People confusing QM2 with QE2

[Rob Lightbody]

Judging by twitter and Google news alerts etc, a lot of people simply think QM2 IS QE2.  A big black, white and red 'British' ship. What else could it be?  Lots of people tweet that they've seen QE2 preparing to leave or something, and i always am surprised until i realise, of course, its not the REAL QE2 they're referring to...

[Mauretania1907]

You have to bear in mind that probably one in a hundred people are interested in ships of any sort enough to be able to tell one from another. Then there are those who have HEARD of QE2 over the years, so any big ship with a black and red funnel would have to be her. Then there are people who are totally ignorant of any ship and could not care less - or they might be enticed onto one cruise and decide such a holiday is not for them. The floor creaks and moves, the ship heaves up and down when they try to sleep, the whole thing is totally out of their comfort zone. Perhaps it is a pity such people exist, but hey, they might be ardent sports fans - and most sports leave me utterly bored. Different strokes for different folks here. Hush, don't tell mr Shanks some people think the Scary Mary is QE2!

[Twynkle]

'After work today I went down to the beach to see the QE2 the worlds largest ship departing Adelaide, it is pretty impressive....'

Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) Leaving Adelaide Australia 11/03/10
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9DoT0sxFM0" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9DoT0sxFM0</a>
by djerasor

There's a tug off her stern - just watching!

[Peter Mugridge]

Good grief!  And he even zoomed in on the name...

( Also, I hadn't realised that there had been an earthquake in Adelaide at the same time QM2 sailed..... )

[Matt]

It also is astonishing how many referances she gets to being the 'Largest Ship in the World'. She even got that title here by a ferry company, 'Come farewell the worlds largest cruise ship'!

[Twynkle]

Matt - You've got your work cut out, now!
It's almost tomorrow - Enjoy!

[highlander0108]

'After work today I went down to the beach to see the QE2 the worlds largest ship departing Adelaide, it is pretty impressive....'

Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) Leaving Adelaide Australia 11/03/10
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9DoT0sxFM0" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9DoT0sxFM0</a>
by djerasor

There's a tug off her stern - just watching!

It appears that the reference to QE2 has been corrected on the YouTube post.  I would also add that the Tyfon's sound much better away from the ship.  I think that part of the sour sound you often hear in clips is from the bow observation area, where you are getting primarily the sound of the electric Tyfon mounted on the foremast at the location of the uppermost radar unit.

Regarding the confusion, I got a picture from a friend, saying that they saw my favorite ship, QE2 in New York this past November.  A dark hull and a Red and black funnel seem to equal QE2 still to most!

[Peter Mugridge]

Twynkle ( and anyone else who is interested ), I can't remember where we talked about asking people to ID a photo of QM2 to see if they said QE2, but this seems the best thread to use...

I got the quote I mentioned.

The cost of asking 1000 adults 16+ a simple such question is £355 + VAT, results will include a demographic breakdown.



Edited to add: You could in fact ask any single simple "yes/no" type question for this price; could be worth bearing in mind if it came to needing to find out public opinions relating to any aspect of saving QE2...

[Twynkle]

Even google's confused!

http://news.google.co.uk/news/story?hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&q=qe2+world+cruise&revid=100857933&resnum=0&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ncl=dSQzwcMIDy_WwiM&ei=lB-pS5rLLYz00gS7-72_AQ&sa=X&oi=news_result&ct=more-results&resnum=11&ved=0CEEQqgIwCg

(Nice image!)

[Matt]

Here in my home town, someone believes they saw the QE2 leave Fremantle on the 14th March 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46428716@N02/4464090541/ 'Queen Elizabeth 2 leaving Fremantle'

Matt

[bswan]

There is only one qe2

[Cruisemarsh]

I have noticed that QM2 is mistaken for the QE2. Whilst the QM2 is a fantastic ship, she is nowhere near the level of QE2 and for that I think shouldn't be mistaken for the great lady herself.

[singlemalt]

I think there's a general confusion about all black / white / red funnel ships!

After being in Dubai with both QV and QE2 last week; I heard from different people:

QV being mistaken for both Queen Mary (once) and QM2 (three times)
QV being identified as "the new Queen Elizabeth ship" (twice!)
QV being identified as "one of those Holland America something 'dam' ships"   .......   

(I would have corrected them but was a bit busy doing official QE2 photography duties for the forum  )

Funnily enough, all recognised QE2 as the rose amongst the thorns.....   

[Mauretania1907]

  Vicky Brown being mistaken for a 'dam ship. (Snigger) Didn't they even look at the funnel? But from your recent pix (many many thanks for those) there were TWO Vista blister sisters in port with our lovely lady, and she outshone them both without even trying.

[Cruise_Princess]

Yip...and she always will.......cause she's a LADY!

[highlander0108]

Yip...and she always will.......cause she's a LADY!

Visions of Tom Jones singing Paul Anka's "She's a Lady"  popped in my head after reading that!  Taking you back to the 70's here....and the times that QE2 were created in.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvmyTZEqlo8" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvmyTZEqlo8</a>

[Rob Lightbody]

HUNDREDS of people on Twitter are confusing QM2 with QE2.  Amazing.  Either that or they think that QE2 is still in service.

[Chris]

Funnily enough, all recognised QE2

Naturally

[Chris]

HUNDREDS of people on Twitter are confusing QM2 with QE2.  Amazing.  Either that or they think that QE2 is still in service.

I think for a lot of people, QE2 is so much part of living history, national, even world consciousness, that the thought of her being gone is simply not comprehended.

Especially when there's another big Cunard ship sailing around, those who don't know QE2 as we know QE2 would just think she's still going.

Look at it from their point of view, I mean how crazy is it to think of a world with no QE2!!

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Here's another one :

http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/21/greetings-from-heathrow/

The Lusitania is gone (and the QE2 has a waiting list), but we are here, Americans in London, victims of the Ash Blockade, prisoners to unfriendly skies and hostages to the roaming charges of our data plans.

Yes indeed, the QE2 has a waiting list (all of us here) -- and we are still waiting to hear our travel dates!

And another again :

http://www.herald.ie/national-news/good-to-have-you-back-mum-2145742.html

Una was so desperate to make her way home to her young family that she tried to book on the QE2 cruise ship which would take two weeks.

"I was due to come back last week but then all of this happened and we didn't know how to get home. We even considered the QE2 but that would have taken two weeks and it was already booked up."

I suppose for the QE2 to travel from Dubai to Atlanta and from there to Dublin would indeed take two weeks... and what a pity that she was already booked up... 

[Twynkle]

It would be interesting to know what happens in the travel agents, and beyond

"Please can you book us a holiday on the QE2?"
"Yes - let me see, when would you be hoping to go?"

Months later, call to same travel agent - "Hello Is that You - We specifically asked for the QE2 - You've given us the QM2
How did that happen - We've paid a fortune - my lifetime of savings - I asked you for QE2 - it was the one wish she had for her special birthday and all  - Why the hell did they call the boat ****ing 'Something2'"

[Mauretania1907]

O well, Cunard's rationale for that was that the original Queen Mary still existed Then they decided to add the 2 to Scary Mary's name to cash in on dear departed QE2, despite having accepted an offer that couldn't be refused. And I must say that being offered THAT much for a 40 year old ship must have been the stuff of dreams!
However, Cunard must be miffed to see their beautiful new Mary is still being mistaken for " tatty" old QE2! HA

BUT I will not be referring to the new Queen Elizabeth as QE3!! NO, no, she is the TIN LIZZIE as far as I am concerned. She may be all shiny and new, and I guess she will attract a clientiel, but I wonder how many will call HER QE2 (snigger)
What a wonderful word snigger is - is there a sniggering emoticon. The closest I can find is

[Chris]

Cunard now refer to QM2 as "Queen Mary 2" not QM2.
QV is officially never shortened and I strongly doubt they will want QE to be referred to as QE3.

[highlander0108]

Cunard now refer to QM2 as "Queen Mary 2" not QM2.
QV is officially never shortened and I strongly doubt they will want QE to be referred to as QE3.

All, here is the document outlining in Cunardspeak how they want to refer to the ships and a host of other terms used in their advertising.

http://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,1334.0.html

Regarding the QE3 name, like it or not, we refer to the newbuild as that in our household not to take anything away from the original Queen Elizabeth, which this new cruise ship pales by comparision. 

[flagship]

Queen Mary 2 was so named seven years before QE2 was sold so how could Cunard have "decided to add the 2 to Scary Mary's name to cash in on dear departed QE2"? I think originally it was all about the three initials 'QM2' becoming as iconic as 'QE2' but as Chris said there has been a sea change and the ship should not (how do we stop it?) be known as QM2.

[Cruise_Princess]

Even though I'm no fan of the Queen Mary 2 I did think the logo at the time of her going into service was exceedingly clever with the M inside the large Q... who designed that???  .No matter how I tried I could never ever copy that for my Maiden Voyage Album....( unless by hand of course)...no doubt that was the whole point ....it was so exclusively Cunard.  I think  it to more suited to Queen Mary 2...to be honest...more modern etc...so unlike the old Queen Mary....

[Twynkle]

Queen Mary 2 was so named seven years before QE2 was sold so how could Cunard have "decided to add the 2 to Scary Mary's name to cash in on dear departed QE2"? I think originally it was all about the three initials 'QM2' becoming as iconic as 'QE2' but as Chris said there has been a sea change and the ship should not (how we stop it God knows) be known as QM2. Just using 'Queen Elizabeth' underlines the naming inconsistency.

In general, qV's crew et al, all refer to Scary Mighty Mary as 'The Mary'; I don't remember her being referred to as QM2 at all during our fortnight on board!
She is Mighty - and although she's got a strange looking 'derriere', there's a dignity even about the way she sidles away from the harbour wall!

[Mauretania1907]

I was being a little snarky when I referred to Cunard cashing in on the "2" in Mary's name 'in memory of dear departed QE2'.
I actually prefer to refer to Queen Mary 2 as 'the Mary' like Vicky's crew refer to her. After all, there are only 2 ships called Queen Mary, the original and the new, so I guess there has to be some way to distinguish between them. But I think I will be referring to QM2 as The Mary, since even Cunard now can see that QE2 is still remembered (and hopefully still around for many years to come)

[Chris]

Queen Mary 2 was so named seven years before QE2 was sold so how could Cunard have "decided to add the 2 to Scary Mary's name to cash in on dear departed QE2"? I think originally it was all about the three initials 'QM2' becoming as iconic as 'QE2' but as Chris said there has been a sea change and the ship should not (how we stop it God knows) be known as QM2. Just using 'Queen Elizabeth' underlines the naming inconsistency.

I agree with you Michael; QM2 made so much sense when she was introduced into service as she was the 2nd Mary just as QE2 was the 2nd Elizabeth. The link between names was fantastic.  

The QM2 brand, I believe, is far more powerful than Queen Mary 2 - dropping QM2 is, in my opinion, a mistake, and I dare say in the future we will see acceptance of QM2 within Cunard marketing again. As Michael said, how can they stop it - after all, books, magazines, travel shows, tv news et al -- and most importantly -- passengers, all refer to her as QM2 -- As such (and speaking as someone who has studied marketing) simply from a marketing point of view, the efforts to re-educate 'customers' seems wasted; as the QM2 brand is already established, known and understood.

In my experience, if they aren't calling her QM2 they're calling her Queen Mary - dropping the '2' all together, which in itself is total miscommunication of the ship's name and brand and does nothing but add confusion.

QV on the other hand has always been Queen Victoria and in that sense, she isn't referred to as QV as much - although travel agents and the media to shorten her to Queen Vic or QV quite often.

That said; not many of us here have seen the research behind the current brand positioning - so perhaps there are reasons for the move away from QM2 that we aren't privy to... For better or for worse, there will be a reason it (and guests / staterooms / voyages) was done.

[Cruise_Princess]

But don't you think that QE2 DEFINITELY had a sexy wee wiggle???
She could  sure chassis out of Southampon Harbour.....the other new Queens  just seem to 'waddle' they are too heavy to wiggle  LOL!

[Twynkle]

Judging by twitter and Google news alerts etc, a lot of people simply think QM2 IS QE2.  A big black, white and red 'British' ship. What else could it be?  Lots of people tweet that they've seen QE2 preparing to leave or something, and i always am surprised until i realise, of course, its not the REAL QE2 they're referring to...

Isn't there a very real possibility, now and in the future that QE2 will become (if she hasn't already) a generic term for any ship that bears a passing resemblance to her?
As already suggested here -  QM2, and for the past few days, QV as well - these, and perhaps QE as well, (when she's the media's flavour of the month), and heaven forfend, those Disney ships too, -  all round the world - they could all become 'The QE2'.
If so, then might it be a potentially worrying situation perhaps for both QE2's previous and current owner?

And If this is the case then what else might help QE2 retain her identity?
Isn't this the reason why the Forum has such an important part to play - in keeping the Legend of QE2 alive, and also to provide future generations with accurate information that will enable everyone to identify her, with all her particularly beautiful and distinguished features?
 
Am I making sense here?

   

[Twynkle]

Hope QM2 is flattered!
http://p.ring2.de/qe2-leaving-hamburg-stpauli

[highlander0108]

I do believe this topic will continue on and never die.  Today, a coworker came to my desk and talked to me long enough for my screen saver, which is my collection of QE2/QM2 pictures, to begin rollling.  One pic of QE2 and QM2 side by side in NYC got his attention.  He then asked what was the mini QE2 doing next to QE2!    He was amazed that the big ship was NOT QE2, but QM2....hmmmm.  An off hours Powerpoint presentation may have to follow. 

[Cunardqueen]

She could  sure chassis out of Southampon Harbour.....the other new Queens  just seem to 'waddle' they are too heavy to wiggle  LOL!

Isnt that becuse QE2 was and always will be a lady, and you never rush a lady do you !!! (oh and she had a thing called class !)

The new ships are much younger, and can get dressed and leave port very quickly, but then if you looked like that wouldnt you want to leave very quickly with a minimum of fuss
There was always something very special about leaving a port from the decks of QE2, heck l could get emotional about places l didnt even like   and when you have the proper ships horn, the tugs doing their business you can look to the open bridge wing and see the Captain in charge, and you know all is well. On these new ships you dont know whose in charge !!!

[QE2 Canuck]

I have a little story to tell too..... this past week, I was listening in to the chatter between the ships and ferries, etc. from Southamptovn VTS, Queen Mary 2 was in . Around 4:30 she was leaving the Queen Elizabeth II terminal and was swinging around.   The Red Funnel ferry "Red Eagle" was just leaving Town terminal and decided to stop.   The guys on the QM2 bridge spotted her stopped and radioed. "We see you have stopped while we swing" Red Eagle answered back. yes....don't mind.... an amazing sight for our passengers."    Then after QM2 had finished swinging round and headed down river..... another Red Funnel Ferry Red Osprey coming the other way called out to Red Eagle, saying I see you stopped..... Red Eagle answered... yes, we decided to wait until QE2 got under way...... Red Osprey voice chuckled and said.... You must be working too much overtime"!!

Linda

[Chris]

QE2 was part of Southampton for so long it must be hard not to have the odd slip of the tongue.

[Rob Lightbody]

Its very sad that Southampton ferry captains either don't know, or care enough to refer to the ship properly.  I'd have thought maritime people, especially in Southampton, wouldn't make this mistake!  Didn't they notice how beautiful QE2 was and realise how important she was?  Don't they see how different QM2 is?

[QE2 Canuck]

 I agree with Chris.... I think it was just a slip of the tongue ... most of the time they get it right.

Linda

[Twynkle]

From Allan J on Liners List

This morning in the car I got a real chuckle when a commentator on the radio was talking about what a great sight it was this morning on the West Side of watch the QE2 sail into New York and how it was stopping traffic.

For a moment I almost grabbed my overnight bag and ran towards the pier.... it sure would have been a sight to see her in Manhattan today and I would happily have boarded anyplace she was sailing.

Of course then a car honked and I was brought back to reality remembering from the list that it was the Queen Mary coming to the dock today ..... ah but  for a moment what pleasant daydream!

Allan J.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LinersList/message/122309

Do you think that Cunard, Carnival even - will probably be delighted that this confusion exists?
For the rest of us - anything that helps the spirit of QE2 to live on, then fine
What do you think will happen when QE2 appears  -in person, as it were?!
She wouldn't be called anything else, would she?
 

[Cunardqueen]

Its also interesting when speaking of the Queen Mary,Im always referring to the one in Long Beach and never QM2,(it will be a long time before l set foot on her) But some just assume its the latter and not the former.
 I wonder how people will manage with the Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Elizabeth. There is only on Queen Elizabeth and alas what remains of her is in Hong Kong harbour.