Restoring, preserving and repairing the Queen Mary balance with running her as a business. "The Queen Mary is a living vessel and we have to continue to cater to the public," say Smith. "We have to strike a balance, to accommodate people so they will enjoy staying here, with all the modern amenities, yet keep the historical charm." Sometimes restoration and economics are aligned - restoring the public spaces makes them more valuable as venues for weddings other events. Stateroom renovations, costing $7,000 to $10,000 per room, involve the most compromises. While keeping in mind the ship's 1930s design and pastel color schemes, designers must create rooms that are comfortable for modern visitors with longer-lasting, darkly-colored fabrics.
In 2003, the Queen Mary will once again be in the company of cruise ships when Carnival Corporation opens a new terminal next to the Queen Mary. The Queen Mary will be the center of a pre- and post-cruise attraction area that will bring many new visitors to the area. Modern cruisers will have a unique opportunity to compare their ships with the one-time "Queen of the Seas," a ship larger, faster and more spacious than her modern counterparts.
With a 66-year lease on the Queen Mary, the RMS Foundation is hopeful for her future and ready to meet the challenges of preserving her historic fabric while running a profitable business. "She's a living vessel and we have to continue to cater to the public," says Ron Smith, "It's a challenge."
