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Queen Elizabeth to host QE2 50th anniversary cruise

PHOTO: Chris Frame and Rachelle Cross
QE2 on her final world cruise 2008
Cunard, is honouring the 50th anniversary of its longest serving ocean liner, QE2, with a special 17-night voyage onboard Queen Elizabeth departing her homeport of Southampton on September 8.

Celebrations focus on five special theme days, each of which will be accompanied by QE2 inspired menus, talks from special guests, historical snippets in the daily programme, past-passenger gatherings and QE2 quizzes.

Themes include Moving in Royal Circles marking the unique bond between QE2 and the Royal Family; The Falklands which acknowledges the ship’s service as a troop ship in the 1982 conflict; Triumph of a Great Tradition examining the QE2’s remarkable career achievements and the long history of Cunard ‘firsts’, and World Flagship in tribute to QE2’s 26 world cruises.

Special guest speakers connected to QE2 will be sailing onboard including Captain Ian McNaught, QE2’s last Master who was in command as the ship made its last voyage as a Cunarder to Dubai in 2008.

He said: 'This anniversary voyage is a significant and timely tribute to the world’s best loved ship. QE2 remains the longest serving express liner in history. She carried 2.5 million passengers over 5.6 million miles; that's further than any passenger ship - ever!'

Other guests include Commodore Ron Warwick who served as QE2’s Captain for 13 years; QE2 social hostess Maureen Ryan who served onboard the original Cunard Queens as well as Queen Mary 2; and maritime historian Chris Frame, author of a series of books about QE2 and Cunard.

QE2 is currently berthed at Dubai Cruise Terminal 1 in Port Rashid where the ship has been for nine years.