Published and credited by modernagent.com on: October 9, 2008

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 will bid farewell to America on Oct. 16 during a celebratory call to New York City. The historic occasion will mark the ship’s 706th and final call to New York. Escorted by FDNY fireboats and flotilla of pleasure craft, the QE2 will depart the Westside Terminal at 5 p.m. to meet its sister ship, Queen Mary 2, for a rendezvous at the Statue of Liberty. Both liners are embarking on a tandem voyage to Southampton, England, marking QE2’s 806th and final trans-Atlantic crossing.

QE2 was named by Queen Elizabeth II in 1967. During nearly four decades at sea, the liner has logged 5.9 million nautical miles (equivalent to traveling to the moon and back 13 times), carried more than 2.5 million passengers and has sailed 25 World Cruises. With a top speed of 32.5 knots, QE2 is the fastest passenger ship in the world. In 1982, it was requisitioned by the British government for military service in the Falkland Islands and joined the ranks of such Cunarders as Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth that were also called upon to serve in times of conflict.

“It is most fitting that QE2’s farewell to America be celebrated in New York, the city Cunard has called our North America homeport since 1847,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. “She will always be remembered as the best-loved ship in the world and we are delighted that she will be cherished by future generations of travelers at her new home in Dubai. Her mantle as flagship of the British merchant fleet has proudly been bestowed upon Queen Mary 2, a ship recognized as the grandest ocean liner ever built and surely destined to continue Cunard’s legacy.”

During QE2’s arrival in the early morning of Oct. 16, QE2 will fly a traditional Paying-Off Pennant, a maritime flag signifying the ship’s length of service to the fleet. The pennant will be presented as a commemorative gift to a local dignitary during a reception onboard the ship. Thousands of well-wishers are expected to gather at New York harbor viewing locations including Battery Park, Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park, The Esplanade along the length of Battery Park City and Hudson River Park. A pipe and drum corps will perform in Battery Park as a salute and final farewell to QE2. QE2 completes service to Cunard in November after sailing a final voyage to Dubai where it will be refurbished and become a luxury hotel, entertainment destination and maritime museum. For more information, call 800-7-CUNARD or visit www.cunard.com.