VALENCIA, Calif., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of "Sydneysiders" turned out to view the much-anticipated, historic meeting of two of the world's most glamorous ocean liners in Sydney Harbour -- Cunard Line's new Queen Victoria and legendary QE2 -- as they met during their respective World Cruises. The historic Royal Rendezvous marked the only time that the two ocean liners will ever meet in Sydney as this is QE2's 29th and final visit to the city, arriving 30 years to the day since her 1978 maiden visit to Sydney.
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QE2's call to Sydney is part of her final world voyage, while Queen Victoria is making her first visit as part of her maiden world voyage.
QE2 sailed past Queen Victoria in a history-making Royal Rendezvous off Fort Denison. The passing of the two ships occurred in the early evening -- Sydney time -- with the ships sounding their whistles as they sailed by each other off Fort Denison. Queen Victoria then headed to Brisbane, while QE2 berthed at Circular Quay.
The longest serving Cunard liner in history, QE2 will leave the Cunard fleet in November this year to become a first-class tourist destination in Dubai.
Visiting Sydney for the Rendezvous, Cunard President and Managing Director Carol Marlow described QE2 as one of the icons of the 20th century. "She's an amazing liner that has captured the world's imagination and truly symbolized the romance and glamour of ocean travel for more than four decades," Ms Marlow said.
"Sydney has been her most frequent port of call in Australia over the years so we're thrilled that it's the setting for this magnificent Royal Rendezvous on her final visit today. It's a fantastic way to celebrate three great milestones -- Queen Victoria's maiden world voyage and maiden call to Sydney and QE2's final world voyage -- and to pay tribute to one of the most wonderful ways to travel," Marlow added.
Only two months old, the luxurious 90,000-ton Queen Victoria debuted in Sydney yesterday, with her guests enjoying an overnight stay in preparation for the evening spectacular. The new Cunard Queen was named in Southampton on December 10, 2007 by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall in the Presence of His Royal Highness Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales.
The Royal Rendezvous of the two Queens comes almost a year to the day since QE2 met her sister Queen Mary 2 in Sydney Harbour in an event that drew tens of thousands of spectators to the foreshore.
Next year, Sydney will be visited by Queen Victoria (Feb 19-20, 2009) and her magnificent sister, Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 (Feb 26, 2009), both sailing on their second world voyages.
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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