Topic: Queen Mary 2 is going down under...

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I hope you are right about the announcement Richard. We were hoping to do a transatlantic on QM2 in 2012, and back with time in New York.

Don't want to fly in either direction.!

I like Queen Victoria, but if she is going to be used instead, not an option I would consider for a transatlantic crossing.

Lizzie

Thank you for keeping the faith Lizzie. If you know your market this was never going to happen.

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So much for transatlantic liner crossings!

The QM2 is only going to be in Australia for about a month in February/ March !

The Australian market is so small (big country, small poulation) it could not fill a big ship for a year!

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Cunard Line Announces Queen Mary 2's First Circumnavigation of Australia

8 March 2010 - Cunard Line has announced that the world's grandest ocean liner, its majestic Queen Mary 2, will be based in Australia in 2012 for a history-making circumnavigation which will see her visit five states and the Northern Territory.

Queen Mary 2's Royal Circumnavigation of Australia is a first for Cunard.

The largest ship ever to visit Australia, Queen Mary 2 will call at eight Australian ports during her time Down Under including Sydney, Fremantle, Adelaide and the Whitsundays, as well as maiden visits to Cairns (Yorkey's Knob), Darwin, Melbourne and Brisbane. Her circumnavigation will also include a call at Bali.

Australians will be able to choose from three circumnavigation options - a 22-night voyage departing Sydney on 14 February 2012, a 20-night voyage departing Fremantle on 8 February 2012 and a 21-night voyage departing Adelaide on 11 February 2012.

In all, Queen Mary 2 will spend 28 nights in Australian waters, as she sails from Cape Town to Sydney via Fremantle and Adelaide, and then circumnavigates the country. As a result, Fremantle, Adelaide and Sydney will each enjoy two visits from the liner during her Australian season.

The Australian deployment will mark the longest period of time that Queen Mary 2 has been based in one country outside of her northern hemisphere home ports of Southampton and New York.

Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line, said, "Cunard has strong and proud links with Australia, going back many years."

"Recognising the enduring appeal and increased demand from Australians for the unique Cunard Line experience, we are delighted to offer this series of legendary voyages for our flagship Queen Mary 2 in Australia 2012," he said.

The Royal Circumnavigation of Australia will go on sale this spring as part of the announcement of the 2012 World Voyage programme.

For more information about Queen Mary 2 and to book a voyage, consult your Travel Professional, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to Cunard: The Most Famous Ocean Liners In The World.

LINK: News Room : Luxury Cruises : Cunard Cruise Line

Hi Grant, Thank the Lord for that!!Now I can put my smelling salts away---well, this sort of thing is enough to give an old lady like me a nasty attack of the vapours!!Cynthia

It's a good job we have the olympics to occupy us ... must book a voyage for 2011 in case we dont ever get her back! I knew they wouldnt be 'fobbed' off with OV!

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Completely different ship. Only 90,000 tonnes and not built as an ocean liner. More akin QV than QM2. I think its going to be for one season

2010 Cruises: MSC Magnifica(Feb), Celebrity Eclipse (Apr x2), Queen Mary 2 (Jul+Nov)

Oh Grant you lucky so and so - five cruises in a year! I can only dream....