When the initial design called for QE2 to be a three-class vessel this staircase at frames 124 – 132) was originally intended to be used by Cabin and Tourist Class passengers. While stairway arrangements were almost complete by January 1966, by February 1966 the design and layout was being reconsidered in order to improve the stairway when the ship was cruising. The arrangement of stairs and lifts were modified to bring the four lifts on athwartship line at the aft end of the stairway enclosure. Lifts 13 and 14 would remain Tourist Class and their controls were arranged so that they worked as a pair, as in their former position. In addition arrangements were made so that all four lifts could be linked together for when the vessel was cruising. The realignment of the lifts would result in slight modifications to the after bulkhead of the boiler casing with it being extended from frame131½ to frame 131 on B (Four) and C (Five) Decks. At this point a final decision on how the two stairways would be divided had still not been made with the choice being between a full height Marinite division or a balustrade – no steel structure would be involved. In order to provide a cross passage a slight re-arrangement of the B (Four) Deck accommodation abaft the engine casing was required. These changes were confirmed that month despite a final decision on the final number of classes not being made – that decision would follow in May 1966. The plans of the stairways were examined and given preliminary approval in April 1966.
Considered the main staircase: ‘E’ for Everyhwere.
The top diagram shows the original layout for E; the lower diagram shows how E was eventually laid out while the pictures show the view from the top.
