Cruise Talk: "Birdcage" funnels

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Topic: "Birdcage" funnels

Fairsky
First Class Passenger
Member # 781

posted 01-18-2003 10:57 PM

Why do you think so many cruise lines are designing ships with so called "birdcage" funnels. These are funnels that do not solid structures- but instead us pipes or thin steal slats to create the funnel. One can see through them, and often see the pipes and other mechanical elements.

I think these funnels are rather unattractive, and practically speaking, it is often difficult to see the ship's logo.

Princess has been using such designs since their Sun-class in 1995. NCL and Star both have birdcages on all their newbuilds, and RCI's new Radiance-class ship are near-birdcages... here are some examples:

But without question the largest and most offensive birdcage belongs to Coral Princess- honestly, you could keep a terradactil in there.

[ 01-18-2003: Message edited by: skyej ]

Posts: 1685 | From: Chicago, Illinois | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

jeffrossatsea
First Class Passenger
Member # 2962

posted 01-19-2003 12:08 AM

it's cheaper.....plus i guess it keeps the pipes cooler...i really don't know....i believe this idea was used once before...the old "caribe I" when she was first brought back into service which is now the "regal empress" now i know why they replaced it with a proper funnel.....jeff

Posts: 1118 | From: vancouver | Registered: Apr 2002 | IP: Logged

Jekyll
First Class Passenger
Member # 1878

posted 01-19-2003 09:33 AM

The fist ones that I can think of like this were probably on the Michaelangelo/ Raffaelo. Horizon and Zenith have them too...

My guess is that they might be fuel efficient by allowing air to pass through them thus giving less resistance.

Anyone else?

Posts: 1524 | From: Nowhere | Registered: Mar 2001 | IP: Logged

gohaze
First Class Passenger
Member # 586

posted 01-19-2003 10:33 AM

It helps to stop soot and gases being pulled down onto the deck. With a solid funnel casing you have a vacuum behind which isn't there with the open casing.
When you had the old steamers with plenty of smoke you could sometimes see a curl coming down from the lee lip of the funnel, which showed what happens really well.
...peter

Posts: 1909 | From: Vancouver.BC | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

VDK
First Class Passenger
Member # 3460

posted 01-19-2003 10:48 AM

I wonder if weight has a factor to play in this. A lot of newer ships are running with gas turbines and larger uptakes are a result of this, this in turn generally results in a larger funnel design (and less wieght below due to reduction in traditional machinery types). Using an open concept would greatly reduce weight up high. I also would suggest that a lot of designers probably consider this look modern and somewhat futuristic so perhaps there is that a play as well.

Posts: 325 | From: Victoria, BC, Canada | Registered: Nov 2002 | IP: Logged

Britanis
First Class Passenger
Member # 2912

posted 01-19-2003 06:43 PM

For some reason I really don't mind the birdcage look all that much, as long as its doen tastefully. Princess' funnels are simply too big, they make the ship look top heavy. I think I must be the only one out there that likes Zuiderdam's twin garbage can funnels. Even if you hate them, you have to admit that there are far more serious problems with her interiors.

I DO take issue with the claim that Zuiderdam is the first passenger ship built with two functioning funnels since Michalengelo and Rafaello in 1965. If I'm not mistaken, Eugenio C., Song of Flower, the Seabourn triplets, HAL's own Rotterdam VI, and a host of ferries sport the twin-funnel profile.

[ 01-19-2003: Message edited by: Britanis ]

Posts: 944 | From: Philadelphia, USA- former home of International Merchantile and Marine Co. | Registered: Mar 2002 | IP: Logged

Fairsky
First Class Passenger
Member # 781

posted 01-20-2003 10:11 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Britanis:

I DO take issue with the claim that Zuiderdam is the first passenger ship built with two functioning funnels since Michalengelo and Rafaello in 1965. If I'm not mistaken, Eugenio C., Song of Flower, the Seabourn triplets, HAL's own Rotterdam VI, and a host of ferries sport the twin-funnel profile.

I believe all of the ships you listed have "twin uptake" funnels- meaning they are positioned side by side. (You can also add Canberra to that list). Zuiderdam, like the old ocean liners, has two funnels positioned forward and aft of one another. Of course the Disney twins also have two funnels forward and aft, but the forward funnel is a dummy- non functional.

But that brings up another thing- it seems that a lot of ships coming out of the Fincantieri shipyard have cylindrical (waste can) funnels. The first were Crown/Regal Princess in 1990/1. Then Costa Romantica and Classica (and then Costa adopted the funnel as a trademark for all future ships). Rotterdam VI's funnels are nearly cylindrical- and now Zuiderdam.

I have also seen an early model of the Grand Princess with dual cylindrical funnels, much like on Zuiderdam- although on Grand the funnels were angled back a bit.... that would have been an interesting looking ship. I wonder why Fincantieri is so committed to cylindrical funnels.

[ 01-20-2003: Message edited by: skyej ]

Posts: 1685 | From: Chicago, Illinois | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

VivaLim
First Class Passenger
Member # 3566

posted 01-24-2003 04:55 AM

I supposed they think it's neater, one the outlook to have those type of funnel, the reason why some funnels don't really stand out is becoz they're white in background, which means that the logo had to be of a more striking colour, not necessary dark ones, in order to be more visible, look at Star Cruises funnels, it's not bad becoz they background is of a darker colour, and yellow stands out very well....

Posts: 21 | From: Singapore | Registered: Dec 2002 | IP: Logged

cncservo
First Class Passenger
Member # 532

posted 01-24-2003 04:56 PM

That is not a funnel but a cruise missle.

Posts: 170 | Registered: May 99 | IP: Logged

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