September 7, 2011

Iconic cruise ship Queen Elizabeth gracefully glided into Greenock for the first time.

The luxury liner, the second largest in Cunard’s history, made her grand entrance along the Esplanade, berthing just before 8am.

As she arrived in the rain, she was greeted by the Prinsendam — which was sitting off Gourock, having remained here overnight due to poor weather — and the two cruise ships exchanged noisy greetings.

Passengers on-board Queen Elizabeth had sailed from Invergordon as part of a round Britain trip.

(Image: Newsquest)

Around 90 holidaymakers set to board the new cruise ship in Greenock were also set to make the return journey in equal style — by sailing home on board Cunard’s giant Queen Mary 2, which was due in town on 16 September.

Clydeport’s general manager Andrew Hemphill was thrilled that Greenock was on Queen Elizabeth’s itinerary during her maiden season.

Mr Hemphill said: “We are delighted she’s chosen to visit Greenock — she’s not even a year old and she’s coming here.

“I saw her at South Queensferry and she looked magnificent.

“It’s an important visit because of the history Cunard has with Greenock.

“It’s not just another ship — there’s a lot of history connected to the town.”

The stunning liner, which was built in Italy, has 12 decks and can carry just over 2,000 passengers.

She boasted a branch of Harrods within a ‘Royal Arcade’ shopping area, plus a library with some 6,000 books on its shelves.

One of her many other attractive features is a beautiful panel sculpture that spans two and a half decks, in addition to the grand stairway which depicts the port bow of the original Queen Elizabeth.

The quayside wasn’t open to the public to see the stunning ship because of operational reasons, but passengers received the usual warm welcome.