THE QEII became the most famous ship in the world in 1969 when it embarked on its maiden transatlantic voyage to New York.
Thirty years on, the flagship of the Cunard Line and the British merchant fleet, remains the most talked about ship in service. Even after three decades of negotiating the unpredictable waters of the North Atlantic, as well as numerous world cruises, QEII has maintained an unparalleled aura of mystique and tradition.
Despite its long service, Cunard is anticipating the ship will remain in service for another 15 years as the hull and engines, which were replaced 12 years ago, remain in excellent condition. A £19.5m overhaul is also due to start at the end of the year.
The continuing lure of the 1,774-capacity QEII comes in the midst of the growing popularity of more modern and glitzy cruise ships which glide around the Mediterranean or Caribbean.
With the notable exception of the Thomas Cook group, all the major tour operators have significant cruise products.
But they have had little impact on QEII’s appeal which, if anything, is increasing with age.
A Cunard spokesman said: “People know QEIIis not a glitzy ship but this really lies at the heart of its success. People have grown up with QEII and it represents the best of British.
“It has an image and reputation that is unequalled and it says a lot about QEII when its initials are one of the most famous and well recognised in the world.
“People want to experience its tradition and get a taste of what it was like in the golden age of shipping.”
The opportunity to cruise on QEII is also no longer reserved for the elite few. In recent times it has been made accessible to the masses with prices under £600 for a crossing, one night in New York and return flights to London.
Extending the crossing from five to six days has also attracted more people to enjoy the QEII experience. Cunard is also seeing a shift in who is travelling on QEII.
Whereas five years ago, 60%-70% of the transatlantic passengers were American, with 20%-30% from the UK, but the USand UK now contribute about 40% each, the remainder coming from all corners of the globe.
QEII is the only passenger ship in the world with the necessary speed to provide a scheduled transatlantic service, although in 2002 it will be joined by Cunard’s new liner – codenamed Project Queen Mary – which is currently under construction. Another superliner is also in the pipeline.
But whatever happens, QEIIwill remain the flagship of Cunard and the merchant fleet for well into the next century.