After two months sailing in Australian waters, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth departed from the Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal yesterday.

But, fear not, QE fans. She will be back Down Under for a record 101 days in December sailing in local waters till March 2020.

Australians love cruising on QE because the line gave them “a sense of occasion” with its gala balls and essential “Britishness.”

Queen Elizabeth in Sydney Harbour
Queen Elizabeth in Sydney Harbour. Images (above and top): James Morgan

To mark the line’s closer links with Australia, the famous red-and-black liveried bell boys have been given a distinctly Down Under look by R.M.Williams and hat-maker Akubra.

QE’s bell boys are now decked up in red tailored jackets with gold nautical buttons and black cuffs, black cotton twill pants and R.M. Williams most recognised boots, The Craftsman, in striking Cunard red. The bell boys have also swapped their traditional pillbox hats for Akubras.

The 2081-passenger cruise ship has more than 10 restaurants and cafes, a Games Deck featuring paddle tennis, croquet and bowls, a two-storey library and a three-deck Royal Court Theatres seating 800 guests.