Visit to QE2, Greenock. 40th Anniversary Celebrations – Thursday 20th September 2007.
By Chris Leviston - Assistant Manager of Cumbria Cruises Web Department.

An early morning start from Cumbria got us to Greenock shortly before 10.30am.  The QE2 could be seen berthed on the Clyde as we drove towards Greenock on the A8.

We were delighted to be invited to attend the 40th Anniversary celebrations, as QE2 was in Greenock 40 years since her launch on the 20th September 1967.  Also invited on board were 100 people who had originally worked on board during construction at John Brown and Co. (Ship Order No.736 – better know as Queen Elizabeth 2)

Order 736 was designed to replace the then ageing Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth for the Transatlantic service and winter cruising.

After ‘Check In’ we were treated to a guided tour of the 'Queen'.  The ship builders model of the Mauretania situated just outside the Caronia Restaurant and the Silver Plated QE2 Statue in the Midships Lobby are not to be missed.

A presentation by Carol Marlow, President and Managing Director of Cunard, followed; we then toasted the QE2 and all on the Clyde who had help to build her 40 years ago.



One of the highlight of the day was the 23 minute display by the world famous Red Arrows.  A fantastic view was guaranteed as we gathered on the Upper Deck.  A little after 12.15 the first sight of the Red Arrows could be seen as they appeared over the Clyde.  Numerous schools trips, locals, visitors and Press had gathered at the dock side to see the QE2 and this amazing display by the Red Arrows.  Watch the Amazing Red Arrow video clip.

Lunch was served in the Mauretania Restaurant.  A fascinating Lunch, dining with two of the original construction crew, kept a table for 10 entertained nearly two hours.

A final self guided tour of the ship followed, which resulted in Carol Thatcher autographing our copies of her book ‘QE2 – Forty Years Famous’.

As we disembarked into the rain, I for one, knew I’d be back on board for a cruise on a legend before she retires at the end of next year …

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