Signal Deck: Observation Platform (removed 1972 refit)

[Lynda Bradford]

At the Zoom meeting we had on Thursday there was interesting discussions about the Signal Deck Observation Platform that had been removed during the 1972 refit when the first of the luxury suites were added.  I wondered if anyone has memories of this Observation Platform.  Was this completely removed or was it available for crew to use.  Looking at the deck plans you can see stairs leading up to the Observation Platform that appear to still be there post refit.



1971/72 Passenger Deck Plan shows the Observation Platform on Signal Deck


1972/73 passenger deck plan with luxury suites

Bob C shared this fantastic picture at the Zoom session that was taken in the early 1970's, which I think shows the observation platform above the Bridge on Signal Deck.

[Lynda Bradford]

On the QE2 Maiden Voyage 2 May 1967 topic Michael Gallagher has posted some really good aerial photos of QE2

https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php?topic=8927.msg103668#msg103668

including this photo which looks like the Signal Deck with stairs going up to an observation area:

Hope this generates some memories.

[Rod]

I do not recall it at all! Remember the dust bowl but not an observation deck.

[Lynda Bradford]

I do not recall it at all! Remember the dust bowl but not an observation deck.

Good to hear from you Rod.  You were the one person, I had hoped would remember the Observation Platform. 

[Rob Lightbody]

On the QE2 Maiden Voyage 2 May 1967 topic Michael Gallagher has posted some really good aerial photos of QE2

https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php?topic=8927.msg103668#msg103668

including this photo which looks like the Signal Deck with stairs going up to an observation area:

Hope this generates some memories.

She was such a fabulous spacious ship when new, wasn't she.  Such an incredible amount of deck space, from the observation deck right at the front, to the 1 deck aft flag, and pretty much everything in between.  Crew might not have the same views of course - did they have more or less space as time went on?

I saw a photo of a modern mass market cruise ship the other day, and I struggled to see ANY open deck space at all.  QM2 still has a fair bit, but she's also lost some and doesn't feel anything like as spacious up top any more.

[Rod]

Good to hear from you Rod.  You were the one person, I had hoped would remember the Observation Platform.

I vaguely remember the platform but not as being that big!

[Rod]

She was such a fabulous spacious ship when new, wasn't she.  Such an incredible amount of deck space, from the observation deck right at the front, to the 1 deck aft flag, and pretty much everything in between.  Crew might not have the same views of course - did they have more or less space as time went on?

I saw a photo of a modern mass market cruise ship the other day, and I struggled to see ANY open deck space at all.  QM2 still has a fair bit, but she's also lost some and doesn't feel anything like as spacious up top any more.

The bit I have highlighted in red is so true!
From what I remember Rob, up until when I left in Christmas 88,crew areas were not dramatically effected.