Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 to Make San Francisco Maiden Call
Jan 04, 2007
VALENCIA, CA - January 4, 2007 - Queen Mary 2, the grandest ocean liner ever built, will make maritime history when she makes her maiden call to San Francisco on February 4-5, 2007. A rare overnight visit, Queen Mary 2's arrival in the City by the Bay is cause for celebration, as the iconic ship - which measures four times the height of San Francisco's famed Telegraph Hill and nearly 280 feet longer than the height of the Transamerica Pyramid - will make this her only visit to the West Coast in 2007.
"When Queen Mary 2 visits a port for the first time, we are delighted that she is welcomed in royal fashion with unprecedented fanfare," said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard Line. "In the midst of an extraordinary waterfront renaissance, San Francisco is uniquely equipped to celebrate Queen Mary 2's maiden call and so we look forward to an enthusiastic welcome."
Thousands of maritime enthusiasts and well-wishers are expected to view the ship as she sails beneath the Golden Gate Bridge at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 4. Surrounded by a flotilla of ships, yachts and escorted by San Francisco fire boats, Queen Mary 2 will circle the harbour before docking at Pier 27 at 8:00 p.m. On Monday, February 5, local dignitaries will board the ship for a tour and luncheon prior to the ship's 8:00 p.m. departure.
The ship's arrival can be seen from several excellent viewing locations, including:
•The Golden Gate Bridge - Vista points on both north and south sides of bridge
•Pier 45 and Pier 39
•Fort Mason
•Aquatic Park
•Crissy Field
Queen Mary 2's San Francisco arrival marks the 26th day of her maiden Around the World in 80 Days voyage. From San Francisco, she'll sail a south-westerly course toward the South Seas, Australia, China, India, Egypt and the Mediterranean.
As the defining luxury ocean liner for the 21st century, Queen Mary 2 entered service in January 2004 as the largest liner ever built. She combines over 165 years of tradition with modern innovations hardly dreamed of only a few years ago. She carries 2,592 guests in degrees of comfort and style ranging from pampered elegance to almost unimaginable luxury and is best known for her signature 6-day Transatlantic Crossings between New York and Southampton (UK) which she sails regularly from April to October. In the fall she begins sailing her 10-day Connoisseur's Caribbean itineraries roundtrip from New York.
Queen Mary 2 is graced with grand spaces, including the largest ballroom at sea, domed salons, sweeping staircases and majestic promenades, with one attentive White Star ServiceSM staff member for every two passengers.
Yet the ship is as daringly modern as she is appreciative of tradition, particularly in functionality. Taking advantage of the very latest in technology and engineering, Queen Mary 2 offers possibly the smoothest ride of any ship, with noise and vibration levels minimal even at her extraordinary
speed.
The ship also embraces Cunard's lengthy tradition of serving the finest of shipboard cuisine prepared by world-class chefs and carries it significantly further. Celebrity chef Todd English has created his own 156-seat shipboard restaurant featuring his Mediterranean cuisine.
In addition to the Queens Grill, Princess Grill and the two-story Britannia Restaurant, which can effortlessly seat 1,351 passengers, guests may choose to dine at a choice of four venues in the innovative Kings Court or, for more casual fare, the Golden Lion Pub or Boardwalk Cafe, and, for afternoon tea, the Queens Room.
Complementing her restaurants is an inspiring selection of bars and lounges. The Queens Room, with its crystal chandeliers, is the largest ballroom at sea. The Royal Court Theatre hosts musicals and revues worthy of London's West End and Broadway. The Empire Casino and G32 nightclub offer equally exciting entertainment options. Jazz sets the tone for the Commodore Club, with its wrap-around panorama of ocean and moonlit sky while fine wines are the featured attraction at Sir Samuels. For the ultimate in sophistication and refinement, the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar is a must for toasting great travel adventures. Fine Waterford Crystal and Wedgwood china add a further element of elegance to the ship's dining and entertainment experience.
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