QE2 VIEWS: INSIDER #3 PETERNB (Part 1)

Another of the great thoughts I got from someone that took the time out to send this to me. This one is from a guy called Peter, who sent me 2 emails as a result of a posting on a Yahoo group called QE2. He was also the first person to point out that I had posted QEII and not QE2 (the former being the current Queen of the UK and the latter the ship!).

Here's what he wrote (August 2004):

"Congratulations on choosing a QE2 transatlantic - an excellent choice as it is what QE2 does best. (Well, that - and round the world!!!). Also, - going west bound means that you get 25 hour days for 5 of the six nights!!!! (The middle night is the only night the clocks do not go back one hour).

Q3 is a very nice size cabin. In fact - you'll find that there is almost too much space and you end up wondering what to do with all the space!!!! You will be dining in the Queens Grill restaurant - reputably one of the best at sea. You can order off menu if you like - but try to give them advance notice rather than surprise them at dinner by asking for grilled kangaroo steak.

The age range is older than you might find on P&O - but on Transatlantics it's the best place to find people your age.

You'll find that you don't need to be seated at a table of 8 to meet people. Everybody aboard QE2 is 'automatically' friendly!!!

Tips:

1. Be on the aft deck near the Yacht Club (bar/lounge) for sail away from Southampton. That's where it's all happening.

2. Yacht Club is a great place to be if you like: (a) To sit at the bar and gaze out to port as the ship gently rolls across the Atlantic, (b) Good lively music in the evenings after dinner

3. Queens Grill lounge (for grill passengers only) is open all day for your use. Nice place to go for pre-lunch and dinner drinks. Canapés are served before dinner (complimentary). Also, afternoon tea in the QGL is a real treat. (See the pic I put of the QGL in Pete's pics).

4. Sun Deck is really nice if the weather is good. If you drift off to sleep on a lounger you can listen to the wonderful hum/roar from QE2's funnel. It changes note now and then just to make it more interesting.

5. Go forward to the observation deck under the bridge. Hold on to your hat though!!!!

6. The best bit - explore at leisure. She is a WONDERFUL ship and oozes charm and character. You can spend 6 days at sea having a great time. Sea days are the best days on QE2.

7. Get creepy and ask if you can do a stores tour at some stage. If you're lucky - they'll take you around and you'll be amazed.

8. If you fancy some after dinner quiet time and a lazy wind down to the day - check out the Chart Room bar.

9. Treat your partner to Steiner beauty salon treatments. BUT - book early as often it all gets fully booked.

10. Most important of all. Go and enjoy yourselves to the max. Have a wonderful time and don't even think about how many days you have left onboard - but - to round off the crossing - get up in time for the arrival into New York. This is a must see - especially on a clear day. (See the pics I put in the photo section too).

You lucky people!!!!
Pete <----- Who has to wait until April to get back aboard QE2. Ps. One thing Gary - the Ship is QE2. QEII is the present Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland :o)