QE2's Trafalgar Suite

[Ron Warwick]

I would be pleased to see some photographs of the Trafalgar Suite when it was first installed.

[Michael Gallagher]

Here you go, Commodore!

Designed to resemble Lord Nelson’s quarters on HMS Victory with nautical features. Furnishings included a teak campaign desk, oversize lounge chairs, bar, coffee table, occasional chairs and triple dresser. Ship models, a sextant and other nautical items decorated the room, along with an original oil painting of Lady Hamilton. The picture windows were swagged in red velvet edged with gold braid, a direct adaption from Nelson’s quarters. A blue and gold carpet was laid on both floors.

Here is the lower level...

[Michael Gallagher]

And here are the stairs and upper level...

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Great question, and great answer too -- thank you!

Where was this, and who used this suite? Was it for passengers? How long did it last?

[Michael Gallagher]

The new block of Penthouses added in 1972 featured two premier units, the Queen Anne and Trafalgar Suites, situated farthest forward and spanning both the Sports and Signal decks – both levels connected by their own private internal stairs (with one turn and a platform at the midpoint). These were the first two-storey ‘town house’ cabins afloat.

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.

These two suites were, according to Cunard:

   “…designed to be the top rated rooms on the 65,000-ton ship. The suites are the most lavishly furnished and decorated accommodations on any passenger ship in the world”.

Each was decorated with distinctive elements characteristic of the historic periods they represented.

Here are the artists impressions for the Trafalgar Suite

[Michael Gallagher]

Trafalgar Suite History

1976: refurbished.

1977: refurbished with a new carpet of blue and gold.

1983: The Queen Anne and Trafalgar Suites were were totally refurbished at a cost of several hundred thousand dollars. Dennis Lennon was responsible for the refurbishment – he was the original co-ordinator of all QE2’s striking and sophisticated interiors and personally responsible for many back in the 1960s. New features included reclining beds, brand-new furniture units and television and video equipment. Bathrooms were redone with new gold fixtures. In addition original artworks were installed. Here is the Trafalgar Suite in 1983.

[Michael Gallagher]

1984: jacuzzi bathtubs installed.

1986 /1987: totally redone in pastel shades and art deco overtones.

1990: rebuilt and totally refurbished. The new décor consisted of a natural wood style with new built-in wardrobes and new, sealed / soundproofed windows installed (these would effectively eliminate the irritating sounds of whistling wind). The ‘murphy’ beds, that could be removed to make a living room area and ones that drew many complaints were replaced by permanent beds. Other features of the refurbishment included new carpets, bedspreads, curtains and re-upholstered furniture.

1992: refurbished.

1994: refurbished with all-new furnishings (bedspreads, carpets, curtains, upholstery) in a rich style.

1999: The Trafalgar Suite was renamed the Queen Victoria Suite and totally refurbished with new fittings and a colour scheme of tan. Changes included new Axminster carpets, curtains, bedspreads, valances, nightstands, TV stands and wall fabrics. All existing furniture was recovered. Fax machines were installed. Here is the Queen Victoria Suite in 1999.

[Michael Gallagher]

2006: refurbished with work focussing on wallpaper, plastering, French polishing and painting.

Since the Star Princess balcony fire on 23 March officers had been positioned on the bridge wings of QE2 24 hours a day to monitor the balconies and report immediately if any flames were observed. The officers involved were each paid an extra $15 per hour to do this. A balcony sprinkler system was installed during the refit to comply with Princess Cruises’ self-imposed new regulations after the fire and to comply with expected future legislation.

Here is the Queen Victoria Suite in 2008. Both levels made up as bedrooms.

[Lynda Bradford]

Brilliant to see this information on QE2's suites.

See also QE2's Original Penthouses

[Lynda Bradford]

When we visited QE2 in Dubai last year we had the opportunity to see the different grades of accommodation, including one of these suites, but I am not sure which one. 

[Michael Gallagher]

That is the Trafalgar / Queen Victoria Suite Lynda!

[Andy Holloway]

Slightly off subject but, it was the Queen Elizabeth Suite that David Bowie stayed in when he travelled once, i remember taking him to his suite and on seeing the size of it he remarked; "If i'd known it was going to be this big i'd have brought the wife."

[Chris]

Wow Michael what a treat that was. Thank you.