QUEEN ELIZABETH 2

The QE2 is the worlds most famous passenger liner. Since 1969 she has been the last defining symbol of the ocean liner. In fact, she is the only of these dying breeds to cross the North Atlantic on a regular route. In 2008, the liner was recognized as the longest serving Cunard Line vessel. Beating the record that was previously held by the venerable RMS AQUITANIA, the great four stack vessel dating from 1914. Originally, the 2nd QUEEN ELIZABETH was supposed to live on as a luxury hotel in Dubai, similar to what her great predecessor the legendary QUEEN MARY has been doing in Long Beach, CA. Currently, the world economic situation has placed the QE2 in an uncertain future, and for now she sits alone, and idle in Dubai, waiting for the next chapter of her life to begin.

History repeats itself nearly 40 years later as QE2 passes the Manhattan skyline on her very last departure from the same port, also in October, on the 16th of 2008.

A nostalgic view as the two Queens meet in New York Harbor for the very last time. QUEEN MARY 2 and QE2.

The splendid MAURETANIA model in front of the Caronia Restaurant, part of the Heritage Trail of the Cunard Line on board QE2.

Just forward of the Chart Room is this splendid canvas of the MAURETANIA departing the River Tyne. It was painted by T. Henry and added as part of the Heritage Trail. It has since been removed before arriving in Dubai.

A tradition as seen on several "Queens" of the Atlantic has been created in the Chart Room Bar. Although not as large as its more elegant counterpart on board the QUEEN MARY, the glass panel depicts the North Atlantic and the Great Circle Route taken by the QE2 on her great number of crossings.

Looking forward and starboard is this view of the Yacht Club, formerly the Double Down Bar. Image & Copyright Trevor Coppock 2006

The Britannia Grill on Boat Deck, formerly the Queens Grill.

On Quarter Deck, you can find the Princess Grill.

The Midships Lobby, originally created by Dan Wallace, and also the traditional First Class embarkation point during her early life, was given an overall new look of bird's- eye maple panelling in a 1994 refit. Artist Peter Sutton is the vision behind the large montage panels surrounding the lobby. Image & Copyright Trevor Coppock 2006

Public Spaces & Artwork onboard QE2

Also during the 1994 transformation, the former Midships Bar became the Chart Room. Most of the room has remained unchanged over the years, a maple grand piano that originally graced the QUEEN MARY can be seen tucked in one of corner for passengers to admire.

Here we see the Library/Ocean Bookshop along with some artwork offered for those wishing to buy a sourvier or two. Image & Copyright Trevor Coppock 2006

The Sun Deck mid-ship stairwell contain the three tapestries of the QE2's launching in 1967 by artist Helena Banynina Hernmarch and measure 7 feet high by 21 feet long.

The twin level theatre located on Upper Deck, looking forward, is a place of many lectures and film slide presentations.

Originally the main lounge for Tourist Class passengers- the Double Down Room seated 800 passengers and covered 20,000 square feet. In her major 1987 refit, it was renamed and severely altered to the Grand Lounge, as seen here looking forward.

The Queens Room on Quarter Deck was designed by Michael Inchbald in 1969. It has undergone a few modifications in furniture decor over the years but has managed to retain its sense of spaciousness and some originality since her maiden voyage. A bust of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (right) adorns one end of the room.

Dining & Restaurants onboard QE2

By 2007, the QE2 was the only liner with a synagogue onboard, located on 3 deck mid-ships.

A splendid view of the ship as she slices through the waves, notice the change of the funnel (to Cunard Line colors) as the original black and white was not well received. Cunard Line

Located on Stairway D - near the model of the MAURETANIA and Caronia Restaurant - is this painting of Her Majesty the Queen. This wonderful piece originally adorned the first QUEEN ELIZABETH as well as the CARONIA. Image & Copyright Trevor Coppock 2006

The Steiner Fitness Center, notice the lifering near the pool. Image & Copyright Trevor Coppock 2006

A brilliant port side image of the QE2 making a visit to Auckland in February 2004 as part of a World Cruise in that same year. Image & Copyright Trevor Coppock 2004

A lovely view of the ship being given assistance from tugs Flying Osprey and Redbridge while in Southampton sometime in 1998. Image & Copyright Trevor Coppock 1998

QE2 - Her Twilight Years

A special thanks to Trevor Coppock of Seapixonline.com and his wonderful photos, as well as Nigel Robinson for his great donations in pictures.

The first QUEEN ELIZABETH makes her way down the Hudson on what is her last call at New York on October, 30 1968 -notice the steam from two funnels, a tell tale sign she is saluting the harbor. Rob O'Brien collection

The QE2 on April 27th 1995 as seen from the Miriam Moran.

For questions, comments, picture donations, picture requests and small $ donations to help support this site please contact the webmaster at classicliners@gmail.com

QE2 as seen in her original appearance in August 1969, months after her maiden voyage, departing Southampton. Photo: Ron Baker, portholeproductions

A rare QE2 view at Southampton in August 1972. Photo: Copyright Nigel Robinson

Cunard Line's QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 enters the Port of New York on her maiden voyage in May 1969, welcomed by a flotilla of small craft, tugboats and helicopters. Rob O'Brien collection

The brand new QE2 approaches the tip of Manhattan for the very first time. Ernie Arroyo / Rob O'Brien collection

A brilliant image of the new liner at night while fitting out and preparing for her long career. Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Limited

The bow of the QE2 juts majestically into the sky as the launch and naming ceremony draws near. Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Limited