THE Lizzie is coming home!
One of the most famous names in Southampton’s history is to be reborn in the 21st century.
Cunard’s new ship Queen Elizabeth will be a floating art deco palace recalling the elegance of the legendary liner of the same name.
For years Cunard’s original Queen Elizabeth, nicknamed “Lizzie’’, together with her sister ship Queen Mary, dominated the North Atlantic passage between Southampton and New York.
The new Queen Elizabeth will be the second largest vessel, after Queen Mary 2, to be built for Cunard, and is the third ship to be introduced by the shipping line in six years.
Click here for a gallery of the new ship
When she arrives in Southampton in October next year she will be equipped with the most advanced technology, but at the same time passengers will be taken on a nostalgic voyage back in time.
Guests will experience an English country house party, afternoon tea served by whitegloved stewards, Ivor Novello style piano evenings and period dancing from traditional ballroom to the jitterbug and jive.
At present Cunard is tightlipped about the ship’s naming ceremony, but if the company follows previous occasions the event will be held in Southampton with a member of the Royal Family as the guest of honour.
Cunard’s long-established connection with Buckingham Palace will be reflected with Queen Elizabeth photographs, paintings, memorabilia and exhibits around the decks, especially in the Queen’s Room, with its 1,000sq ft dancefloor.
The 90,400-ton Queen Elizabeth, being built in Italy, will accommodate 2,092 passengers in 1,046 rooms.
She will proudly carry the name of Southampton, her port of registry, on her stern.
Queen Elizabeth will leave Southampton on her maiden voyage, a 13-night cruise to the Canary Islands, on October 12.
It is expected tickets will cost anything up to £5,099 per passenger – and will be snapped up within minutes of going on sale next month.
The first Queen Elizabeth was launched in September 1938 but was withdrawn from service 30 years later.
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