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Arison: thousands advised on QM2 design
7/1/2004

‘By far the most challenging design plan our group has ever been involved with’ is how Carnival Corp. chairman and ceo Micky Arison describes the Queen Mary 2. Although Carnival has staffed its own newbuild team since 1978, the differences involved in planning the first transatlantic liner built in more than 30 years demanded additional expertise.
Carnival’s Stephen Payne served as QM2’s senior naval architect and Tillberg Design, SMC and designteam created the interiors. But Arison also credits ‘thousands of people’ with providing input into QM2’s conception. At a news conference aboard the vessel today in Southampton, he singled out numerous experts that Carnival consulted, including shipyards that didn’t bid on the project.

Fincantieri naval engineer Maurizio Cergol gave assistance with research into Italian liners, and the company tracked down people who had built vessels such as the Raffaelo. Harland and Wolf provided expertise, and Carnival architect Joe Farcus advised on general arrangement.

‘I couldn’t be more pleased with the final outcome,’ Arison says. ‘It was a miraculous design effort ...[QM2 operates at] 30 knots as stable as can be, as strong as can be, as maneuverable as can be and is the finest resort in the world.’

The Carnival chief also expresses satisfaction with builder Alstom Chantiers de l’Atlantique. ‘I don’t think we’ve received a prototype vessel built as well and delivered as well as this ship was delivered,’ he says. ‘I would have no qualms about going back to Saint-Nazaire. The experience we had was very positive.’

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I don’t think we’ve received a prototype vessel built as well and delivered as well as this ship was

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Does this mean we can see more “QM2 class” ships in the future?! Perhaps with less curvature and a different funnel.

I for one hope QM2 remains a one-off design, something to be cherished and not duplicated like QE2, QM, and QE. Of course given the fact that Carnival very rarely does just one of anything, who knows what the future may hold. No doubt they will want to economize and get their monies worth out of the design for QM2. On the other hand, let's hope she doesn't become an $800M white elephant either. Something tells me there is little threat of this happening.

Nevertheless It would be interesting designing a concept for a smaller Cunard ship that in appearance has it’s own character but is unmistakable family of the QM2, maybe that is what they should have don with Queen Victoria and place the vista thingy somewhere else in the Carnival fleet.

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Originally posted by Onno:

Nevertheless It would be interesting designing a concept for a smaller Cunard ship that in appearance has it’s own character but is unmistakable family of the QM2, maybe that is what they should have don with Queen Victoria and place the vista thingy somewhere else in the Carnival fleet.

Best, Onno

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That would have been ideal...

[ 01-07-2004: Message edited by: CGT ]

I think the decision to use a Vista-class ship was made after the Carnival take-over. I guess Cunard/Carnival decided to use that extra millions from the "Queen Victoria project" to build a better QM2 and therefore gave Cunard a vista...Whatever the reason is like others said, a QUEEN should be unique!

[ 01-07-2004: Message edited by: Keitaro ]

In fact the two exterior elevators on QM2 are not very impressive. They have no forward view and only traverse a few decks. They are certainly not an integral part of the ships passenger flow, as are the exterior elevators on the M-Class, Radiance Class, and Vista class. The glass elevators on QM2 are purely for show. To me they almost seem like an afterthought based on their location and limited access.

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Originally posted by CGT:
I'd like to see a smaller version built for Cunard to replace the QE2 when she retires

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Originally posted by Onno:
It would be interesting designing a concept for a smaller Cunard ship that in appearance has it’s own character but is unmistakable family of the QM2, maybe that is what they should have don with Queen Victoria and place the vista thingy somewhere else in the Carnival fleet.

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Originally posted by Keitaro:
I think the decision to use a Vista-class ship was made after the Carnival take-over.

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Originally posted by ScottQE2:
I really feel QV needs to be specially designed for her role as a Queen liner.

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I've said it many times, I think they made a very big mistake naming her QUEEN VICTORIA... They're trying to get some of QM2's and QE2's prestige to rub off on her by using a QUEEN name but I fear it may have the opposite effect. It certainly dilutes the value of a QUEEN name and I think she will forever be the black sheep of the QUEENs.

[ 01-08-2004: Message edited by: cruiseny ]

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Originally posted by cruiseny:

I've said it many times, I think they made a very big mistake naming her QUEEN VICTORIA... They're trying to get some of QM2's and QE2's prestige to rub off on her by using a QUEEN name but I fear it may have the opposite effect. It certainly dilutes the value of a QUEEN name and I think she will forever be the black sheep of the QUEENs.

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I'm going to hold out any opinions until I see her interior layout and pictures. I have heard from a few people that this ship will be stunning on the interior.... even more so then QM2. That of course remains to be seen.

I agree she will eventually take over the role of QE2 including the World Cruise. Just how soon is anyone's guess, but I don't think QE2 will finish out her career with Cunard.

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But it costs a lot of money to design something totally new... Much cheaper just to use an existing design.

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You're right! It does, that is my complaint with Corporate America - They charge enough, but their not willing to spend the money on the talent and design and quality. You get what you pay for. QM2 is a delight because she (at least seems without seeing in person) is unique in this regard. But the other, well, as I said once before, "She Is No
Jedi!"

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Originally posted by Keitaro:
How about a Vista-class based design, but a QM2-ish look and a QE2 version funnel on the outside...

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Now THAT looks a MILLION times better then the Cunard version of QV. Send it to them - please please please!! hehe