On 4 February, Cunard Line’s newest luxury ocean liner, Queen Elizabeth, will make her inaugural call to San Francisco, marking her only U.S. maiden call this year. Currently sailing her 107-day World Cruise, Queen Elizabeth will dock at Pier 35 along the city’s famed Embarcadero, and is scheduled to arrive between 5:30-6:00 a.m. and depart at approximately 9:00 p.m.
“We are very pleased to introduce our newest Cunarder to Bay Area residents who have historically extended a gracious welcome to our fleet of Queens,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “The city’s warm hospitality, iconic landmarks, world-class dining and culture are always a highlight for our well-travelled guests.”
Named by Her Majesty The Queen in Southampton, England in October 2010, Queen Elizabeth is the second largest Cunarder ever built, after flagship Queen Mary 2. Cunard’s longtime relationship with Great Britain’s Royal Family is reflected throughout the ship, including a specially-commissioned portrait of Her Majesty The Queen.
While this will be Queen Elizabeth’s inaugural visit to San Francisco, the city has held historical significance for Cunard ships since 1942, when the original Queen Elizabeth visited as part of her war duties, and where she also underwent a refit. Later, in 1978, Queen Elizabeth 2 made her maiden call to San Francisco, visiting a dozen times more in subsequent years. Five years ago to the day of Queen Elizabeth’s upcoming maiden call, flagship Queen Mary 2 was warmly received by hundreds who came out to welcome her during her 2007 inaugural visit; and Queen Victoria was also graciously greeted by the city during her 2010 maiden call.
Cunard continues their enduring relationship with the city by the bay and is pleased to be the Preferred Cruise Partner of the San Francisco Symphony’s 2012 Black & White Ball this June.
The best locations to view the ship’s sailaway as she departs the harbour are:
* Golden Gate Overlook: At Golden Gate National Recreation Area
* The Marina Green: Between Fort Mason and the Presidio, adjacent to San Francisco Bay
* Fort Mason: Located in the northern Marina District, alongside San Francisco Bay
* Aquatic Park: At the historic Hyde Street Pier
* PIER 39: Two-blocks east of Fisherman’s Wharf at Beach Street and The Embarcadero. Convenient parking is available across the street in the PIER 39 Garage.
* Treasure Island: Connected to Yerba Buena Island, which has exits and entrances into and out of the San Franciscoo - Oakland Bay Bridge (I-80) in both directions. Travel between Yerba Buena and Treasure Islands and the rest of San Francisco is toll-free in both directions.
From San Francisco, Queen Elizabeth will continue her World Cruise, which includes stops in Hawaii, American Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, India, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Monaco and Portugal.
Queen Elizabeth captured the world stage with her launch in 2010, quickly establishing herself among the fleet. She also has been ranked among the top three “Best Large Resort Ships” in the 2012 Berlitz Complete Guide to Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships, sharing the honour alongside her sister ships. On board, guests savour the sense of occasion, dressing up for glamourous evenings at Royal Nights themed balls, and enjoy Cunard’s signature amenities such as Champagne Afternoon Tea in the Garden Lounge, extraordinary dining experiences in the line’s renowned Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants, and in The Verandah, a French restaurant that pays tribute to the legendary Verandah Grills aboard the original Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary.
