Boats courting (large files)

[thaddeus]

I've been reading some of the comments about how large the QE2 is. I was quite surprised because the first thing I think when I see it is how small it seems! "You call that a boat?"



There's often bigger boats around: for example, here's the Diamond Princess that was here earlier this month. I sometimes take pot-shots of them, but photos of the arse-ends of boats are usually not particularly interesting.

And Leek, before you say it: I'm holding the camera straight - it's the boat that's leaning!



I was gazing out of my lounge room window minding my own business when the 7 Seas steamed in from one of its namesakes. There was nothing unusual about that until it fired up its bow thrusters and executed a complete 360 degree pirouette in front of the quay. You haven't seen anything until you've seen something the size of an office block do spins in your front garden!



I have a complete set of shots of this, so if anyone knows how to turn this into an animation, I'd be very grateful for their advice!

The 7 Seas finally stopped its giddy girations and headed off under the bridge.



Which made for my favourite shot of the day. I call it "Two Bloody Big Ships Far Too Close."



The 7 Seas just fit under the bridge. I assume these guys check the tides or they could be up for an expensive repair bill!



My next step is to be on the bridge when one of these giants goes under. I think there'd be some great opportunities for the 12-24!

[TonyH]

Very impressive view and excellent shots!

Also if that's your front garden I'd hate to mow it!!


Tony

[gstark]

Russell,

Great series of shots.

I think that the real indication of just how big these ships are is to compare them with the buildings alongside.

Consider that, at the eastern end of the Quaty frontage is the old (original) AMP Building. For those who are not aware, in the a960s, this was the tallest building in Australia, and indeed, the southern hemisphere.

I used to have nice views from the 14th, 15th and 9th floors, in an earlier life, and in those days, the roof used to be open to the public ($0.20 admission, to the Red Cross IIRC) as a viewing deck.

These ships extend from the waterline to halfway up the height of the old AMP building, which, in and of itself, makes them among the taller buildings in the city when they're in port.

But they appear to be about three times longer than their height, which suggests that, were they to be stood upright upon their stern, they would be significantly taller than most buldings in Sydney.

And their girth is equally large: these are indeed floating cities.

But their arse-end view is butt-ugly. About as attractive as Amanda Vanstone getting her hair done.

By Lord Downer.

[sirhc55]

Nice series Russell - hope you get the QM2 when she arrives

[BBJ]

Russel, these are great pictures and damn wish i had a veiw like that. These are big ships and have only ever been on 1 when i was younger call the Oriana which i boarded in Sydney for a cruise but now she is not in service anymore. Fantastic shots.

[nito]

Excellent images of a majestic ship. It's HUGE!

[Glen]

Thaddeus, that has amazed me no end how large they are. Thanks

[stubbsy]

Russell

Thanks for sharing these. They are a good set of images which really give strong feel for the enormous scale of these floating cities.

[avkomp]

puts it all in perspective.

big big ships. still just as fragile as some of the smaller ones.

not sure I would like to be on one of those in rough sees. the tall ones especially.
you would want a cabin at waterline amidships or pack plenty of seasick pills.

Steve

[Technik]

these two boats are definitely bigger than the QEII.

I like the second shot - it really shows the gigantic size of the Diamond Princess. Excellent work! Impressive stuff

[gstark]

Looking more closely at the image of the vessel doing its limbo under the coathanger piqued my curiosity: it seemed as though the cabins each had a private balcony, preculding an outdoor perimiter deck as I think is common in many cruise ships.

So I found that on its recent visit to Sydney it was starting this cruise. From US$11471. Do be sure to check the dress code to ensure that you are appropriately attired.

My original question is answered thusly ...

Following closely in the wake of the Seven Seas Mariner, the new 700-guest Seven Seas Voyager is the world's second all-suite, all-balcony ship and the second to feature a restaurant operated by Le Cordon Bleu® of Paris. There are four main dining venues, surprising for a ship of her size. The Voyager also features some of the highest space and service ratios at sea, and her suites are the largest "lead-in" suites in the industry.

and ...

Measuring a minimum of 356 sq. ft., the Voyager features the largest "lead-in" suites at sea. Each includes a private balcony, European king-size bed convertible to twins, a separate sitting area and ultra-spacious marble bathroom with separate shower and full bathtub. There's a walk-in closet with safe, terry robes, hair dryer, refrigerator stocked with soft drinks, interactive TV, DVD/CD player, and bar set-up with premium liquor upon embarkation. Wheelchair-accessible and triple suites are available. Penthouse B Suites and higher have Butler Service.

Thanh,

what was that boat you were thinking about buying?

[wendellt]

i remember seeing that boat never knew there were too
looks like 2 skyscrappers on water, they do look much bigger from the air.

who's flying the helicopter when your taking pics?

impressivbe stuff

[blacknstormy]

Russell - great series of shots - you can create an animated series of these shots in PS (File, edit in image ready) or in Corel Draw ....
would look so wicked:)
Rel

[big pix]

or have a look here.......

http://www.russellbrown.com/tips_tech.html

[Alex]

Great series, Russell. I haven't seen ships this big in Melbourne yet.

Alex

[MHD]

Nice shots and aptly named thread!

Nice views, both from the chopper and apartment

[birddog114]

thaddeus,
Very nice series of photos.
She's larger and huge in comparision to Killa's ship.

Gary,
I ordered the Stabicraft 609HT with 175hp. Gone out and did a drive test with a local Stabicraft dealer yesterday afternoon.

[thaddeus]

Thanks all! I'll have a play with the animation and see how I go.
Unlike my normal work, no helicopters were used (or harmed) in these shots - they are all from my stationary lounge room rather than my lounge room in the sky!

[huynhie]

Some how I still like the looks of the old style ships like the QE2.

Those new ones remind me of a Meriton project floating on water.