QE2

While we were in Oman in April, I read an article in the local paper that the QE2 was (finally) having its opening as a floating hotel. It's been in the back of my mind since then that we should check it out asap, so today, quite spontaneously, Miriam, G & I went to do just that. It was incredible to think as we drove to Port Rashid where she is permanently berthed, that it is literally down the road from where we live. It took less than ten minutes to get there.

The QE2 experience starts with an exhibition in a purpose made building before you embark on the ship. From the time we arrived, every member of staff we encountered greeted and welcomed us. As we're in the first few weeks of launching, they have a happy hour in their main pub (The Golden Lion) so we got a free drink when we bought one on selected beverages. Two members of staff gave us a tour; the second one taking us into areas that wouldn't normally be permitted on a tour. We got to see the fine dining restaurant, the theatre, the convenience store, and two rooms. Fantastic! It felt so different to when G & I were given a tour on it back in the 1990's.

We left the ship much later than intended. Unfortunately, no food was being served in the pub, so we stopped at Miriam's local Lebanese for a shawarma. Think it was just past 11pm when we entered the restaurant. A long and tiring evening and I haven't had the chance to edit the pictures yet, so I might post a second extra in the days to come.