Historic Atlantic Crossings in April on Cunard Queens
Queen Mary 2 is the largest (151,400 tons), longest (1,132 feet / 345 metres), tallest (236 feet / 72 metres), widest (135 feet / 41 metres) and most expensive (£550 million) passenger liner ever built while her elder sister QE2 has ruled the Atlantic for 35 years. QE2’s transatlantic baton will pass to Queen Mary 2 on 1 May 2004 when both liners arrive in Southampton together.
Queen Mary 2 Maiden Transatlantic departing Southampton 16 April
Passengers can be part of history as Queen Mary 2 leaves Southampton and heads for New York for the first time. Her arrival on 22 April is expected to be tumultuous in true American fashion. Fares start from £999 per person.
Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2 Tandem Crossing
When QE2 arrives in New York on 25 April and berths next to Queen Mary 2 it will be the first time since March 1940 that two Cunard Queens have berthed together in the port. The send-off will include fireworks as both vessels anchor off the Statue of Liberty. During the six-day crossing both vessels will remain within sight of each other – another event not witnessed since September 1967. Both ships will arrive in their home port of Southampton on 1 May. QE2 then heads off to refit before assuming her new role as Cunard’s cruise ship based in Southampton while Queen Mary 2 will assume her role as Cunard’s transatlantic flagship. There is still space on board Queen Mary 2 for this crossing, fares start from £1259 per person.
Peter Shanks, Cunard’s Senior Vice President (Europe), says:
“The Atlantic is Cunard’s birthright. Each crossing is unique but these three voyages in April promise to go down in the annals of maritime history. There is limited space left so I urge those who wish to be part of history to book now!”
