Queen Mary2, described as the most expensive cruise vessel in business, called at the Kochi port on Wednesday, March 07th 2008, with around 2,600 passengers and 1,200 crew on board.The vessel berthed at Quay 5 of the Ernakulam wharf at 11.30 a. m., nearly two hours before schedule.The visitors were given a traditional welcome with caparisoned elephants and Panchavadyam. The ship left Kochi on Thursday afternoon after the passengers made quick trips to locations of tourist interest close to the city. It was the ONLY port of call in India for the luxury liner that began its maiden world tour on January 11 from Fort Lauderdale, where it returned to on April 2nd 2008. With a price tag of over $ 800 million, QM2 is the most opulent and most magnificent ocean liner ever built. The 1,132-feet-long, 236-feet high British ship has 13 decks and can carry over 3,000 passengers. It has several luxurious dining rooms, ballrooms, theatres, lounges, and beauty salons. Its 8,500-book library is said to be the largest at sea. It is home to artwork worth 3.5 million pounds. The passengers include multimillionaires, Hollywood actors and many celebrities.In terms of luxury, entertainment and grandeur, QM2 is termed as a `mini Las Vegas.'
This signifies Cochin as the premier most cruising destination port of call, in India.
This signifies Cochin as the premier most cruising destination port of call, in India.
