My dad’s time working on QE2 – Part Two

As mentioned in my last post, I’ve managed to get hold of the photos taken by my dad from his time working on QE2 and wanted to share them all with you.

QE2 was an amazing sight wherever she docked.  Even to this day, the Cunard ships are instantly recognisable with their black and red hull and those iconic funnels.  The below pictures were taken in Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) in 1975.

What a splendid sight!

Cunard ships are easily recognisable.

The bridge on QE2 is however quite different to the bridge on her sisters.

QE2’s Bridge

This one took me ages to get my camera to focus and the only way was with the flash on so apologies for the  bright spot but Queen Mary in California who they saw on their travels.

Queen Mary in California

And QE2, also in California.

QE2 in California

Followed by a stop in Hawaii.

Hawaii

They then made their transit through the Panama Canal.  In the locks along the canal, the trains, also known as mules, hook up to the ship to stop the ship from hitting  the sides of the canal.

Approaching the first set of locks

The Canal looks so narrow! Entering the locks

One of the eight mules

Everyone watching as they hitch up to the mules

Out of the locks and into the canal

Small village along the Panama Canal

And another…

After setting off from Southampton on 4th January 1975, QE2 eventually returned to Southampton on 5th April 1975.

These were the fares:

Singles

From grade WN deck five:  inside – £3395  
to grade OE deck one:   outside – £5250

Doubles

From grade U: inside on deck 5 five £2360
To grade A: outside on signal deck £9580

Things have changed a bit since then!

I  hope you’ve enjoyed seeing these photos as much as I love looking through them.

Any questions, feel free to ask!

Lx