Even if the order is not canceled, perhaps it will be delayed? On the Cunard website the following is still listed:

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Continuing Our Traditions

A new 92,000-ton liner, to be named ‘Queen Elizabeth’ has been ordered and is scheduled to enter service in the autumn of 2010. We have signed an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the contruction of the new 2092-passenger ocean liner, which will be built at their Monfalcone yard at an all-in cost of approximately $993 million. The vessel will be the second largest Cunarder ever built.

Queen Elizabeth will offer the very best of Cunard's values and traditions, blended with every conceivable modern luxury that you, our guests, expect. Through her opulent public rooms and impeccable service, the new ship will reflect the grandeur which has been associated with Cunard ships since the introduction of the Mauretania in 1907; and from the outside, her black hull, gleaming white superstructure and distinctive red funnel will echo the classic characteristics of the company's distinctive liner heritage. Queen Elizabeth will fly the Red Ensign with her home-port Southampton, as is the case with the other ships in the Cunard fleet.

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Given that she is not to begin service until October 2010, I don't think that it is all that unusual that there is no talk of publicity. A - they probably want the QE2 out of service before ramping up the PR machine and B - it would not logically start until the 1st or 2nd quarter of next year.

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Originally posted by Tim in 'Lauderdale:

Given that she is not to begin service until October 2010, I don't think that it is all that unusual that there is no talk of publicity. A - they probably want the QE2 out of service before ramping up the PR machine and B - it would not logically start until the 1st or 2nd quarter of next year.

Tim

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That is precisely what I have been told by Cunard's PR people. They are letting the "Old Lady" take centre stage, after which the PR will switch to the new QE.

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Originally posted by lasuvidaboy:
Speaking of planned cruise ships, what is the timeline for the new Disney ships? We have'nt heard much about them since the press release several months ago.

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Spring 2011 and Spring 2012.

Tim, we already knew that and I told my crew member as much last night. It was posted here sometime ago so the timing of this rumour is strange.

From one hand it is very strange that no construction had started yet on a 2010 schedualed ship ...

On the second hand, I just gor the new 2009/2010 Cunard brochure and they are telling about the new QE project proudly, adding that the ship will be ready by 2010....

Let's not forget that the crew were clueless about QE2 being sold, so how much credence should these other 'nuggets' of gossip be given ??

"John Heald Interviews Carol Marlow

Q: The name Queen Elizabeth is not leaving forever though, because next year she will be born again when the new Queen Elizabeth is delivered. This is going to be a remarkable ship and although it is some months away, could you tell us a little something about her?

A: Queen Elizabeth will be a wonderful ship - she will be a sister ship to Queen Victoria but with some differences, which will give her a personality of her own, but she will still be very 'Cunard'. For now, though, she must be shrouded in mystery, and we will reveal her next year....

source: http://www.cunard.co.uk/news/default.asp?Cat=&View=ViewArticle&Mode=News&Co ntentID=7308&Active=News

[ 10-20-2008: Message edited by: KenC ]

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Originally posted by viking109:
As for the next QE, perhaps Cunard want the memory of the good looking QE2 to fade a little before showing us a less attractive QV "sister".

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I hope the interiors are better than Vickie's tepid mishmash of Art Deco and Edwardian entrance to brown.

It would be nicer to have some rooms Art Deco, and others Edwardian so it does not end up the visual Peanut Butter and Mayonaise sandwich QV is.

[ 10-20-2008: Message edited by: desirod7 ]

Most rumours are nothing more than outright lies and/or idle speculation masquerading as facts.

Perhaps they are trying to concentrate on the publicity from QE2’s departure and then introduce QE3?

During the August / September Mediterranean Sojourn there was much talk about the New Queen Elizabeth (and discontent towards a Vista being named after two great Cunarders). Captain Perkins mentioned the new ship at the Cocktail Party for CWC Members too.