Jubilee - 3 Queens at Southampton

Tuesday June 5th 2012 was not only a historic day for the country due to the Queens Diamond Jubilee, it was also a day that saw all three of Cunard’s ‘Queen Ships’ in Southampton port at the same time; an event that is the first in Cunard’s history. It was also a first for Mobility at Sea’s Dave Budgen, who was one of the few people lucky enough to visit all three ships on that day!

The Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria cruise liners sailed up the Solent to a spectacular welcome from a flotilla of small boats. Although the main aim of the three cruise ships being in port at the same time was to congratulate the Queen on her 60 year reign, Cunard along with Mobility at Sea celebrated a historic occasion in their own right.

A very large organisational operation for both companies was underway from the moment Cunard announced its intentions. Mobility at Sea worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the passengers who required mobility scooters and other assistance would be catered for on such an auspicious occasion. Not only were there passenger’s who were disembarking from the ships, there were also those who were travelling on all three liners to enjoy Jubilee celebrations that night.

Dave Budgen, Co-founder of Hampshire's Mobility at Sea, was the company representative on the day and was organised with military precession. All three ships are so vast and complex that it can take 30-40 minutes to walk to a cabin and back to the terminal, but Dave, as determined as ever to provide the best customer service to all, not only braved the inclement weather, but made sure that every Mobility at Sea hire customer received their equipment and was ready for their extra special voyage.

Dave commented that ‘It is an honour and a privilege to serve customer’s on Cunard’s cruise liners, but today was extra special and a historic day for himself and the company that he will never forget’. Mobility at Sea is the preferred supplier of mobility equipment to Cunard. Dave and his team can be seen at Southampton Docks whenever a cruise ship comes into port, assisting customers to embark and disembark on their vacations of a life time.

The three liners left the Port after the Jubilee fireworks that evening and headed back along the Solent, past Portsmouth and Southsea and onward to their respective destinations. The ships were appropriately lit up in true party style, with their occupants celebrating an occasion that joined the country and the world for a once in a life time celebration, totally unaware of the organisation involved in making the voyage magical.

Although Dave was envious of all those on board, he said, ‘Our customers have taken us through some mile stones and this experience is another one myself and my colleagues are blessed to have been a part of’.

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