Sobering Thought

[QueensFan]

Today is 15 September 2010, GMT.

In 15 days, it will be 1 October 2010.

On 1 October 2010, SOLAS 2010 kicks into full effect.

In which case, it would be most likely that QE2 would, in alternate universe world in which she was not bought by Dubai (and assuming she was not (made) SOLAS compliant), be on her final voyage.

Kind of an interesting perspective...

[Alex Tarry]

Umm, and it is also sobering to think that there was no regulatory reason why she could not have been sailing the 7 seas, laden with happy passengers for these last 2 years...how much joy has been wasted as a result of this?

Alex...

[Cruise_Princess]

IT really chokes me up....but then I wonder what would Cunard be doing at this stage of Qe2's life?  I don't think there would be a buyer for her now in the  global economic mess we are in....would they have brought her up to date to continue sailing?  They always said they would up till aorund 2015....but that was then and this is now...

[Alex Tarry]

I should think Carnival think they have played this perfectly, secured a very full price for the ship and delegated any responsibility for the future of the icon to others far away...

I understand scrap prices are curently in something of a lull and some classic ships have been given a temporary reprieve whilst their owners look for alternative uses - so had Carnival waited until know their exit could have been painful and costly.

An unknown in all of this is the cost of keeping lloyds happy, there seemed to quite a long list of items needing attention in their last report?

Alex.

[Rob Lightbody]

SOLAS2010 was not going to spell the end for QE2 for a variety of reasons.  We have a topic or topics about this separately.  Had Dubai not come along waving money at them, QE2 would still be sailing, and the new QE would still be a Peter Shanks dream.

Re: Lloyds - its my understanding that they are doing the things they have to do, to keep the ship and her crew safe whlie in her current static role.  Lloyds simply won't let them defer items that will put the ship in danger.  Items can be deferred, and are being, in agreement with Lloyds.  There's no point in repairing things that will never be used again...

The cost of moving the ship, under her own power, grows with each passing day.  Its such a shame because this time last year she was ready to do just that.

[Chris]

In this alternative universe; QE would have been Queen Anne had there been a business case for her!

[Cruise_Princess]

Queen Anne will be next.....followed by Charlotte, and the rest of Henrys'   wives....wonder what they will be called when they get to the end of that line....move onto Princesses and Duchesses no doubt.....there will be 'dozens' of em!

I'm sure they will find room somewhere for a Diana.........it would be a HUGE publicity coup for Cunard.....but I wonder who would name her??

[Peter Mugridge]

King William would probably carry out that naming?

[Clydebuilt1971]

In this alternative universe; QE would have been Queen Anne had there been a business case for her!

Queens Park Rangers maybe? No? 

Anyway the two vista boats should have been Caronia and Carinthia but then if you're not a ship nutter you wouldnt necessarily know the significance behind those names.

Gav