Queen Mary 2 joins Queen Victoria in New Zealand port after arriving a day earlier than planned
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria both docked in Auckland, New Zealand, on 19 March, marking the first time they have been in Waitematā harbour together since the 1940s.
Queen Mary 2, the longest cruise ship to ever visit New Zealand, arrived in the port a day early after high swell prevented her from entering Wellington harbour. The vessel brought 2,600 passengers and crew as part of a 113-day world cruise that includes calls at 40 ports in 22 countries.
Ports of Auckland has arranged four free tours to enable locals to get an up-close view of the transatlantic ocean liner before she departs the city on 21 March at 8pm.
“We know Aucklanders love to see Queen Mary 2 and having her berthed at Jellicoe wharf makes that difficult,” said Tony Gibson, chief executive of Ports of Aucland. “A boat tour provides the perfect opportunity to get up close to the vessel while enjoying some time out in our beautiful harbour.”
Queen Victoria, which was docked at Queens Wharf, departed Auckland at midnight.