In August 2023, Julie Lightfoot MBE, consultant at Solar Solve Marine, was enjoying an Alaska cruise from Vancouver aboard Queen Elizabeth, operated by Cunard Line. During the voyage, she was invited to visit the ship’s navigation bridge, where she observed SOLASOLV® screens on Queen Elizabeth in active use.
These marine window shades provide effective protection against solar heat and glare while maintaining a 100% optically clear outward view. They improve bridge visibility and ensure safer navigation during bright daylight conditions. The use of SOLASOLV® screens on Queen Elizabeth demonstrates their importance in enhancing both safety and comfort on cruise vessels.
Benefits of SOLASOLV® Screens on Cruise Ships
All SOLASOLV marine window shades are custom-made in South Shields, England, and are Type Approved for use on most vessel types, including cruise liners, naval ships, and commercial vessels. Key advantages include:
- Reduction of direct sunlight glare on bridge windows
- Rejection of heat and UV radiation for safer navigation
- Enhanced crew comfort during long voyages
- Improved readability of electronic displays without eye strain
These systems are part of Solar Solve’s broader portfolio of marine window solutions, trusted by cruise operators and naval fleets worldwide.
About Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth is Cunard’s newest luxury ocean liner, debuting in 2010 from Southampton. Built in Italy and christened by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, she is part of the Cunard fleet alongside Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria.
The ship is recognized by NOAA for reporting whale sightings in Alaska to their Whale Alert program. In May 2023, Queen Elizabeth returned to the North Pacific to start the Alaska cruise season again.
Sailing Through Glacier Bay National Park
Queen Elizabeth is one of the few ships allowed to navigate the UNESCO-listed Glacier Bay National Park. During the cruise, U.S. National Park Service rangers provided passengers with presentations about the park’s wildlife and glaciers, making the voyage both educational and memorable.
Julie Lightfoot MBE commented:
“Being on Queen Elizabeth in Glacier Bay National Park was incredible. The SOLASOLV® screens made the bridge experience much safer, and the park rangers’ presentations enhanced our understanding of the region’s wildlife and glaciers.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are SOLASOLV® marine screens designed for?
They reduce glare, heat, and UV exposure on bridge windows while maintaining clear external visibility, improving navigation safety.Can these screens be installed on cruise ships?
Yes. SOLASOLV® screens are Type Approved for luxury cruise liners, naval vessels, and commercial ships.Do SOLASOLV® screens improve crew comfort?
Absolutely. They reduce heat and glare, preventing eye strain and fatigue during long voyages.Are the screens suitable for existing ships during refits?
Yes. They can be retrofitted during scheduled maintenance or refits without major structural changes.
