Sydney Harbour Hosts Two Cunard Super-ships - Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth
Mayhem on Sydney Roads as Onlookers Rush to View the Cunard Liners Sail into Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour is known the world over for its spectacular appearance. The Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge dominate the scene as Sydney-siders go about their daily routines. Today (22 February 2011), just after 6.30 am AEDST, the vision was made even more spectacular when two of the world's most luxurious ocean liners sailed into the harbour together.
A guard of honor of boats welcomed Cunard's Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth while thousands of people rushed to various vantage points to witness the historic event. Queen Mary 2 has visited Sydney several times, but this is Queen Elizabeth's maiden voyage, so it is her first time docking at the Circular Quay Overseas Passenger Terminal where she will stay until noon tomorrow. Queen Mary 2 berthed at Garden Island and will sail five hours after its sister ship.
About 6,000 passengers are expected to disembark to enjoy some of the sights of Sydney during their brief visit. This should boost the New South Wales economy to the tune of more than AU$3 million. There is so much to see in so little time. No doubt Taronga Zoo will be high on the list of venues, as will be the popular Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. In fact, there is plenty to do in and around the city and harbour, either by boat, helicopter, bus, ferry or on foot.
Traffic chaos as onlookers rush to harbourside vantage points
Traffic in the inner-Sydney area was grid-locked as thousands made their way to Sydney's central business district to view the historic arrival. The two liners will be a subject of interest during their brief stay. No doubt there will be a repeat of chaos on the roads when the liners sail out of the harbour.
Facts about Cunard's Queen Mary 2
British ocean liner Queen Mary 2 entered Service with Cunard in 2004. It weighs 151,400 GRT and can travel at up to 28 knots. The ship is 1,132 feet long and 132 feet wide with a draft of 32 feet. Guest capacity is 2,620, with 1253 crew on board to service their needs.
Here are some more interesting facts about Queen Mary 2 ...
..... five times longer than Cunard's first ship, Britannia (230 ft.)
..... 113 feet longer than the original Queen Mary
..... more than twice as long as the Washington Monument is tall (550 ft.)
..... 147 feet longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall (984 ft.)
..... more than 3½ times as long as Westminster's Tower (Big Ben) is high (310 ft.)
..... only 117 feet shorter than the Empire State Building is tall (1248 ft.)
..... more than three times as long as St. Paul's Cathedral is tall (366 ft.)
..... as long as 41 double-decker London buses (31½ ft. each)
..... Queen Mary 2's whistle is audible for 10 miles
Facts about Cunard's Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth (affectionately known as QE) is Cunard's newest liner. She arrived in Britain in October 2010 where she was named in a spectacular ceremony by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The modern liner is on her maiden voyage. She weighs 90,900 GRT and can travel at up to 23.7 knots. The ship is 965.4 feet long and 106 feet wide with a draft of 25.9 feet. Guest capacity is 2,068, with 996 crew on board to service their needs.
To view more information about the Cunard liners - CLICK HERE.
Sources:
http://www.cunardline.com.au/Ships/Queen-Mary-2/
http://www.cunardline.com.au/Ships/Queen-Mary-2/About-Queen-Mary-2/
http://www.cunardline.com.au/Ships/Queen-Elizabeth/
http://www.cunardline.com.au/Ships/Queen-Elizabeth/About-Queen-Elizabeth/
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Published by Susan Jane
I am an Australian professional writer with with 28 years of commercial experience. In 2003, I became full-time carer for my mother (now 91) who has a form of dementia. I was recently appointed as a Featured... View profile
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19 Comments
Post a CommentJust stopping back by. :)
This brought back memories of being in Wellington, New Zealand, in January 1988, when the QEII arrived, just as 4 Tall Ships were leaving. I had been working in Upper Hutt, 25 miles north of Wellington that day, and drove along the harbour watching the ships. Now I live in Southampton in England, which is actually home to Cunard and both of these ships.
good report, thanks!
Good article....Laura Everly
I don't know how I missed this article..nice job - I'll never get there so this was my trip to Syndey
Excellent work ♥ thanks for the info
Fascinating info about two spectacular sea vessels!
So cool!
nice......... :o)
I'm sure you took pictures, would love to see a slideshow. Excellent report Susan, thank you.