CRUISE LINES

Cunard Line announces Queen Victoria's maiden world cruise in 2008. Cunard's newest ocean liner to depart simultaneously with QE2 on epic world cruise voyages
23/5/2006
Cunard Line, the company that pioneered world cruising in 1922 with the first-ever world cruise aboard the Laconia, will make further maritime history on January 13, 2008, as its newest ocean liner, Queen Victoria, departs New York simultaneously with Cunard's esteemed ocean liner, QE2, for their world cruise voyages.
Sailing roundtrip from New York, the concurrent world cruise departures mark the start of Queen Victoria's 105-day Pathway to the Explorers maiden world cruise and QE2's 90-day South America, Pacific and Far East Odyssey, her first foray into South America in more than a decade.
Following a full day of festivities to mark the historic occasion, both ships will depart for Ft. Lauderdale, where similar celebrations are planned. From there, the ships will part, each sailing different epic itineraries before reuniting in Sydney on February 24.
"Continuing Cunard's legacy of noteworthy firsts in maritime history, we are delighted to announce the simultaneous grand ocean voyages for our newest liner Queen Victoria and our 'grand dame' QE2. Cunard's World Cruises are widely considered the 'gold standard' in voyages around the world. QE2 has undertaken more long voyages than any other ship afloat and we are delighted that Queen Victoria will continue this fine tradition - offering a 21st century ocean liner experience as she makes her own circumnavigation of the globe in renowned Cunard style," said Carol Marlow, Cunard Line's president and managing director.