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Belfast bids farewell to the QE2
Monday, 6 October 2008
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The people of Belfast turned out in their thousands oto bid a fond farewell to the world famous QE2.
The luxurious liner — launched by Queen Elizabeth II — sailed into the city as part of its year-long final tour.
The Northern Ireland public got a chance to admire the prestigious liner from Queen's Road.
The occasion was enhanced further when the Red Arrows flew overhead to the delight of excited onlookers.
The vessel travelled to Belfast from Liverpool for a brief visit prior to being retired in the oil-rich state of Dubai where it will be converted into a floating hotel later this year.
Lord Mayor Tom Hartley said: “It is a sign of the outstanding reputation that Belfast has garnered as a cruise and tourist destination that such a prestigious vessel has chosen to include the city on its itinerary.”
The QE2 was the flagship of the Cunard Line for more than 30 years. She made her maiden voyage in 1969 and is considered one of the greatest Transatlantic liners of all time.
At over 70,000 tons and measuring 923 feet long, she is also one of the largest — and fastest - passengers ships ever produced.
She was the first British liner to offer en suite facilities in every cabin, high restaurants guaranteeing panoramic ocean views and was the most efficient twin-screw ship ever built.
As well as providing unrivalled luxury to her passengers, the QE2 was used to transport troops during the Falklands War. It also survived being run aground on rocks in 1992.
The new owners hope to recreate the ship's original interior decor and fittings and set up a museum on board.
Dubai World chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, whose company’s investment arm Istithmar made the purchase, said: “She is coming to a home where she will be cherished.”
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Sorry to shatter that illusion for you but because of bad weather she was delayed at the Isle of Man, from her earlier departure from Liverpool. The poor visablitily meant she further delayed by the time she reached Belfast Lough, what I should have said it was a wonder she was up the lough in daylight such as were the further expected delays. Even a transatlanic liner will take shelter in bad weather when she has to manuover into a very small port!!
Posted by Wendy | 07.10.08, 06:59 GMT
Wendy That's Utter Rubbish it's a transatlantic liner that boat would not have a problem trying to get up the lough
Posted by Gordon | 06.10.08, 21:51 GMT
The reason she was delayed was due to the very bad weather we had on Friday night. The very fact she was able to get up the lough at all should be praised. Obviously the delay in her arrival meant there was a knock on affect for all other events including booked cruises up the lough to follow her out. So once again we can blame our typical Irish weather!!
Posted by Wendy | 06.10.08, 16:09 GMT
If only the true story of her visit had been told. After listening to various media reports my family and i traveled to Holywood to see the QE2 depart. We sat for 2 hours around 5pm with many other members of the public after being told that her departure was timed for 5pm. NOTHING HAPPENED.
Another visit to the same area around midnight saw loads of the public all waiting for the big event, and what did we see ... nothing until around 1.30am when she slipped out of Belfast lough.
This visit was the worst advertised event that i can remember in Belfast. Wrong, and misleading information resulted in many many people standing in rain and sitting in cars for something that should have been a great boost for Belfast. On Belfast's own Harbour Masters site there wasnt even a mention of it when i looked on Friday night.
Posted by "Totally Disappointed" | 06.10.08, 14:46 GMT