QE2 farewell voyages sell out
Last Updated: 10:01am BST 05/07/2007
By Sara Macefield
The farewell voyages of the QE2 have been
swamped by demand, with five of its final cruises completely
selling out just days after going on sale.
Such has been the demand from customers wanting to experience
the iconic ship that its last sailing, from Southampton to Dubai
on November 11 next year sold out in just 36 minutes. The ship
will end its days in Dubai as a luxury floating hotel.
The QE2's two final transatlantic crossings, a
voyage round Britain and its last Mediterranean sailing are also
fully booked.
Reading-based cruise agency Sovereign Cruise
Club said interest had been phenomenal since Cunard announced
the ship would retire in November 2008.
"Demand has gone through the roof," said
managing director Stefan Shillito.
"We are getting a lot of bookings from people
who have never cruised before. It is like the Concorde effect.
That was a travel icon and the QE2 is the same ilk and people
want to experience it."
Cunard managing director Carol Marlow said she
had been surprised by the sheer volume of bookings, but pointed
out there was still space on other QE2 voyages later this year
and in 2008.
A 16-night Mediterranean cruise departing from
Southampton on May 5 still has availability, with prices from
£1,449 to £6,069, while a one-week cruise to the Norwegian
fjords on June 25 next year costs between £799 and £4,639.
The rise in demand has meant that prices are
rising. Stefan Shillito estimates that rates have already risen
by £100 per passenger, although this isn't putting passengers
off. "People aren't concerned. They just want to get on her for
one last time".
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