Online Encyclopedia
RMS Queen Elizabeth 2
The Queen Elizabeth 2, often called "the QE2," was the flagship of the Cunard Line from 1969 until she was succeeded by RMS Queen Mary 2 in 2004. The QE2 is considered the last of the great transatlantic ocean liners (prior to the Queen Mary 2) and was the last oil-fired passenger steamship to cross the Atlantic in regularly scheduled liner service before she was refitted with a diesel power plant. During her service as the Cunard flagship, QE2 traveled all over the world, but now operates as a cruise ship based out of Southampton, England.
At 70,327 tons and 963 feet (294m) long, with a top speed of 32.5 knots, she is one of the largest and fastest passenger vessels afloat. She is larger than the RMS Titanic, but smaller than her predecessor, RMS Queen Elizabeth and her successor, RMS Queen Mary 2.
The "2" in the name distinguishes her from the first ship of the name, the RMS Queen Elizabeth, which was named for Queen Elizabeth, the wife of King George VI of the United Kingdom, who was Queen Consort when that ship was built. The QE2 was allegedly named to honor Queen Elizabeth II, who launched her in 1969. In fact, HM the Queen specifically spoke the liner's name as "Queen Elizabeth Two" when she christened the ship at her launching, rather than as "Queen Elizabeth the Second," which the use of Roman numerals would have implied. The ship's name was formerly written Queen Elizabeth II and this incorrect spelling is sometimes seen. Cunard correctly uses the Arabic numeral to distinguish the ship from the monarch and from her predecessor.
The QE2 was built on the River Clyde in Scotland. Her keel was laid down on 5 July 1965 and she was launched on 20 September 1967. Her maiden voyage, from Southampton to New York, was on 2 May 1969.
On 17 May 1972, she was the subject of a bomb threat. The QE2 was searched by its crew and a bomb disposal team was parachuted into the sea near the ship. No bomb was found but the hoaxer was arrested.
In 1982, she took part in the Falklands War, carrying 3000 troops to the south Atlantic.
In 1986, her steam turbines were replaced by diesel engines.
In August 1992 her hull was considerably damaged when she ran aground off Cape Cod, on a day trip from New York to Martha's Vineyard.
In 1995 she encountered, in a North Atlantic hurricane, a freak wave estimated at 29 m.
The QE2 was removed from transatlantic service in 2004 when QM2 became operational, but continues in service as a cruise ship homeported at Southampton.