CRUISING IN STYLE ABOARD QE 2
BY RON ACOSTA
Right now, the cruise industry is sky rocketing. A serious revival has occurred partly due to the affects of the hit movie "Titanic". Now, how can it be that a movie based on a famous maritime tragedy cause such an interest in cruising? You could very well say it could've been the on board ship romance in the film, or for those more into the historical factor, the experience of life aboard a ship. Whatever the case may be, cruising is in right now, as a popular way of vacationing and easing away in comfort.
Now, imagine cruising to the Caribbean in the most luxurious liner afloat and being treated as a king by a crew made largely, of polite Britons. (Almost like traveling on the Titanic)
Just recently, I had the chance to do just that. I wanted to go on a cruise and have fun while also wanting to experience the traditional era when traveling on a ship was a part of the regular way of transportation between far away lands. I persuaded my parents to choose our Caribbean get-away with a company that is as famous as it is deep in history and tradition, Cunard Line. Cunard's flagship, the R.M.S. Queen Elizabeth 2, is the prime example of the last true ocean liner.
The highly British operated Cunard Line has been serving passengers in transatlantic crossings and cruises for over 150 years. The company's history can be defined through its many famous ships. From the doomed Lusitania, to the heroic Carpathia, and the famous Queen Mary, Cunard ships have always set the standard as the most popular sea going vessels. Besides the luxury and fame, Cunard has held the incredible record of never losing the lives of their passengers in non-war conditions. Knowing all this, I knew I was in for one of the best experiences so far in my wonderful 16 years of existence.
Queen Elizabeth 2, the name just seems to represent prestige and grandeur. Cunard's famed flagship combines traditional styles with the modern feel of a cruise ship. Named and christened by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, the QE 2 (as she's often referred to by her many passengers) makes regular transatlantic crossings as well as several Caribbean cruises and yearly world cruises. QE 2 is truly one of a kind. Having been built in the end of the golden age of transatlantic travel and having served as a troop ship like her name sake Cunard predecessors, QE 2 has had quite a history in the nearly thirty years since she was built. For more information on the QE 2 's famed history, visit The QE 2 Homepage, the only website truly dedicated to the Queen; maintained by Samuel Warwick. (Son of one of QE 2 's masters, Captain Ron Warwick)
In the following section on the Queen Elizabeth 2, I have included numerous pictures taken during the 1998 CUNARD Spring Discovery Cruise. All pictures are in "scrap book" form; captioned with numerous facts and stories dealing with what is seen in the picture.