Queen Anne Suite

[Michael Gallagher]

As a follow on to the Trafalgar Suite topic...

The new block of Penthouses added in 1972 featured two premier units, the Queen Anne and Trafalgar Suites, situated farthest forward and spanning both the Sports and Signal decks – both levels connected by their own private internal stairs (with one turn and a platform at the midpoint). These were the first two-storey ‘town house’ cabins afloat.

These two 793-square foot (the upper rooms measured 420-square feet each while the rooms below were 373-square feet each) luxury duplex apartments were styled with ingenuity and flair by top designers from Britain and America and were innovative in their appointments and lavish in their furnishings and decorations. Each featured two dressing rooms, a private cocktail bar with refrigerator, two bathrooms and a window facing forward. Each level had a 15 by 18-foot teak-decked furnished veranda.

These two suites were, according to Cunard:

   “…designed to be the top rated rooms on the 65,000-ton ship. The suites are the most lavishly furnished and decorated accommodations on any passenger ship in the world”.

Each was decorated with distinctive elements characteristic of the historic periods they represented.

The Queen Anne Suite was decorated in 18th Century style and elegance with carved mahogany paneling, a drop-leaf table, camelback sofa and a pair of damask wing chairs on a floral carpet with gold drapes.

The first two photos show the lower level while the third shows the upper level.

[Michael Gallagher]

Queen Anne Suite History

1976: refurbished.

1977: refurbished with a new carpet of blue and gold.

1983: The Queen Anne and Trafalgar Suites were were totally refurbished at a cost of several hundred thousand dollars. Dennis Lennon was responsible for the refurbishment – he was the original co-ordinator of all QE2’s striking and sophisticated interiors and personally responsible for many back in the 1960s. New features included reclining beds, brand-new furniture units and television and video equipment. Bathrooms were redone with new gold fixtures. In addition original artworks were installed. Here is the Trafalgar Suite in 1983.

Image is of Queen Anne Suite in late 1970s

[Michael Gallagher]

1984: jacuzzi bathtubs installed.

1986 /1987: totally redone in pastel shades and art deco overtones. Shown here:

[Michael Gallagher]

1990: rebuilt and totally refurbished. The new décor consisted of a natural wood style with new built-in wardrobes and new, sealed / soundproofed windows installed (these would effectively eliminate the irritating sounds of whistling wind). The ‘murphy’ beds, that could be removed to make a living room area and ones that drew many complaints were replaced by permanent beds. Other features of the refurbishment included new carpets, bedspreads, curtains and re-upholstered furniture.

1992: refurbished.

1994: refurbished with all-new furnishings (bedspreads, carpets, curtains, upholstery) in a rich style.

1999:  totally refurbished with new fittings and a colour scheme of tan. Changes included new Axminster carpets, curtains, bedspreads, valances, nightstands, TV stands and wall fabrics. All existing furniture was recovered. Fax machines were installed. Here is the Queen Anne Suite in 1999.

[Michael Gallagher]

2006: refurbished with work focussing on wallpaper, plastering, French polishing and painting.

Since the Star Princess balcony fire on 23 March officers had been positioned on the bridge wings of QE2 24 hours a day to monitor the balconies and report immediately if any flames were observed. The officers involved were each paid an extra $15 per hour to do this. A balcony sprinkler system was installed during the refit to comply with Princess Cruises’ self-imposed new regulations after the fire and to comply with expected future legislation.

Here is the Queen Anne Suite in 2008. Both levels made up as separate bedrooms.

[Lynda Bradford]

Good to see these photos of the suite. 

See also QE2's Original Penthouses

[Chris Frame]

Was the green faux-lawn a Princess idea?

[Michael Gallagher]

QE2 was under Princess management at that time...

[Stephen Ballantine]

What was the balcony fire about?

[Thomas Hypher]

What was the balcony fire about?

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/547c706ae5274a4290000097/Star_Princess.pdf