11.14.2007

Cunard: The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World (sm)

Cunard: The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World (sm):

Length:

1,132 feet

Beam:

135 feet

Beam at Bridge Wings:

147.5 feet

Draft:

32 feet 10 inches

Height (Keel to Funnel):

236.2 feet

Gross Tonnage:

Approximately 151,400 gross tonnes

Guest Capacity:

2,592 lower berths
3,056 maximum capacity (Including third and fourth berths)

Crew:

1,253

Cruise Speed:

28.5 Knots

Power:

157,000 horsepower, environmentally friendly, gas turbine/diesel electric plant

Propulsion:

Four pods of 21.5 MW each; 2 fixed and 2 azimuthing

Strength:

Extra thick steel hull for strength and stability for Transatlantic Crossings

Stabilizers:

Two sets

Cost:

Estimated $800 million

Some Comparisons:

  • QM2 is five times longer than Cunard's first ship, Britannia (230 ft.)
  • QM2 is 113 feet longer than the original Queen Mary
  • QM2 is more than twice as long as the Washington Monument is tall (550 ft.)
  • QM2 is 147 feet longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall (984 ft.)
  • QM2 is more than 3½ times as long as Westminster Tower (Big Ben) is high (310 ft.)
  • QM2 is only 117 feet shorter than the Empire State Building is tall (1248 ft.)
  • QM2 is more than three times as long as St. Paul's Cathedral is tall (366 ft.)
  • QM2 is as long as 41 double-decker London buses (31½ ft. each)
  • QM2's whistle is audible for 10 miles

More Interesting Facts:

  • In 1839, Queen Victoria awarded Samuel Cunard the first ever licence to deliver mail across the Atlantic, proudly granting his steam ship the honoured title RMS (Royal Mail Steamer). In 2004 RMS (Royal Mail Ship) Queen Mary 2 was awarded this privileged title and continues to celebrate this golden heritage.
  • Queen Mary 2’s kennel programme is available on all crossings between New York and Southampton in either direction, and is overseen by a full-time Kennel Master who takes care of responsibilities such as feeding, walking and cleaning the ship’s 12 spacious kennels. Travelling dogs and cats also receive a complimentary gift pack and other animal amenities.The kennels and adjacent indoor and outdoor walking areas are open throughout the day, enabling passengers to spend significant time with their pet. Reservations for the kennels may be made at time of booking, and are based on space availability. Contact Cunard for fees and additional requirements.

1 comment:

bryan said...

Dude, you totally missed Fabulous Lives of the Rich and Famous: Megayacht Edition today on VH1. Bummer....