Press Releases

While there was still limited availability on the voyage from Sydney as of this afternoon, Cunard said it was now compiling waitlists for passengers wanting to join the liner in Fremantle and Adelaide.

Jenny Lourey, Senior Vice President of Carnival Australia, which represents Cunard Line in Australia, said the company had been overwhelmed by the response.

"Yesterday was our biggest ever day for cruise bookings across all our brands, with sales on Queen Mary 2's royal voyage around Australia leading the way," Ms Lourey said.

"There may still be some element of uncertainty in the economy but it seems consumers are very bullish when it comes to cruising."

Ms Lourey said almost 75 per cent of the passengers that have booked on the historic sailing have never cruised before.

About 40 per cent are aged between 40 and 60 years, and almost two-thirds have booked a balcony cabin. About half the bookings came from four key travel agents.

Ms Lourey said Cunard would offer cabins to waitlisted passengers as it began the process of confirming booking deposits.

Queen Mary 2’s Royal Circumnavigation of Australia was priced from $5479* per person twin share, with three full circumnavigations on offer - from Sydney (a 22-night voyage departing February 14, 2012), Adelaide (a 21-night voyage departing February 11) or Fremantle (a 20-night voyage departing February 8).

The 151,400-tonne Queen Mary 2 will call at eight Australian ports during her circumnavigation including Sydney, Fremantle, Adelaide and the Whitsundays as well as maiden visits to Cairns (Yorkey’s Knob), Darwin, Melbourne and Brisbane. Her circumnavigation will also include a call at Bali.

The Australian deployment will be the longest Queen Mary 2 has been based in one country outside of her northern hemisphere homeports of Southampton and New York.

Carnival Australia represents Cunard Line, P&O Cruises Australia, P&O Cruises World Voyages, Princess Cruises and the Yachts of Seabourn.