On Saturday, April 15, Queen Mary 2 makes New York City's brand-new $52
million Brooklyn Cruise Terminal her berth-of-choice, marking an
exciting new chapter in the company's illustrious history. Mayor Michael R.
Bloomberg and a host of other dignitaries will be on hand to welcome the
world's most famous ocean liner as she sails into New York and docks in
Buttermilk Channel to celebrate the official opening of the new
full-service facility at Pier 12 in Red Hook.
"From stunning views of the iconic Manhattan skyline and close-by
Statue of Liberty to the streamlined embarkation and disembarkation process,
traveling through Brooklyn will create a truly memorable start and end
to a legendary Cunard voyage," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard
Line.
The Red Hook facility will be used by Carnival Corporation's Cunard
Line and Princess Cruises. In April 2004 the Bloomberg Administration
reached a historic agreement with Carnival that calls for the company to
support the City's investments in cruise facilities in Brooklyn and
Manhattan through port charges in exchange for berthing rights. In its first
year of operation, the 182,000-square-foot Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is
expected to welcome approximately 40 ships, including the new Crown
Princess launching in June 2006. The Terminal adds 330 new, permanent jobs
to the Brooklyn waterfront.
"Investing in industries poised for growth and job creation is one of
the best ways for us to diversify the economy, and the investments we're
making in New York City's booming cruise sector is the latest example,"
said Mayor Bloomberg. "The completion of the spectacular Brooklyn
Cruise Terminal and arrival of the QM2 will be major milestones not only in
the expansion of New York City's cruise industry, but also in the
growth of Brooklyn's working waterfront."
Now the third largest cruise market in the U.S., New York City has
experienced tremendous growth in the cruise industry. The industry had an
economic impact of $600 million and supported 3,200 jobs in 2004. Those
numbers are expected to reach $900 million and 5,000 jobs by 2012,
according to New York City Economic Development Corporation estimates.
The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is the first in the New York area to be
designed specifically to accommodate today's larger cruise ships. In
addition to deepening the channel, reinforcing moorings and upgrading the
gangway, the new facility includes traveler-friendly improvements such
as improved signage, landscaping, a tourist kiosk and more attractive
glass exterior and canopy.
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