Topic: QM2 Returns With Name Change!

Cunard’s QM2 was spotted the first time this week in Southampton without the Southampton name on her stern.

The QM2 has just returned to Southampton after its biggest refit which consists of 25,000 of new fabrics and many carpets, it was announced by Cunard in October that its three cruise ships Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth will no longer sail under the British flag. They will fly the Bermuda flag instead and the name Hamilton will replace Southampton on the ships stern.

But the Managing Director of Cunard has said that they are not looking to base the luxury liners elsewhere.

Peter Shanks, president and managing director of Cunard Line, said: “We’re
staying here and we’re continuing to provide tremendous economic benefit to
everybody in Southampton.”

Queen Mary 2 ship facts:
Entered service in 2004
Home port – Southampton, UK
Port of registry – Hamilton, Bermuda
Speed – 28 knots
Gross tonnage – 151,400 GRT
Guest capacity – 2,620
No. of crew – 1253
Length – 1,132 feet
Width – 131 feet
Draft – 32 feet

Have you ever cruised on the QM2?

What do you think of the stern name change?

QUOTE:

Cunard’s QM2 was spotted the first time this week in Southampton without the Southampton name on her stern.

The QM2 has just returned to Southampton after its biggest refit which consists of 25,000 of new fabrics and many carpets, it was announced by Cunard in October that its three cruise ships Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth will no longer sail under the British flag. They will fly the Bermuda flag instead and the name Hamilton will replace Southampton on the ships stern.

But the Managing Director of Cunard has said that they are not looking to base the luxury liners elsewhere.

Peter Shanks, president and managing director of Cunard Line, said: “We’re
staying here and we’re continuing to provide tremendous economic benefit to
everybody in Southampton.”

Queen Mary 2 ship facts:
Entered service in 2004
Home port – Southampton, UK
Port of registry – Hamilton, Bermuda
Speed – 28 knots
Gross tonnage – 151,400 GRT
Guest capacity – 2,620
No. of crew – 1253
Length – 1,132 feet
Width – 131 feet
Draft – 32 feet

Have you ever cruised on the QM2?

What do you think of the stern name change?

Certainly didn't notice it as she sailed past Southsea last night and probably neither did the 2000 odd passengers on board.

They were too busy enjoying themselves.

Old news............

Cunard is a company and as long as Southampton is its home base , sounds good to me.
It was also a business decision to take advantage of the new growth business of marriages at sea by the Captain from other cruise lines as one main reason
Cunard to register ships in Bermuda - Telegraph
and also stays away from EU possible rulings on crew wages (my guess).

If there is a demand for marriages at sea I cannot understand why UK law is not changed to allow them. You can be married in so many places on land these days, such as theatres and football stadiums, Surely a cruise ship is no worse than these.

I expect most passengers will not notice the change and it probably won't make a difference to the ship itself but it still seems wrong that a ship with a British monarchs name does not have a British port on its stern.

Sign of the times I fear, but at least, the Bermudian flag is much preferable to be seen flying from the stern than those of Panama, Monrovia and other suchlike flags of convenience. David

Just remember it is owned by an american company, it isn't British anymore so much the pity but that's the way of the world

It seems such a shame that Southampton has been removed from the ships, everything that has been conceived in this country which has been iconic has gone altogether or been sold to other countries. Carnival have, since buying the Queens has been trying to keep up British traditions on board. We have nothing left. Pity all has to change and not for the better.

QUOTE:

Cunard’s QM2 was spotted the first time this week in Southampton without the Southampton name on her stern.

The QM2 has just returned to Southampton after its biggest refit which consists of 25,000 of new fabrics and many carpets, it was announced by Cunard in October that its three cruise ships Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth will no longer sail under the British flag. They will fly the Bermuda flag instead and the name Hamilton will replace Southampton on the ships stern.

But the Managing Director of Cunard has said that they are not looking to base the luxury liners elsewhere.

Peter Shanks, president and managing director of Cunard Line, said: “We’re
staying here and we’re continuing to provide tremendous economic benefit to
everybody in Southampton.”

Queen Mary 2 ship facts:
Entered service in 2004
Home port – Southampton, UK
Port of registry – Hamilton, Bermuda
Speed – 28 knots
Gross tonnage – 151,400 GRT
Guest capacity – 2,620
No. of crew – 1253
Length – 1,132 feet
Width – 131 feet
Draft – 32 feet

Have you ever cruised on the QM2?

What do you think of the stern name change?

I wonder if any member has a picture of the name on the stearn with the new port