Crossing the Atlantic on the Queen Elizabeth 2

Bidding farewell to New York, with the Manhattan skyline shimmering in the evening twilight. The QE2 pushed off late in April after an earlier power interruption at sea.  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

What do you do on a transatlantic crossing? Plenty-or nothing, it you wish. A typical day offers dozens of activities: lectures, workshops, fitness walks, bridge lessons, art auctions, dancing contests, movies, live music and more. Every day at at 4 p.m., white-jacketed staff serve afternoon tea in the Queens Room. Arrive early or you may not find a seat.  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

Dinner is festive and dressy. Like many ships, QE2 puts on a baked Alaska parade, with waiters bearing the flaming desserts topped by sparklers. This one was in the Caronia Restaurant, one of five formal dining rooms.   (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

Ladies, slither into your glittery gowns. Gentlemen, don your tuxes. It’s time to step to the tunes of the Queens Room Dance Band. Dress codes are serious business aboard the QE2, which orders formal wear after 6 p.m. for nights at sea.  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

Eating again? Why not? It’s tough to resist the sugary temptations of the midnight dessert buffet.  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

Yes, the QE2 has a sundeck. On a rare April day, when the ship’s speed perfectly matched the wind’s and near-summer conditions prevailed, a few hardy cruisers actually sunbathed. But overall, the ship’s recreational facilities pale beside those of newer vessels.  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

Churning up the North Atlantic. Whatever else she is or isn’t, the QE2 is a formidable piece of nautical machinery. She is still the swiftest passenger ship afloat, able to reach 32.5 knots, says owner Carnival Corp. On our voyage, she routinely cruised at 26 knots or more.  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

My simply decorated cabin, shared with my aunt, could sleep up to four people. QE2 offers a huge variety of accommodations, including 118 single-occupancy cabins, a rarity at sea these days. Our cabin, well forward, creaked and rocked as the ship heeled in rough weather. We were glad we packed medicine for seasickness.  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

A mural outside the popular Lido, one of several casual dining areas, celebrates the sunny side of ship life. Shuffleboard, anyone?  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

The Midships Lobby, where staff assemble at attention to greet boarding guests, sports Art Deco-style glamour, with maple woodwork, a silver model of the QE2 and murals portraying old and new Cunard ships.  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)

Cruising toward England, without a care in the world. The QE2 will soon head for her final port in the Arab emirate of Dubai, where she will be refurbished and reopen as a hotel, maritime museum and attraction. Anchored off an artificial island, she will forsake her seafaring ways for a genteel retirement.  (Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times)