Bon voyage: Queen Mary 2 steams out of Hong Kong tonight
Catch a glimpse of this maritime beauty, before she is gone again for another year.Amateur and professional photographers have been prowling Kwai Tsing container terminal for the past two days for just one reason -- to get the quintessential shot of Queen Mary 2 whilst in Hong Kong waters.
The 345-meter, 17-deck, 151,400-ton liner was the largest passenger ship in the world when she was launched nine years ago this month.
Although no longer the record holder, Queen Mary 2 -- which can carry 2,620 passengers -- is still dearly loved by many cruise goers because of her classic and luxurious facilities.
The liner's round-the-world voyage started from Southampton in January, and has taken in ports in Africa, Australia, Japan and China before docking in Hong Kong early yesterday.
The response from Hong Kong has been great, according to Apple Leung, marketing manager of Sightseers (HK) limited -- the representative of Cunard Line in Hong Kong.
"Guests booked much earlier this year than the past," said Leung. "And we even received round-the-world cruise bookings."
A 32-day cruise from Hong Kong to Southampton costs from US$6,922, while an eight-day Asian cruise trip ending in Singapore costs slightly more than US$1,000.
Queen Mary 2 will sail at about 10 p.m. Monday and continue her Asia odyssey to Phu My (March 29), Laem Chabang (March 31), Singapore (April 2) and Phuket (April 4) before sailing to the Middle East and heading back to Southampton again in late April.
While on the high seas, Queen Mary 2 offers some heart-winning services and activities, and on board passengers can enjoy such facilities as the first sea-borne plantetarium, the largest ballroom, a luxurious spa club, a theater and 15 restaurants and bars.
Hiufu Wong loves traveling and having the journalist's privilege to hear the personal stories of people who live in Hong Kong.
Comments