Another chapter in Cunards history.

The new 'Queen Elizabeth' was handed over to Cunard from her Italian builders today. She will arrive in Southampton on 8th October, be named by HM The Queen on the 11th and sail on her maiden voyage the day after. Modern ship design is not everyones cup of tea I know, but I love the way the Cunard name and ships live on for a new generation. Long may they continue.

http://www.cunard.co.uk/About-Cunard/News-Room/Queen-Elizabeths-Southampton-Arrival/

 

Such a shame she was not built in a British yard. But good to see the name "Cunard" going from strength to strength.

I wish the new "Queen" all the very best but know she will never be a patch on her Old sisters.

Stan

 

Don''t think we have a yard capable of building a large passenger vessel anymore - or if we do, not at a competative price.

You may be correct about the comparison Stan, but the current 'Queens' are built to do a different job to their predecessors.

I'm certainly making the trip to Soton to welcome her in for the 1st time.

 

Strange how European countries like France, Italy and Germany all still afford to have shipyards that can build such vessels but we can't. Making things is apparently below us Brits, we instead want to spend our time doing miodern, "high level" activities like stocking supermarket shelves, manning call centres ringing people who don't want ringing or working out the best way to live off benefits. Or, of course, working out the next method for the world-class "financial Services" industry to try ato destroy human civilisation.

Makes you proud to be British!

(With apologies to the many excellent supermarket staff!)

Steven

 

Brilliant. How very true.

Stan

 

Its a disgrace really that we cant build these ships in the U.K. but time has moved on and sadly britains shipyards were left in the past. However its wonderful that Carnival have faith in the Cunard brand and are prepared to dig deep to build 3 fabulous liners over the last 5 years or so. I

 

I'd rather boil in a vat oil than step foot on that thing. Same with yer plastic trains. If it isn't UK built, I aint going! If everybody had that attitude, do you think all our tax money would be flooding across the seas to pay for stuff we could have made ourselves?

 

I think we do, I would guess it around the same length as the new flat tops, if they ever get finished?

 

I'm afraid that I can't summon up any enthusiasm for yet another cookie cutter Carnivore Vista Class. I know John is enthusiastic, and good luck to him, but she does nothing for me. A few hundred gallons of paint and she's P & O or HAL or Carnival itself. A bit of black and red and we are supposed to go all misty eyed - sorry Mr Skanks - you stick with your Cunard corporate view.

As to why can't the UK get contracts - we play by the EU rules. Don't look too closely at how Polish or Italian yards are financed by their governments.

 

There is a fundemantal difference in these countires. Their Governments believe in a strong industrial base as a major part of the economy. For years the UK has sold itself away based on spineless governance by short sighted bankers to concentrate on services. When it all goes jugs up people lament the passing of UK Engineering skills.

It is up to the British electrorate to elect a strong government to protect the interests of Britain.

 

The only issue with that is...which party is that????

 

Sorry we are getting outside of the original post but..

The issue with the comfort zone of two (and a bit) party politics is that people live with the idea that democracy is imposed on them and they have no power. The majority blindly follow what they are being told. In a democracy the people have the power they just do not realise it. Look back through history and you see that it only takes one person to start the change. Your vote and opinions count, so use them well. As to which party it is? Well that is an opinion and not fact. That's for another topic.

Back to the topic. Is the shakedown going well or are they still working on fitting out?

 

She may be built in an Italian Yard, look like 'a block of flats' and be owned by a large American Company, but her arrival in Southampton early yesterday morning brought a lump to my throat. The fact that the brand 'Cunard' lives on, and two of their three ships carry the names of the greatest passenger liners every built is good enough for me! God bless her and all who sail in her (including me next April

More pics from the arrival here;

http://johnleyland736.mediaobject.co.uk/p67588671.html

 

Queen Elizabeth Ship.

Gotta admit shes one massive ship!!
Is there anyone from here that been to see or knows if you can get to view the Queen Elizabeth ship?? I know shes sitting in Eastern Docks at the moment, I would like to see her and I might travel down to view her tomorrow before she leaves tuesday.
Thanks.

 

Thanks for the pictures. Good to see the Cunard colours still flying high.

Just a pity their ships look so pig ugly.

Stan

 

Re: Queen Elizabeth Ship.

Jason, once you get to Southampton, the cheapest way to see her is to catch the Hythe Ferry from 'Town Quay' (there is a free and frequent bus service from Central Station).

Hythe Ferry times here; http://www.hytheferry.co.uk/extra.mhtml?page_no=1&count-num=239053

The ferry sails right past the entrance to the Ocean Dock where she is berthed.

Blue Funnel Cruises are doing special tours around the port; details here http://www.bluefunnel.co.uk/itinerary.php?type=Southampton_Harbour_Tour

or you can catch the Red Funnel Ferry to the IOW and back (about £14 for a day return) which also takes you past the oil berths at Fawley where you can see tankers of all sizes!

Hope you make it down there!

 

Just to add to John's post.
If you catch the ferry over to Hythe, it's worth walking along the path around Hythe Marina. Turn right from the pier and right again along the path along the edge of the marina development which is parallel with the pier. There is a view point at the end of the path looking across to the Eastern Docks.

You might find this link useful
http://www.southamptonvts.co.uk/shipping_movments.asp

Cheers, Neil

 

........and if you get the ferry over keep your fingers crossed that it is the standby Hotspur IV in service and not the Great Expectations.

 

She is not the most attractive liner you will see on the outside, but looking at the footage i have seen so far of her interiors, she looks something special. I am joining her in 3 weeks for a cruise around the med, and must admit i am really looking forward to spending 17 nights travelling on the new QE. She will never replace the wonderful QE2 in my eyes, but time moves on and in spite of all the politics of ownership, build location etc, its wonderful to see another ship in that traditional livery - the finest that a ship has ever worn.
Great photos of her arrival John, you were blessed with a beautiful sunrise, takes me back to 11th November 2008 when i stood and watched the QE2 on her last arrival in Southampton from the deck of the Shieldhall

 

I agree completely. Yes, the sunrise was awesome and added a lot of atmosphere to the proceedings. She has a 'typhon' siren, just like QM2 and the old Queens, fair sent a shiver down my spine when she was returning the greetings she got from other ships in the port! Have a great time on your cruise, I have to wait until April 2011 - she should be well and truly 'run in' by then