Amazing pictures of Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) and Queen Victoria (QV) during the first day at sea of their tandem transatlantic crossing - 7th January 2008

These photos were originally posted on the excellent linerslist - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LinersList - and are posted with permission of Steve Swanson, the list owner.

Two things to bear in mind when looking at these pictures - (1) there were large swells in the area, the after-effects of a storm the days before and also (2) that QE2 was travelling slower (19 or 20 knots) than normal.

The next picture looks quite alarming - until you take into account the length of her bow, which is designed for exactly this situation and protects the superstructure and bridge - neither are anywhere near the waterline or the waves.  This will have been far less alarming on board than it looks here.

Now a similar photo of the brand new Queen Victoria (QV), taken from the QE2 alongside.  With no long bow to protect her, she just digs into the water.  Her bridge is really very close to the water.  Also consider that she is far higher than the QE2, although the same length/width.

The following superb photos are from John Little, who was onboard Queen Victoria during the tandem crossing with QE2. Click to enlarge.