QE2 to Bid Farewell to New Zealand

One of the most famous ships in the world, the QE2, will call for the 22nd and final time at Auckland in New Zealand on Thursday 21 February. The call also marks her final visit to New Zealand as she is due to leave Cunard service in November 2008 prior to beginning a new life as a first class entertainment and hotel destination in Dubai.

The QE2, which has been in service for almost forty years – the longest-serving ship in Cunard’s 168-year history – was launched by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 20 September 1967 and entered service in May 1969. Since then she has travelled 5.6 million nautical miles; she has completed 25 World Cruise and is currently on her 10th extended voyage, she has also crossed the Atlantic 802 times. She has carried 2.5 million people including international celebrities such as Diana, Princess of Wales, Nelson Mandela, Baroness Thatcher and a litany of film, television and pop stars from Sir Elton John, Rod Stewart and David Bowie to James Cagney, Glenn Close and Paul Newman.

The QE2 is scheduled to arrive in Auckland at 0800 hours and depart at 2200 hours.

At each port QE2 visits hundreds of sightseers turn out to see her; this year, her last year, they are turning out in their thousands.

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