Queen Mary 2 coming to Greenock

Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 is currently the largest, longest, widest, tallest and most expansive ocean liner every built. She will be making a historic call at Greenock on Monday 19 October 2009 as part of a special British Isles voyage.

The British Isles voyage will mark the fifth anniversary of the introduction of Queen Mary 2 in January 2004. Queen Mary 2 will berth alongside the Ocean Terminal at 0800 hours and will depart at 1800 hours. It is expected that thousands of people will visit Greenock to see the largest ever vessel to dock there.

Greenock Ocean Terminal has established a growing international reputation as a cruise destination.

At the head of the sheltered and scenic Clyde estuary on Scotland's Atlantic coast, the deep water quay combines modern quayside facilities with convenient rail, air and motorway networks for any onward journey to Scotland's top tourist attractions.

Carol Marlow, Cunard’s President and Managing Director, says:

“We are delighted to be announcing this historic call at Greenock. Since it’s founding in May 1839 – the 170th anniversary of which we celebrate in 2009 – Cunard has owned over 220 ships. Of those 125 were built in Scotland, with the vast majority of those being built on the Clyde. They range from the tiny Unicorn, to the first superliner Lusitania, the palatial Aquitania and the famous Queens Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and QE2. We felt a visit by our flagship Queen Mary 2 to acknowledge our deep ties with the Clyde, Greenock and Glasgow was well overdue! If previous visits by our beloved QE2 are anything to go by then Queen Mary 2 can expect an emotional, warm and historic welcome”.

QE2 has called at Greenock seven times since she entered service in May 1969 – including a return visit on 20 September 2007 exactly 40 years after her launch.

Historic meeting of Cunard Queens

Tuesday 22 April 2008 will go down in British maritime history as the last time three queens will meet in Southampton.

Cunards three queens will meet in their hometown port of Southampton in another historic first for the company. Queen Mary 2, the largest ocean liner in the world and Queen Victoria, the newest Cunard queen currently on her maiden season, will salute Queen Elizabeth 2 as she celebrates the 39^th anniversary of her official entry into services in 1969.

QE2 is the most famous and beloved ship in the world. She is currently on her farewell season, but will always be one of the undisputed legends of the sea.

Just after 1700 hours Queen Mary 2 will leave her berth at the Queen Elizabeth II terminal and sail up river to get as close as possible to Queen Victoria and QE2.

Cunard have advised that those who wish to see the three Queens should use vantage points such as Mayflower Park and Town Quay car park located at the end of the pier.

All three ships will sound their whistles in salute before Queen Mary 2 departs for her first transatlantic crossing and Queen Victoria embarks on her first voyage to Iberia and the Canaries.