We were allocated stateroom 6179 on Deck 6.  We had a large balcony with a table and two deck chairs and the stateroom was well equipped with flat screen TV, fridge, lovely soft Egyptian cotton bed linen and everything else we would need for a comfortable voyage.

We also got the complimentary bottle of champers on ice which we took out on the balcony to drink whilst watching all the frenetic pre-voyage activity on the shore side below.

The start of a voyage is always so exciting, more so when it is a Maiden Voyage and you are among the first passengers ever!

The Queen's Room ballroom.  This is a really elegant room, large and high-ceilinged with a mezzanine floor.  As well as dancing to a live orchestra every evening, you could partake of a typical English afternoon tea, with cucumber sandwiches and scones with cream and jam, served by attentive white-gloved waiters.

In addition, Cunard World Club members such as Trevor and I gathered here for cocktails with the captain.  There were also classical piano recitals and it was so pleasant and relaxing to sip on champagne and listen to the lovely music.

The Grand Staircase on the Queen Elizabeth, looking down from the level of the midships bar.  This led to the main lobby and the shopping arcade.

The QE is almost identical to her sister ship Queen Victoria; only the decor differs.  Both ships are beautifully and tastefully furnished and decorated, with hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of artwork adorning the walls, alcoves and staterooms.  Everywhere you look is very elegant and plush.

The Yacht Club is another pleasant place where, during the day, you can relax with a drink whilst listening to the string quartet or pianist and during the night you can dance to the resident DJ on the compass-shaped dance floor in this nightclub at sea.

Above: The original ship's bell from the QE2, outside the Commodore Club.


Below: The official portrait of Her Majesty the Queen, painted by up-and-coming artist Isobel Peachey.