Cunard Line has announced its newest ocean liner, Queen Elizabeth, will make maiden visits to three Australian cities in 2011 as part of her inaugural world voyage, which will feature a spectacular Royal Rendezvous in Sydney with her big sister Queen Mary 2.
Launching in December 2010, Queen Elizabeth will depart Southampton on her 103-day odyssey on January 5, 2011, and will make 35 maiden calls including visits to Sydney (Feb 22), Melbourne (Feb 25) and Fremantle (March 1).
Meanwhile, Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 will visit Australia for a fourth time in 2011, with calls to Sydney (Feb 22), Adelaide (Feb 20) and Fremantle (Feb 17) during her 103-day world voyage which includes visits to South America, South Africa, Asia and the Mediterranean.
Queen Mary 2's visit to Sydney on February 22, 2011 will form part of a memorable Royal Rendezvous on Sydney Harbour with Queen Elizabeth, which is sure to draw thousands of spectators to the foreshore.
Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth will also enjoy a Royal Rendezvous in New York with their sister Queen Victoria on January 13 – an historic first meeting of the three Cunard Queens which will follow a tandem transAtlantic crossing by Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.
The 2011 world voyage program also raises the curtain on a brand new way to see the world, with the opportunity to sail on three ocean liners in one full world voyage. Guests can board Queen Victoria in Southampton to sail to New York, then transfer to Queen Elizabeth to sail from New York to Sydney before joining Queen Mary in Sydney for the return voyage to Southampton.
The range of world cruises and line voyages on offer include:
• a 103-night world voyage onboard Queen Elizabeth departing Southampton on January 5, 2011, visiting the USA, Asia, the Middle East and Europe and transiting the Panama and Suez Canals. Fares start from $25,529* per person twin share
• a 24-night voyage onboard Queen Elizabeth departing LA to Sydney on January 29, 2011 priced from $6139* per person
• a 41-night voyage onboard Queen Mary 2 departing New York to Sydney on January 13, 2011 priced from $12,309* per person.
Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which represents Cunard in Australia, said the line's 2011 world voyage program was both historic and exciting.
"We're thrilled to be welcoming Cunard's newest liner Queen Elizabeth to our waters for the first time, along with the magnificent Queen Mary 2 and look forward to another memorable Royal Rendezvous on Sydney Harbour."
For more details on the 2011 world voyages call Cunard on 13 24 41 or visit www.cunardline.com.au
* Prices are per person twin share, valid until December 31, 2009. Subject to availability, conditions apply.
