Change to the QM2 schedule of world cruise

[dancer11]

Announcement was made after all passengers were back on board in Sidney. Given the terrible situation in Christchurch, we will go to Wellington instead, then proceed on schedule to Auckland. These 2 ports are in the north island, not affected by the earthquake.
Posting news of world cruise at mcgheetravel.blogspot.com

[Salacia]

Dancer11, you're on board QM2 now? Are there any plans for QM2 to deliver any aid to Christchurch (Port Lytteton) via tenders? -S.

[bobby1119]

I was shocked and saddened to hear the reports of deaths, injuries and devastation in Christchurch. My day spent in Christchurch during the 2007 world cruise was one of the finest of the entire cruise. Such a lovely city. I am trying to find out if the wonderful cathedral which I visited was, indeed, toppled as some reports suggest.

[MrsNobby]

According to BBC new footage which I saw last night on TV the Cathedral has lost its spire and is severely damaged along with much of the city.

[Karanja]

Originally Posted by bobby1119

I was shocked and saddened to hear the reports of deaths, injuries and devastation in Christchurch. My day spent in Christchurch during the 2007 world cruise was one of the finest of the entire cruise. Such a lovely city. I am trying to find out if the wonderful cathedral which I visited was, indeed, toppled as some reports suggest.

+++++

It was the Catholic Cathedral's spire that toppled. I did not hear anything about the Anglican Cathedral. Anglicans from Britain established Christchurch as a planned city, while Dunedin to the south was setlled by Scottish Presbyterians. We have friends in Christchurch who we have not yet heard from, and they were in NYC when the first earthquake occurred. Their house was undamaged then.

[roscoe39]

Originally Posted by bobby1119

I was shocked and saddened to hear the reports of deaths, injuries and devastation in Christchurch. My day spent in Christchurch during the 2007 world cruise was one of the finest of the entire cruise. Such a lovely city. I am trying to find out if the wonderful cathedral which I visited was, indeed, toppled as some reports suggest.

Yes I am afraid that sadly the CHCH cathedral has been badly damaged, hopefully not beyond repair but at this stage doesnt look good. The spire and walls have come down, there are missing inside, feared dead. A tour of japaneese was going through the tower at the time...very sad, the catholics, not to be missed out, also lost a good portion of their church as well, most buildings that were left alone during the initial eathquake in september have now been damaged and the centre of CHCH has been badly damaged.

Unfortunately inthis country we have a bad history of not appreciating our historic buildings, I hope that the powers that be come to there senses and this time fight to save what little heritage buildings we have left. CHCH was one of our most beautiful cities, but im afraid it will never be the same again. FIngers crossed we can rebuild...

[QE2 fan]

Has any announcement been made yet concerning whether or not the ship will pass through the Suez Canal?

[miz66]

This World Cruise has been doomed since before day 1, while we were on QV going over to meet up with QM2 we were told we may not get to all our destinations as a gas turbine had gone and the ship could not gather as much speed as usuall. We took a gas turbine onboard in Florida but only had the afternoon there should have been a full day, then all the trouble in Tunisia then Egypt (glad we got off in South Africa) then this terrible earthquake, fingers crossed the rest of the cruise goes to plan.

[kellarah]

We are joining in Dubai. Got a call from a Cunard rep tonite reminding us of the necessity of a visa for Dubai, and also advising of the hotel accomodations there. Firstly, I was aware of the hotel (Hyatt Regency) and advised the Cunard rep that the hotel cannot arrange our visas. He was not aware and was advising his supervisor.
Secondly, I asked his opinion on the Egypt situation and he said their security personnel in the Egytian ports are closely monitoring the situation, however a decision is unlikely until the 11th hour (we board April 3) He also indicated that they would put neither their clients or the ship in harms way and a re-route around Africa was the only alternative (obviously) if necessary

[dancer11]

Egypt is a wait and see, and of course we are concerned about the tours there. Even in good times, the buses to Luxor have armed escorts.
We cannot go into the port to give aid at Christchurch for many reasons. We are headed to the northern island only, Christchurch being on the southern island. The staff quickly put together tours for our next stop.
Most people on the ship just take it a day at a time. these matters are so unexpected, but I have great faith we will be well taken care of. The president of Cunard is onboard to boot.

[nzchick]

Originally Posted by Karanja

+++++

It was the Catholic Cathedral's spire that toppled. I did not hear anything about the Anglican Cathedral.

Actually it WAS the Anglican Cathedral spire that toppled (in 'The Square' in the centre of the city).
Many deaths inside/under rubble (likely to be 20-22 when they are able to clear the area).

It is currently a very sad time for Christchurch, and seeing the level of destruction is quite horrifying.

Other churches also badly affected - including a Catholic one and another Anglican one - no recorded deaths in these as yet though