Queen Mary 2 Passes Sea Trials in Style

Queen Mary 2 Passes Sea Trials in Style
Monday September 29, 12:07 pm ET
First Atlantic Liner To Be Built For Over 30 Years; Right On Schedule For
January Maiden Voyage


SAINT NAZAIRE, France, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard Line's flagship Queen
Mary 2 returned from the sea for the first time today having completed her
sea trials with flying colours. The largest, longest, tallest, widest, and
at - $780-million - the most expensive passenger liner ever built underwent
four days of rigorous testing of her power, manoeuvrability and vibration
levels off the Brittany coast. The successful trials put QM2 right on
schedule for her January 12 Maiden Voyage from Southampton, England, to Fort
Lauderdale, Florida.
a.. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030929/NYM129 )
According to Captain Ronald Warwick, master-designate, Queen Mary 2, "The
sea trials for Queen Mary 2 have been a tremendous success. It was great to
finally take her out to the open ocean, where she belongs."

Another observer on board during sea trials, the ship's naval architect
Stephen Payne, was also jubilant: "For a first builder's sea trial, the
performance of Queen Mary 2, being a prototype ship, exceeded expectations
in all respects."

Destined to become the defining luxury ocean liner for the 21st century, QM2
will offer 15 transatlantic crossings in her inaugural year as she takes
over the role currently operated by her sister ship, Queen Elizabeth 2, as
Cunard's transatlantic liner. Prices for six-day crossings begin at $1,499
per person, double occupancy. The vessel also introduces a series of
Caribbean cruises from New York and Fort Lauderdale; a voyage to Rio de
Janeiro and back, timed for Carnival; five European itineraries and two fall
foliage cruises to ports in Canada and New England.

Cunard's Queen Mary 2 features sweeping staircases, expansive promenades and
luxurious accommodations for 2,620 passengers; nearly three-quarters of
which have private balconies. World-famous chef Daniel Boulud is the ship's
culinary consultant. Facilities include 10 dining venues, including the only
shipboard restaurant by celebrity chef Todd English, the only Canyon Ranch
SpaClub at sea, the world's first planetarium at sea, the largest ballroom
at sea, the largest library at sea, and the largest wine collection at sea.

The ship also features a Veuve Clicquot Champagne bar, several other elegant
bars and showrooms, a two-story theatre, a casino, five indoor and outdoor
swimming pools, hot tubs, boutiques, a pet kennel, and a children's
facility, complete with British nannies.

A special highlight of the QM2's inaugural schedule will be its maiden
eastbound crossing from New York on April 25 as both Queen Mary 2 and QE2
will sail in tandem. This day will be the first time two Cunard Queens have
been berthed in the port together since March 1940.

E.k.R. wrote:
Queen Mary 2 Passes Sea Trials in Style
Monday September 29, 12:07 pm ET
First Atlantic Liner To Be Built For Over 30 Years; Right On Schedule For
January Maiden Voyage

........Prices for six-day crossings begin at $1,499
per person, double occupancy.............

So, do ya think she'll sell out at brochure rate? Or will she end up
being discounted like almost every other ship these days?