Auckland Prepares for a New Queen

MEDIA RELEASE
February 16, 2011

Auckland Prepares for a New Queen

Auckland will welcome a new Queen when Cunard’s latest ocean liner, Queen Elizabeth, makes her spectacular maiden visit to the city tomorrow as part of her inaugural world voyage.

The luxury 90,900-tonne liner will enter the harbour at around 6am and then berth at Princes Wharf around 7am.

Midway through her 103-night maiden world voyage, Queen Elizabeth will call at the Bay of Islands today before arriving in Auckland tomorrow, spending the day in port and departing just before midnight to sail on to Wellington.

Cunard Line’s President and Managing Director, Peter Shanks, said the cruise line was delighted that Queen Elizabeth would call at three New Zealand ports on her maiden world voyage.

“New Zealand’s dramatic landscape and rich culture provide a strong drawcard for our Cunard guests on world voyages and we’re certain these ports will warmly welcome our latest grand ocean liner,” Mr Shanks said.

With 2000 passengers and almost 1000 crew, Queen Elizabeth’s visit is expected to contribute at least $500,000 to Auckland’s economy.

Launched in the United Kingdom by her Majesty The Queen in October last year, Queen Elizabeth pays homage to Cunard’s original Queen Elizabeth, featuring famous Cunard hallmarks plus some new features.

Her many features include more than 700 private balcony cabins, more than 10 restaurants and cafes and a Games Deck including paddle tennis, croquet and bowls.

She also offers a two-storey library complete with leaded glass ceiling and a globe from the original Queen Elizabeth, while her six main suites are named after the six Cunard Commodores that have been knighted.

From Auckland, Queen Elizabeth will sail to Wellington (visiting February 19) before departing for Sydney and a dazzling Royal Rendezvous with her larger sister, Queen Mary 2 on February 22. Queen Elizabeth will leave Australian waters on March 1 to sail to Indonesia as part of her return journey to Southampton.

Meanwhile, the magnificent Queen Mary 2 will call in Christchurch on February 26 and Auckland on February 28 as part of her 2011 world cruise.

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