OVERVIEW: QE2 is the world’s most famous
ship. Built in 1969 by the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders
(formerly John Brown’s) in Scotland, the ship is
scheduled to leave service in November 2008 and
become a hotel at Dubi World. During her career,
QE2 was a symbol of modern luxury and service.
She was used in films and in television programs,
participated in ship reviews on both sides of the
Atlantic, carried troops in the Falklands War, came to
the aid of distressed ships and sailors, carried royalty,
movie stars and other celebrities, and has sailed over
six million miles.
Designed as a two class ship, the class
distinction disappeared gradually over the years.
While ones restaurant assignment is still dictated by
ones cabin category, any passenger can essentially go
anywhere in the public areas of the ship. However,
the remnants of the class system still produce some
oddities here and there. For example, not all of the
elevators stop on all of the decks.
Although to the modern eye, QE2 may look like
a traditional ship, that was not what her designers
intended. In the 1960s, the traditional ocean liners
the public considered the old ocean liners passé and
they were not selling. With QE2, Cunard decided to
make a radical departure from the past. “Ships have
been boring long enough” was the advertising slogan
for the new ship. QE2 was “Cunard’s new
spaceship.” Accordingly, her exterior incorporated
curving lines unknown on traditional ships and her
interior reflected ultra modern 1960s’ design
principles. According to the ship’s interior designer
Dennis Lennon: "What we have tried to create is a
setting for the world's best party." In other words,
to “make people feel they were on a great ship
enjoying a unique adventure.”
QE2 evolved constantly over the next 40 years,
constantly adapting to her times. Somewhat
ironically given Cunard’s initial marketing concept,
the interior design style evolved from the Swinging
60s toward the refined, elegant style of her
predecessors. New rooms were added and old rooms
were completely re-designed. A by-product of this
was an increase in her gross tonnage from
approximately 66,000 tons to over 70,000 tons.
These changes were mostly made in a series of refits
in various drydocks, the most significant being in
1972, 1977, 1987, 1990 and 1994.
The ship evolved technologically as well. The
ship began life at a steam turbine driven ship. These
engines were a consistent source of trouble, often
breaking down at inconvenient moments. In 1987,
Cunard made a bold move and replaced the original
engines with a diesel electric system. Not only was
this system much more reliable but it gave the ship a
top speed of over 33 knots making her the fastest
passenger ship in active service. Less radical moves
included changes in radar, navigational, and
communications equipment as the technology
evolved.
The fact that QE2 was able to evolve - - and
thus remain a viable operation for four decades - -
says much about the excellence of the original
design. It provided a framework that allowed the
ship to adapt. It also says much for the people at
Cunard and on board who ran the ship. QE2 started
life in troubled times for passenger ships and for a
considerable part of her career was living on the knife’
s edge financially. Yet, the company continued to
invest in her and those on board kept going beyond
their job descriptions to make her work.
Now, in the twilight of her career, QE2 remains
an impressive ship. Not as large as QUEEN MARY
2 or today’s mega-cruise ships and lacking many of
the facilities of those ships, QE2 offers a unique
atmosphere. Much of this has to do with history.
There are now considerable exhibits and references
on board to Cunard’s nearly 170-year history. But
more importantly, there is QE2’s own history of
service in peace and war, bringing enjoyment to
millions of people - - an icon of the second half of the
20th century.
ship. Built in 1969 by the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders
(formerly John Brown’s) in Scotland, the ship is
scheduled to leave service in November 2008 and
become a hotel at Dubi World. During her career,
QE2 was a symbol of modern luxury and service.
She was used in films and in television programs,
participated in ship reviews on both sides of the
Atlantic, carried troops in the Falklands War, came to
the aid of distressed ships and sailors, carried royalty,
movie stars and other celebrities, and has sailed over
six million miles.
Designed as a two class ship, the class
distinction disappeared gradually over the years.
While ones restaurant assignment is still dictated by
ones cabin category, any passenger can essentially go
anywhere in the public areas of the ship. However,
the remnants of the class system still produce some
oddities here and there. For example, not all of the
elevators stop on all of the decks.
Although to the modern eye, QE2 may look like
a traditional ship, that was not what her designers
intended. In the 1960s, the traditional ocean liners
the public considered the old ocean liners passé and
they were not selling. With QE2, Cunard decided to
make a radical departure from the past. “Ships have
been boring long enough” was the advertising slogan
for the new ship. QE2 was “Cunard’s new
spaceship.” Accordingly, her exterior incorporated
curving lines unknown on traditional ships and her
interior reflected ultra modern 1960s’ design
principles. According to the ship’s interior designer
Dennis Lennon: "What we have tried to create is a
setting for the world's best party." In other words,
to “make people feel they were on a great ship
enjoying a unique adventure.”
QE2 evolved constantly over the next 40 years,
constantly adapting to her times. Somewhat
ironically given Cunard’s initial marketing concept,
the interior design style evolved from the Swinging
60s toward the refined, elegant style of her
predecessors. New rooms were added and old rooms
were completely re-designed. A by-product of this
was an increase in her gross tonnage from
approximately 66,000 tons to over 70,000 tons.
These changes were mostly made in a series of refits
in various drydocks, the most significant being in
1972, 1977, 1987, 1990 and 1994.
The ship evolved technologically as well. The
ship began life at a steam turbine driven ship. These
engines were a consistent source of trouble, often
breaking down at inconvenient moments. In 1987,
Cunard made a bold move and replaced the original
engines with a diesel electric system. Not only was
this system much more reliable but it gave the ship a
top speed of over 33 knots making her the fastest
passenger ship in active service. Less radical moves
included changes in radar, navigational, and
communications equipment as the technology
evolved.
The fact that QE2 was able to evolve - - and
thus remain a viable operation for four decades - -
says much about the excellence of the original
design. It provided a framework that allowed the
ship to adapt. It also says much for the people at
Cunard and on board who ran the ship. QE2 started
life in troubled times for passenger ships and for a
considerable part of her career was living on the knife’
s edge financially. Yet, the company continued to
invest in her and those on board kept going beyond
their job descriptions to make her work.
Now, in the twilight of her career, QE2 remains
an impressive ship. Not as large as QUEEN MARY
2 or today’s mega-cruise ships and lacking many of
the facilities of those ships, QE2 offers a unique
atmosphere. Much of this has to do with history.
There are now considerable exhibits and references
on board to Cunard’s nearly 170-year history. But
more importantly, there is QE2’s own history of
service in peace and war, bringing enjoyment to
millions of people - - an icon of the second half of the
20th century.
| QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 |
| CUNARD |
QE2 TOUR AND
COMMENTARY
COMMENTARY
CLICK ON PHOTOS FOR LARGER
VIEWS
VIEWS
Overview............................................................Page One
Open Decks.........................................................Page Two
Spa and Indoor Sports Facilities ........................Page Three
Entertainment Venues (Major Public Rooms) .....Page Four
Bars and Lounges ................................................Page Five
Library, Shops and Other Areas...........................Page Six
Dining..................................................................Page Seven
Accommodations.................................................Page Eight
Behind the Scenes...............................................Page Nine
Open Decks.........................................................Page Two
Spa and Indoor Sports Facilities ........................Page Three
Entertainment Venues (Major Public Rooms) .....Page Four
Bars and Lounges ................................................Page Five
Library, Shops and Other Areas...........................Page Six
Dining..................................................................Page Seven
Accommodations.................................................Page Eight
Behind the Scenes...............................................Page Nine
BEYONDSHIPS HOME
CRUISE SHIP CENTRAL
CRUISE SHIP PROFILES
CRUISE LINKS
QUEEN VICTORIA PROFILE
QUEEN MARY 2 PROFILE
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 PROFILE
CUNARD PAGE
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 TOUR 1
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 TOUR 2
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 TOUR 3
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 TOUR 4
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 TOUR 5
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 TOUR 6
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 TOUR 7
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 TOUR 8
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 TOUR 9
CRUISE SHIP CENTRAL
CRUISE SHIP PROFILES
CRUISE LINKS
QUEEN VICTORIA PROFILE
QUEEN MARY 2 PROFILE
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 PROFILE
CUNARD PAGE
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 TOUR 1
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 TOUR 2
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 TOUR 3
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 TOUR 4
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 TOUR 5
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 TOUR 6
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 TOUR 7
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 TOUR 8
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 TOUR 9
Pier 90 in New York decorated for a sailing of QE2
in the 1990s. The balloons would be released as the
ship proceeded down the North River (i.e. the lower
Hudson River) towards the sea.
in the 1990s. The balloons would be released as the
ship proceeded down the North River (i.e. the lower
Hudson River) towards the sea.
Passengers arriving on QE2 are greeted by stewards and
waiters in the Midships Lobby on Two Deck. Originally,
the Midships Lobby was the entrance for first class guests
with transatlantic class passengers entering by G stairway
near the stern. However, for many years now, Midships
has been the entrance for all passengers.
waiters in the Midships Lobby on Two Deck. Originally,
the Midships Lobby was the entrance for first class guests
with transatlantic class passengers entering by G stairway
near the stern. However, for many years now, Midships
has been the entrance for all passengers.
Above: The Pursers Office today.
Below: The Pursers Office in an earlier incarnation.
Below: The Pursers Office in an earlier incarnation.
Prior to QE2, the standard design on ocean liners called for
a semi-enclosed promenade on either side of the ship.
QE2's designers opted to include this space within the
interior of the public rooms. This made the public areas on
Quarter Deck and Upper Deck more spacious and allowed
for excellent views of the sea from the interior public
spaces.
a semi-enclosed promenade on either side of the ship.
QE2's designers opted to include this space within the
interior of the public rooms. This made the public areas on
Quarter Deck and Upper Deck more spacious and allowed
for excellent views of the sea from the interior public
spaces.
The Midships Lobby is the first place passengers see when
entering the ship and it has undergone many changes.
Originally, it was ultra-modern with black leather walls and
bright green upholstery on the benches. Today, all that
remains of the space-age design is the center pillar and
ceiling.
Above: A silver model of QE2 now in the Midships Lobby.
Below left: The Midships Lobby after the 1990 refit
Below: The Midships Lobby today. The mural by Peter
Sutton depicting Cunard's history was added in 1994.
entering the ship and it has undergone many changes.
Originally, it was ultra-modern with black leather walls and
bright green upholstery on the benches. Today, all that
remains of the space-age design is the center pillar and
ceiling.
Above: A silver model of QE2 now in the Midships Lobby.
Below left: The Midships Lobby after the 1990 refit
Below: The Midships Lobby today. The mural by Peter
Sutton depicting Cunard's history was added in 1994.
The art work on QE2 is quite varied, much of it with a
nautical and/or historical element.
Left: A portrait of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother,
which was originally on the ship that bore her name
QUEEN ELIZABETH and which came to QE2 in 1994.
In the distance is a suit of samurai armour. QE2 is very
popular in Japan and was on charter in the City of
Yokohama for part of 1989.
Above: Some of the modernistic original artwork for
QE2 still can be found on A stairway.
Right: A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince
Phillip that was originally on Cunard's CARONIA. The
painting as well as the wood paneling was added to
QE2 in 1994.
nautical and/or historical element.
Left: A portrait of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother,
which was originally on the ship that bore her name
QUEEN ELIZABETH and which came to QE2 in 1994.
In the distance is a suit of samurai armour. QE2 is very
popular in Japan and was on charter in the City of
Yokohama for part of 1989.
Above: Some of the modernistic original artwork for
QE2 still can be found on A stairway.
Right: A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince
Phillip that was originally on Cunard's CARONIA. The
painting as well as the wood paneling was added to
QE2 in 1994.
In 1994, Cunard commissioned New York artist
Giancarlo Impiglia to paint a series of murals for QE2.
(Click here for story).
Giancarlo Impiglia to paint a series of murals for QE2.
(Click here for story).
QE2 is a floating treasure trove of nautical memorabilia. Left: A figure head of Britannia carved by sculptor
Charles Moore that originally stood in the Britannia (later Mauretania) Restaurant. Above: A sculpture "Spirit
of the Atlantic" from the second Cunard liner to be called MAURETANIA. Above right: There are numerous
ship models on QE2. This one is of Cunard's CARONIA, known as "The Green Goddess." Below left: A
collection of photographs taken by Ocean Pictures of passengers, celebrities and visitors to Cunard Ships.
Below center: Artifacts from the QUEEN MARY. Below right: A collection of items from or realting to Cunard
ships bequeathed to the line by Peter Radmore.
Charles Moore that originally stood in the Britannia (later Mauretania) Restaurant. Above: A sculpture "Spirit
of the Atlantic" from the second Cunard liner to be called MAURETANIA. Above right: There are numerous
ship models on QE2. This one is of Cunard's CARONIA, known as "The Green Goddess." Below left: A
collection of photographs taken by Ocean Pictures of passengers, celebrities and visitors to Cunard Ships.
Below center: Artifacts from the QUEEN MARY. Below right: A collection of items from or realting to Cunard
ships bequeathed to the line by Peter Radmore.
Above: A series of three tapestries designed by Helen Banynina Hernmarck
depicting the launch of QE2 in 1967. Unfortunately, they have been severely
damaged by vandals. For many years, they were an elegant addition to the
Quarter Deck landing of D stairway just outside of the Columbia restaurant
(above right). However, in 1994, as part of an ill-considered scheme to
transform the Columbia Restaurant into the Mauretania Restaurant they were
removed to the top of the E stairway on Boat Deck and replaced by a giant
model of the first MAURETANIA (right). The model remains in that location
despite the fact that the Mauretania Restaurant was returned to its original
site in 1996.
depicting the launch of QE2 in 1967. Unfortunately, they have been severely
damaged by vandals. For many years, they were an elegant addition to the
Quarter Deck landing of D stairway just outside of the Columbia restaurant
(above right). However, in 1994, as part of an ill-considered scheme to
transform the Columbia Restaurant into the Mauretania Restaurant they were
removed to the top of the E stairway on Boat Deck and replaced by a giant
model of the first MAURETANIA (right). The model remains in that location
despite the fact that the Mauretania Restaurant was returned to its original
site in 1996.
Open Decks is next
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