‘Greyhound of the Seas’ takes a rest in Sydney

15/02/2006

From http://www.etravelblackboard.com/index.asp?id=47769&nav=5#

The world’s fastest and most famous ocean liner, Queen Elizabeth 2, arrived in Sydney as a preview to her return next summer with maiden visitor and big sister, Queen Mary 2.

The longest-serving Cunarder ever, after more than 36 years, QE2 is dubbed the ‘greyhound’ of the seas because of her enduring record as the fastest liner in the world, capable of speeds of 32.5 knots or 60km/h. The icon of luxury travel can also sail backwards (19 knots or 35km/h) faster than most ships can sail forward.

The legendary QE2 docked in Sydney at 6am today, February 15, for a two-night stay as part of an epic 109-night circumnavigation of the globe that will see her visit 42 ports on five continents. She will sail at 2pm on Friday February 17 for Melbourne, before continuing on to Adelaide, Perth and Bali. Passengers are paying between A$24,686 and $174,113 each for the complete world voyage, including all meals and entertainment.

QE2’s visit to Sydney next year will be part of a history-making day on February 20, 2007, when she will be joined in Sydney Harbour by the celebrated QM2 which will smash the record as the biggest ship of any kind ever to visit Australia.

QE2’s visit to Australia in 2007 will be a highlight of her 25th silver jubilee world voyage which will bring her to Sydney together with QM2 – the first time since 1941 that two Cunard Queens have graced Sydney Harbour together. The much-anticipated dual visits will land ashore in Sydney a record 6800 passengers and crew as part of a $4 million tourism bonanza for the city.

Since her launch in 1969, the perennially popular QE2 has pampered more than three million passengers and sailed more than 5.3 million nautical miles – more than any ship in history and equivalent to travelling to the moon and back 12 times.

Celebrated for her lavish features, eminent travellers and attentive white-gloved service, QE2 boasts the world’s only seagoing synagogue and Harrods boutique and is the largest consumer of caviar on Earth. The prestigious liner also boasts seven restaurants, the largest cinema at sea, indoor and outdoor pool and male social hosts who dance with women cruising solo.

Cunard Line Australia Managing Director Gavin Smith said both QE2 and QM2 were designed to capture the grandeur and romance of the ‘golden age’ of cruising.

“A voyage aboard a stately Cunard liner rekindles an era when the journey was just as important as the destination.” Mr Smith said. “But as grand a dame as she is, QE2 will have to share the limelight when QM2 joins her in Sydney Harbour next February – an exciting spectacle that will highlight the expanding popularity of cruising worldwide.”
Fares on QE2’s 2007 world cruise are available from A$4929 per person for a 20-night leg from Sydney to Hong Kong.