Queen Mary maybe back at work after 50 years?

[Chris Thompson]

NO! not back at sea but may be used as a floating hospital during the Virus Crisis.
Just saw this article on Fox news.

Link

[cunardqueen]

I don't think we should dismiss the idea just yet, it does have some good points going for it

They might be able to use the large exhibition venue. There is a lift, a car-sized lift that has the space required to carry equipment, bodies from dock level to the deck for the exhibition area.

I saw that area once and was amazed at the size and often wondered how such a space could remain unused when the ship was packed for the impending New years Even events .
As for the rest of the ship, l the elevators are not the size required to move bodies

The Dome building next door used to hold the Spruce Goose, its now partially used for Carnival cruise check-ins. There is a large parking structure next door. The location lends itself to be cut off from the general public. The general cabins would I fear be problematic for hospital use, very limited  electrical sockets, awkward sizes and far from ideal bathrooms. But ideal for the staff . 
The Sunday Brunch venue with kitchens attached could solve the meal options.

If we put our emotions aside, there are two large spaces, (more if you count the Queen Marys lounges ) with car parking , away from prying eyes , with the ability to have  a ship docked next door. 

What's everyone else's view? a pipe dream, a reality, a serious option ?

 
 

[Thomas Hypher]

Unprecedented times, unprecedented measures. I wouldn't be against the idea if she's required on top of USNS Mercy which I gather is also in the LA area - and not necessarily for COVID-19 patients as every other patient still has to go somewhere after all. Same for contemporary cruise ships being used as floating hospitals as SAGA Cruises have volunteered to the UK governement - again they don't necessarily have to serve COVID-19 patients either but take the normal "load" instead so to speak.

[Barumfox]

It would be a great story if QM did play any role in the current crisis but would certainly have limitations.

it is noticeable that the new facilities being opened are either being built from scratch or using large empty spaces such as conference centres rather than empty hotels - this may be because it is too problematical to sanitise existing facilities  - whether land based or afloat - to the required level and starting from scratch avoids this issue as well as being able to be designed to be as efficient as possible. For a start carpets may be an issue as you do not see many of those in hospitals - all surfaces would have to be easily cleaned and sanitised to a level beyond what may be possible in a hotel bedroom or cruise ship cabin.

My only stay on QM was in 2007 which is a long time ago now - although the dimly lit corridors were atmospheric they are probably not ideal to use for an emergency hospital. Also compared to cruise ships in regular service I would imagine that in view of her never ending funding issues she is probably nowhere near as  clean overall - I would imagine bringing a cruise ship into the Long Beach berth would be a better facility for patients of any type but the QM hotel could be used as accommodation for medical staff / administrators.

Gary