Day 51 On board QE2

Will this be yet another highlight of this unique oddysey? I arrived fairly late after my most pleasant flight from Singapore. Again, no upgrades as QE2 seems to be “buzzing”. My most treasured of places has, thankfully, not gone to the breakers for scrap. After an almost 10 year lay-up in Dubai during which little seemed to happen, all of a sudden, the QE2 burst into life on April 18th 2018. I have read mixed reviews, but one year on, the place is indeed full, or at least, very well patronised.

I have just completed the official tour. Our guide, Brian, had a very comprehensive knowledge which he shared with flare, enthusiasm and authority. We had a good natter in the Queens Grill lounge, where I have on two previous occasions, while QE2 was in service, as a,Queens Grill passenger, was entitled to relax or take beverage there.

Although connected to the ship’s Wi-Fi, I seem to have difficulty posting images on my blog, and, it won’t be any better on QM2, the day after tomorrow. I posted images last year, but much seems to have changed since then. What has surprised me is the number of people I have met, returning to the UK on Queen Mary 2 in two days. It seems “great minds think alike”.

I did view much of the ship today and, generally, like what I have seen, but there is that “unfinished” or “work in pogress” feel as areas are still blocked off for refurbishment.

I planned to see something of Dubai this afternoon and tomorrow. The nearest Big Bus stop was number 4, to where I took a taxi. A boat trip and night time tour is included in the reasonable ticket price. I shall have to pass on the night trip, but I did enjoy the 50 minute boat trip. My intention was to do the night trip this evening. However, my body was telling me it was four hours later than it actually was. Full marks to the Big Bus driver, he took me to within 3 minutes walk from the ship, dropping me off at a zebra crossing making getting accross a busy wide road much easier. It is frustrating not having the energy to stay out late, these days.

I don’t feel far from home now, although the voyage to Southampton on QM2 will span 21 days, including disembarkation.

Tomorrow, I have an appointment with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s highest tower, at 17.00hrs. I shall stay for the water fountain light show, then venture back to The Queens Grill for dinner, where I have a table booked.

For a second time, I had dinner in The Lido, one of my favourite places during voyages on QE2. The refurbishment is tasteful, with very pale/white marble floor. The theatre has been decorated, the seats retained but reupholstered. Slowly but surely, QE2 is gaining a Middle East ambience as hints of local influences appear in various refurbishments. It’s hard, now to imagine QE2 as a major ocean going liner. In Brian’s talk this morning, I hadn’t realised the scale of the rogue wave which struck the vessel, I think in 1997. Joyous memories of wonderful travels have been re-awakened during this (again) all too brief a stay.

Here are a few pictures taken today.