QE2 PAINTINGS: "QE" ON THE RIVER TYNE"

For just 55 GBP you can get a printed copy of the "QE2 on The River Tyne" from Romac Art.

A painting of the QE2 Entering the River Tyne in September 2007.

This is a 24" x 18" print on high quality paper using best inks

GREAT QE2 BLOGS

Where in the world is Tom? is a fantastic blog of a young printer aboard the QE2

Tom travels the globe aboard the QE2 and writes about life in the ship, ports of call, food...

He just arrived today to Southampton and reports:

Well after a successful 3 week cruise we are back in Southampton. I

t was great to be on American soil and catch up with friends and family.

It was also very nice to use my cell phone for once.

Unfortunately I am having some technical difficulties and therefore I won't be posting any pics or videos this time.

I will be sure to get things sorted for the next time.

We are now headed off on what will be one of our most extravagant voyages.

The "British Isles" cruise will bring us all around the UK as a final send off to the QE2.

There are plenty of special events scheduled including lots of firework displays and such for each port. Lastly this marks the fourth month of being aboard the QE2.

A lot has happened in these past months and yet there is still plenty left in the remaining two.

So time to get things going again and look for lots of pics and videos the next time I post.

Thank you Tom and see you soon!

FERRIES GEAR UP FOR QE2 LAST VISIT TO LIVERPOOL

The Liverpool Echo reports:

EXTRA Mersey Ferry services will be laid on during Friday for people to get a close-up of the QE2.

All three ferries will be pressed into service during the day for the QE2’s last visit to Liverpool.

River Explorer Cruise services, costing £5.30 for adults and £2.95 for children, will run from noon to 3.30pm and will sail as close as safely possible to the luxury liner.

A blue badge guide will give live commentary.

The Royal Daffodil will host pre-bookable 45-minute viewing cruises from Seacombe only at 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children.

The 11am service will sail out to the mouth of the river to meet the QE2 as she arrives in the Mersey.

From 4.15pm until 8.05pm, direct services will operate between the Pier Head, Seacombe and Woodside, again with blue badge guide commentary. Prices are £2.30 return for adults and £1.70 for children.

Call 0151-330 1444 or visit www.merseyferries.co.uk for more information.

See Friday’s ECHO for a special four-page pull out on the historic liner.

THE LAST QE2 PORTS OF CALL: TODAY IN SOUTHAMPTON, UINTED KINGDOM

After crossing the Atlantic, the QE2 today is back in Southampton, UK.

This postcard shows the old Southampton Royal Pier railway station which closed in 1921.

EXTRA, EXTRA, EXTRA! A SPECIAL QE2 SUPPLEMENT IN GREENOCK

The Greenock Telegraph announces a special QE2 supplement:

To mark the historic homecoming, we are releasing a bumper souvenir supplement — Farewell QE2 — which is the perfect way to mark a momentous moment. Wendy Metcalfe, Telegraph editor, said: “The souvenir special will be something to treasure — a real keepsake of what will be an historic and poignant day. With the most famous ship in the world saying goodbye to the Clyde and starting a new life, we wanted to give our readers something special to remember her by — and Farewell QE2 is a marvellous memento for everyone to cherish.” At 48-pages long, and priced just £1, the special edition is fantastic value, and features interviews with a string of local people who have a connection to the world’s most famous ship. There is also a treasure trove of fascinating stories from the archives about the ship and Cunard’s links with the Clyde... Her skipper, Captain Ian McNaught, also takes time out from his hectic schedule to tell us how he will feel when he brings his ship along The Esplanade for the last time. The souvenir is also packed full with stunning photography, capturing the QE2’s construction and launch, right through to last year’s unforgettable anniversary homecoming. Farewell QE2 will be on sale in newsagents across Inverclyde and at the Tele office from Wednesday 1 October. Copies will also be available at The Esplanade and the Ocean Terminal entrance in Patrick Street on the day of the ship’s visit.

The Telegraph is Scotland's oldest Evening Newspaper (est 1857).

QE2 MEMORABILIA: AN IRISH LINEN

On eBay:

A vintage QE2 souvenir from 1968.

A pure Irish linen, never washed, colors still vibrant and fabric still thick.

30.5 inches x 21 inches.

Initial bid:

THE FIRST ATLANTIC EASTBOUND CROSSING

The first one according to The Great Ocean Liners website:

In 1838, the Sirius, of the British and American Steam Navigation Company, crossing at an average speed of 7.31 knots.

THREE AERIAL PICTURES OF THE CLYDE SHIPYARDS

These are fantastic aerial pictures taken in 1967, 2005 and 2007.

In the first of one you can see the QE2 at the John Brown’s Shipyard days before her launch on September 20th, 1967

In the second (2005) a depressing view of the same place.

And in the last one (2007) the famous Clyde river area in better condition.

(Pictures from Flickr 1 by Phillip Capper, 2 by Calum Davidson and 3 by howbeg)

AN OLD PREPAID PASSAGE RECEIPT

This is a Norddeutscher Lloyd Bremen prepaid passage receipt - 3rd Class Voyage, Bremen to New York.

In the back you can read this strict instructions:

Keep this Receipt, as unless it is returned, there can be no rotund of the money. In the event of a refund, the customary deduction will be made. No refund to be made until this certificate is canceled on the books of the Norddeutscher Lloyd in Bremen. This certificate becomes void and the money Ms forfeited a year from the date of its issue. The passenger has to wait at home until the Norddeutscher Lloyd in Bremen send him instructions and the needful tickets and papers; if the passenger disregards this condition, all expense incurred thereby is to be charged to the purchaser of this certificate. The price paid for transportation does not include subsistence or lodging while in transit, except on the trip from Bremen to New York, or from Southampton to New York. Baggage, while in transit, is at the risk of the passenger. Excess of baggage must be paid for by the passenger. If it is found on the arrival of the passengers in Bremen or in Southampton that the children are older than represented hereon, and he passengers cannot pay for the additional ocean fare, and have neither the means to stay in Bremen nor to return to the old home, the Norddeutscher Lloyd S. S. Co. are empowered to pay passengers a sufficient amount to carry hem back to the point where they started from; such amount to be charged to the purchasor of this certificate. Passengers in must supply themselves with blankets, as well as eating and washing utensils, at their own expense.

From The Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives.

MORE QE2 MEMORABILIA

eBay offers this triple goldplated QE2 brooch by Attwood & Sawyer which comes with tag & in it's original box.

This brooch, part of 'The Attwood Collection', is studded across the bottom with Swarovski crystals to beautiful effect.

The seller says that lthough not 'new' in terms of age it has not been worn as it has come from a family member.

This distinctive piece measures approx 2" across.

On the reverse of the brooch can be seen stamped A & S.

The initial bid is 9,99 GBP, and the auction ends on October 3rd.

CUNARD RENDEZOUS AND FAREWELL EVENTS IN NEW YORK FOR THE QE2 AND QM2 TANDEM CROSSING

The PR office of Cunard in New York told me that they will soon publish details about best viewing locations for the QE2's arrival and departure in NY on Oct. 16 - please keep checking here for more details.

They will have some new information available within the next week to ten days.

QE2 MEMORABILIA

On eBay:

A QE2 small collective pin tray, blue glass with gold print of the ship. 

Size 6.5" x 3.5"

No chips, cracks or crazing.

$14.99 and no bids right now.

Auction ends on October 2nd.

QE2 BEST PICTURES: LEAVING CROMARTY FIRTH

A very nice picture taken in 2005 as the QE2 was leaving the Cromarty Firth, Scotland, UK.

An inlet of the Moray Firth in Highland Council Area, the Cromarty Firth separates the mainland of Easter Ross from the Black Isle.

It extends 18 miles (30 km) west and southwest to Dingwall from its mouth between the headlands known as the Sutors of Cromarty.

Invergordon was an important naval harbour during two World Wars and sheltered deep-water facilities here have been used in the construction and repair of North Sea oil rigs.

BREAKINGNEWS FROM FROM DUBAI: NOT A "FLOATING" HOTEL

My sources in Dubai told me today that the QE2 will be put on the sand, not on the water.

And that there will NOT be a casino.

It seems that the designer in charge of the project is a woman.

This contradict previous reports saying that the QE2 will form the pinnacle of a pier that will stretch 300 metres out from the trunk into the waters of the Arabian Gulf (Emirates Business 24|7).

OLD STEAMSHIP TICKETS

An old steamship ticket for Mr. Nicholas Fish on the Packet Ship Yorkshire, 1859.

From The Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives.

NEWS FROM CLYDEBANK ABOUT THE LAST VISIT OF THE QE2

The Clydebank Post reports:

A PRIZED memento from the QE2 will be gifted to Clydebank after she sails into the Clyde for the final time.

As a gift to the town where the world famous liner was built, the flag which will be flying from the ship on her last voyage is going to be presented to West Dunbartonshire Council, and is likely to be displayed in Clydebank.

The QE2... will be making one last visit to Clydeside on October 5 when she arrives in Greenock.

Provost Denis Agnew, who is accepting the pennant, says it is a great honour for the town, especially those that helped build the ship.

He told the Post: “The captain will present me with the pennant, or flag, that will fly on the last voyage.

“I will then present it to West Dunbartonshire Council and we will find a suitable place to display it.

“I think for the people of Clydebank who actually worked on the ship this should be a very proud moment.

“I worked as a store boy in John Brown’s shipyard when they were building the QE2, so it’s a great honour for me to have been involved in a small way before the launch, and now to receive this honour.”

NEWS FROM GREENOCK ABOUT THE LAST VISIT OF THE QE2

The Inverclyde Now reports:

SPECTATORS wanting to get a bit closer to the QE2 at Greenock will help Ardgowan Hospice raise cash.

Restricted access to Greenock Ocean Terminal is being permitted to the public for several hours during the iconic ship’s last visit to the Clyde on Sunday 5 October.

A £1 donation will be collected by the Greenock hospice from those wanting admission.

Spectators will be able to enter the terminal at the Campbell Street entrance for a better view, between 1 and 4pm.

There will be no admission to the ship itself.

The QE2 is expected to berth around 1pm, possibly slightly earlier.

Fireworks are planned for around 9:45pm, to finish just before the ship sails at 10pm.

BREAKING NEWS FROM NEWFOUNDLAND

CBC News reports:

High winds on Friday prevented one of the world's most famous cruise ships from making a final docking in eastern Newfoundland.

The Queen Elizabeth 2 had been expected to sail into Conception Bay on Friday morning.

However, an official with the Conception Bay South town office said the visit is being cancelled because of high winds.

WHERE IT IS THE QE2 TODAY

Watch here the position from the QE2 bridge camera, updated every 60 seconds.

These are live images via satellite

THE PLANS FOR THE QE2 IN COBH HARBOR

The Old Blog Cabin reports about the plans for the QE2 last visit to Cobh Harbor:

With the nights becoming longer in this part of the world the most successful season of liner visits to Cork Port for 2008 is gradually drawing to a close with the final scheduled visit being that of the Thomsen Celebration on October 24th. 

Before that there are still some interesting visits with the highlight being the last ever visit to Cork of the QE2 which will take place on Thursday, 2nd October.

The QE2 will tie up at the Deepwater Quay in Cobh around 9.00am local time and depart at 6pm.

 The old but still elegant ship will then sail for a final time to Dublin, Liverpool and Belfast before a final trip around the UK coast, a farewell voyage to New York and a journey through the Mediterranean before reaching its final destination in Dubai.

The QE2 was the star of the show at the 1991 Tall Ships Race, not taking from the grace and beauty of the tall ships including our own late lamented Asgard II, but complimenting them. 

There are still many homes around the Cork Harbour area with large photos of the QE2 surrounded by smaller vessels and with tugboats cascading water over her from their powerful water jets. 

It is a picture that will endure.

THE LAST QE2 PORTS OF CALL: TODAY IN ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND, CANADA

The QE2 will be today visiting for the last time the beautiful port of St. John's in Canada.

This is a picture of its harbor in 1881.

WRAPS TO WELCOME THE ATLANTIC BREEZES

Women's fashion on board the steamships in 1921 according to Julia Marquis:

At this season of the year a woman preparing to travel abroad must consider with a capital C her comfort.

To be adequately outfitted for the trip the warmest of outer wraps are essential.

Even if madam be luxuriously inclined, caring to rest and while away the interim on shipboard with what amusements her stateroom, the lounges and card rooms offer, she must still have her moments of exercise on deck.

The athletic and outdoor loving woman will find her chief recreation as well as necessity in periods spent on deck, and will revel in them, whether she be battling the buffeting winds or basking in the sunshine when Nature smiles her best.

Brown and white tweed three-piece suit from DeVega, consisting of cape, vest and skirt.

The hat matches, also.

The shoes are brown suede and leather.

The stockings are brown and white checkerboard weave.

This is just what creates a problem, for it may be that the traveler will not care to burden herself with much warm apparel later, if, for instance, she is bound for the south of Europe.

But she will find if she searches about a little that there are this season many types of warm outer wraps that are light as down and so fleecy and cozy they are an invitation to be settled into.

Perhaps the busy woman has had a call to hurry- across and therefore has not enough leisur( for the proper sort of choosing.

She will be likely to seize her fur coat and rush off, letting it go at that, with perhaps a suit for emergencies—to regret all the journey that she had not made some more suitable provision for her happiness aboard ship.

From The Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives.

WHERE S IS THE QE2 TODAY

Watch here the position from the QE2 bridge camera, updated every 60 seconds.

These are live images via satellite

INVERCLYDE WILL HAVE HELICOPTERS FLIGHTS TO VIEW THE QE2

The Inverclyde Now website reports:

Flights require to be booked in advance by calling Lothian Helicopters on their orderline telephone number 01875 320032, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, making payment by debit or credit card... The flights will take off and return opposite Auchenfoil Farm on the upper B788 Kilmacolm to Greenock Road where there will be parking available for flight passengers. Within a minute of the flight commencing passengers will be above the Clyde estuary... Additional helicopters will be made available should they be needed.

Map from Maps of Britain.

WHERE IS THE QE2 TODAY?

Ready to leave Quebec.

Watch here the view from the QE2 bridge camera.

PROPER CREDIT WAS DUE TO A GREAT WEBSITE

Paul K. Gjenvick is right to ask for a proper credit in some of my recent posts with illustrations from old crossings.

They are from The Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives, a magnificent website where he has done work.

Sorry, and enjoy this website treasure, that as they say is "one of the largest private archives of historical documents from the 1800s through 1954 with concentrations in Steamship and Ocean Liner documents and photographs, Passenger Lists, materials covering World Wars I and II, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Immigration documents from Ellis Island, Castle Garden and other Immigration Stations."

CUNARD AS A FANTASTIC BRAND

Chris Frame writes here about the key-factors for the fantastic reputation of the CUNARD brand:

"Consistency – Cunard is extremely consistent in their delivery across their various ships. While each ship is different, the delivery of the brand experience is managed with a consistent focus to ensure that both regular and new passengers’ expectations are met.

Simplicity – Cunard has suffered in the past, as mentioned, from a complicated range of sub-brands. The key to their ongoing success has always been to keep it simple – Cunard should deliver the Cunard experience across their entire fleet… which is exactly what they do.

Strong values – through the White Star Academy, the staff aboard the Cunard liners have strong values of customer service, ensuring that each individual staff interaction is met with the same level of professionalism and energy as each other. This approach has ensured a great word-of-mouth referral to the line helping strengthen business.

History – Cunard has identified that their history is an extremely marketable asset. Although owned by an American firm, their British lineage is reflected within their ships and advertising, be it brochures, websites or onboard collateral. This British-ness, along with their Ocean Liner tradition and century’s old values of service is essential to their success.

Loyalty – Cunard passengers (regulars) are fiercely loyal, and the company acknowledges this loyalty. Through their rewards programme, The Cunard World Club, the company rewards past guests for their loyalty. Cunard World Club members enjoy four tiers of membership, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Tangible rewards include discounts on future bookings, leather bound folders with the ship’s names embossed, personalised newsletters and World Club Cards. But, it is the experience that makes this club so marketable. Onboard, guests receive invitations to exclusive parties, as well as status symbols such as gold plated pins for their dinner jackets, and personalised service with the Cunard World Club staff remembering them by name.

And finally… Individuality – Cunard offers different experience to what you get on a cruise ship. Their ships are built differently, and their itineraries reflect their different outlook. Direct Atlantic crossings aboard liners with an almost air of elegance allows Cunard to stand out. Their liners can conquer the roughest seas in comfort allowing passengers to experience destinations that other cruise ships can not offer… indeed, the destination has become the ship itself.

PETER ROBINSON'S WAITS FOR YOU IN HIS OXFORD STREET STORE

His advertising in the Cunard magazine (1908) had always this traditional "Overseaas Invitation"

England bids America welcome to her Greatest Dry Goods Store Every Trans-Atlantic visitor to London this season is cordially invited to pay a visit to our world-famous establishments -- inspect the newest fashions always in evidence here -- and take full advantage of the amenities our store affords. There is no obligation, whatever, to buy and our assistants -- who are at your service always -- will render quick, courteous and intilligent service. We specialise in Mantles, Frocks, Tailor-made Suits, Shirt-Waists and other femininities; and -- this is worth noting -- we make a great specialty of Men's and Boys' Clothing and Haberdashery. Peter Robinson's -- Oxford Street & Regent Street, London

From The Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives.

A FANCY FUR LONDON STORE FOR INTREPID OCEAN LINER TRAVELERS

An advertisement from the 1906 Cunard Daily Bulletin in its Fashion & Pleasure Resort Supplement.

From The Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives.

WOMEN'S FASHION FOR THE CHRISP BRISK DAYS AT SEA

From an article of 1922 by Ethel Fleming writing in the Cunander magazine about this luxurious fur wrap:

The broadsleeved, silken-gleaming wrap of broadtail, with its high sable collar, shows the wide mandarin sleeve and straight back, so much favored this season.

For the days when the winds race along the water and sky and sea make a lovely symphony of grays and stern blues, the designers have planned wraps that have not only charm, but a cozy and delicious amount of warmth and protection.

So that one may feel as comfortable as Baby Bunting in his rabbit-skin, and yet look as delightful as if it were summer, when crisp organdies and frilly furbelows make nearly every woman as good to look at as a magazine-cover maiden !

From The Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives.

THE BELL BOYS AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH

Reviewing the impeccable bell boys troop aboard the Queen Elizabeth.

From The Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives.

PROVISIONS ON AN 1890s OCEAN LINER

An amazing list with the food provisions on an Ocean Liner circa 1890.

In the picture, the Dining Room of the New York.

As you can see, fresh beef was the main food.

20,000 pounds of fresh beef (a portion of this, although all was available, was intended for the return trip, beef being cheaper in New York than in Liverpool)

Fresh pork, 500 pounds

Mutton, 3,500 pounds

Lamb, 450 pounds

Veal, 500 pounds

Sausage, 200 pounds

Liver, 230 pounds

Corned beef, 2,900 pounds

Salt pork, 2,200 pounds

Bacon, 479 pounds

Hams, 500 pounds

Tongues, 8 dozen

Sweetbreads, 200

Fsh, assorted, 2,100 pounds

Oysters, 5,000

Clams, 5,000

Soft-shell crabs, 500

Green turtle, 200 pounds

Turkeys, 50

Geese, 50

Fowls, 248

Chickens, 150

Squabs, 300

Snipe, 500

Quail, 500

Ducklings, 216

Wild game, 108 pair

Butter, 1,500 pounds

Eggs, 1,200

Condensed milk, 400 quarts

Fresh milk, 1,000 quarts

Ice cream, 400 quarts

Apples, 12 barrels

Pears, 10 boxes

Musk-melons, 100

Water-melons, 60

Oranges, 16 boxes

Peaches, 10 crates

Bananas, 10 bunches

Huckleberries, 100 quarts

Gooseberries, 100 quarts

Cherries, 250 quarts

Currants, 100 pounds

Grapes, 75 pounds

Lemons, 14 cases

Pineapples, 100

Plums, 150 quarts

Strawberries, 250 quarts

Raspberries, 250 quarts

Flour, 125 barrels

Potatoes, 140 barrels

Lettuce, 72 dozen

Asparagus, 30 dozen

Green peas, beans, tomatoes, 15 crates each

Brussels sprouts, 10 baskets

Crackers, cakes in large variety, and a quantity of pickles, sauces, spices, extracts, pates de foie gras, truffles, caviare, canned and dried and fresh vegetables, and general groceries in the most generous quantity.

About 500 other items appeared on her list of stores besides wines, spirits, beer, mineral waters, cigars, etc.

From The Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives.

OLD SMOKING ROOMS

A Smoking Room of a French Liner circa 1890.

From The Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives.

AN OLD LADIES' CABINE

Circa 1870, from Harper's magazine.

From The Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives.

OLD STATEROOMS

This illustration comes from "The Ocean Steamer", a long article from Harper's New Monthly Magazine circa 1870.

QE2 ROUGH CROSSINGS

Kathy Melchin, Middleborough, MA, USA, sent me today an amazing picture with this nice message:

"Thank you for your informative blog - I look forward to new entries every day.

Since you have an interest in QE2, I wanted to share this photo that was taken when I was onboard in November, 1988.

As you will see, it was an interesting crossing - we were not allowed on deck for most of the crossing, and arrived in Southampton a day late (we left from Boston).

Oh Gosh!

Any of you remember similar situations?

When this kind of weather conditions are more normal?

How the QE2 confronts these challenges?

Any possibility for this kind of crossing on the last crossing (October 16-22)?

PROUD HALIFAX, HOMETOWN OF SIR SAMUEL CUNARD

The QE2 left yesterday Halifax, and they pointed out that Samuel Cunard was born in this historical Canadian harbor city.

Sir Samuel Cunard, 1st Baronet, British civil engineer, founder of the Cunard line of steamships, was born at Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the 21st of November 1787.

Samuel Cunard’s father was a descendant of German Quakers who had immigrated to Pennsylvania in the 17th century.

His mother’s family had immigrated from Ireland to South Carolina in 1773 and to Nova Scotia with the loyalists a decade later.

He was the son of a merchant, and was himself trained for the pursuits of commerce, in which, by his abilities and enterprising spirit, he attained a conspicuous position.

Although he probably attended the Halifax Grammar School, Samuel was largely self-educated. He always emphasized the importance of a plain English education for a business career, but his own sons Edward and William received a classical education at King’s Collegiate School and King’s College, Windsor, N.S.

When, in the early years of steam navigation, the English government made known its desire to substitute steam vessels for the sailing ships then employed in the mail service between England and America, Cunard heartily entered into the scheme, came to England, and accepted the government tender for carrying it out.

In conjunction with Messrs. Burns of Glasgow and Messrs. MacIver of Liverpool, proprietors of rival lines of coasting steamers between Glasgow and Liverpool, he formed a company, and the first voyage of a Cunard steamship was successfully made by the "Britannia" from Liverpool to Boston, Massachusetts, between July 4 and 19, 1840.

In acknowledgment of his energetic and successful services Cunard was, in 1859, created a baronet.

He died in London on the 28th of April 1865.

Read here a long profile of Sir Samuel Cunard by Phyllis R. Blakeley.

John Boileau has an excellent book with an illustrated biography about the founder of the Cunard company: Samuel Cunard: Nova Scotia's Master of the North Atlantic (2006).

YESTERDAY'S HALIFAX FAREWELL CEREMONIES FOR THE QE2

These are pictures from the farewell ceremonies in Halifax.

QE2 Captain Ian McNaught and local dignitaries, including the Honourable Lenard Goucher, Minister of Immigration, Dawn Sloane, Councillor of the Halifax Regional Municipality, Lieutenant-Colonel John Woodgate, Vice President of the Halifax Citadel Regimental Association, John Langley, Chairman of the Cunard Steamship Society, Margaret WIttingham-Lamont, Missions to Seafarers, and Mark MacDonald, Chair of the Halifax Port Authority Board of Directors, gathered onboard for a reception and luncheon to mark the occasion. From Halifax, the ship went to Quebec City before sailing to her homeport in Southampton, England.

Pictured in the first group photo from left to right are MacDonald, Captain McNaught, Goucher and Sloane.

Pictured in the second group photo are Langley, Captain McNaught, Woodgate and a member of the 78th Highlanders at the Halifax Citadel.

THE LAST QE2 PORTS OF CALL: TODAY AND TOMORROW IN QUEBEC, CANADA

This is the two-day last visit of the QE2 to Quebec harbor in Canada.

THE OLD TIMES: A LUNCHEON MENU IN THE MAURETANIA ON 1947

If you think that today's first class restaurants serve good food, read this 1947 Luncheon Menu at the Cunard White Star R.M.S. Mauretania.

In the picture you can see the fabulous cover of this Luncheon Menu featuring a Portrait of James II after Sir Godfrey Kneller, in the Cabin Smoking Room on the R.M.S. Mauritania.

Grape Fruit Juice, Sauerkraut Juice

HORS D'OEUVRES

Canapé City
Radishes
Cod's Roe on Toast
OEufs, Mayonnaise
Westphalia Ham
Smoked Salmon
Celery Rave
Saucissons : Salami and Cervelet
Olives : Queen and Ripe

SOUPS
Bouillon au Crouton
Boston Clam Chowder

FISH
Grilled Fresh Herring,
Mustard Sauce
(Cold) Pctted Shrimps, Mayonnaise

ENTREES
Vegetable Lunch with Poached Egg
Braised Ox Tail, Jardinière
Spaghetti au Parmesan

AMERICAN SPECIALITY
Breaded Escalope of Veal with Cole Slaw

JOINT
Corned Round and Brisket of Beef, garni

VEGETABLES
Brussels Sprouts
Baked Beans
Purée of Carrots

POTATOES
Baked Idaho,
Mashed,
Sweet
French Fried

GRILLS : TO ORDER
Guinea Chicken with Succotash
London Mixed Grill

COLD BUFFET
Pressed Beef
Roast Quarters of Lamb
Boiled Ham
Rolled Ox Tongue
Roast Turkey
Leicester Brawn

SALADS
Lettuce
Beetroot
Potato
Jeanette

DRESSINGS
Roquefort
Thousand Island
French

SWEETS
Rice and Raisin Pudding
Pineapple Crush Pie
Compote of Apricots,
Plums and Fears

ICES
Lemon
Pistachio

CHEESES
Cream
Camembert
Edam
Gorgonzola
American
Fresh Fruit

Tea Coffee

Passengers on Special Diet are especially invited to make known their requirements to the Head Waiter.

Brilliant!

CROSSING THE ATLANTIC IN 1898...

These master drawings are from a chronicle about the inmigrant steerage conditions in 1898. 

Steerage refers to the lowest decks of a ship.

This area of the ship was once used to accommodate passengers traveling on the cheapest class of ticket, and offered only the most basic amenities, typically with limited toilet use, no privacy, and poor food.

The name "steerage" came from the fact that the control strings of the rudder ran on this level of the ship

Read here A First-Hand Account by H. Phelps Whitmarsh with Illustrations by A. Castaigne.

Crossing the Atlantic.

These master drawings are from a chronicle about the inmigrant steerage conditions in 1898.

Read here A First-Hand Account by H. Phelps Whitmarsh with Illustrations by A. Castaigne.

QE2 FINAL CALL TO HALIFAX

Amid festivities befitting nautical royalty, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 made her final call to Halifax, birthplace of Cunard Line founder Sir Samuel Cunard, on Sunday.

The ship’s nine-hour visit yesterday marked its 27th trip into Halifax.

Dozens of on-lookers, mostly holding cameras, watched from the Halifax waterfront late in the afternoon as the ship left Pier 21 and took a counter-clockwise turn around George’s Island before leaving Halifax Harbour and heading out to sea.

Accompanied by the city’s maritime ambassador Theodore Tugboat and a traditional fireboat display, the iconic ocean liner was celebrated during her final voyage to New England and Canada, part of her Farewell Tour before completing service to Cunard in November.

QE2 Captain Ian McNaught and local dignitaries, including the Honourable Lenard Goucher, Minister of Immigration, Dawn Sloane, Councillor of the Halifax Regional Municipality, Lieutenant-Colonel John Woodgate, Vice President of the Halifax Citadel Regimental Association, John Langley, Chairman of the Cunard Steamship Society, Margaret WIttingham-Lamont, Missions to Seafarers, and Mark MacDonald, Chair of the Halifax Port Authority Board of Directors, gathered onboard for a reception and luncheon to mark the occasion. From Halifax, the ship will call on Quebec City before sailing to her homeport in Southampton, England.

QE2 made her maiden call to Halifax on Oct. 11, 1973, and Sunday will mark her 27th call to the city over her more than 40 years at sea.

(Picture by Philip Croucher for Metro Halifax)

MORE ABOUT LOST LINERS ELENGANCE AND STYLE

Look at this fantastic old postcard of the USS Mount Vernon (1917-1919)

You can see the ship's smoking room, 1918, showing elegant decor left over from her days.

TWO OLD FAMILY EMIGRANT CROSSINGS WITH THE EUGENIO C AND THE AQUITANIA

As I said, this is our first crossing aboard one Transatlantic Liner.

But not the first one in our families.

Let me start with my own family.

In the late 1950's I went to the Barcelona (Spain) harbor for the farewell of a brother of my uncle César.

He was going to Argentina, as an emigrant.

My memories are still vivid and dramatic of the last moments with all my parents and family trying to extend the minutes of the last goodbye with just hugs and hugs, kisses and more kisses, tears and no words.

Be an emigrant at this time was like leaving your country and your family for ever.

Fortunately, he and his family started a very successful furniture business near to Buenos Aires and some decades later they were able to travel back and for from Argentina.

The ship was the Italian EUGENIO C that was completed in 1958 and sailed for 15 years for the Costa Line.

In December 2000 (as the Seabreeze), the old EUGENIO C during a voyage without passengers, had an engine failure off the coast of Virginia and eventually sank.

More dramatic and sad was perhaps in September 1921 the crossing of my wife's father (then three year old) with his parents and sister, leaving Southampton aboard the AQUITANIA and heading to America.

Like many other Welsh emigrants, John, Catherine, little John and little Joan, they arrived to New York and were sent directly to Ellis Island.

I found a few days ago the records of their disembarking.

We don't have pictures of them at this time.

In our house in St. Davids (Wales, UK) we have the British family passport with the photo of all of them.

No one of them is alive today.

Deborah's father, like many proud first generation of American immigrants, never wanted to return to his birth country.

He went to the II World War as an U.S. soldier and in Burma and India found some of his Welsh relatives, fighting under the British flag.

Trying to find the roots of these old crossings I saw many pictures and drawings of the "third class" passengers that sailed not for pleasure but for survival, looking for a new life in a new land.

What a contrast with our first crossing on the majestic QE2 and in a Q2 stateroom with a private balcony on the top of the ship at the Signal Deck and at the Queens Grill.

In the next posts I am going to share with you some of these images that tell some of the most dramatic an epic stories of all time aboard these legendary grand liners.