MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

New “Queen Elizabeth” calls into Gibraltar for her maiden Mediterranean cruise

The majestic vessel in Gibraltar (Pic. chronicle.gi)

The new Cunard cruise ship ‘Queen Elizabeth’ called into Gibraltar for the first time on Friday. She is scheduled to become a frequent visitor to the Rock returning later this month with more port calls next year.

The 2.092 passenger QE is an elegant and stylish vessel decorated in a classic style just like the original old cruise liners.

The 92.400 ton QE is Cunard’s third new ship in six years and the second largest it has ever built. Designed largely as a near-identical ship to the “Queen Victoria”, her design is based on the Art Deco era and her interiors, décor and artefacts pay homage to such vessels as the original “Queen Elizabeth” and “Queen Mary” together with some touches from the “Queen Elizabeth 2”.

Her visit formed part of her maiden 14-night Mediterranean cruise with Gibraltar being her final port of call.

To mark this historic occasion, and commemorate this inaugural port visit, the band of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment played at the Western Arm, as the ship came alongside. The band of the Sea Scouts also played at the quayside, an hour before the ship was scheduled to depart.

Port Minister Joe Holliday together with a group of people including its Port Agent, MH Bland, and representatives of the Gibraltar Port and Gibraltar Tourist Board welcomed the vessel to the Rock.