QE2’s Horn
Three Horns. Two Styles. One Error!
There is arguably no more beloved sound in modern maritime history than the unmistakable voice of QE2. The ship carried three whistles in total: two mounted high on her mast, one powered by air and the other electric, and a third foghorn positioned on One Deck at the forward end of the ship. Together, they gave QE2 a versatile signalling suite, but it was the pair on the mast that created the ship’s legendary tone.
QE2’s whistle became iconic because one of her mast horns was slightly out of tune with the other. Instead of producing a single, clean note, the two horns interacted to create a gentle beat frequency, a pulsing, echo‑like resonance that made her sound instantly recognisable.
This natural acoustic “wobble” gave QE2 a voice unlike any other liner, a haunting, harmonic call that enthusiasts still describe as the most emotional whistle ever to grace the oceans.
QE2 Custom Print
This new range of Custom Print from The Cruise Maps is created in partnership with Cunard and marine illustrator Marc-Antoine Bombail. It is a complete collection of seven scale portraits spans 90 years of Cunard history, from Queen Mary (1936) to Queen Anne (2024).
We’ve known Marc-Antoine for decades and have always admired his wonderful artworks. We are proud to offer a 10% discount code in affiliation with The Cruise Maps.
Simply use the code “ChrisFrameOfficial” at check out. Browse the collection here.
Note: This is an affiliate code, meaning if you buy these prints you get a 10% discount and we get a small commission at no cost to you.
