5 top reasons QE2 is the SHIP that NEVER dies! Cunard QE2 Top 5 Best Things!

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Should I go back to QE2 in Dubai or live with happy memories of the ship as she was at sea?

[@TinaBiebe]

Great video. Watching your video and hearing your wonderful memories, I might say hold off seeing her in Dubai. This is because another KZbinr I watch - Walk With Me Tim - does hotel reviews of all types, and he did a few in the Middle East not long ago. I was pleasantly surprised to see the QE2…and although he doesn’t have your connections to her, it was a mixed visit. He was still very impressed and stayed overnight as he does on all hotel visits, but so many areas were empty, the public rooms open but vacant. Many are likely intended for meetings, but why open the stores with empty shelves, and I think one restaurant supposedly open wasn’t. He got to wander quite a bit throughout and there’s no doubt she’s impressive, but her soul felt gone as she just sat there. Tim felt they could improve so much, and it was disappointing to me as I see the videos on the continual improvements on Queen Mary so she has a life again and her popularity increases. I’m not sure the government in Dubai knows what to do with her. To say you saw or stayed on QEII again might be a treat. But as someone who loves old houses and old ships, to me, it might be a wistful but sad return to something you loved so much. The “bones” are still there, but something’s missing. Tim noticed it. I noticed it. Maybe memories ARE best.

[@ITSARVIN1]

Go to the QE2 in Dubai she is my most favorite ever. I visited her in 2022 for my 10th birthday and visited her again in April 2024 for my 12th birthday. The QE2 is worth visiting and I great time onboard her ❤

[@del2reb]

A proud Cunarder crew here for more than 3 decades, a score of years spent aboard the QE2 from late 1987 to her last cruise to Dubai in November of 2008! So much memories to cherish for the rest of my life!

[@metromaster2010]

You are my spiritual brother. I love so many things about RMS QE2. Whenever I sailed on her I made it my business to be on that boat deck at noon to hear those whistles. So with no shame let me say that hearing them again in this video brought me to tears but in a good way. Thanks for the memories

[@LetsAllCruise]

Wonderful to hear your stories about being on board QE2. And then sailing on her to promote your own book! Amazing. 👏 I grew up just three miles from John Brown's, but never sailed on her. I've stayed on the Mary in long Beach and one day I'll hopefully visit QE2 in Dubai.

[@joanfreestone1707]

I'll never forget QE2's whistles reverberating over Fremantle. Wonderful.

[@stevebass3992]

Great review Chris. QE2 was also our favourite ship as we sailed on her many times. I totally agree about the atmosphere on there, no other ship has that and the service was far better than it is today although the current Queens is still good but unless you are in Queens grill is not like it was in the Britania resturaunt of QE2. The other thing which amazed us was when we got back on board 12 Months after the last cruise, Staff would remember your name which was remarkable, you certainly don't get that any more. I would love to visit her in Dubai and one day will but of course it wont be the same but so glad she is still with us.

[@db4239]

Terrific video which will resonate with anyone who was fortunate enough to travel QE2. First transatlantic was in 1973, still have the photo of this happy early teen in the Lookout Lounge by the red instrument console. Honeymoon on 9/11 crossing where the Ward Room parties worked hard to take away the sting and fear. I've made friends in OZ at the Engineer's table, where else could that have happened? Tandem crossings, glory days! I too hope to visit QE2 in Dubai. if you get there first, look forward to your report!

[@Stanf954]

We recently cruised om QM2 and was very impressed with her. One of a kind and it was an amazing trip. I cant imagine what I would have been like to be on QE2 in her hay day.

[@SeaTravelr123]

The magic of this ship was palpable. I was on board in 1981, 1996 and 2008. Each time you came back on, you felt like you were returning home. No matter how long it was since you had been on board, you just felt like nothing changed, (things had) but you still felt the magic.. She was a wonderfully happy ship for crew and passengers alike... ;-)

[@brendonsmith2752]

I travelled on QE2 in 1990 from Honolulu to Southampton. Even after all these years I still have fond memories of the trip. The "E" stairway was described as the everywhere stairway as it was the only 1 that went to all decks.

[@BoatMan-y6o]

Love this ship

[@AuntieM27]

I first cruised on QE2 in 1984 and I thoroughly agree with your assessment, especially your first placement. The crew rarely changed and remembered you from one trip to another, Usually I only travelled once a year, but it was such a delight to be recognised. The newer queens to me do not have the same ambience probably because here are so many crew changes.

[@linerlovers]

I remember QE2 badly corkscrewing in a F6 in the Bay of Biscay yet Aurora handled 85 knot winds at Cape Farewell brilliantly and we weren't late. Thanks for using my photos. I agree with everything else you say about QE2. It's hard to explain to those who never sailed what made her so special.

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Thanks for sending me those awesome Aurora pics back in 2020 glad to have had them!!

[@linerlovers]

@ChrisFrameOfficial I'm back onboard right now. In my opinion, Aurora handles bad weather better than QM2.

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

I love Aurora! She just couldn’t keep up with us speed wise back in 2002 in the Southern Ocean!

[@linerlovers]

@@ChrisFrameOfficial She had rubbish engines then. 😂

[@mikeinnyc8559]

Watched her appearances in New York harbor for many years and finally was able to make three wonderful voyages aboard her during her latter years. It was like being in a secret club: as though everyone knew just how fortunate we were to be on board and how special those memories would become.

[@BigDT.BigDenny]

I agree 100% an all your points. My first time on the QE2 was in the late 90's from UK to NYC. Traveling in Caronia Dining level and staying in one of the old 1st class staterooms and waking up to the creaking of the wood. So surprised to see a bathroom with a full size tub and shower!!! I made sure I was on board for her final Eastbound crossing on the Atlantic for her goodbye to NYC when we sailed Tandem with the QM2. Such memories! Thank you Chris!!!

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

What a wonderful experience!

[@motaz1975]

she by far had the best "voice" of any liner!

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Absolutely!!

[@GBNorton]

So interesting. I’ve just spent 4 days on the Queen Mary at Long Beach. Had a wonderful time. Even though she will never sail again she is still simply stunning. I’d like to visit the QE2 in Dubai.

[@angellight495]

I begged my parents (I was too young to be able to afford it on my own at the time) to send me on her before she was retired. Begged. Pleaded. On my knees in tears. But no. And now I shall never be able to lay eyes on her or walk her beautiful decks. To anyone who reads this: take the chance now. You never know when it may be too late.

[@robp4682]

She was a true legend

[@accyste72]

I have to agree there was something magic about being on board QE2. I used to try for cabin 2130 and my mother liked 3155 with a short cut via the "secret" stairway H.

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Oooh of course H stairway cutting through 1 deck to 4 deck. I completely forgot that when I mentioned the A though G in the video!! 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@accyste72]

@@ChrisFrameOfficial I had to double check I had the right letter. It was handy for going down the stairs in the Lido after midnight supper then sneak down stairway H.

[@peterflute]

Chris, thanks for your wonderful content. Have you considered a group trip to QE2, possibly with some crew who served on her as additional hosts/speakers? I'd love to go visit QE2 in Dubai but might need the added motivation of visiting with a large group of fellow ocean liner enthusiasts!

[@LetsAllCruise]

That's a great idea.

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Now that is an amazing idea!

[@JaniceLadyJStyleKrako]

Agree she is very special

[@THypher1]

I was on the fence about revisiting her in Dubai as a former passenger given I don't like some of the changes they have made (where a lot of history has been lost for example) and I think some things should be done differently, but it ended up being a heart-warming reunion with an old friend who's soul is still very much present and making new people fans of her to this day, given each day is a perpetual day in port but where she is the main focus of attention. I will keep revisiting her in Dubai for this reason amongst others, however I understand each former passenger's/former crew's position on this will vary given it's a very personal choice so I can only relay my own experience. Midships Lobby still smelt the same (something I never would have believed I would experience again when disembarking the seagoing QE2 for the last time on the 31st July 2008 and not looking back after patting her hull as it was too sad given it was an end of an era and given we thought she was going to be butchered as per Dubai's original plans), as did the Five Deck gangway areas (of HFO/Bunker C). The ship was still alive with sounds (given static ships are so often dead in this respect), some of these sounds being from some of the same vents as back in the seagoing days. When I went to sleep some of the sounds made it feel as if her propulsion plant was still running. Obviously she doesn't have the captive audience she once had but she has periods of some areas being very busy, such as the Lido during brunch and dinner time and other areas for the various events hosted onboard (there were at least 3 events during my 5 day stay). The hubbub in the Lido on one of these occasions led to a vivid flashback on the spot to the seagoing days given the then recent passing of my Mum was very raw.

[@Edgetravelguy]

Enjoyed your video. I've made 3 crossing on QE2 '73 '94 & April 2008 (last leg of world cruise NYC-SOU) I would most likely not want to see QE2 in Dubai- I prefer to remember her as she was. She will always have a very special place in my heart. Is your QE2 book available on Amazon?

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

I completely agree. QE2 is amazing. Yes, it is available on Amazon and other online booksellers as well as an e-book! Here’s a link: www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0752491504/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XOKu0GyhW9igEgxT9_VLQQ.GSSBPPa2Xz8XkTGhZZWi_f56-Y6vjvE5k0ttHmGaUAc&qid=1731581070&sr=1-1

[@rodneymartin-ps2yv]

I was on the QE2 last year. there are still glimpses of the glory days but I suspect you would be disappointed. There was still work in progress; wait until it is finished!

[@jamesthompson3099]

There is an old saying "You can never go home again" meaning it will never been the same as you remember. It will always be a bit disappointing. Go but don't expect her to remember you. If it turns out to be a wonderful reunion I'll be the first to jump up and down and throw confetti in joy. 🤣

[@alexanderlucas4624]

Romeo and Juliet have nothing on Chris Frame and QE2.

[@WidleyWesident]

Outhandled Aurora? Now that would be great to see. We were aboard Aurora at Christmas 2023 and returning to Southampton from Norway encountered winds of 155mph. It was a bumpy night but the ship was still doing 20kts and never slowed. 😀 When we arrived in Southampton there cranes arriving dockside to fit the new radar that had been damaged in the storm.

[@JamesJohnston-rm6oz]

I miss when Ocean Book shops managed the bookshop on QM2. I believe it stopped managing during the 2016 “remastering”. Now the bookshop sells stuffed animals and globes. Very few maritime books.

[@dennis12dec]

The QE2 served as a troop transporter during the Falklands War in 1982 and carried soldiers of the Scots and Welsh Guards also the Gurkhas.

[@amandamcleod9050]

Please spare a thought for all the Clydebank men who were part of the ship build and sadly lost their lives through mesothelioma.

[@tonylarussa4046]

And now she is castrated without her lifeboats in Dubai! Stay with your memories and do not visit her in Dubai.

[@martynmiller4247]

I have travelled many times on four Cunard ships: QM2, QE, QV & QE2. I put them in that order because QE2 was by far my least favourite. I am very willing to list why she was a massive disappointment, a complete let-down, and failed to live up to the over-egged hype. Yes, she kept Cunard alive for all those years between the late 60s and the early 2000s, I understand that. Externally she was beautiful beyond words. No ship before or since has come close. However, internally she was... a complete and utter mess. She's best off out of service, in retirement.

[@ChrisFrameOfficial]

Can’t say I agree with you on most of that Marty (surprise, surprise) but we are definitely in agreement about her exterior. She was a spectacular ship to look at.

[@BoatMan-y6o]

Don’t bother listing why you don’t like the QE2 no one here cares to hear negativity.

[@josephpiskac2781]

QE2 today is not functional so it is not alive by any sense. Regardless I think you should update your experience and enjoy Dubai. I laugh at your proclamation of QE2 the best since QE2 was extremely noisy. Great you have so many fond memories and great you decided on being an author of naval history. In closing in 1997 4th of July Southampton to New York the QE2 had an all British Crew that was really signature special. My second voyage around 2003 most of the British Crew was replaced and much of the ships charm was changed.

[@samueljaramillo4221]

She was the last liner to be designed as they should be….long,sleek,elegant. New ships are ugly and bulky,even the QM2.