Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria in Auckland

Auckland yesterday hosted an impromptu Royal Rendezvous of Cunard flagship Queen Mary 2 and younger sister Queen Victoria as a result of the lingering after effects of Cyclone Pam.

Both ships had no choice other than to make significant itinerary changes to avoid the worst effects of the severe weather pattern in the interests of the safety and comfort of guests.

This resulted in Picton experiencing unexpected back to back arrivals of Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 on Monday and Tuesday respectively.

Cunard has expressed regret that the weather system prevented scheduled calls to Wellington and Akaroa.

The ships met in Auckland yesterday with Queen Victoria berthing at Queens Wharf about 7am and her big sister Queen Mary 2 joining her in the harbour, docking at Jellicoe Wharf a little after 3pm.

As part of her rescheduled itinerary in the wake of Cyclone Pam, Queen Mary 2 has an extended two and a half day stay in the city. She is scheduled to sail for the Bay of Islands at 8pm on Saturday night.

Queen Victoria sailed past her big sister about midnight en route to Rarotonga as she continues on her 103-night world voyage.

The surprise royal visit to Auckland is expected to inject nearly $2 million into the economy.

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