The Queen Mary 2 makes its way out of Auckland late last night. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Glistening elegance and opulent scenes await those boarding one of the world's largest cruise liners.
Standing 62m above the water and 345m in length, Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 is an impressive sight.
Its true grandeur, however, is only revealed inside - as up to 88 New Zealanders
found out last night when they boarded the ship before it left Auckland's Jellicoe Wharf for Sydney.
Winding staircases - immaculately polished - lead the eye up to crystal chandeliers bouncing tiny reflections off the bronze walls.
The floor of the ballroom could be mistaken for a mirror, as golden reflections signal the guests' leisurely movements.
Even the tablecloths demand attention, with touches of gold and fine detailing.
Friends Robin and Patsy Barr and Maureen and David Edwards have spent the past two weeks enjoying "the elegant life", they say, after boarding at Los Angeles.
With more than 10 restaurants and cafes, a grand theatre, ballroom, spa treatments, a planetarium and four outdoor swimming pools on board, the friends - originally from Australia - say they have been spoiled for choice.
"It's been a thoroughly enjoying experience," Mrs Barr said. "It's Shakespeare at the theatre one night and a magnificent ball the next - it's a lovely opportunity to dress up and feel elegant and feel special."
Added Mrs Edwards: "Guess who take the longest to get dressed?"
Mr Edwards: "Excuse us, we're from Brisbane - I haven't put on a fancy suit in years."
The Queen Mary 2, which cost US$800 million ($1.6 billion) to build, is the largest ship to visit New Zealand shores. Yesterday's call at Auckland as part of its second worldwide voyage was its second - the first was in 2007.
The grand liner is continuing on to Sydney and to several places in Australia and then to Mauritius.
