Changes to QE2 Public Areas 1969 to 1996

[Lynda Bradford]

I first stepped onboard QE2 in November 1968 before she left Clydebank, and was thoroughly impressed with the design and décor of this thoroughly modern lady.  I was only eighteen at the time and could only dream of being a passenger onboard.  But fast-forward to 1997 and my dream came true when I sailed onboard the QE2 for a transatlantic crossing.  But she was a very different ship to the one I had seen in Clydebank.

I decided to track the changes made to QE2 public areas using a spreadsheet in an attempt to give a linear view so that I could get a picture of the changes over the years. 

I started this project several months ago trawling through QE2 books, but could not have researched the detail to the extent I have done without the input of our forum members Cunardqueen and Cunarder Man who were kind enough to send me (on loan) deck plans, which helped me track the changes.  I would also like to thank Michael Gallagher, Cunard Historian who sent me documents that detailed all the refit changes to QE2 from 1969 through to 2008 and I have to say it was a pleasure to read through such detail about the history of the changes to the ship.

One aim I had was to enhance and highlight existing forum topic discussion.  The  following posts give deck-by-deck description of changes with links to forum topics where appropriate, which hopefully enhances existing topic discussions, but it is not inclusive of all information I have noted on the spreadsheet.

This will always be work ongoing as no matter how much information you have there is always more. Also after discussion with Rob we hope to incorporated the QE2 changes in a web page at a later date.   I will also make the spreadsheet available at a later date when I do a bit more work. 

[Lynda Bradford]

Signal Decks and Sports Deck


In 1972 shortly after Trafalgar took over Cunard, a survey was done to identify economic opportunities, to ensure a successful future for the ship.  It was at this time that luxury suites and penthouse suites were added so as to increase first class premium paying passenger capacity

The addition of the suites resulted in the loss of the observation platform on Signal deck and the loss of open deck space and the outdoor children’s area and pool on Sports deck.

Signal Deck   
   
During the 1972 refit the luxury Queen Anne and Trafalgar suites spanning both the Sports and Signal Decks, with both levels connected by internal stairs, were added.

(quote from Michael Gallagher's 1972 refit document) "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."   

Penthouse Suites added to Signal deck during the 1972 refit were:
            8010 / 8008         Piccadilly
            8006 / 8004         Westminster
            8009 / 8007         Buckingham
            8005 / 8003         Chelsea

Penthouse suites added to Sports Deck during the 1972 refit were:
            8110 / 8108         Pall Mall
            8109 / 8107         Kensington
            8106 / 8104         Grosvenor
            8105 / 8103         Mayfair

(Quote from Michael Gallagher's 1972 refit document): Penthouse Suites: "Each unit was made up of pairs of cabins (each being 355 square feet) on one level with a communicating door so that they could provide a separate bedroom and dayroom. The double-room suites could also be configured to form 16 single-room suites.

All the Penthouses were decorated in modern or traditional décor but were very contemporary 1970s in style (so much in vogue at this time)."

The Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth suites were added during the 1977 refit

During the 1986/87 refit eight new penthouse suites 8011, 8012, 8014, 8015, 8016, 8017, 8018,8019 were added.  These were forward of the funnel and aft of the 1972 block
The Children’s Room Creche and Cinema, on Sports Deck originally designed by Elizabeth Beloe and Tony Heaton. The addition of the luxury suites on Sports Deck during the 1972 refit resulted in the removal of the Children's deck area.

At the time of the 1994 refit, the Nursery was completely re-designed with an open plan design and updated. The open plan was necessary to conform with regulations that had been introduced since QE2 entered service.
Have a look at discussion on    Children’s Room Creche and Cinema and maybe you have something to contribute to this topic

In the1977 refit the Penthouse 8184 (no verandah) and 8183 luxury site (no verandah) were added to Sports Deck
At the time of the 1994 refit: the Sports Deck was renamed Sun Deck and a new bar the Sun Deck Bar was constructed aft of the funnel area

[Lynda Bradford]

Boat Deck

The 736 Club was briefly named Juliano's Discotheque prior to becoming a Casino for a short time, before this area became the Queens Grill Restaurant at the time of the 1972 refit. 

Quote from Michael Gallagher's 1972 refit document: The main features of the space (the sunken floor and balustrades dividing the raised area) were retained and the Grill was decorated in an “elegant and sophisticated design”. The room was reminiscent of early Statler with shades of royal blue and white. Chairs were Louis XV in style and mirrors in gilded rococo frames adorned the room.  A magnificent Royal Coat of Arms (Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth later The Queen Mother), carved in Lime wood, was installed and a central marble-framed fountain served as a centrepiece .

The Coat of arms an acclaimed piece of work, by  Artist Bainbridge Copnall had been removed from Queen Elizabeth on her retirement from Cunard service in 1968.

During the 1977 refit, the capacity of the grill restaurant was increased to accommodate extra passengers from the Penthouse Suites.  Post Falklands War 1982 refit the Queens Grill was enlarged and redesigned by Dennis Lennon at a cost of £400,000 and in 1986/87 the restaurant was enlarged to increase seating from 188 to 240, Dennis Lennon and Partners once again were responsible for the refurbishment.

The Queen Grill Galley, dedicated to serving QG passengers, was built aft of the restaurant, during the 1972 refit, in what was previously part of the coffee shop.

The Coffee Shop and The Juke Box area, which was originally designed by Elizabeth Beloe and Tony Heaton, was changed to the Queens Grill Lounge at the time of the 1972 refit.  After the Falkland War duties in 1982, the QG Lounge was re-modelled by Dennis Lennon in similar lines to the QG restaurant. 

The QE2 Story discussion topic “The Coffee Shop”

The QE2 Story discussion topic “The Queens Grill Lounge”

The London Gallery, portside on boat deck was originally designed by Stefan Buzas and Alan Irvine.  The London Gallery, used as a display area for British art, was removed at the time of the 1972 refit.

Note: The 1972 refit plan for this area to be rebuilt into three additional deluxe staterooms (8202,8204,8206,) similar to the new rooms midship on Boat Deck, was abandoned.

A Reading Room was planned for this area but not actually completed until 1974.  At the 1983 refit the areas became the Computer Room and during the 1986/87 refit the space was converted to a Boardroom

Have a look at the QE2 Story discussion topic “The Boardroom”

Shopping

In 1969 there were  Arcades of shops on either side of the theatre balcony originally designed by Stefan Buzas and Alan Irvine. The Shopping Arcade was moved aft during the 1972 refit to allow for the creation of luxury suites, which were available for booking from the 1975 inventory.

The new 1972 arcade sold featured jewellery, clothing, liquor, perfumes, cosmetics and gifts with the shops being named:
Souvenir Shop
The Boutique
Gift Shop
Liquor Store
The Perfumerie
Clothing Shop
Drug Store
Centre Shop
The Mans Shop

Double Up Room was originally designed by Jon Bannenberg.  At the time of the 1972 refit, the area that was the Double up room was remodeled into a shopping area when the shopping arcade was moved aft, from its original position, into this area.   The Double Up Cocktail Bar remained aft of the shopping area until 1976/77 refit when the bar area was changed to accommodate a shop.

1986/87 refit: International Shopping Concourse created by JSP Design (Northampton ). The existing Shopping Arcade in the upper level of the Double Room was completely renewed and extended aft by 16 metres into the open deck space, which was now enclosed and incorporated into the ships' structure.  Additional natural daylight was gained with the re-opening of the windows on both sides, covered since 1972 when the shops were first placed in this area.

1992 refit: The International Shopping Concourse was totally remodelled at a cost of over £1 million ($1.4 million.

1994 refit: The International Shopping Concourse renamed the Royal Promenade.  Additional shops added around the balcony of the Grand Lounge

Have a look at pictures and memories on Double Room (Double up/ Down Room) topic and Onboard Shopping

[Lynda Bradford]

Upper Deck


The Original Lookout Bar by Theo Crosby changed to Britannia Restaurant Galley in 1972 refit
The QE2 discussion topic "QE2's original Lookout Bar by Theo Crosby" may be of interest to you

The Britannia Restaurant was originally designed by Dennis Lennon. At the time of 1977 refit it was refurbished and renamed Tables of the World Restaurant with five themes, Parisienne, Florentine, Londoner, Flamenco, Oriental.
During the 1986/87 refit designers, Platou Ship Design re-designed this 800-seat room, which was renamed the Mauretania Restaurant.  Between 1994 and 1996 the Mauretania Restaurant was moved to Quarter Deck (where the Columbia Restaurant had been sited) and the upper deck restaurant space became the Caronia Restaurant.  From 12 April 1997, this restaurant area once again became the Mauretania Restaurant with a capacity of 530.

Join the discussion on “QE2 Restaurants”

The Theatre (seating 500) designed by Gaby Shreiber.  During the 1992 refit £130,000 was spent on a much-needed refurbishment of this room, totally transforming the area. The new look Theatre / Cinema was done in the period ‘thirties treatment with a new decor of soft peach, mauve and pink. The walls received new gold and silver stencils. New comfortable seats, new stage curtains and plush new carpeting was also installed. The lighting system and curtain tracks were overhauled, a new star changing room was built on the starboard side and the cinema projectors and sound systems were repaired.
The QE2 Story discussion topic discusses   “The Theatre Decorative Artwork”

The Crystal Bar was created in 1994 when the whole area port to starboard was reconstructed. Before the refit the Crystal Bar was divided into 3 areas.  Portside you had the entrance to the Mauretania restaurant, in the middle section roughly where the bar stands today was the dinning area for staff and on the Staboard side you had the Princess Grill Starboard bar.

During 1994 refit: Stairway entrance to PG created from upper deck Crystal Bar area down to Princess Grill

The Upper Deck Library designed by Dennis Lennon and partners was changed to the Casino in the 1972 refit and the area previously used as a Tour Office on starboard side was transformed into a library.

See QE2 discussion topic “Upper Deck Library” for photos and discussions

Casino: The gambling laws had relaxed enough by 1972 to allow Trafalgar House to build the Casino in the space previously occupied by the Upper Deck Library  and port side foyer, where it remained until retirement.   During the 1982 refit: A new lounge, The Hideaway Bar   (complete with a new ’L’ shaped bar) was created in the port side promenade between the Casino and the entrance of the Tables of the World Restaurant. A dividing system shut the Casino off from the lounge so that passengers could use this area when the ship was in port.  The casino was remodeled and enlarged during the 1990 refit and in 1994 the Casino Bar was added. 

The Theatre Bar originally designed by Dennis Lennon.  In the 1972 refit the loss of the 736 Club Disco meant a new disco location was required, it was at this time that the Theatre Bar was enlarged and refurbished to become QE2’s discotheque and area for cabaret dancing and entertainment. The Theatre was renamed the Golden Lion Pub at the time of the 1994 refit
Join discussion on “ The Theatre Bar” topic

The Double Down Room, was designed by Jon Bannenberg.  The 1972 refit resulted in the Double up room area changing to a shopping arcade, but the curved staircase was retained connecting the two levels. During the 1986/87 refit the Double Down Room was redesigned and renamed the Grand Lounge.  The curved stairway was removed and stairs were added either side of the stage from the shopping area to the dance floor.  Further changes during the 1994 refit saw the removal of the stairs.

The QE2 Story discussion topic “Double Room (Double up/ Down Room)

"Double Down Room Bar" originally designed by Jon Bannenberg was refurbished and became the Yacht Club during the 1986/87 refit.  Further changes in the 1994 refit saw the areas port and starboard of the club incorporated to make a larger disco nightclub. 

Also of interest is The QE2 Story discussion topics “The Yacht Club” and the bit outside the Yacht Club

In 1976 a conference room and tour office were built on the port side of Upper Deck, between the Double Down Room and the Double Down Bar, at a cost of £20,000.

[Lynda Bradford]

Quarter Deck

Columbia Restaurant

See photos of Columbia Restaurant 1969

During the 1972 refit  the area previously used as Grills Restaurant was incorporated into Columbia Restaurant. The settees in the former Grill were recovered and new carpeting and furnishings were introduced.  Entry to the new section was gained through the main room or via the staircase up from One Deck below where the former Grill Room Bar had been.  Extra space was also gained from a previous kitchen area.

In order to provide a continuous design theme, the whole area was refurbished in beige, bronze and cream. To help divide what became a very large area, bronze-tinted glass screens were installed between the webs. The carpet was in donkey-brown and heavily sculptured, wall panels were ochre leather and off-white curtains, with yellow velvet dress curtains, were hung. The two little side areas of the restaurant, which would be used for private parties, were decorated with yellow wall panels and curtains.

Two of the four Janine Janet statues from the old Grill Room (‘Air’ and ‘Water’) were re-located to the central area of the Columbia Restaurant.

In 1976 the The 100-seat Princess Grill was introduced on the port side forward of the Columbia Restaurant in the space occupied by the original Grill room (removed in 1972 with the extension of the Columbia Restaurant).

Midship Bar originally designed by Dennis Lennon was changed to the Chart Room at the time of the 1994 refit. 

The Quarter Deck Library

The Card Room became the Bookshop after the 1994 refit
Have a look at The Card Room topic that has some pictures and background information

Added during the 1994 refit, Club 2000 was located on Quarter Deck, aft on the port side, near the Lido.

Q4 Room replaced by the first phase of Club Lido in 1982.  In 1983  The Magodrome was installed to convert Quarter Deck pool area into a multi purpose area with restaurant facility plus nightclub in the evening. The Magrodrome added during the Bremerhaven refit was hoisted aboard on 29 November 1983.  In the1994 refit the Lido Café Buffet Service restaurant replaced the Club Lido and Quarter Deck pool. The Magrodome was removed.

The QE2 Story discussion topic  The Club Lido

[Lynda Bradford]

One Deck and Two Deck

Grill Room Bar on One Deck forward was decorated in the same style as the Grill Room. This bar was closed and used for storage after the 1972 refit but the spiral staircase was retained.  After the 1976/77 refit, the original Grill Room Lounge was re-opened with the introduction of the Princess Grill on Quarter Deck.

Have a look at the QE2 discussion topic Grill Room Bar

1986/87 refit the Launderette One Deck forward changed to Photo Lab and Dark Room

One Deck Shop was moved to a new location and the space was converted into a new, exclusive bar during the 1972 refit.  Renamed Club Atlantic from 1974 when staff from the Liner France were employed. First Harrods at sea shop opened in this space on 14 June 1984.  During QE2’s December 1996 refit, Harrods was closed as the concession left the ship. The space remained empty until the ‘Cunard Collection’ which was open when I was onboard in June 1997 selling Cunard-branded merchandise.

The QE2 Story discussion topic
Club Atlantic

See also QE2 Story topic Harrods onboard QE2

Beauty Salon and Barber Shop During the 1986/87 refit the Hair and beauty salons redesigned by Architect Group Practice (Manchester)  These areas were enlarged and redecorated in a new colour scheme of pinks and grays. A new Barber’s Shop area was also constructed.

The Pavilion: 1994 refit The Pavilion Self Service Hamburger snack bar replaced the Hamburger Haven (a window opening to the pool area on One Deck serving hamburgers)

During the 1986/87 refit the One deck Lido area aft was revamped with - new Burma teak decking and new furniture. The swimming pool itself was remodelled to include two whirlpools and a children's wading pool. The main pool was re-tiled and the Cunard logo - a lion holding a globe - was incorporated into the tiling at the bottom of the pool. A full service bar and informal eating area was also added.


One, Two and Three Deck Corridors an interesting topic worth having a look plus look at the link to four and five deck corridors

[Lynda Bradford]

Six and Seven Deck

Six Deck:
The six deck swimming pool designed by Jon Bannenberg was 30 ft long and 18 ft wide.  Deep end 6 ft, shallow end 4 ft. Turkish baths were adjacent to the pool with masseurs in attendance.  In 1982 following the Falklands War and reconversion to passenger ship, the Six Deck health facilities and indoor swimming pool complex were completely revamped. The Turkish Baths were removed and the space was transformed into the “world’s first floating spa” at a cost of $365,000. This area became the Golden Doors fitness complex.  In 1992 the swimming pool was removed to create the Steiners of London Spa complex. 

Have a look at The QE2 Story topic   The Indoor Swimming Pools

Seven Deck:
The seven deck swimming pool with saunas and gymnasium on either side was originally designed by Dennis Lennon. In July 1984, in response to overwhelming demand, major refurbishing work was carried out around the indoor pool area on Seven Deck. where the Golden Doors Health Spa was created. The area was equipped with gents and ladies saunas with changing rooms, a massage area, sunbeds and a new gymnasium with new equipment including exercise bicycles, a treadmill, weight equipment and dumbells from 3 lbs to 40 lbs.  In 1992 the Seven deck pool area was converted into a Steiners of London fitness complex with pool and gym facilities.
See also discussion on QE2 Story topic The Indoor Swimming Pools

[Lynda Bradford]

 I hope the work I have done so far on Changes to QE2 Public Areas (1969 to 1996) is of interest to members and guests and for all to enjoy. 

Initial post
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,6682.0.html

[June Ingram]

Hi Lynda - The work you have done here is enormous and it adds such a wealth of information about QE2 not before easily accessible.  Hours can be spent reading each post in the topic and exploring the links to other areas of The Forum.  Thank you so much for doing this research and posting it and making it available for all of us to use and enjoy !  June   

[Cunarder Man]

Excellent Lynda!
Pictures next and you should publish this in a book!

[Lynda Bradford]

Thanks John and June for your kind comments and yes John I feel I have enough information for a book, which would be a really interesting project.  I hope if we include the changes to public areas information on the forum's new web page that we can include pictures, but more work required.

[cunardqueen]

Its all a mine of information to digest and to enjoy and to really see how QE2 changed over the years and when !
Thanks !!!

[Twynkle]

Lynda - You are Brilliant!

It's a fantastic record - complete with appropriate links.
Thank you So much - and thanks to Michael as well!

Sometime, it would be good to learn more about the two Cunard seats on the Boat Deck...
Just wondering whether they come under 'public areas'!

Rosie

[Trevor Harris]

Thanks Lynda! This is amazing!

[Lynda Bradford]

Thanks Lynda! This is amazing!

Thanks for your kind comment Trevor.  My work on QE2 Public areas and refits is on hold at the moment, as I am working on the the QE2 conference in Clydebank in September, but will be resumed later this year. 


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