Author Topic: Re: The Grand Suites  (Read 5457 times)

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Offline Thomas Hypher

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Re: Re: The Grand Suites
« Reply #30 on: Feb 15, 2018, 11:13 AM »
The 'Grand Suites' title was first applied when they were doubled in size in the 1996 refit and then the three subsequent suite additions in 1999 (Aquitania, Caledonia and Carinthia) were called Grand Suites too.

Thank you Michael, one never stops learning! So how were "Queen Mary" and "Queen Elizabeth" doubled in size? And was this during the final KGV drydock refit where the freak wave damage was also repaired?
First sailed on QE2 in August 2003 aged 6 years old. Last sailed on QE2 in July 2008. Last saw the seagoing QE2 in person from the decks of QM2, on QE2's last Transatlantic crossing (Eastbound tandem) in October 2008. Visited QE2 in her new life, in Dubai, in January 2020 and August 2022.

Offline Michael Gallagher

Re: Re: The Grand Suites
« Reply #31 on: Feb 15, 2018, 11:16 AM »
Yes the final KGV drydock...

The Grand Suites

In order to provide signature accommodation on board and enhance QE2’s reputation for providing the best accommodations at sea, Cunard developed the concept of building two ultra-luxurious ‘Grand Suites’, suites that would be amongst the largest and most lavish accommodation afloat.

The two existing top suites, Queen Mary (8082) and Queen Elizabeth (8081) - already magnificent suites - were re-built and amalgamated with the two Penthouses adjacent:

   Queen Mary Suite         8082 and 8084
   Queen Elizabeth Suite      8081 and 8083

This resulted in a 40% increase in the size of the Mary and Elizabeth Suites and reduced QE2’s passenger capacity to 1496 with the loss of two Penthouses (four passengers).

The expansion allowed the introduction of a new dining area in each Grand Suite: the area in each which had previously been the bedroom became the dining area with a capacity of six guests around a large oval table. The bedroom area was relocated into what was previously the adjacent suite.

Each Grand Suite was decorated in creams, beiges, light woods, chrome and flowing lines. Bathrooms in each were totally rebuilt, decorated with marble and featured twin sinks.

The new 800-square foot Grand Suites allowed for flexible living, entertainment and sleeping space: each consisted of a bedroom with private veranda, complete with walk-in closet and marble bathroom. A double door led to a dining area, which in turn adjoined a raised lounge, leading to a glass-covered conservatory and private, forward-facing deck area.

Online Lynda Bradford

Re: Re: The Grand Suites
« Reply #32 on: Feb 15, 2018, 02:33 PM »
Wonderful information Michael about the suites, and the pictures help us visualise. 

I particularly liked Andy Holloway's post that I moved here this morning about John Cleese.  It is these stories that give us an insight into life on the QE2. 
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,512.msg93094.html#msg93094
I was proud to be involved with planning QE2's 50 year conference in September 2017 in Clydebank

Offline Michael Gallagher

Re: Re: The Grand Suites
« Reply #33 on: Feb 15, 2018, 03:21 PM »
The original 1977 artists impressions for the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth Suites attached....

Total cost: $1 million ($500,000 each)

America’s only contribution to the superstructure of QE2 was made when the most luxurious passenger accommodation was fitted on Signal deck forward of the 1972 Penthouse block. Constructed from a framework of aluminium, the two new suite blocks, costing $500,000 each, weighed 15 tones each, measured 50 by 30 feet and were 16 feet high.

Preparatory construction work was undertaken over a period of several months during periodic calls at Southampton and involved the removal of decking and setting the foundations of the new units. Each module was constructed ashore at the yard adjacent to the dry dock and were hoisted aboard (fully furnished) by crane within days of QE2’s arrival at Bayonne.

Each block contained four suiterooms:

      ROOM      SIZE

8082   544 square feet
8084         437 square feet
8081   544 square feet
8082   437 square feet

Named after the two most famous Cunarders, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, the interior design for these suites was undertaken by Dennis Lennon and were outfitted in the last word in European and American designs in a style called ‘classic modern’.

Both suites featured two bedrooms, sitting room, two bathrooms, two patios and a walk-in closet / dressing room.

Sitting Room: The suites’ distinctive architectural feature was the split-level configuration with the sitting room above the main bedroom. A 12-foot suede covered sofa curved around one corner, a glass and satin stainless steel coffee table and chairs covered in handmade Scottish tweed. There was a cocktail fridge and music centre. Additional storage space was to be found under the ‘balcony’ separated from the bedroom by a transparent balustrade. A small four-step staircase connected the bedroom and sitting room above. Towards the bow the room faced a large private patio.

Bedroom: The bedroom area featured a dressing table, side table, wardrobe and lamps. The area was done in muted beiges and pale pastel silks; bedlinen under the blue and white Italian bedspreads was by Halston. Sycamore chests and other furniture were especially handmade.
      
   The Queen Mary Suite featured a gold hand-woven silk panel behind the bed.

   The Queen Elizabeth Suite featured a blue hand-woven silk panel behind the bed.

Bathroom   The large bathroom in each suite featured two marble basins, carpeted floor, gold-plated fittings, a large bathtub, shower, toilet, bidet and cabinet with sycamore and mirrored walls.

The suites could be combined to form two 891 square feet ultra-luxury, split-level apartments:

8082 (main room) and 8084: Queen Mary Suite (decorated in gold)
8081 (main room) and 8083: Queen Elizabeth Suite (decorated in blue)

The floors throughout each suite were covered with a champagne shaded hand-woven carpet and the walls were covered with heavy white linen. Each suite had its own cocktail service and Minton china and silver for breakfast and teatime use. The patios featured white furniture. The split-level areas could be lit from a single $800 lamp on a dimmer switch and a number of ‘infinitely variable’ lighting schemes.

The Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth Suites were more luxurious than any other accommodation available at sea: so lavish were these accommodations, they were referred to in the New York Times as “two rooms riverside view; rent $125,000 quarterly”. The price passengers would be charged for tenancy on one of these ‘bolt-on-boxes’ was around £1,000 per day. Fares for the first cruise after the refit (20 December 1977, fourteen days to the Caribbean) were $15,590 per person. The 1978 90-day Great Pacific and Orient Cruise would see fares of $160,000 per person for these suites.

If required, the new rooms could be sold as four separate units.

8083 and 8084

To enable these rooms to be sold individually, these two Penthouses were of a similar layout to the existing Penthouses.


« Last Edit: Feb 15, 2018, 03:29 PM by Michael Gallagher »

Offline Michael Gallagher

Re: Re: The Grand Suites
« Reply #34 on: Feb 15, 2018, 03:23 PM »
As built

Offline Michael Gallagher

Re: Re: The Grand Suites
« Reply #35 on: Feb 15, 2018, 03:26 PM »
During the Re-Engining...

In 2011 I was surprised to see a photograph of the Queen Elizabeth Suite (attached) dated 4 May 1987 which showed the bedroom of the suite had been relocated to the upper level of the suite. The whole suite had a new look too.

When I asked John Duffy about this and showed him the photograph in September 2011 he confirmed this work had been undertaken during the re-engining and he had been responsible for the change. His rationale was that people go upstairs to bed and the previous layout meant that guests had to pass through the Bedroom to get to the living area above. A curtain was fitted so the two areas could be divided.

This layout and look only lasted just over a year.

Offline Michael Gallagher

Re: Re: The Grand Suites
« Reply #36 on: Feb 15, 2018, 03:30 PM »
1983 REFIT

The majority of the Penthouse Suites and other deluxe rooms 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.

Offline Michael Gallagher

Re: Re: The Grand Suites
« Reply #37 on: Feb 15, 2018, 03:30 PM »
1984 REFIT

Jacuzzi bathtubs were installed in the bathrooms.

Offline Michael Gallagher

Re: Re: The Grand Suites
« Reply #38 on: Feb 15, 2018, 03:30 PM »
1988 REFIT

The Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth Suites were altered and refurbished.

The living room area was re-arranged with a new position for the sofa while the stairs leading up to the area were also re-arranged.

Patios, similar to glass conservatories, were built and fitted with additional seating.

A new headboard was also fitted above the bed.


Offline Michael Gallagher

Re: Re: The Grand Suites
« Reply #39 on: Feb 15, 2018, 03:31 PM »
1992 REFIT

The Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth Suites were refurbished on browns and pinks (identical to the décor in the new Midships Site on Two Deck). All furnishings were replaced: new carpets (with the Cunard ‘lion rampant’ logo), bedspreads, curtains and all furniture was re-upholstered.

Offline Michael Gallagher

Re: Re: The Grand Suites
« Reply #40 on: Feb 15, 2018, 03:31 PM »
JANUARY 1995

Both suites were re-carpeted. The new carpet was the same as that placed in the Midships Suite and the other Penthouses during the 1994 ‘Project Lifestyle’ refit.

Offline Michael Gallagher

Re: Re: The Grand Suites
« Reply #41 on: Feb 15, 2018, 03:32 PM »
1999 REFIT

Both Grand Suites received new bedspreads in the same design as that found in the refurbished Penthouse Suites.

Offline Michael Gallagher

Re: Re: The Grand Suites
« Reply #42 on: Feb 15, 2018, 03:33 PM »
2001 REFIT

Both suites were refurbished with all soft furnishings, including headboard, bedspreads, upholstery, carpeting, valance and throw cushions being renewed. The hard finishes and furniture were retained but new soft furnishings gave these two top grade suites a new and fresh appearance. The style was the same as that found in the QS grade suites added on Boat and Two decks in 1999.

A new carpet in a sand colour with highlights and borders in golds, rusts, mint greens and taupe and decorative infils was fitted. All chairs were re-covered in a variety of fabrics featuring contemporary designs and patterns in colours ranging from light olives, mint greens, silvery blues, creams and beiges. New wall coverings throughout included jade coloured walls to the entrance lobbies.

The original curved leather sofa in the lounge area was removed and replaced with a new three-seater sofa facing forward. This provided more space and flexibility.

New window treatments were provided, including roman shades, sheers and dress curtains complete with tiebacks. Windows received new curtains and printed sun sheers.

The cream panels above the bed were recovered in green.

New lamps throughout which had a modern design yet reflected the elegance of the 1930s. New mirrors were also introduced.




Offline Michael Gallagher

Re: Re: The Grand Suites
« Reply #43 on: Feb 15, 2018, 03:34 PM »
2006 REFIT

All Penthouses were 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.


Offline Thomas Hypher

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Re: Re: The Grand Suites
« Reply #44 on: Feb 15, 2018, 04:16 PM »
Thank you for the excellent, detailed information (that will be added to my sponge brain) Michael!
First sailed on QE2 in August 2003 aged 6 years old. Last sailed on QE2 in July 2008. Last saw the seagoing QE2 in person from the decks of QM2, on QE2's last Transatlantic crossing (Eastbound tandem) in October 2008. Visited QE2 in her new life, in Dubai, in January 2020 and August 2022.