Cruise Talk: QM2 facilities location

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»	Cruise Talk » Technically Speaking » QM2 facilities location

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Topic: QM2 facilities location

sslewis
First Class Passenger
Member # 3649

posted 01-02-2004 04:06 AM

Recent events in the channel makews wonder about some design flaws in the new cruiseships.
The biggest problem is the height of these ships, that a strong breeze(normal in Caribbean-Atlantic) turn into a sailing ship, even docked!
Cabins are now situated high too, interesting in Atlantic crossings..
The biggest issue however is the confirmed move of water attraction up on deck.
Most liners had swimming pool deep within the vessel, an rarely closed, even in rough weather.
Even on QM2, the Champneys facilities are so high that their pool might not be available as often as expected.
Pools waters are used in case of emergency, yet it does not explain the rise of such facilities detrimental to their basic use.
ssLewis, concerned

Posts: 2513 | From: Shipspotting Solent shores when weather allows.... | Registered: Feb 2003 | IP: Logged

PamM
First Class Passenger
Member # 2127

posted 01-02-2004 04:48 AM

quote:
Originally posted by sslewis:
The biggest problem is the height of these ships, that a strong breeze(normal in Caribbean-Atlantic) turn into a sailing ship, even docked!

Reminds me of being on Arcadia at La Rochelle in July '01. The winds were blowing a F5.. no big deal, but pushing us into the dock. We could not pull away even with the assistance of 2 tugs. After trying for an hour or so, they gave up and we were delayed 3 or 4 hours before a further tug was available. That worked and off we went, but the delay & further strong winds [F7 IIRC, which Arcadia seemed to struggle with unduly] put paid to our stop off Guernsey.. but that's not unusual in choppy weather anyway.

I wonder what % of cruise ships due to call at Guernsey never make it? It seems to be quite common for it to be too rough for tendering there?

quote:
Most liners had swimming pool deep within the vessel, an rarely closed, even in rough weather.

[my first reply here was nonsense I misread your comment, sorry]
Yes.. I remember many a time being able to swim down in the depths of Southern Cross' indoor pool, albeit still with water sloshing about everywhere, when the outdoor pools were closed.

Pam

[ 01-02-2004: Message edited by: PamM ]

Posts: 12176 | From: Cambridge, UK | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 01-02-2004 05:56 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by sslewis:
The biggest problem is the height of these ships, that a strong breeze(normal in Caribbean-Atlantic) turn into a sailing ship, even docked!

At a Stephen Payne lecture I attended, he said that is why the QM2 only has one funnel. Two would act more like a sail!

The biggest issue however is the confirmed move of water attraction up on deck.

I don't think that this is a design flaw as such but a concious choice which has been made by the cruise lines. Spa's, bars and extra cabins are located inside the hull because they generate income, pools don't!

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

gohaze
First Class Passenger
Member # 586

posted 01-02-2004 08:45 AM

Couple of comments....
The Italians started the outdoor pool/Lido idea back in the '30s and now everyone has them. The original pools had to be as low down as possible for two reasons, the first being that with the motion on those ships - poor stability and NO stabilizers - it was the only way to try and keep some water in them. Secondly they couldn't have that much weight high up - again because of stability.

Passenger vessels having problems berthing/unberthing because of wind strength. THAT'S been happening since the first ancient took his friend out for a paddle on a log.
We used to get delayed getting alongside the Landing Stage in Liverpool because of wind/tide sometimes - No big deal.

What is surprising is how FEW delays there are today and what a huge change the new propulsion systems have made. I was very impressed when we were on the Grand Princess going into Livorno where there are some tight narrow turns for a ship her size. The wind was gusting up to 50 but she had no problem and used no tugs. They can pre-program that sort of thing these days and let the computer do the driving.

....peter

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

sslewis
First Class Passenger
Member # 3649

posted 01-02-2004 12:36 PM

Thanks Gohaze for your comments.
I forgot about computers, who take the stress out of the navigator..when they work.
I will have to get used to the novel lay out of the Queen.
In fact, if I manage to sail on her, I hope they keep the pools open, the rougher the better!
ssLewis, addicted swimmer

Posts: 2513 | From: Shipspotting Solent shores when weather allows.... | Registered: Feb 2003 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 01-02-2004 01:28 PM

The conditions on the North Atlantic can be surprisingly variable. On a mid December crossing (2002) from Southampton to NY, the first few days were so mild and not excessively windy, that people played deck games in light clothing. Some braver souls even used the hot tubs. Then we hit a storm force ten gale!

The QM2 is obviously built for both the Carib and the North Atlantic.

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

gohaze
First Class Passenger
Member # 586

posted 01-02-2004 03:34 PM

sslewis....I see the latest move is called "redundancy" where everything is split in two, or doubled up, whichever. Two engine rooms with completely seperated control systems all the way from the bridge. If you lose one you still have complete control with 50% power. And that, of course, includes the computers.

....peter

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

ScottQE2
First Class Passenger
Member # 4180

posted 01-04-2004 01:51 PM

Peter, You're definitly right about redundancy. Especially after some of these breakdowns (ie: Carnival).

I often wondered why they weren't willing to spend the extra for it. Look at QM of 1936: 6 Boiler Rooms, 2 Engine Rooms, 2 Generator Rooms either of which was capable of carrying the load. In addition to that there was an extra Generator Room on 'B' Deck aft. Also while everywhere was connected with telephones, they also had the old pipe system for communication between vital parts of the ship. There was no way she could break down and be crippled at sea. Us 'liner loonies' really get a laugh sometimes.

Scott

Posts: 165 | From: USA | Registered: Sep 2003 | IP: Logged

sslewis
First Class Passenger
Member # 3649

posted 01-06-2004 05:50 PM

If I am right, there was a bit of a drama in Norway last week.
Was it Hurtigruten?
Anyway, the vessel los all power, and was not that old!
Now coming from Norwegians is a bit far stretched!
ssLewis, redundancy?

Posts: 2513 | From: Shipspotting Solent shores when weather allows.... | Registered: Feb 2003 | IP: Logged

gohaze
First Class Passenger
Member # 586

posted 01-06-2004 07:08 PM

Yes it was Hurtigruten. Their new one a year old. In rough weather she lost suction on the main engine cooling which triggered an automatic shutdown of the machinery. When that happens it takes time to get things organised to get them started again. As she was close to shore at the time it caused an emergency.

....peter

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

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