Queen Victoria - Bow Examined by Engineers

[Kindlychap]

Today's "Times" shows a picture of a very small boat at the point where the stem enters the water. The text is as copied below - the picture doesn't appear online.

 

Any idea what is going on?

 

MALAGA The bow of Cunard’s new liner the Queen Victoria is examined by specialists carrying out safety checks before sailing on her maiden voyage.

Weighing 90,000 tonnes, the Queen Victoria, which was christened by the Duchess of Cornwall in Southampton earlier this month, is the second-largest vessel the cruise line has constructed.

Currently berthed in Malaga, the ship is expected to set sail for New York on January 6 where she will drop anchor alongside two of the world’s most celebrated liners – the Queen Mary 2, Cunard’s largest liner, and the Queen Elizabeth 2. The rare meeting of three nautical giants, lit by fireworks against the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty, is expected to attract New Yorkers as well as maritime enthusiasts from around the world. It will also be one of the last outings for Queen Elizabeth 2, Cunard’s longest-serving liner, which is expected to be retired next November.

After visiting New York, the Queen Victoria will go on to complete a round-the-world cruise, tickets for which cost about £12,000.

The facilities on the luxurious ship include seven restaurants, 13 bars, three swimming pools, a ballroom and a theatre.

 

Matthew

[Kindlychap]

Forgot the link.....

 

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3095513.ece

 

Matthew

[Lanky Lad]

I think we will have to ask Gavin to find out what's going on.

 

They seem to have a facts wrong, I am sure Queen Victoria will not drop her anchor when she is in New York. :rolleyes:

[Piton1]

I would guess they are probably checking welds. I would like to know if anyone finds out.

[Kindlychap]

I would guess they are probably checking welds. I would like to know if anyone finds out.

 

I thought that was the job of the North Atlantic? And we're alongside on QE2 in case the welds aren't up to it! :D

 

Matthew

[KenC]

I thought that was the job of the North Atlantic? And we're alongside on QE2 in case the welds aren't up to it! :D

 

Matthew

 

..... and of course Queen Victoria is alongside you in case QE2 breaks down, loses power or has a boiler room flood ..... again :eek:

 

Bon voyage ;)

 

Ken

[Kindlychap]

..... and of course Queen Victoria is alongside you in case QE2 breaks down, loses power or has a boiler room flood ..... again :eek:

 

Bon voyage ;)

 

Ken

 

As well you know, the Engineers on Queen Elizabeth 2 have dealt with these (and more).

 

I have no reason to doubt the competence of their colleagues on Queen Victoria in any way whatsoever, but do wonder how they'd cope with the nose falling off.

 

Matthew

[cunardqueen]

..... and of course Queen Victoria is alongside you in case QE2 breaks down, loses power or has a boiler room flood ..... again

 

Bon voyage

 

Ken

 

And if that is the case those on the QE2 can look forward to an even faster atlantic crossing!! Those on Queen Victoria will probably just miss a few ports out to make up for her lack of speed.. l know which ship l would prefer to be on in a breakdown;) ;)

[Beyondships]

The inspection was probably just routine. However, that is a high stress area for any ship. The Noordam's bow was strengthened when she was constructed in order to compensate for the extra weight (compared to other Vistas) that resulted from the addition of the extra cabins in the stern. Also, when QV was designed, they strengthened the bow area in order to deal with the stresses that they envisioned the ship encountering in rough seas. In fact, that is one of the points Cunard often makes to support the argument that QV is not just a cruise ship.

[Kindlychap]

Sorry to have to spoil a good story with the facts.

 

I suppose the lesson is, as always, never to trust the media.....

 

I have been told that the truth behind this story is quite simple. The bow was being painted.

 

Matthew

[*Mach*]

Sorry to have to spoil a good story with the facts.

 

I suppose the lesson is, as always, never to trust the media.....

 

I have been told that the truth behind this story is quite simple. The bow was being painted.

 

Matthew

 

Mr. Matthew, I was thinking that was the reason for the 'specialists carrying out safety checks' as I see the same thing nearly every weekend when the Conquest docks in Galveston. Three or four small zodiac-like boats dash about, workers applying paint to those areas that have peeled during the previous week.

[travel-to-go]

I am just surprised they would have to touch it up so quickly. But I imagine there is any number of things a ship bumps into at sea and in port, not the least of which is sand! as in sandblasting!

 

I was trying to log on in the library while we were in St Thomas and the painters were being lowered I Can't remember- scaffold, cherry picker?- On some sort of boom type thing, maybe it was one of those scissor lifts, I think-right outside the window! Marc was afraid if they swung too hard they might break through the window and suggested I move away from the window. I did, bu I thought it a bit silly!

 

But it's true, I do see them touching up at nearly every port! St Kitss they were also doing so.

 

 

Karie