Introduction
The Queen Elizabeth, built in 2010, is a prominent member of the Cunard Line fleet, renowned for its elegance, luxury, with tradition mixed with modern amenities. This ship is the second Cunard vessel to bear the name (third if you consider the QE2). She continues the legacy of its predecessors offering reliable worldwide voyages to numerous locales. This article delves into the history, design, and significance of the 2010-built Queen Elizabeth.
Design and Construction
The Queen Elizabeth was ordered by Cunard Line in 2007 and constructed by the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. Carnival Corp. had decided to retire the QE2 in 2008 so they in turn ordered a vessel for Cunard to maintain a three-ship fleet. The ship’s interior design pays homage to the Art Deco style, reminiscent of the original Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary, blending traditional elegance with contemporary features.
The ship, like her sister Queen Victoria, is of a Vista-class, albeit a slightly modified version from her sister. The most noticeable difference being the redesign of her stern. To add a few more balcony cabins, she features a more vertical stern. This also allows for an expansive aft pool deck.
Vessel Particulars
- 90,901 GT (around 900gt more than the Queen Victoria)
- 7,773 DWT
- 50,157 NT
- 47,263t displacement
- 294m LOA (964.5ft)
- 32.25m beam (105.8ft)
- 2,092 passengers (max capacity of 2,547) and an average of 996 crew members.
Some other interesting facts and notes that I picked up while onboard last year. The ship is powered by two 360-degree rotating Azipods, though while underway their range of motion is limited to 35 degrees to port or starboard to prevent damage from resistive current forces. Turning the pods perpendicular at speed would cause severe mechanical stress. With both propulsion units operating, the ship can swing from one extreme to the other—known as “hard-over to hard-over”—in just 12 seconds. If only one unit is in use, the same maneuver takes 24 seconds.
Upon her launch, she held the distinction of being the second-largest “Cunarder” ever built, a testament to both her size and her advanced maneuvering capabilities.
Inauguration and Maiden Voyage
The Queen Elizabeth was christened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on October 11, 2010, in a grand ceremony held in Southampton, England. This event marked a significant moment in maritime history, as the Queen had previously launched the ship’s namesake, the QE2, in 1967. Queen Elizabeth’s mother christened the original RMS Queen Elizabeth in 1938. The new Queen Elizabeth embarked on her maiden voyage on October 12, 2010, setting sail for the Canary Islands.
Features and Amenities
The Queen Elizabeth offers an impressive array of luxurious features and amenities designed to deliver an unforgettable cruising experience. Accommodations range from elegantly appointed staterooms to the lavish Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites, which include exclusive dining venues, a private lounge, and personalized service. Dining options span from the formal Britannia Restaurant to the casual Lido Buffet, with specialty venues like The Verandah serving gourmet cuisine, and the daily afternoon High Tea providing a refined tradition—fittingly, it’s where this very article is being written. Entertainment is equally diverse, with West End-style shows in the Royal Court Theatre, live music in the Queens Room, and late-night dancing in the Yacht Club, alongside a casino, a library, and numerous lounges and bars. For wellness and recreation, passengers can indulge in the full-service spa, stay active in the fitness center, enjoy swimming pools and sports courts, or take a stroll along the ship’s classic promenade deck.
Itineraries and Destinations
Since her launch, the Queen Elizabeth has traveled to numerous destinations all around the world. The ship’s itineraries include transatlantic crossings, Mediterranean cruises, journey’s up to Alaska, voyages to the Baltic, and explorations of the Caribbean and South America. Each voyage is meticulously planned to offer passengers unique cultural experiences and stunning scenic views.
Conclusion
The Queen Elizabeth, built in 2010, is a testament to the enduring appeal of luxury ocean travel. With its elegant design, modern amenities, and rich heritage, the ship offers an unparalleled cruising experience. As the latest in a line of illustrious vessels bearing the name, the Queen Elizabeth continues to inspire and captivate travelers from around the world.