Travel & Experiences

Crossing the Atlantic on the Queen Elizabeth 2

When Queen Elizabeth 2 sails out of New York on Thursday, Oct. 16, she will be leaving America for good. By the end of the year, she will retire forever. In April, I took the same QE2 trip that this week’s passengers will take: a six-day transatlantic crossing from New York to Southampton, England. Here are some snapshots from that trip. --Jane Engle, Los Angeles Times staff writer Pictured: The sleek QE2, tied up at the Manhattan cruise terminal. Not a mere cruise ship, she’s an ocean liner designed to withstand the rigors of the North Atlantic, which she has crossed more than 800 times since entering service in 1969.

When Queen Elizabeth 2 sails out of New York on Thursday, Oct. 16, she will be leaving America for good. By the end of the year, she will retire forever. In April, I took the same QE2 trip that this week’s passengers will take: a six-day transatlantic crossing from New York to Southampton, England. Here are some snapshots from that trip.

--Jane Engle, Los Angeles Times staff writer

Pictured: The sleek QE2, tied up at the Manhattan cruise terminal. Not a mere cruise ship, she’s an ocean liner designed to withstand the rigors of the North Atlantic, which she has crossed more than 800 times since entering service in 1969.  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

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QE2

Bidding farewell to New York, with the Manhattan skyline shimmering in the evening twilight. The QE2 pushed off late in April after an earlier power interruption at sea.  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

QE2

What do you do on a transatlantic crossing? Plenty-or nothing, it you wish. A typical day offers dozens of activities: lectures, workshops, fitness walks, bridge lessons, art auctions, dancing contests, movies, live music and more. Every day at at 4 p.m., white-jacketed staff serve afternoon tea in the Queens Room. Arrive early or you may not find a seat.  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

QE2

Dinner is festive and dressy. Like many ships, QE2 puts on a baked Alaska parade, with waiters bearing the flaming desserts topped by sparklers. This one was in the Caronia Restaurant, one of five formal dining rooms.   (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

QE2

Ladies, slither into your glittery gowns. Gentlemen, don your tuxes. It’s time to step to the tunes of the Queens Room Dance Band. Dress codes are serious business aboard the QE2, which orders formal wear after 6 p.m. for nights at sea.  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

QE2

Eating again? Why not? It’s tough to resist the sugary temptations of the midnight dessert buffet.  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

QE2

Yes, the QE2 has a sundeck. On a rare April day, when the ship’s speed perfectly matched the wind’s and near-summer conditions prevailed, a few hardy cruisers actually sunbathed. But overall, the ship’s recreational facilities pale beside those of newer vessels.  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

QE2

Churning up the North Atlantic. Whatever else she is or isn’t, the QE2 is a formidable piece of nautical machinery. She is still the swiftest passenger ship afloat, able to reach 32.5 knots, says owner Carnival Corp. On our voyage, she routinely cruised at 26 knots or more.  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

QE2

My simply decorated cabin, shared with my aunt, could sleep up to four people. QE2 offers a huge variety of accommodations, including 118 single-occupancy cabins, a rarity at sea these days. Our cabin, well forward, creaked and rocked as the ship heeled in rough weather. We were glad we packed medicine for seasickness.  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

QE2

A mural outside the popular Lido, one of several casual dining areas, celebrates the sunny side of ship life. Shuffleboard, anyone?  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

QE2

The Midships Lobby, where staff assemble at attention to greet boarding guests, sports Art Deco-style glamour, with maple woodwork, a silver model of the QE2 and murals portraying old and new Cunard ships.  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

QE2

Cruising toward England, without a care in the world. The QE2 will soon head for her final port in the Arab emirate of Dubai, where she will be refurbished and reopen as a hotel, maritime museum and attraction. Anchored off an artificial island, she will forsake her seafaring ways for a genteel retirement.  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

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