Defending the QE2

Thanks to Shirley Slater and Harry Basch for their interesting article, “Highs and Lows in ‘87” (Jan. 3), on the cruising industry. The one fault in this article, however, was their taking another potshot at the premature debut of Queen Elizabeth 2, following its major renovation last spring.

Rather than criticism, Cunard deserves kudos for investing $140 million in the ship, which has the most space per passenger, the most public rooms, the finest and most luxurious staterooms and service by the best trained, most courteous and friendly crew.

On the basis of a 14-day round-trip cruise in November between Southhampton, England, and West Africa, my wife and I believe that the QE2 is the finest cruise ship in the world. In comparing it to 20 other ships we have sailed on since 1969, we would give QE2 a solid “10,” compared to a “9” for such prestigious ships as the Nieuw Amsterdam and the Vistafjord, and an “8” for the Royal Viking Star.

DON J. OWEN

Rolling Hills Estates