At the start the weather was not kind, severe gales prevented us from going to Cherbourg but Capt. Ian McNaught soon had us in calmer waters and arranged for an extra day in Cobh. What a welcome we received, thousands of people lined the shore and we were escorted in by small boats and helicopters. This enthusiasm for Q.E.2 was to be repeated in every port. Schoolchildren were brought in groups to the quay and sat drawing her in delight.White hankies ,embroidered with the ship were being sold and as we sailed away the shore was a mass of waving white.
Liverpool next, the celebration highlight being the commemorative concert at Liverpool Cathedral where the ship's paying off pennant was presented to Mr J.Prescott M.P., a former cunarder who then presented it to the people of Liverpool. The Welsh guards joined many famous faces and the finale with Rule Britannia and Land Of Hope And Glory had most of us in tears of joy.
Sailing on to Belfast, Greenock ,Edinburgh and Newcastle was equally nostalgic and inspiring. A fly past by the Red Arrows, being escorted by Ark Royal and H.M.S Manchester, being given unique final voyage certificates , badges and a limited edition Wedgewood dish all contributed to that special event feeling. Yes it was hard to disembark for the last time but nothing can compare with Cunard's style and service and we have already booked on Queen Victoria for next year. !
Quality of Food5
Entertainment5
Shore Excursions5
Staff5
Children's Facilities5
Onboard Activities5
Cabins5
Overall Rating5
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Opinion: Agree Comment by Folan, Bloomfield (04 Nov 08 16:15) about this REVIEW
It was a wonderful trip. Better than I could ever have imagined. We were well taken care of and the celebrations that greeted us in each port were incredible. And, each farewell was special and heartfelt. I feel blessed to have been a part of this experience. Though I will probably sail on other Cunard ships, I will miss the QE2 and the unique adventures I have had on her. Thank you to all who made this trip a once in a lifetime experience. Joann, USA
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Comment by Stewart, Idle bradford (17 Oct 08 08:53) about this REVIEW
I agree with all that the reviewer says it was a fantastic cruise, brought about by the great welcome and farewells in every port. she will be missed but QM2 and Victoria will carry on in the same excellent style. I look forward to the new Queen Elizabeth and to travelling on the other cunard ships. Anne from Idle Bradford
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Opinion: Agree Comment by Duncan, Aberdeen (13 Oct 08 11:43) about this REVIEW
Sums up the cruise fantastically well. The welcome we received everywhere was nothing short of amazing and the farewells were emotional, what an experience. Having only cruised on the QE2, I will miss her but am looking forward to trying out the other cunard ships.
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