It was time to leave; I had vacated my last hotel room, albeit a former 1st Class stateroom on QE2. I have nothing but gratitude and praise for all those responsible for saving QE2 from being scrapped. Refurbishments to bring it more in line with conventional hotels do not disappoint. The new life which has been “breathed” into the vessel seems to have longevity, and now, it’s (excuse the pun) all hands on deck to prepare the ship for its grand opening which may be some time next year. I am assured that original stateroom furniture, when replaced, will not be trashed; nor will it be put up for sale. I leave QE2 in the hopes that I may return a number of times, probably in the course of other travel.
As arranged, a liveried driver picked me and my luggage up from the QE2 lobby/exhibition area. I was taken to the cruise terminal accommodating the QM2. Embarkation was long and tedious as airport style security takes its time. But I am on board now, in the Kings Court, where I had a modest lunch. My fellow passengers seem pleasant enough, so far. My cabin was prepared nicely, and this shall be home until the entire journey draws to a close 20 days from now. The are interesting ports of call including an opportunity to revisit Petra. The boat drill is complete. Now it’s almost 18.55; I have unpacked my bags. Now, I shall view the departure from Dubai and take one last look at QE2, wondering in fact whether that is the last time I shall see her, or, the start of a new era. Dubai is not the easiest place to get my head around, but, at long last, it is growing on me.
More news and pictures soon,
David.
David's Cruise 