Cunard’s massive Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2 have both set sail yesterday from Florida’s Fort Lauderdale, at Australian time 9am, and are heading down under.
In a rare move, the two cruise liners departed together on their separate world voyages and were farewelled by thousands of spectators. Sydney will be the only other port where the two Queens will reunite once again.
The 151,400 ton Queen Mary 2 will be the largest ship to ever visit Australia when it pulls into Sydney Harbour at 0630 on the 20th of February. Her highness is larger than 132 Manly ferries and is the world’s longest, tallest and widest ship.
Queen Mary 2 will be joined in the Harbour by Queen Elizabeth 2 when she pulls into port at approximately 1915 on the same day, at which time both ships will sound their 2.1 metre long signalling horns, which should be audible for 16 kilometres.
This historic visit will then be celebrated with a fireworks display at the harbour at 2040 just before Queen Mary 2’s 2300 departure.
The combined visit to Sydney is expected to generate AUD3 million for the city, and deliver more than 6000 passengers and crew, which is the equivalent of more than 17 jumbo planes.
Sydney will be the only Australian port of call for Queen Mary 2 on her 81-day maiden world voyage, while Queen Elizabeth 2 will be stopping at Hobart, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns during her 108-day ‘Silver Jubilee World Cruise’.
The last time two Cunards met in Sydney was when the original Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth docked there during WWII as troop carriers.
