Queens of the sea bound for Australia
The world’s two most famous ocean liners, Cunard’s massive Queen Mary 2 and legendary Queen Elizabeth 2, are now bound for Australia after beginning their world voyages together in spectacular style in Florida’s Fort Lauderdale yesterday.
In a rare event, the two iconic liners departed on their world voyages simultaneously, watched by thousands of onlookers. Their only other joint port of call will be in Sydney on February 20 in what promises to be one of the biggest days ever on Sydney Harbour.
Capable of carrying up to 3090 passengers, the 151,400-ton Queen Mary 2 will become the largest ship to visit Australia when she sails into Sydney Harbour. Larger than 132 Manly ferries, and more than a third of a kilometre in length, Queen Mary 2 is the longest, tallest and widest ship in the world.
She will be joined in Sydney by the 70,327-ton Queen Elizabeth 2, with both ships sounding their 2.1 metre long signalling horns – audible for 16 kilometres – as Queen Elizabeth 2 passes Queen Mary 2 in the Harbour at approximately 7.15pm.
The historic joint visit will be marked by a spectacular fireworks display on the harbour at 8.40pm prior to Queen Mary 2’s 11pm departure.
The last time two Cunard Queens called at Sydney together was during World WarII, when the original Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth made joint visits as troop carriers in 1941 and 1942.
Full details of the timing of the ships’ historic Sydney visits, the fireworks and vantage points are available on a dedicated website www.queenmary2.com.au
Both ships will begin their 2007 world voyages in a southerly direction; with Queen Mary 2 undertaking an 81-day circumnavigation of the globe for her maiden worldvoyage and Queen Elizabeth 2 enjoying her “Silver Jubilee World Cruise” – an exotic 108-day voyage marking her 25th journey around the world.
Sydney will be Queen Mary 2’s only visit to Australia during her voyage, while Queen Elizabeth 2 will also visit Hobart, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns.
The dual visits will generate a $3 million tourism bonanza for Sydney, delivering more than 6000 passengers and crew to the city – the equivalent of 17 jumbo loads of tourists.
Queen Mary 2’s many features include 10 restaurants, five pools, the biggest ballroom and the biggest library at sea as well as the first planetarium at sea. Launched in 2004, the liner has just been voted best large cruise ship in the world in Australian magazine Luxury Travel’s prestigious 2007 Gold List. Queen Elizabeth 2, ranked third in the same category, offers seven restaurants, two pools and the first sea-going Harrods boutique.
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