Sydney Celebrates Arrival of Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2
SYDNEY, Australia, February 21, 2007. Sydney last night shone in the world cruising spotlight with a spectacular party to welcome Cunard's iconic ocean liners Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2 into its harbour. The much anticipated event marked the first time the two ocean liners have met in Sydney since 1941, when the originals were serving as troop ships during World War 2.
Thousands of people gathered on the harbour foreshore to witness the historic meeting of the world's largest ocean liner, Queen Mary 2, and her famous "little sister".
Fireworks lit up the harbour, illuminating the two ships which momentarily passed and greeted each other with a whistle salute.
The QM2, the largest ship to ever visit Australia, was the first to arrive, docking at Sydney's Woolloomooloo wharf yesterday morning. Its 3000 passengers disembarked to explore Sydney, with iconic locations such as Darling Harbour and Bondi Beach popular choices, as well as tours to nearby attractions such as the Blue Mountains.
The QE2 then arrived in Sydney with 2000 passengers yesterday evening, sailing past QM2 to dock at Circular Quay, wedged between the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Altogether the cruise passengers will contribute more than $3 million to the economy. Sydney is an increasingly popular world port for international cruise ships, with 38 planned for the 2007 season, eight more than last season.
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