Big Day, Big Year - The Port of Halifax welcomes the largest cruise ship in the world
September 23, 2004
Halifax, NS - On September 25, 2004, the Port of Halifax will welcome the largest cruise ship in the world, the Queen Mary 2, as she makes her inaugural call to the Port of Halifax.
"This is a very exciting weekend for the Port of Halifax," says Patricia McDermott, Vice President, Marketing, Halifax Port Authority. This cruise season, Halifax will handle a record number of cruise ships, including the largest cruise ships afloat. The QM2 is a highlight on a weekend that will see over 5,000 cruise passengers visit our city."
This weekend, the Port of Halifax will host 5 vessels, carrying over 5,000 passengers who will spend an estimated half million in our city and area. In 2003, cruise passengers spent over $14 million; over $100 per passenger.
Over the last 10 years, the Halifax Port Authority has invested $4.2 million in cruise infrastructure development. In 2003, the Halifax Port Authority invested over $1.5 million in new fenders and bollards in order to accommodate the next generation of larger ships and expanded the Pier 21 cruise passenger reception facilities.
The QM2 will enter the harbour at Maugher's Point at approximately 10 a.m. and will circle the harbour along the following route between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
- Point Pleasant
- East of George's Island
- Woodside Ferry Terminal
- Nova Scotia Hospital - Dartmouth
- Dartmouth Ferry Terminal
- Turning near MacDonald Bridge
- Purdy's Wharf
- Proceeding alongside Halifax Waterfront
- North of George's Island and Cunard's Wharf
- Docking at Pier 21 at approximately 11:30 a.m.
The best viewing points will be Point Pleasant Park, the Woodside Ferry Terminal, the Nova Scotia Hospital and the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal.
"We anticipate that the public will want to view the Queen Mary 2," says Cathy McGrail, Manager Cruise Operations, Halifax Port Authority. "Because of new security requirements in Canada, there will be no access to the vessel. We have made special arrangements with the cruise line and agent for the vessel to circle the harbour before docking at Pier 21. We have also outlined the best places to view her. We really want everyone to have the opportunity to celebrate in Cunard's strong connection with Halifax."
The public can visit the Halifax Port Authority's website (www.portofhalifax.ca) for daily updates about her arrival.
Backgrounder
About the QM2
| Length | 1,132 feet |
|---|---|
| Beam | 135 feet |
| Draft | 32 feet 10 inches |
| Gross Tonnage | 151,400 gross tons |
| Passengers | 2,620 |
| Crew | 1,253 |
| Top Speed | 30 Knots |
| Power | 157,000 horsepower |
| Cost | $800 million |
| Itinerary | 12-day Splendours of the Fall voyage:
|
Comparisons
- QM2 is five times longer than Cunard's first ship, Britannia (230 ft.)
- QM2 is more than twice as long as the Washington Monument is tall (550 ft.)
- QM2 is 147 feet longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall (984 ft)
- QM2 is only 117 feet shorter than the Empire State Building is tall (1248 ft.)
- QM2 is as long as 41 double-decker London buses (31.5 ft. each)
Samuel Cunard and Cunard Lines
Cunard Lines and the city of Halifax have a long and unique history. Cunard Steamships Limited, owned and operated by Halifax native, Samuel Cunard, has become the greatest name in ocean travel history. The first headquarters for Cunard Line was in Halifax before it was moved to Liverpool, England. Cunard was one of the first Nova Scotians to build a successful empire. His company grew to be one of the great 20th century passenger lines, launching such famous ships as the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth.
The Halifax Port Authority is a government business enterprise mandated by the Federal Ministry of Transport. The HPA leads in the development of the Port of Halifax, serving as a catalyst for the local, regional and national economies and has a mandate to be financially viable. The Port of Halifax has a total annual income of almost $700 million and an employment impact of over 9,000 direct and indirect jobs.
For more information, please contact:
Michele PeverilManager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Halifax Port Authority
Telephone: (902) 426-1060
Cell: (902) 229-3236
