The QE2 is in Fort Lauderdale today for her last call at this port (which has been her Winter Home for more than 35 years)before heading off on to NYC and then startingher last trans-Atlantic crossing and ultimately to Dubai to become a permanent hotel:





.....as a sales incentive, I once offermy top twenty sales producers a three day voyage to "No Where" aboard the QE2. We sailed out of New York and toward the best weather the captain could find for the next three days. The objective was to let the sales achievers have a "once in a life time experience" aboard one of the most famoustrans-oceanic cruise ships on the seas!

My management associate and I took suites (they were added sometime after the original construction of the ship)and basically stayed out of the way of our party winners....as they drank and ate themselves into various states of gluttony and inebriation for the voyage.

My butler was great and one of the most memorable components of the three days for me....unpacked my bags, pressed my garments,selected my attire for dinner (gave me a choice of ties each evening, but pointed out the ones he thought would be most appropriate). He selected my shoes and had them properly shined each day....I could become accustomed to thatlifestyle. The butler insisted on serving high tea onmy balconyone afternoon for a couple of my guests and myself("your friends are from down below, sir, I hope they appreciate the service being afforded them up here.....below as he lovely referred to the lower class accommodations). I must confess I was intrigued and entertained by the fussing about of both the butler and the chamber maid assigned to my suite. No one has drawn a hot bath for me since I disembarked the QE2.

I am not really into cruises and just the thought of be aboard a ship for a Trans Atlantic crossing or otherwise extendedperiod of timewould require strong sedatives and anti-motion medications.

On the other hand, I am sure cruise people have found the QE2 capable of providing service above and beyond expectations.

Dubai will become a proper home for her, as she is converted into a luxury hotel, wherethousands offuture guestswill be able to appreciate her history.