September 25, 2007

Majestic QE2 sails into Liverpool

This from the http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk about the recent visit.

Also check out the picture gallery at:

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/videos-pictures/pictures-of-liverpool/pictures-of-liverpool-news/2007/09/21/qe2-returns-to-the-banks-of-the-mersey-64375-19840252/

"THE WORLD’S greatest liner, the QE2, made an emotional return to the Mersey today.
The ship arrived in the river at dawn as part of today’s celebrations to open Liverpool’s new cruise terminal.
It is likely to be her final visit to Liverpool before being turned into a floating hotel in 2009.
Hundreds of people on both sides of the Mersey braved driving rain to welcome the graceful 70,300 tonne liner.
At around 6.20am, the outline of her giant bow emerged from the mist and drizzle.
Cameras flashed on shore and aboard ship as she made her slow progress to her berth.
By 7am she had docked at the city’s new cruise liner terminal, her 963ft length taking up almost the whole of the stage.

People who had turned out with videocameras and tripods were able to catch a glimpse of the world’s most famous ocean liner coming to life.

Through the windows, they could make out waiters in white shirts setting out breakfast in one of the dining rooms as cabin lights came on.

A few dozen passengers had come out on deck to wave at crowds on both sides of the Mersey, one unfurling a Union Jack.
The QE2 is calling at Liverpool for the first time since 2005 on a round-Britain cruise to celebrate her 40th anniversary.

People who turned out all said it had been worth the rainy early start to see the liner.
George Haughton, 68, from Walton said: “I’ve never seen her before - she’s such a graceful ship.
“She’s not like the ones now, that just look like floating hotels. She’s a proper ship, absolutely superb. It’s a shame there aren’t more young people out here to see her.”

Margaret James, 59, from Childwall said: “There were people driving along Egremont to have a look at it this morning - it’s just amazing to see it. One of our friends’ fathers used to work as a printer on it - lots of people have a connection to it somehow.”

Down in the hull, a flag had been unfurled which read “Happy 40th birthday from crew and passengers to you.”
The Duke of Kent opened the terminal this morning and a spectacular firework display is being held at 10.45pm before the ship leaves at 3am.

housands of people turned out to welcome the QE2 to the River Mersey today.
The visit is part of the famous Cunard liner’s 40th anniversary UK tour.
Cunard was founded in Liverpool in 1839 and remained the company’s home city for nearly 130 years.
The original Cunard headquarters now forms part of a World Heritage Site close to where the QE2 docked today.
Special guests and passengers were due to attend a 40th anniversary concert at the city’s Anglican Cathedral this afternoon.

Soprano Lesley Garrett, tenor Nicky Spence, conductor Anthony Inglis, The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the Band of the Royal Scots Guards were expected to perform.

Speakers at the event include Carol Thatcher, author of the history of the QE2, and Sir Jimmy Savile, a frequent traveller aboard the liner.

Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard Line, said: "We are delighted QE2 is officiating at the opening of the splendid new City of Liverpool Cruise Terminal.

"Cunard was founded in Liverpool in 1839 and the city was home to our head office for nearly 130 years so it’s always nice to come back ’home’."

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