Living aboard a Cunard ship year-round...

[tv24]

Also, I believe several people have lived full time on Crystal.

 

Within the last six months or so, there was a short article in one of the Miami newspapers about a woman living on a Crystal ship. The article was posted on one of the CC Crystal threads. She is from South Florida and moved on board a HAL ship after her husband died. A couple of years ago she migrated to Crystal and has not left. It was a sweet article, but I must admit, the description of her life on board was more than a bit dull. IMHO, this concept sounds more appealing in the abstract than in the reality.

[theTom&Carol]

.............. this concept sounds more appealing in the abstract than in the reality.

 

 

Suspect there's allot of truth to your comment.

 

We would never want to attempt such a full time stunt. Cunard has so much to offer (dancing, entertainment, 'Insight speakers', food, etc), but to have a stateroom home year-round is not appealing.

 

Such a shipboard retirement experience might cost $100,000/year (more if you're a drinker, Grills-rat, or need to pay a single-supplement) which includes a few shore excursions. Of course, when your walker and motorized chair comes into the equation, good luck boarding the tenders. We all know the recent horror stories.

 

Medical issues would necessitate doctoring off-ship, lay-overs in certain ports that have medical facilities, or flying to your doctor/hospital. Also, shipboard noro virus might bring on more serious health problems for the elderly.

 

Suspect on-board retirement would require a unique personality individual. Not sure exactly what traits..... but will continue to ponder that point.

 

Yes, definitely unappealing!

[BigMac1953]

I met both Bea & Opera Mary. The former on QE2 and the latter on QV where she lived.

 

Both could be utter pains in the neck.

 

I overheard Bea (as did everybody else in the vicinity) give the GLP manager a lecture about the type of music CD's that were playing. When it was politely explained that the staff don't choose the music, Bea stormed off to find Cap'n McNaught to put things right.

 

On QV, during an art class, Opera Mary arrived about 20 mins after the class had started, so we all had to stop and wait until she was supplied with the medium of the day and had the work explained to her.

 

About 10 mins later she stood up and told everyone that she had had enough and walked out. She did manage to hack everyone off.

 

A cruise ship is not an old folks home and Cunard was quite correct discouraging this type of client.

 

Stewart

[Lakesregion]

I met both Bea & Opera Mary. The former on QE2 and the latter on QV where she lived.

 

Both could be utter pains in the neck.

 

I overheard Bea (as did everybody else in the vicinity) give the GLP manager a lecture about the type of music CD's that were playing. When it was politely explained that the staff don't choose the music, Bea stormed off to find Cap'n McNaught to put things right.

 

On QV, during an art class, Opera Mary arrived about 20 mins after the class had started, so we all had to stop and wait until she was supplied with the medium of the day and had the work explained to her.

 

About 10 mins later she stood up and told everyone that she had had enough and walked out. She did manage to hack everyone off.

 

A cruise ship is not an old folks home and Cunard was quite correct discouraging this type of client.

 

Stewart

 

Maybe and maybe not. Who is that we all remember from our cruises? The multitudes or the individual characters that add so very much to the overall atmosphere of the ship. Sure those that spend a huge amount of their lives on board can get cranky but do not we all get cranky on occasion. We if on board retreat to our cabins, those who live on board do not see their home as being restricted to their cabin. So they tend to voice their opinion to all who will listen. I might add that on a world cruise the average age of the full world passengers exceeds that of many an old age home so I would not go there with that comment.

 

I do miss all the rest of the cast of characters and the QE2 was replete with them.

Edited June 1, 2016 by Lakesregion

[maggiemou]

Mrs Beatrice Muller, the famous Cunard resident who lived onboard the QE2 for many years wrote a book that was often on sale in the QM2 book shop ........'QE2 my home in paradise' ......It might still be in print. ;)

 

I met Bea Muller a few times over the years. The first time was on QE2 ten years ago, and also I remember the day she arrived on QM2.

We were already on board when she arrived as it was a world cruise 2009. She stayed on QM2 for some time and moved onto QV and did not like it and she moved back on QM2. Her son traveled with her in later years.

I think she was on Cunard for about eight years.

I met her a few times as I said and last time we met was on QM2 maybe 2012. She signed a book, I had bought about the New Cunard Queens. Here she is in the library where she spent a lot of time on the computer.

[maggiemou]

I met both Bea & Opera Mary. The former on QE2 and the latter on QV where she lived.

 

Both could be utter pains in the neck.

 

I overheard Bea (as did everybody else in the vicinity) give the GLP manager a lecture about the type of music CD's that were playing. When it was politely explained that the staff don't choose the music, Bea stormed off to find Cap'n McNaught to put things right.

 

On QV, during an art class, Opera Mary arrived about 20 mins after the class had started, so we all had to stop and wait until she was supplied with the medium of the day and had the work explained to her.

 

About 10 mins later she stood up and told everyone that she had had enough and walked out. She did manage to hack everyone off.

 

A cruise ship is not an old folks home and Cunard was quite correct discouraging this type of client.

 

Stewart

 

Ah! Ah! I can relate to your story, I knew Opera Mary as well and you are right in what you say. I also used to be friendly with another famous Cunarder you may have come across. Erma Kintz. part of the same crowd.,

We got on very well but boy could she give it some verbal when need be.;) I have lost touch with here the past 18 months I am hoping she is still well although she is well into her 80's.

Here below is a photo of her on the deck of QM2 world 2009 or it may have been 2010. Either way, she never changed over the years.

Cunard characters I call them.:) and a rare breed these days.

One of the remaining ones from that group is Dennie Farmer whom I am very fond of and I met up with her in Cyprus recently when QM2 came into port.

I took her out for the day. A lovely lady and still sailing at 84yrs old and of course she is God Mother to QE .

She has already booked her next two world voyages for the next two years so God willing we will see her again at the bar at her usual seat in the Commodore Club. :)

 

Here is Erma.

[Bell Boy]

Thank you, Big Mac, Lakesregion & Maggiemou. Now this is indeed a fun thread ! This is what Cunard Line is really about ! ;) Makes a change from Dress Codes, Auto Grats and those flipping kettles that only (us) Brits keep going on about.

 

 

Let's hear more from the good old days of Cunard. ;)

 

:)

[maggiemou]

Maybe and maybe not. Who is that we all remember from our cruises? The multitudes or the individual characters that add so very much to the overall atmosphere of the ship. Sure those that spend a huge amount of their lives on board can get cranky but do not we all get cranky on occasion. We if on board retreat to our cabins, those who live on board do not see their home as being restricted to their cabin. So they tend to voice their opinion to all who will listen. I might add that on a world cruise the average age of the full world passengers exceeds that of many an old age home so I would not go there with that comment.

 

I do miss all the rest of the cast of characters and the QE2 was replete with them.

 

I find the average age of passengers on a world cruise much lower than they used to be some years ago.

The days have long gone when you boarded a world cruise on QE2 or any other liner such as the SS Rotterdam and the passengers were all average age 70. Most had done numerous world cruises and never got off the ship. The only people who got off were the officers staff, and crew. 90 days around the world and they sat and played bridge, cards and did jigsaws :)

 

Nowadays with so many segments you get much younger passengers and even full world cruisers are younger as many of them even work from their cabin on their laptops.

The last group of the old characters I remember were probably the single ladies who all knew each other and met upon the world cruise on QE2 and they were onboard just to dance with the dance hosts. Many a row broke and arguments took place if one host had favoured one lady with more than one dance in the hour. They were around half a dozen of these ladies and the last time I saw them was on the QV maiden world cruise and then a few were on QE maiden world in 2011 but got off in LA. Since then I have not seen any of them. Maybe they have retired from dancing and from world cruises.

There is now a new lot of characters on the world cruises. Some off the wall people and these are what make it all so interesting.

One lady, I know from world cruising on QE in recent years is a real character on the ship and again she is a dancer, but more so a very colourful character once seen not forgotten as she always wears a flowered headband :)

Also, an another character is Terry Waite ( not the hostage) but the down to earth Yorkshireman who started the Duckling Club on in 2002 on Cunard ships. He has a Duckling Party on a world cruise each year which is a wonderful event.

It was for single people originally but now he has over 1000 members and they include most Cunard Captains and the Commodore.

He turned 80yrs recently on the QV world cruise and was the top sailor with over 2000 nights on Cunard. A real Cunarder and a character who has brought lots of fun to world cruises.

[tv24]

I find the average age of passengers on a world cruise much lower than they used to be some years ago.

The days have long gone when you boarded a world cruise on QE2 or any other liner such as the SS Rotterdam and the passengers were all average age 70. Most had done numerous world cruises and never got off the ship. The only people who got off were the officers staff, and crew. 90 days around the world and they sat and played bridge, cards and did jigsaws :)

 

Nowadays with so many segments you get much younger passengers and even full world cruisers are younger as many of them even work from their cabin on their laptops.

The last group of the old characters I remember were probably the single ladies who all knew each other and met upon the world cruise on QE2 and they were onboard just to dance with the dance hosts. Many a row broke and arguments took place if one host had favoured one lady with more than one dance in the hour. They were around half a dozen of these ladies and the last time I saw them was on the QV maiden world cruise and then a few were on QE maiden world in 2011 but got off in LA. Since then I have not seen any of them. Maybe they have retired from dancing and from world cruises.

There is now a new lot of characters on the world cruises. Some off the wall people and these are what make it all so interesting.

One lady, I know from world cruising on QE in recent years is a real character on the ship and again she is a dancer, but more so a very colourful character once seen not forgotten as she always wears a flowered headband :)

Also, an another character is Terry Waite ( not the hostage) but the down to earth Yorkshireman who started the Duckling Club on in 2002 on Cunard ships. He has a Duckling Party on a world cruise each year which is a wonderful event.

It was for single people originally but now he has over 1000 members and they include most Cunard Captains and the Commodore.

He turned 80yrs recently on the QV world cruise and was the top sailor with over 2000 nights on Cunard. A real Cunarder and a character who has brought lots of fun to world cruises.

 

Perhaps some of this crowd of women of a certain age who love to dance have migrated to the World Cruise on Crystal? At least those who can afford the elevated fare. We were on one segment last year and there were quite a few of these single ladies who take the WC each year. They all knew each other and hung out with the dance hosts both on and off the dance floor.

[shellbeachjim]

On Princess the most traveled passenger was Lorraine Artz. She had more than 5000 days on Princess, primarily on the original Royal Princess. She was the godmother of the second Royal Princess. She originally cruised with her husband, and continued after he passed away. I think she was onboard about 10 months a year. Lorraine passed away a year or two ago.

[electra2008]

You might find many answers to your questions over on the Seabourn Board. I know a lady who has lived onboard Seabourn for years......When the ship goes in for a refit or occasionally chartered , she moves over to another ship in the fleet. ;)

 

When we were on Seabourn in 2012 there was a lady Mrs W was the name the crew mentioned. She had her " own" chair up in the front lounge/ bar, can't remember its name! No one else could sit in it! One evening when the seas we horendous we saw her being gently escorted back " home" by two crew members one on each arm.

[Cruise Liner Fan]

Years ago, in the hey day of Cunard Characters who regularly sailed on the QE2, I had the privilege to take afternoon tea with both Bea and the Opera Diva at the same table. Both of the ladies while in their later years of life had egos way too large for a single tea table in the Queens Room on the QE2 so it was great fun observing the posturing and fained attempts at being polite etc.

 

Bea had a double inside cabin that had one of the beds removed and replaced with a sofa and floor lamp to make it more of a living quarters than a simple inside cabin. (I never was inside but did see this much one day when her door was open for cleaning.

 

Her children had to book passage to visit her. One son is quite an accomplished musician and we enjoyed a few chats as he lives close to where I used to reside. One day I overheard Bea telling the son that she was tiring of ship living because while she had loads of acquaintances, she had no friends. No one stayed long enough to get to that level of social acceptance.

 

When the QE2 was sold, Cunard made it quite difficult to book extensive trips on the QM2.There were no long term residence discounts as had been offered on the QE2. One got the impression that they really preferred not to have year round passengers. One of the problems is such. When on a cruise even a world cruise one makes every effort not to have a bad hair day in public. Bea on the other hand saw the QE2 has here home and had no problem calling out staff and management if she thought things were not up to snuff. Towards the end when little cut backs that all lines have been making of late were being made, Bea was incensed by them and stated it rather loudly to all who would hear. One day the piano player was quite late in arriving for afternoon tea playing and she gave it to him with both barrels. Cunard most likely feels they do not need this just to sell a cabin 52 weeks straight out.

 

She was a diamond in the rough and I am most happy to have sailed with her.

Was the Opera Diva also known as the QE2 Diva or are they 2 different women? I do know that the wife of one of the Cunard Captains gave her the name QE2 Diva. I met her aboard the QM2 and she was very nice and sang some songs from famous operas in the Queens Room aboard QM2 during a passenger talent show. Does anyone know if the QE2 Diva is still alive? Regards,Jerry

[Bell Boy]

When we were on Seabourn in 2012 there was a lady Mrs W was the name the crew mentioned. She had her " own" chair up in the front lounge/ bar, can't remember its name! No one else could sit in it! One evening when the seas we horendous we saw her being gently escorted back " home" by two crew members one on each arm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Correct,her surname name begins with W ( but I wouldn't like to post it on here)

Yes she has/and still has her 'own chair and a small side table' always set up daily in the fwd Observation lounge ( on any of the ships in fleet when she has to cross over)

 

On the small table there is always an 'Open Book' and a glass of coloured water set up each afternoon by a lounge crew member.

We ( Seabourners) often refer to it as "The Book that has never been Read" :D

[Lakesregion]

Was the Opera Diva also known as the QE2 Diva or are they 2 different women? I do know that the wife of one of the Cunard Captains gave her the name QE2 Diva. I met her aboard the QM2 and she was very nice and sang some songs from famous operas in the Queens Room aboard QM2 during a passenger talent show. Does anyone know if the QE2 Diva is still alive? Regards,Jerry

 

I may be wrong but I understand she has passed to the opera house in the sky. She resided in a small town in NJ not that far from where Bea used to live before moving full time to Cunard.

 

She, the Diva, never sang professionally. Evidently her parents were of sufficient means that she spent her summers traveling in Europe taking opera singing lessons from the greats all over the continent and then she began sailing on Cunard and she would sign up for every passenger talent show. Early on the Cruise Director or whomever was in charge of the show would put her first or early on in the show. This proved to be a problem as she did not know when it was time to exit stage right. Towards the end of the QE2 sailings she was always last in the program so it was easier to allow her one or two songs and then a fast thank you and let the audience exit.

 

She always appeared in costume with a red rose that on occasion she bestowed on an audience member. A true Cunard character. Her first name was Mary and she had written two books about singing across the Atlantic. The ship's library always had them available and she would gladly sign them for you.

Edited June 4, 2016 by Lakesregion

[maggiemou]

I may be wrong but I understand she has passed to the opera house in the sky. She resided in a small town in NJ not that far from where Bea used to live before moving full time to Cunard.

 

She, the Diva, never sang professionally. Evidently her parents were of sufficient means that she spent her summers traveling in Europe taking opera singing lessons from the greats all over the continent and then she began sailing on Cunard and she would sign up for every passenger talent show. Early on the Cruise Director or whomever was in charge of the show would put her first or early on in the show. This proved to be a problem as she did not know when it was time to exit stage right. Towards the end of the QE2 sailings she was always last in the program so it was easier to allow her one or two songs and then a fast thank you and let the audience exit.

 

She always appeared in costume with a red rose that on occasion she bestowed on an audience member. A true Cunard character. Her first name was Mary and she had written two books about singing across the Atlantic. The ship's library always had them available and she would gladly sign them for you.

 

Thank you for sharing your memories of Mary. The last time we saw her would be over two years ago on a world cruise. She was still book signing and wearing her long white opera gloves. Her hair was still long and black and she looked rather frail as she was in a wheelchair.

I nice lady and a Cunard character of the highest order

Erma Klintz, I do worry about as last year as she wrote to say she was doing her swan song on the 175 year crossing and the Liverpool three Queens. I sent her a gift of my book which she is mentioned. I signed it to her along with some photos. Gave it to a fellow passenger to arrange a big celebration and it turned out she was not onboard. We never found out what had happened and had no mail from her since. I do hope she is well. She is now in her mid eighties so I concern myself she is well. Thanks for sharing your Cunard stories of wonderful people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

my my

Edited June 5, 2016 by maggiemou

[Cruise Liner Fan]

I was able to find through the internet The QE2 Diva aka Mary Mastony's New Jersey address and New Jersey phone number. I dialed the phone number and all I got was a recording saying that the number I dialed is not in service. So unfortunately she must have passed away. But at least she did have a long happy life. Regards,Jerry

Edited June 5, 2016 by Cruise Liner Fan

[Winchester Ranger]

If you're essentially alone in the world with no ties and plenty of cash I would imagine you could do worse things. But the lack of comprehensive medical facilities and not seeing loved ones and family members for such extended periods really wouldn't make it attractive for me unless I was leading a very lonely life in retirement.

[Salacia]

“Life is what you make it. Always has been, always will be.”

 

― Eleanor Roosevelt

[Seagirlsailor]

Nothing. I've just done it. Going back on 23rd June. What would you like to know?

 

 

Hello N,

 

Will you be aboard on the 17th July...?....Would love to meet you after reading some very interesting previous posts- Though you may have moved on from al that now...

 

 

T...

[jimmybean]

Years ago, in the hey day of Cunard Characters who regularly sailed on the QE2, I had the privilege to take afternoon tea with both Bea and the Opera Diva at the same table. Both of the ladies while in their later years of life had egos way too large for a single tea table in the Queens Room on the QE2 so it was great fun observing the posturing and fained attempts at being polite etc.

 

Bea had a double inside cabin that had one of the beds removed and replaced with a sofa and floor lamp to make it more of a living quarters than a simple inside cabin. (I never was inside but did see this much one day when her door was open for cleaning.

 

Her children had to book passage to visit her. One son is quite an accomplished musician and we enjoyed a few chats as he lives close to where I used to reside. One day I overheard Bea telling the son that she was tiring of ship living because while she had loads of acquaintances, she had no friends. No one stayed long enough to get to that level of social acceptance.

 

When the QE2 was sold, Cunard made it quite difficult to book extensive trips on the QM2.There were no long term residence discounts as had been offered on the QE2. One got the impression that they really preferred not to have year round passengers. One of the problems is such. When on a cruise even a world cruise one makes every effort not to have a bad hair day in public. Bea on the other hand saw the QE2 has here home and had no problem calling out staff and management if she thought things were not up to snuff. Towards the end when little cut backs that all lines have been making of late were being made, Bea was incensed by them and stated it rather loudly to all who would hear. One day the piano player was quite late in arriving for afternoon tea playing and she gave it to him with both barrels. Cunard most likely feels they do not need this just to sell a cabin 52 weeks straight out.

 

She was a diamond in the rough and I am most happy to have sailed with her.

 

My understanding is that Bea paid for an inside cabin, but dined in the Grills. As she aged, her behavior became more idiosyncratic (as you described). ….But, while she lived aboard the QE2, she was a legend. Thank you for sharing your remembrances of her. I wouldn't want to give up my home on dry land, but more power to someone (like Bea) who does (even if to the chagrin of a cruise line, which really isn't a rest home)!

[CeeDee49]

Ah! Ah! I can relate to your story, I knew Opera Mary as well and you are right in what you say. I also used to be friendly with another famous Cunarder you may have come across. Erma Kintz. part of the same crowd.,

We got on very well but boy could she give it some verbal when need be.;) I have lost touch with here the past 18 months I am hoping she is still well although she is well into her 80's.

Here below is a photo of her on the deck of QM2 world 2009 or it may have been 2010. Either way, she never changed over the years.

Cunard characters I call them.:) and a rare breed these days.

One of the remaining ones from that group is Dennie Farmer whom I am very fond of and I met up with her in Cyprus recently when QM2 came into port.

I took her out for the day. A lovely lady and still sailing at 84yrs old and of course she is God Mother to QE .

She has already booked her next two world voyages for the next two years so God willing we will see her again at the bar at her usual seat in the Commodore Club. :)

 

Here is Erma.

 

 

Maggie don't forget our "Terry" and the "Ducklings", one of the great characters of recent times!

[maggiemou]

Maggie don't forget our "Terry" and the "Ducklings", one of the great characters of recent times!

 

He most certainly is although he has never moved on the ship to live full time, but a wonderful character and a great Cunarder with over 2000 nights to his credit.

If anyone ever meets Terry Waite ( not the hostage) make sure you attend his duckling party if you get the invite. They are iconic !:):)

[AAAAmerican]

Living abaord a Cruise Ship/ Ocean Liner is a Lifes Choice, IMHO.

 

We did see one lady who had a residence in Brooklyn, NYC, NY aboard the Queen Mary three times. She had been then on her 53rd Cruise on that Ocean Liner. So many knew here and she always had a front row seat to see anything she wanted in the foward theatre.

 

A German friend a Beer Baron as the lady aforementioned kept a small apartment to do the voting, taxation, paperwork etc..

 

Choices are personal. One of my friends , a R.P. says" it costs so much less to cruise than staying home.."

 

 

So yes cruising as in life and love is what we make of it..eh..

 

Being a Shahreholder does produce that loved Shareholder Benefit too.