The QE2 used to visit the Virgin Islands when I lived down there. It was too big for the St Thomas harbor so they ferried the passengers to shore. It was always an occasion when it visited, lots of people in town and taxi traffic was intense.

Ships age and reach an end to their useful lives, like all machines- like my old Blazer, for example. Yes, they do have some human nostalgic value- but, in the end, they all just become useless hunks of scrap metal, good only for recycling or museums. I´m hoping the museum fate is the one my beloved Blazer has in store- but, I fear it will be the usual scrap heap.

It seems the Chinese have just acquired their second aircraft carrier.

But there is only one QE2...there are a lot of Blazers. Not really an adaquate analogy.

Echoing #3:

Scrap my ash. They now have all the technology to reverse engineer, to include engines, control systems, metallurgy, etc, etc, etc.

That´s one of the ways that the Chinese leap forward, blatant disregard for patent, copyright, trademark, etc.

I wouldn´t be a bit surprised if the elements, if not the hull, end up in an Aircraft carrier.

Lovely.

Many years ago I was part of a scout trip to Europe. We were passing the shipyard where the QE2 was being built and was invited in for a personal tour. The person in charge of the yard was a scout leader. It´s sad that it will end up being used for refrigerators or washing machines.

Totally depressing, this.

The era that should end is Cunard.
As a frequent cruiser, I would never sail a line that has a caste system. 3 classes of passengers, each with their own space and dining. How do you spell snob?

It´s just a big hunk of iron!

For those of us who have an affinity for these magnificent works of man´s ingenuity and imagination and who love the oceans of the world and the slow travel of yesteryear, seeing this beautiful old lady of the sea go to the breakers does indeed bring a tear to our eye. RIP.

It served its purpose. RIP QE2.

The QE2 and the France (also scrapped) were among the last few ships to sport the lines of the classic ocean liner. Today´s supersize cruise vessels are ungainly and top-heavy, to my eye.

I was part of the USCG´s welcoming fleet of cutters and aircraft that led the QE2´s 1969 maiden voyage entrance into New York harbor. The harbor was full of all shapes and sizes of vessels and the airspace above it was thick with uncontrolled aircraft.
The entire event was televised from the Varrazano Bridge and transmitted around the world. Seems like yesterday.
Semper Paratus

True, only one QEII- and many Blazers. But, both are just as loved by proud men and women, I assure you. Just saying, they are still just the fleeting works of man- nothing more.

I´m with #15, I too have a beloved 1994 Ford F150 with 248,000 hard ranch life miles on her and she looks as good to me as when the hubby bought her for me. I will cry like a girl when dear hubby refuses to replace one more part.

RIP QE2