QE2 Awash in Problems, Passengers Say

NEW YORK — Cunard Lines admitted Wednesday that it had some problems in refurbishing its flagship, Queen Elizabeth 2, but refused to say whether reports about foul conditions aboard the superliner as it crossed the Atlantic were true.

British and U.S. newspaper reports said brown water is gushing from stateroom plumbing; toilets are exploding; some passengers have had to sleep on mattresses on the floor, and North Atlantic gales have caused plumbers and decorators to become seasick.

The QE2 was initially scheduled to dock early today. But because of the rough weather encountered by the ship and the refitting problems, passengers are not due to arrive in New York until tonight, a Cunard spokeswoman said.

The QE2 is scheduled to sail from New York later tonight with 1,000 passengers on a 15-day Caribbean cruise, she said.