Yesterday, in a symbolic gesture, at 4.30pm the QM2 overtook the QE2 and sailed off ahead of us. An announcement was made by Captain McNaught and of course everyone was up on deck. The two wonderful liners sailed very close to one another and exchanged salutes back and forth several times. Of course QM2's horn could not really compete with QE2 but she tried! The ships were so close you could hear the throngs of passengers shouting well wishes back and forth. I actually became teary eyed and got goose bumps all over. It was a very moving experience especially knowing QE2's fate very shortly. Before you knew it, QM2 steamed off ahead of us and it was all over.

We did feel some movement on QE2 our first couple days. We had some fore/aft pitching and then the waves were hitting us sideways on perhaps the 3rd day, so we had some side to side rocking. Nothing too noticeable and in fact the crossing was far too smooth for my liking. The last couple days the sea was a milk pond and there was no movement what so ever. Disappointing as I missed the wood creaking in my cabin like only QE2 can. Funny enough, as we watched QM2 those first couple days she seemed to be pitching a fair bit, although I heard passengers on QM2 felt QE2 was probably feeling more motion. In fact you could see QM2's bulbous bow come out of the water on occasion. Captain McNaught did his usual noon announcement, and stated something to this effect .... "for those of you watching QM2, as you can see no matter how big they build them, they still pitch". We all got a kick out of that!

More to come later, but suffice it to say the crossing was a huge success and I will miss QE2 immensely.

Ernie

A few photographic memories of the October Tandem Westbound Crossing - taken from QE2.

Departing Southampton

Looking Aft

QM2 through the porthole in cabin 2122

Wish I could have been there as well - but everylittle story I hear brings back such fond memories!

Hope we get to see some more!

Glad you enjoyed the voyage.

Nice report, Ernie.

quote:

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Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:

Apparently the QM2 does pitch and roll significantly less than the QE2 does, in the same sea conditions. Stepen Payne said this but I forget by what percentage less.

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Perhaps, but what fun is that? None what so ever if you ask me!

It would make sense too. Almost 40 years of hull technology advancements between QE2 and QM2.

Ernie

[ 10-17-2008: Message edited by: eroller ]

quote:

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Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:

Nice report, Ernie.

Apparently the QM2 does pitch and roll significantly less than the QE2 does, in the same sea conditions. Stepen Payne said this but I forget by what percentage less.

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50% less

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Originally posted by Ernst:
The picture of QM2 is very nice - the waves are such that it somehow looks as if it were a picture of a model.

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Ernst,
You're absolutely right. The ship looked like a model in real life too. The seas were such a dead flat calm it was almost eerie. Here is a side pic of QM2, and you can see how the waves slid along the length of her hull. It was very interesting to watch.

Ernie

I'm glad the crossing lived up to your expectations which I am sure were very high - but I am not surprised it did. I knew it would be fabulous and I really wish I had the time, not going will always be a great regret but it just couldn't be helped. Everyone I spoke to said it was a fantastic crossing and in fact everyone I know who has been on QE2 in her final year has been delighted, myself included. Maybe it is a case of not appreciating what you have 'til it's gone but I am struck by how many people have said that the QE2 experience now is better than it has ever been and I have no trouble at all believing that.

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Originally posted by Grant:
I was aboard a canal sailing on Dawn Princess (Fairwind) and we passed Fair Princess (Fairsea) off Mexico, at very close quarters. It was the last sailing of Dawn and very near the end for Fair. Many whistles exchanged, very close quarters, and very many memories to this day.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Cunard Fan:

I can't believe how sad these pictures are making me, but I still look at them.

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You should have been there in person! It was exhilarating, but sad at the same time. As I mentioned before I even got teary eyed.

This crossing is something I will always remember. I'm still not quite myself and wish I was back on QE2.

quote:

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Originally posted by eroller:

You should have been there in person! It was exhilarating, but sad at the same time. As I mentioned before I even got teary eyed.

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I wish I could have been. I really almost went but in the end It just wasn't possible for me. I imagine it was sad, I am getting teary eyed just looking at the pictures and thinking about it.