South Florida set to receive Queen Mary 2 on maiden voyage

Saturday, January 24, 2004

MIAMI, USA (AFP): The Queen Mary 2, the world's largest ocean liner, was due to arrive in Florida on Monday with honors at the end of its maiden voyage that began two-weeks ago at its home port, Southampton, England.

The QM2 will base its Caribbean and South American winter cruises from Fort Lauderdale. It departs Saturday, Jan. 31, on an 11-day cruise to San Juan, St. Kitts, Martinique, Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominica and St. Thomas.

Florida Governor Jeb Bush, brother of President George W. Bush, will be on hand Monday to welcome the Cunard Line ship personally. Flags, bands, a military naval escort, and a red carpet inscribed with "Fort Lauderdale Welcomes QM2" are already in place for the arrival of the heaviest, widest, tallest and most expensive liner ever floated.

The ship weighs 151,400 tonnes, measures 1,135 feet long. It is 135 feet wide, 243 feet tall. The height of its funnel was limited to pass beneath New York's Verezzano Narrows Bridge.

It cost 800 million dollars.

Its four engines produce 157,000 horsepower and propel the ship at 30 knots (34.5 miles per hour).

Artwork onboard has been valued at five million dollars.

The vessel has four royal suites, 14 bars and restaurants, four swimming pools, a movie house and a 1,000-seat theater.

  Back...

  Most popular articles: viewed, printed and e-mailed

  Printable version