Wellington Welcomes Queen Elizabeth on Maiden World Voyage

Cunard’s spectacular Queen Elizabeth arrived in Wellington this morning on her maiden visit to the city during her inaugural 103-night world voyage.

Launched by Her Majesty The Queen in October last year, the elegant liner is carrying about 2000 guests and almost 1000 crew, with her visit expected to generate more than $500,000 for the Wellington economy.

Stretching 294 metres in length and wearing Cunard’s classic red and black livery, the four-month old, 90,900-tonne Queen Elizabeth berthed at Centreport's AQ Wharf around 8am and will depart this evening at 6pm.

President and Managing Director of Cunard Peter Shanks said the company was thrilled Wellington would welcome Queen Elizabeth on her first world voyage.

“New Zealand has long been a favourite destination for our Cunard world voyage guests, keen to appreciate the country’s spectacular landscape and vibrant culture,” Mr Shanks said.

Arriving this morning under the command of Captain Julian Burgess from her visit to Auckland, and prior to that the Bay of Islands, the luxury liner will depart at 6pm this evening for Sydney.

The second largest liner in Cunard fleet, Queen Elizabeth pays homage to Cunard’s original Queen Elizabeth, featuring famous Cunard hallmarks plus some new features.

Queen Elizabeth offers more than 1000 staterooms, with more than 70 per cent featuring private balconies. Her six main suites named after the six Cunard Commodores that have been knighted.

Her many features include more than 10 restaurants and cafes, two outdoor swimming pools, a Games Deck including paddle tennis, croquet and bowls as well as a two-storey library complete with leaded glass ceiling and a globe from the original Queen Elizabeth.

When she reaches Sydney, Queen Elizabeth will have a dazzling Royal Rendezvous with her larger sister, Queen Mary 2, on Sydney Harbour on February 22 before continuing on her world cruise to Melbourne and Fremantle, then Asia and her return journey to Southampton.

Meanwhile Queen Elizabeth’s larger sister, the magnificent Queen Mary 2, will call in Christchurch on February 26 and Auckland on February 28 as part of her 2011 world cruise.

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