In a world first, more than 120 crew members from across Queen Mary 2 came together in Sydney for a dramatic portrait to commemorate the legendary Cunard liner’s 10th birthday and commemorates the strong link between Queen Mary 2 and Australia.
Internationally acclaimed photographer, James Morgan shot the history-making portrait, capturing all varieties of crew from gentlemen dance hosts to the kennel master. With props ranging from two dogs, a double bass, a harp and a large ice carving, the portrait truly encapsulates all aspects of liner luxury.
The historic shoot was lauded as a grand way to celebrate Queen Mary 2’s birthday, and to honour the unsung heroes who make the world’s most famous ocean liner tick.
Since her memorable first visit to Sydney in February 2007, when eager spectators gridlocked the city and brought traffic to a halt, Queen Mary 2 has become a firm favourite with Australians, turning heads wherever she sails.
At 151,400 tonnes with 1310 staterooms, a soaring six-storey Grand Lobby, the largest ballroom and library at sea, the three-storey 1347-seat Britannia Restaurant and Illuminations, the first planetarium at sea, Queen Mary 2 remains unchallenged as the world’s most famous passenger ship in operation today.
In her 10 years at sea, Queen Mary 2 has:
- Sailed the equivalent of three times to the moon and back
- Served more than 58 million meals, enough to feed the combined population of Sydney, Hong Kong, Cape Town, Rio and Dubai for an entire weekend
- Looked after tea lovers with 21.9 million cups of tea, enough to fill three Olympic swimming pools
- Baked 2.7 million scones, which if stacked on top of each other would reach a soaring 80km in height.
Cunard Marketing Director Angus Struthers, in Sydney for the historic event, said Australia had embraced Queen Mary 2 with Australians now ranking as the fourth largest source of guests for the cruise line.