'The 1994 Refit ("Project Lifestyle") - What was changed - and where'?

[Twynkle]

We have this amazing topic about project lifestyle changes that weren't made, but we don't seem to have a topic dedicated to what was changed in this refit?  There are numerous references to Project Lifestyle across the forum.

Could we bring together photos, thoughts and facts about this refit?  Its covered in various books...

Rob - would the following be a good enough starting place for discussion?

Having yet to reach for the reference books, illustrated brochures etc; some details of the 1994 refit are also covered in various websites - illustrated examples can be viewed here:
http://www.beyondships.com/QE2Tour-5.html
Despite some of the planned work of 'Project Lifestyle' remaining unaccomplished, there were changes made to the areas involving the hotel amenities and accommodation  -  for example, in the dining areas alone, it was then that QE2 was transformed into the 'place' that she appeared to be at the end of her term in service for Cunard in 2008. 1994 saw the birth of the Pavilion, as well as new facilities that enabled the Midnight Buffet to became a big attraction for Guests! Interestingly, the results of the 1994 refit to the Lido area hasn't yet in almost any way, been supplanted in popularity on any of the newer Cunard ships.

Usefully, the Captain's Log also records the following:
"The 1994 refit followed Cunard's acquisition of the prestige Royal Viking Line and she emerged yet again with a new look, both inside and out; she was given "go faster" stripes and her hull was painted dark royal blue, (although it was so dark you couldn't see it unless you were very close!)

The aft Magrodome, Quarter-Deck pool and the tenders "Alpha" & "Beta" were removed to form a new Lido Cafe, while in a re-arrangement of her restaurants, the Mauretania was now where the Columbia had been and the old Mauretania was divided into a new Caronia Restaurant and adjacent Crystal Bar.       
(In a confusing twist, in 1997/98 the Mauretania & Caronia Restaurants would be switched, so that the Mauretania was back where it started and the Caronia ended up where the original Columbia Restaurant had once been! All very confusing!)      
The Midships Lobby was refurbished and made the main boarding gangway for all passengers.
Meanwhile.....The Midships Bar was transformed into the new Chart Room and the Theatre Bar became the Golden Lion Pub!
With all cabins refurbished, she was like a new ship."
http://www.thecaptainslog.org.uk/ShipGalleryIndex/QE2PhotoGallery.html

Doubtless others who are familiar with a sense of the 'before and after' this major refit might enlighten us with more information.
It would also be interesting to know too, what technical changes were made, as well as those to the Crew Quarters.

[June Ingram]

Thank you very much, Rosie, for all of this information.  There certainly were many changes throughout the years in addition to the 1994 Refit.  Our beloved QE2 was in service for so long and she underwent so many changes, I am wondering if she has undergone more changes than any other passenger liner ?

June   

[Adam Hodson]

Thanks for posting this information Rosie. Also thank you for posting the link to the site which I have never come across beofre, it is very interesting.

[Michael Gallagher]

Extensive technical overhaul work was undertaken on the hull and machinery spaces of QE2 during 'Project Lifestyle' at a cost of around £13 million.

•   The existing automatic sprinkler system in the public areas and service spaces was modified and extended to comprise 8,700 heads controlled by 68 sets of section valves.

•   Additional fire doors and control systems were fitted and new fan rooms for additional air conditioning units were supplied and fitted.

•   For the ship's waste disposal system a new garbage grinder plant was supplied.

•   The heaviest work undertaken arose from the scheduled inspection of the propellers. The starboard tailshaft was the subject of a full survey, necessitating its wholesale removal while the portside tailshaft was partially withdrawn. The stern tube bearings were scrutinised on the starboard side, while the propellers shaft seals and propeller hub seals were renewed in each installation, the propeller blades were re-conditioned where necessary.

•   The controllable-pitch propeller oil was re-plenished.

•   The boilers were cleaned, removing soot deposits.

•   Seven additional pumps were supplied by Hamworthy from its Dolphin range for the air-conditioning and saltwater circulation and salt water general service systems.

•   Four oil pre-heaters were installed.

•   The bow thrusters and stabilisers were overhauled.

•   2,500 square metres of bottom plating was hydroblasted.

•   The air-conditioning system was overhauled.

•   A new integrated bridge system was installed by Kelvin Hughes featuring new radar displays, transceivers, workstations and electronic chart displays.

[jdl]

sadly it appears that the fire systems aren't being used as intended during the current power off layup

[Adam Hodson]

sadly it appears that the fire systems aren't being used as intended during the current power off layup

Which is slightly worrying...

[Louis De Sousa]

For this refit the ship left New York for Hamburg with a skeleton crewand workers.During 7 days at sea the ship was just apart and all was just dumped out on open decks.Thanks to Olle Bertilsson for the below photo.

[June Ingram]

Then how was all the material removed from QE2 ?

[cunardqueen]

  Then how was all the material removed from QE2 ?   

In the good old days it might have been chucked over the side.

I remember sailing of to NY on that famous trip in April 1987 and seeing a piano case on deck...
then one day.. it was gone...

[trevorc]

Does anybody have a picture of the Cunard lettering? Someone said that there was a crest above the lettering.

[Louis De Sousa]

Does anybody have a picture of the Cunard lettering? Someone said that there was a crest above the lettering.

The Cunard written was moved a wee forward to accomdate the Cunard Lion.Below is a photo not good quality but you can see the Cunard Lion

[trevorc]

Does anybody have a picture of the Cunard lettering? Someone said that there was a crest above the lettering.

The Cunard written was moved a wee forward to accomdate the Cunard Lion.Below is a photo not good quality but you can see the Cunard Lion

Why didn't they keep it. I like how she looks there.

[Peter Mugridge]

Why didn't they keep it. I like how she looks there.

It would have been a term and condition of the sale that she was debranded from Cunard.

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

It would have been a term and condition of the sale that she was debranded from Cunard.

I think Trevor was asking why the Cunard Lion was not kept above the Cunard lettering in later years of QE2's service...

[Peter Mugridge]

I think Trevor was asking why the Cunard Lion was not kept above the Cunard lettering in later years of QE2's service...

I would have thought that as a logo it would have counted as Cunard branding?

[Louis De Sousa]

The Cunard Lion was removed in the 1996 refit but the Stripe remained until the 1999 refit.

[Louis De Sousa]

This booklet with all information was handed to the crew

[trevorc]

This booklet with all information was handed to the crew

I would love to paw through that! 

[QE2forever]

Does anybody have a picture of the Cunard lettering? Someone said that there was a crest above the lettering.

Taken at Invergordon in September 1995.

[trevorc]

Taken at Invergordon in September 1995.

I like the crest above the Cunard lettering because to me, it gives a sense of branding. She also looks super smart and sophisticated with the crest.