NEW YORK, Jan. 6, 1995 -- Queen Elizabeth 2 was reintroduced in New York today following her $45 million refurbishment.

The occasion was celebrated with an event aboard QE2 pierside in New York Harbor. It was hosted by John Olsen, Chief Executive. Master of Ceremonies was celebrated ocean liner author and historian John Maxtone-Graham, and featured speaker was Lillian Liburdi, Director of the Port for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

A major modification to the layout and style of most public areas was completed aboard QE2, and a new distinctive lifestyle was created reflecting the vessel's heritage and tradition. Cabins were modernized throughout the ship, and several exciting new public areas were created.

Nearly 500 guests were heralded aboard by a quartet of herald trumpeters at the New York Passenger Ship Terminal at West 55th Street on the Hudson River.

Guests were served an elegant luncheon in the ship's new first-class Caronia Restaurant, following which they were escorted on tours of the new QE2. Handel's Water Music was played over the ship's new Linn Hi-Fi system.

The Grand Lounge, a venue for big-name entertainment, was completely refurbished, and a new fully equipped stage was installed with state-of-the-art lighting. The popular Yacht Club was doubled in size, the Chart Room bar was enhanced with a nautical setting and a display of historic navigational instruments, and a new Golden Lion pub was created on Upper Deck.

Throughout the ship, a Heritage Trail traces the history and tradition of Cunard and her Flagship, QE2, and several major works of art, specially commissioned for the new-look luxuryliner, are on display.

Meanwhile, every dining experience aboard the ship has been enhanced. The Columbia Restaurant was moved to Upper Deck and renamed the Caronia Restaurant, and the two Princess Grills were renamed the Princess Grill and the Britannia Grill. There and in the Queens Grill, the dining experience has been upgraded with such features as tableside cooking and roast carving.

The Lido was transformed into a spacious informal buffet-style restaurant with its own dedicated galley for breakfast and lunch, and a stairway was built to connect it with the newly created Pavilion on One Deck.

On the outside, the hull of QE2 was completely repainted, reflecting the new corporate logo.

QE2 departed New York today for her 102-day Golden Route World Cruise.

Cunard, a Trafalgar House company, markets 14 ships worldwide. For more information, contact a travel agent or Cunard at 800-221-4770.