Queen Elizabeth Facts

When the RMS Queen Elizabeth entered was ready to enter service in 1939, she was the largest ocean liner ever built. While World War II delayed the commencement of her passenger voyages until the mid-1940s, Queen Elizabeth retained the title of world’s largest passenger ship until 1996 when she was finally eclipsed by the Carnival Cruise Line ship Carnival Destiny – which today sails as Carnival Sunshine.

Queen Elizabeth

General Information

  • Gross Tonnage – 83,673 tons.
  • Number of funnels: 2.
  • Number of masts: 2.
  • Construction: Steel.
  • Propulsion: Quadruple screw.
  • Engines: Single reduction steam turbines.
  • Builder: John Brown & Co Ltd, Glasgow.
  • Launch date: 27 September 1938.
  • Passenger accommodation: 823 1st class, 662 cabin class, 798 tourist class.
  • Crew accommodation: 1,101 persons.

Technical Information

  • Tonnage: 83,673 gross tons
  • Displacement: 83,000+ tonnes
  • Length: 1,031 ft (314 m)
  • Beam: 118 ft (36 m)
  • Height: 233 ft (71 m)
  • Draft: 38 ft (12 m)
  • Installed power: 160,000 horsepower.
  • Propellers: Four propellers
  • Propulsion: Steam Turbine (Single Reduction Gear)

Image sourced with thanks from: Simplon Post Cards