Bridge Design Evolution of the Queens

For this excercise, I am deliberately leaving out and discussion on the new Queen Elizabeth. In my opinion, there is no design evolution or connection with the previous Queens save for a near carbon copy of the QE2 foremast and a rather untidy rendition of QE2's iconic funnel.  Check back here for a future post on QE's funnel design.

Let's compare the original Queen Elizabeth bridge and forward superstructure design with that of Queen Elizabeth 2.  The similarities are striking when one compares photos taken at similar angles of the two ships. In retrospect,  I now find the QE2 design  more evolutionary than I had once thought.  The enclosed bridge, while present on the original Elizabeth, gets updated with a modern, futuristic flare on QE2, with the added feature of the forward raked windscreen.  Let us also not forget that the original QE2 windows were not painted out in black, but were painted out in a tan color.  In my opinion, the black accentuates the design and imparts a look that is more modern that the original color scheme.  In fact, Stephen Payne recognized this aspect of QE2's design and incorporated it into Queen Mary 2's bridge design, with the raked center portion and blacked out window frames.

The functional open bridge wings are evident in both Elizabeth designs, with the vertical supports still present, but tucked in a bit from the superstructure on QE2.  Cleverly, the ships running lights are integrated into these structures on both ships.  Both ships also have observations decks located below the bridge area; my favorite exterior place to be I might add.   Even the wind deflector device at the face of the open bridge wings is evident on both designs.  The forward facing windows became smaller and less in quantity in the QE2 design, but the intent of updating the Queen Elizabeth fenestration pattern is clearly evident, especially when you see what the original designers intended.

The current configuration of QE2, with the later appendage housing an expanded kitchen and resulting plating over of the taller existing forward facing windows on QE2 diminishes the outright comparison of the appearance of the forward superstructure with that of the original Elizabeth.  In fact, when I first laid eyes on QE2, I was surprised to see the lack of forward facing windows.  I am not alone in that I have never know QE2 without the modifications to the forward superstructure.  From these shots above and below of QE2 undergoing sea trials, it is clear that the designers were intent on an evolutionary, yet modern interpretation of the legendary original Queen Elizabeth, proudly built on the Clyde.

 

QE3 Arrives in Southampton

QE3 arrives in Southampton.  Photo courtesy of Cunard



Almost tied up at the pier in Southampton.  Photo courtesy of Cunard.



Turning around, unaided by tugs.  Photo courtesy of Cunard



Photo courtesy of Cunard

Queen Elizabeth (3) made her maiden call to her homeport of Southampton, UK today.  From at least these photos posted on the Cunard Facebook page, she looks rather stunning.   Other angles, particularily of the stern area are less flattering.  In a few days, the Queen will name the ship.  She better not go off message and name the ship Queen Elizabeth the Third!  All the names have been welded to the hull with no room to add a "3" and the ship fully stocked with Queen Elizabeth merchandise.  As Cunard says, "the world awaits!"



New Queen Elizabeth 3 Video Posted

Cunard President Peter Shanks with the keys to the new QE3.  Photo from www.wearecunard.com

Cunard, having accepting delivery of QE3, finally has posted a decent video of the ship.  Thank you Cunard for this excellent video.  Now that I have seen the ship in action, you have saved me money!!!  I can cancel my maiden transatlantic trip and go on a real liner, QM2. 

Actually, the decision was difficult to switch the booking to QM2's Caribbean Calypso cruise, but was mainly an economic decision and not a reflection on the ship.  The interiors are stunning and we will sail on her someday, but for now it will be QE2's replacement and Flagship of Cunard, the Queen Mary 2.  The countdown to the cruise begins!  This spot, beneath the bridge, similar to that on QE2, will be our favorite spot to view the sea.

In fairness, I cancelled yesterday before the video came out and the decision had already been made.  Now, what is the obsession with the bulbous bow in the QE3 video????

Cunard Takes Ownership of New Queen Elizabeth 3

Stunning Britannia Restaurant close to completion in a modern Art Deco theme - Photo courtesy of Cunard

Not the most flattering view. Photo courtesy of Cunard

Cunard Press Release
30 September 2010 - Cunard Line has taken delivery of Queen Elizabeth - the second largest Cunarder ever built and the third new liner for the luxury cruise vacation company in six years.

The Handover Ceremony took place today on board the new 92,400-ton vessel at the Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard. The event included a speech by Cunard President Peter Shanks. The Italian flag was ceremonially lowered and the Blue Ensign was raised, marking the entry of another magnificent Cunard liner into the Register of British Shipping.
"This ceremony to mark the completion of the Queen Elizabeth and our acceptance of delivery, is just the first of a number of significant events over the next few weeks - including the ship's official naming by Her Majesty The Queen in Southampton on Monday 11 October," said Shanks. "I'm certain the British will take this truly magnificent ship to their hearts, as they have all the Cunard Queens."
Queen Elizabeth is due to leave the shipyard today and sail to Southampton, where she will berth at the Ocean Cruise Terminal on Friday 8 October.
Queen Elizabeth will depart on her Maiden Voyage at 5:00pm on Tuesday 12 October.

http://www.cunard.com/About-Cunard-Line/News-Room/Press-Information/Queen-Elizabeth/?art=6457

Queen Elizabeth 3 - Photo courtesy of Cunard

Queen Elizabeth 3 - Photo courtesy of Cunard

R.M.S. Queen Elizabeth - September 27, 1938

On this day in 1938, the second great Cunard Queen, R.M.S. Queen Elizabeth,was launched at the John Brown Shipyard into the River Clyde, almost four years to the day of the launch of Queen Mary.  Launching video can briefly be seen here.

http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=13459

http://www.relevantsearchscotland.co.uk/ships/ships/042queenelizabeth.html

QE3: The Shape of Things to Come

This phrase reminds me of the advertising for the Triumph TR7 that was used in the late 70's to describe the radical for the time wedge shape of the new sports car from the British automaker British Leyland.  The radical shape provoked a love it or hate it reaction.  Coupled with the dreadfully poor build quality of the cars, the Triumph nameplate disappeared in the United States in the early 80's.

When Cunard announced they would be building a replacement for QE2, the speculation was that the design would be a derivation of the Queen Victoria design.  QE3, the third Queen Elizabeth, would later confirmed by Cunard to be a true sistership to Queen Victoria, but which some changes.  For myself and countless other QE2 devotees, this would prove to be an utter disappointment, expecting more from Cunard.  QE2 was a radical design and trend setting when she was launched in 1967.  She would showcase the latest design trends, featuring prominent British designers, and she was a shock to many accustomed to the Art Deco interiors of the original Queens. 

Cunard, in choosing to name new the ship Queen Elizabeth, is harking back to the Art Deco designs of the original Queen Elizabeth, in a retro style, and is taking no chances here with cutting edge interior design.  You could see this coming with the interiors of the Queen Victoria, which are done in a heavy retro Victorian theme.  Having not seen either ship yet in person, I will reserve any further judgement.  Having experienced the "over the top" Joe Farcus interior designs on the Costa Magica as my other cruise ship experiences, I suspect the Princess interior design team will provide a much more classy, restrained elegance experience throughout the ship.  Perhaps the Art Deco influences will be handled well, but I am concerned that they may go the Disney route here and do a watered down poor impression of Art Deco.

My biggest disappointment with the new QE3 lies in the fact that the new ship will not be trend setting or special in any way, but more of the same from Cunard, who are playing it safe with the retro "liner" theme.  I can understand why the ship will not be built for the speed and sea-keeping abilities of a liner.  QM2 is handling this market well.  I can also understand using a proven hull design to save on engineering costs.  Both the Queen Victoria and the QE3 are variations on the proven Carnival Corporation Vista hull design.  But I had higher expectations that there would be more customization of this design to make them unique to Cunard.  Perhaps additional engines for additional speed when desired.  Perhaps a different bridge design.  Perhaps some modifications to the squared off stern. Perhaps even a Tyfon horn sound to remind us of QE2.

Instead, the Queen Elizabeth is getting additional cabins, similar to the sistership HAL's Eurodam, which does not make the already rather ugly stern profile any prettier.  Gone is the stepped down liner-like profile of the Queen Victoria in favor of additional cabins and smaller balconies.  Adding to this, the area above the bridge on the QE3 is roofed over for indoor sporting activities, which adds additional mass high up on the profile.  While I am looking forward to using this space, it does look a bit tacked on from the photos that have been posted.

The mass expanse of the bridge, extending low across the bow, does not appear to have been changed in the slightest from the Queen Victoria design.  Once again, I was wishfully thinking that Cunard would have made at least a few subtle changes in the design to pay homage to the greatest ship in the world that preceeded the current design.  Also missing, will be the open observation deck I spent so much time braving the elements on QE2.

One of QE2's sleek, almost sinister features I loved to photograph was the blacked out bridge window area with the forward sloping glass.  Blacking out the vast expanse of window mullions across the bridge would go along way to improving the look here.....hint, hint Cunard.

Despite these changes and cookie cutter approach to the design, with the Cunard colors, QE2 inspired funnel and foremast, QE3 will still look better than most other cruise ship sailing the seas.  QE2 was stunningly beautiful at any angle, with perfect proportions.  She was designed in a different time, without the emphasis on balconies and interior volumes and amenities that the cruising public have now come to expect.  Wherever I look on QE2, I see evidence of designers spending time to get every detail and proportion just right.  Unfortunately, I just do not see this in QE3. 

QE3 is the shape of things to come, personifying the trend to maximize what the ship contains inside while striking a compromise with the exterior aesthetics of the ship.  Like the TR7 car design, it's a love/hate reaction to those familar to QE2.  I'm just not in love quite yet.  We're booked on the Maiden Tandem Crossing in January 2011 and I suspect that may change once we're onboard after a two years absence from Cunard.  The temptation to make comparisions to QE2 will be still be hard to resist.