Cunard Line: books - history and ships (3/4)

QE2: A 50th Anniversary Celebration

Fifty years ago the last British-built transatlantic liner was launched. Christened by HM the Queen on 20 September 1967, the 963ft-long vessel was named Queen Elizabeth 2. By the end of that same day, she was already known by her famous nickname: QE2.

Fast, smart and sleek, QE2 sailed over 5.6 million miles and carried more than 2.5 million passengers during a magnificent career spanning nearly forty years. Put simply, she carried more people further than any ship before her and remains the longest serving express liner in history.
Having sailed both as a liner and as a cruise ship, served her country in the Falklands conflict and undergone multiple makeovers, she also has one of the most fascinating histories of any vessel and remains one of the best loved and most celebrated.

With stories from captains, crew and passengers, and an unparalleled collection of photographs, Chris Frame and Rachelle Cross bring the majestic QE2 to life in this commemorative tribute.

QE2 - A Photographic Journey

Since her maiden voyage in 1969 the QE2 has delighted the thousands of guests who have been lucky enough to spend time aboard this world-famous ship and fascinated many more. She is the most famous ocean liner of our time and has achieved iconic status worldwide. After four decades in the limelight, QE2 was retired in 2008 to begin a new life as a hotel in Dubai.
"QE2: A Photographic Journey" marks the end of an era by taking the reader on a voyage of appreciation of the most loved ocean liner in the world. Readers can stroll the decks, visit the various bars and lounges, take high tea in the Queen's Room and retire to their cabin without leaving their armchair! Each public room is detailed with colour photographs and historical commentary, including quirky and amusing anecdotes and snippets of information about the ship and some of the many characters who have sailed aboard her.

Written by two enthusiastic fans and frequent QE2 travellers, this book is beautifully illustrated with over two hundred colour photographs, and complemented by new information from Commodore R.W. Warwick, former master of QE2 and the son of the first captain.