Welcome to Cruise Talk the Internet's most popular discussion forum dedicated to cruising. Stop by Cruise Talk anytime to post a message or find out what your fellow passengers and industry insiders are saying about a particular ship, cruise line or destination.
>>> Reader Reviews >>> CruisePage.com Photo Gallery >>> Join Our Cruise Club.
Latest News...Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) today reported third quarter Earnings per Share ("EPS") of $5.74 and Adjusted EPS of $5.75. These results were better than the company's guidance primarily due to higher than expected close-in demand and lower costs. The company is raising its full year 2025 Adjusted EPS guidance to $15.58 to $15.63, representing 32% year-over-year growth. This increase...
Latest News...Oceania Cruises, the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line, invites travelers to experience the ultimate global journey aboard the luxurious Oceania Vista during its 2027 Around the World cruise. In addition to options ranging from 127 days to more than eight months, the once-in-a-lifetime 244-day voyage has been thoughtfully divided into 17 immersive...
Latest News...Royal Caribbean Group is bringing the ultimate day to Santorini. Set to open in summer 2026, Royal Beach Club Santorini will welcome vacationers from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises and combine the breathtaking volcanic beaches of this iconic Greek island with the company's signature experiences alongside the vibrant Grecian spirit and culture to create the ultimate Santorini..
quote:Originally posted by Cunard Fan:The QM2 and QE2 have there lifeboats higher then deck 4. So if a passenger ship is a passenger then how come they are exsemped from the rules. Is it just because of the waves?
QM2 was an exception because of the route she was designed for-the North Atlantic. Her boats are approx 7-8 decks above the waterline (QE2s are 8 decks above) while all other newbuild passenger/cruise ships are at 4 decks. Don't get Ernst started about 'liners' . I believe that QM2 is a liner (at least for part of the year) as she delivers passengers from point A to B.
quote:Originally posted by Cunard Fan:If a ship is sinking deck four is going to reach the water a lot faster the say deck 7.
Unless it's QE2 where 7 Deck is below the waterline and 4 Deck is 3 decks higher in the ship.
Brian
I am sure some members here have more reliable information on that.
Concerning 'liners' - there is not technical term 'liner' - nor is this term mentioned in any of the SOLAS regulations - there all passenger ships are 'the same'. (they are of course differetiated by their size or whether they stay near the coast etc.)
The Fantasy class (like the above mentioned QE2) are older - the new rules (or recommendations) were not in place 'back' then. (the superstructure BTW is not considered in the freeboard)
QM2 is an exception - and I would also like to know (in more detail) why she has the boats in a higher location. I guess (GUESS) it is not only 'more reasonable' but also insurance or classification companies might have demanded that. (following their regulations, guidelines - or did they just demand it for her?)
Also in this case I am sure that some member here can provide detailed information.
Beside the above mentioned reasons (height, clearance etc.) - lower life boats are also easier to reach for the passengers aboard - it is considered as being more difficult to 'climb' up many decks.
Sorry for the long posting.
quote:Originally posted by Cunard Fan: If a ship is sinking deck four is going to reach the water a lot faster the say deck 7. It seems to me that it would smarter to have the life boat a little higer up in the middle.
Because ships don't always sink--more frequently they burn. You don't want to have the ship's population struggling through smoke to reach the top of the vessel in order to be lowered again to the bottom level. By mustering people in lower areas, closer to the evacuation destination (the water) the safer it should be (in theory and in practice.)
Rich
quote:Originally posted by Ernst:QM2 is an exception - and I would also like to know (in more detail) why she has the boats in a higher location.
During her building I read updates on the World Ship Society-New York Branch site. That site had an interview w/her designer and he explained various details of her unique design. The placement of lifeboats was mentioned, 'hull hole' style verandahs as well as the unique rounded stern. All of these features were designed in a manner to prevent possible damage during high seas on her North Atlantic crossings. The article mentioned that Cunard requested and received permission for the boats to be placed 3-4 decks higher than a standard cruise ship due to her intended service route. There is still a great photo essay of her construction on that site.
quote:Originally posted by Cunard Fan:So companys don't have to put them that low? Also is there still a risk of fire with the new regulations?
There is always a risk of fire even on newbuilds that conform to the latest standards. The soft furnishings and passengers belongings will all burn. As an example look at the verandah fire onboard Star Princess. The cruise lines learned from this and many (QM2 included) are installing sprinklers on the verandahs for additional safety.
Ultimate Bulletin BoardTM 6.1.0.3
More Vacation & Cruise Specials...