QE2: A History

The RMS Queen Elizabeth conjures connotation of patriotic ­glamour and luxury dating back over 70 years and still going strong today. After the depression of the 1920’s the hull of her sister, Queen Victoria, was left almost derelict at Clydebank. After being offered an £8 million loan her owner Cunard Line set about getting not only hull 534 (as she was known)ship shape but he also began working on the RMS Queen Elizabeth too after merging with the cruise company White Star.

Once completed the Queen Elizabeth was due for a royal launch into her maiden voyage. With the outbreak of the Second World War, her original designation as a luxury liner was put on hold whilst she aided the war efforts. her unscheduled change in career didn’t go unnoticed, as both her and her running mate the Queen Victoria were hailed as great helps toward the war ending by Winston Churchill. After coming out of the war in pretty much one piece, the Queen Elizabeth was finally able to enjoy her job as a cruise ship across the Atlantic. For over 20 years these magnificent ships sailed the Atlantic symbolising the golden era of the cruise industry for Cunard Cruises.

By the end of the 1960’s technology advancements meant to two ships had to look at being retired. With transportation like air travel become more accessible, sea travel needed to become both cheaper and quicker to keep up. The QE2 was launched in 1969 and would go on to become of the most iconic ships to ever sail. She was designed to be smaller and cheaper and a practical alternative to the ever increasing popular air travel. After being the flag ship of not only Cunard cruises but the epitome of luxury 5 star cruises in general, she was brought by a Dubai investment company in 2007. The uncertain financial future of Dubai has halted the original plans to convert it into an opulent floating hotel. As a result, this beautiful ship has been left almost abandoned.

In 2007 Cunard announced the launch of its third sea faring vessel to boast the Elizabeth name. With the launch of the MS Queen Elizabeth expected in the autumn of 2010 it’s promised to be the very embodiment of five star cruises and one of the most advanced ships on the water. Said to have the essence of the 1930’s in its interior decor it will exemplify the spirit and the class of its name sake predecessor.