Queen Mary 2 to Make Encore Visit to Kangaroo Island in 2018
In a major vote of confidence in Kangaroo Island’s appeal as a cruise destination, Cunard has announced that its legendary flagship Queen Mary 2 will make her second call to the island in February 2018.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>
The news follows Cunard’s inaugural call to the island earlier this month when Queen Mary 2’s smaller sister, Queen Victoria, visited for the day.
Queen Mary 2 is due to make her first visit to Kangaroo Island on February 20 next year as part of special roundtrip cruise from Melbourne. Measuring 345 metres in length, the 151,400 tonne liner will be the largest ship ever to visit the island.
Her encore visit, which forms part of Cunard’s latest World Voyage program, will occur exactly one year later on February 20, 2018 when she again sails from Melbourne on a four-night roundtrip cruise.
Announcing the 2018 visit, Ann Sherry, Executive Chairman of Carnival Australia, which represents Cunard, said Queen Mary 2’s return was testament to Kangaroo Island’s growing appeal as a cruise destination.
“We had great feedback from Queen Victoria’s maiden visit this month, and interest in Queen Mary 2’s cruise to Kangaroo Island next year has been very strong,” Ms Sherry said. “There’s no doubt Kangaroo Island is a hit with Cunard’s guests.”
Ms Sherry said Cunard’s visits were further confirmation of South Australia's appeal as a cruise destination, with Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln and Adelaide appearing on an increasing number of cruise itineraries.
Ms Sherry said a one-day transit visit by a cruise ship could generate up to $500,000 for local communities in crew and guest spending.
“Cruise tourism is booming around Australia so it’s wonderful to see South Australia sharing the economic benefits.”
Queen Mary 2’s 2018 call will form part of an extended season in Australian waters, with the liner due to make a 13-night circumnavigation of New Zealand as well as her short cruise to Kangaroo Island.
Carrying 2600 guests, Queen Mary 2 is the world's most famous passenger ship, attracting spectators wherever she goes. Her many features include more than 1300 staterooms, a soaring six-storey Grand Lobby, the largest ballroom and library at sea, the three-storey 1347-seat Britannia Restaurant and Illuminations, the first planetarium at sea.
Cunard’s 2018 World Voyage program will be on sale from April 13. For more details on Cunard visit www.cunard.com, phone 132 441 or see a licensed travel agent.
Ph: +61 2 9904 0011
