TSS Earnslaw celebrates her 96th birthday

14 October 2008

TSS Earnslaw to celebrate her 96th birthday

The year 1912 was a time of nautical firsts. In April, the Titanic left Queenstown in Ireland and steamed off on her ill-fated maiden journey towards New York. A few months later, on October 18, the TSS Earnslaw steamed towards Queenstown, New Zealand on a more successful maiden voyage from Kingston.

The TSS Earnslaw went on to have a much longer and more illustrious career than her original ship builders could ever have anticipated. Today, the TSS Earnslaw is believed to be the last passenger-carrying coal-fired steamship remaining in the southern hemisphere.

Over the years, her passengers have included Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, as well as the King and Queen of Belgium and the Prince of Thailand.

To celebrate the TSS Earnslaw’s 96th birthday, a special locals’ cruise around the Frankton Arm will depart at 10am on Saturday, 18 October 2008. The Arrowtown Miners Band will play on board and all passengers will receive complimentary birthday cake, pikelets, tea and coffee to help celebrate the occasion.

Real Journeys Queenstown Operations Manager Tracey Maclaren said she hoped for a good turnout on the birthday cruise. “So many Queenstowners have been directly associated with the TSS Earnslaw in some way. It’s a great time for them to come on board and share their memories.”

The TSS Earnslaw holds an unusual position in New Zealand’s nautical history. Since 1998, she has been protected under a 'Category One Heritage' Protection Order by Queenstown Lakes District Council. The vessel was the first in New Zealand to be protected by a district plan.

Real Journeys is already starting to make plans for the TSS Earnslaw’s 100th birthday in 2012, which will coincide with Queenstown’s 150th anniversary. “The plans are still at a very early stage but we’re planning a full week of celebrations,” Ms Maclaren says. “She’s a magnificent historic vessel and so many people have a great deal of affection for her.”

TSS Earnslaw 96th Birthday Cruise
October 18, 2008
Departs Steamer Wharf at 10.00am
1.5 hour cruise of Frankton Arm
Locals' rate of $20 adult, $10 senior citizen, children free!
Includes - Live entertainment, Birthday cake, pikelets, tea and coffee

Journalists are welcome to join us on board the birthday cruise. To book a space – and for historic photos and background information, please contact:

Diana McCurdy, Real Journeys Marketing Communications Manager
Tel 03 442 4830
Email dmccurdy@realjourneys.co.nz

For further comment, please contact:

Tracey Maclaren, Real Journeys Queenstown Operations Manager
Tel: 03 409 0592 / 027 221 8196
Email: tmaclaren@realjourneys.co.nz