Queen Elizabeth 2 passes on the crown of the seas

By STUART DYE

The reign of the most famous ship in the world, Queen Elizabeth 2, is nearing an end.

As the grand old lady of the ocean visits New Zealand, a new queen is undertaking her maiden voyage.

Queen Mary 2 is the largest, longest, tallest, widest and most expensive passenger ship in history.

Costing $800 million, and rising 23 storeys above the water, the Cunard goliath dwarfs QE2 and will tower over every port where it docks.

The old queen ruled for 31 years, crossing the Atlantic more than 1000 times.

And it was the monarch herself who released a bottle of champagne against the bow to christen QM2.

But the new ship will not replace the old for some time to come.

Captain Douglas Colaco, non-liner services manager for QE2 shipping agents Mackay, said it was far from all over for one of the world's best-loved ships.

"The QM2 is not a successor, but is filling a hole perceived in the market," he said.

"It is an incredible vessel, but is a transatlantic liner and not a cruise ship as such.

"The QE2 is booked out for two more years of world-wide voyages, so it's not quite time for her to retire just yet."

Queen Mary 2, which made her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York three weeks ago, is 10m higher from keel to funnel than her predecessor, and can carry 2600 passengers - 700 more than QE2.

It also has 14 bars and clubs, the largest floating ballroom in the world, a dining room with seating for 1350 people, a winter garden, casino, theatre, music hall, gym, spa and one indoor and four outdoor swimming pools.

Queen Elizabeth 2 set sail from Auckland last night and arrives in Wellington tomorrow.

Captain Colaco says QM2 will probably make its first voyage to New Zealand in 2007.

For those thinking of booking a ticket, consider the premier cabin, which includes a private elevator and butler service. A six-day trip across the Atlantic costs $27,249.