QE2's Farewell Season!
- From: Ray Goldenberg <ray@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2008 05:58:48 -0700
Hi Everyone,
I received this press release from Cunard and thought it would be of
interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are
available on my web site.
Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com
QE2's Farewell Season Marked by Poignant Final Calls
VALENCIA, Calif.,
As Cunard Line's famed QE2 continues her farewell season -- the iconic
ship's 40th year since her maiden voyage -- her final year with the
fleet will be highlighted by a series of poignant voyages, including
three calls in favorite North American ports that are expected to draw
an outpouring of well-wishers. Widely considered the most famous ship
in the world, QE2 has logged more than 5.6 million nautical miles
(equivalent to traveling to the moon and back 13 times), carrying over
2.5 million passengers. The regal ship will complete her service for
Cunard Line in November 2008 as the company's longest-serving liner.
"Without question, QE2 is legendary. One of the most beloved ships in
our 169-year history, we anticipate a good showing of QE2 enthusiasts
in each of her final ports," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard
Line. "She has been a hostess to royalty, celebrities and the most
noted personalities from all over the world. In addition, she has been
a witness to history, serving magnificently as a troop carrier in the
Falklands Conflict. Adored the world over, she is, quite simply,
irreplaceable," Marlow added.
Following her 26th and final World Cruise, which departed New York
amid unprecedented fanfare on January 13, 2008, QE2 will embark on a
series of 19 voyages, including stops in such quintessential
favourites as the Mediterranean, Norway, Portugal and Canada. "These
voyages, which are extraordinarily popular with longtime Cunarders,
afford our guests an opportunity to connect for the last time with one
of the 20th century's most celebrated cultural icons," said Marlow.
Her final visits to Los Angeles (March 30), Ft. Lauderdale (April 10)
and New York (Oct. 16) will be duly celebrated by Cunarders, with her
final New York departure marked by commemorative festivities, as
Cunard's historical North American connection is strongest here. "From
1847, when Cunard's Hibernia first sailed into New York, to today, the
city has been an integral part of Cunard's history," said Marlow.
Among the highlights are the Line's starring role in the immigration
movement of the late 1800's, when over 2.5 million immigrants sailed
to New York from Liverpool (Cunard's first home port) and, more
recently, QE2's 707 calls, to date, to New York.
Forty Years of History
Named by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in 1967, QE2 immediately
captured the upbeat mood of the era. Admired for her sleek, elegant
lines and contemporary interiors, she was embraced on both sides of
the Atlantic. Upon her launch, the Queen's sister, HRH Princess
Margaret, viewed the ship as a symbol of change, noting "This new
Cunarder will show that design in Britain is exciting and full of
vigorous common sense." Lord Snowdon concurred, writing, "What you
have achieved with QE2 makes one proud to be British ... the mood is
breathtaking."
Throughout her history, QE2 spent part of the year sailing Cunard's
signature Transatlantic route and the rest in pursuit of the sun.
Today, her sister ship Queen Mary 2 carries on the Line's
Transatlantic tradition, sailing 24 Crossings this year.
Historical Notes
Not surprisingly, in her four decades at sea, QE2 has garnered her
fair share of "firsts," "onlys" and "only-on-Cunard" anecdotes. Among
the fascinating facts:
-- With a top speed of 32.5 knots, QE2 is the fastest passenger
ship in
the world. She can sail backwards (full speed astern is 19
knots),
faster than most cruise ships sail forward.
-- QE2 is the only luxury liner in the world to have transported
cars and
motorcycles.
-- In 1982, she became the world's largest hospital ship when
transporting injured troops from the Falklands War.
-- In 1996, the first satellite transmission of a TV programme
from a
ship at sea went out from QE2.
-- The first seagoing branch of Harrods opened aboard QE2 in
1996.
-- QE2 has hosted more celebrities than any other ship. Early
guests
included Lord Mountbatten, Lynn Redgrave, Peter Sellers, Ringo
Starr,
Count Basie and Gracie Fields; more recent regulars include
David
Bowie, Rod Stewart and Sir Jimmy Savile.
Youngest Fleet, Oldest Traditions
With the completion of QE2's service to Cunard Line, and with the
upcoming debut of the company's new ship, Queen Elizabeth in 2010,
Cunard is poised to become the youngest fleet in the industry.
"Although 37 years passed between the launch of Queen Elizabeth 2 in
1967 and Queen Mary 2 in 2004, only three years passed before the
launch of Queen Victoria last year. The Cunard lion is roaring again
and in true Cunard fashion, it is doing so with unerring style," added
Marlow.
There is limited space available on QE2's final voyages. For more
information about QE2 or Cunard Line, contact your travel
professional.
About Cunard Line
Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, QE2 and
Queen Victoria has long been synonymous with the quest for new
discoveries and the epitome of British refinement since the company's
first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840.
Cunard voyages bring together like-minded travelers who relish the
Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service(TM), fine dining,
sophisticated adventure, the legacy of historic voyages and
transatlantic travel.
Cunard Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. The
exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland
America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of
Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to
quality and value, member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles
and budgets. Together they offer exciting and enriching cruise
vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.
.
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