Queen Mary 2 Met Namesake Queen Mary on Thursday, February 23

Maritime history was made today as two legendary ocean liners, the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Mary, met for the first time in Long Beach harbor for a “royal rendezvous” beginning at 12 noon.  The commemorative festivities were part of Cunard Lines’ Queen Mary 2 highly anticipated maiden call to Los Angeles on February 22, where more than 25,000 spectators turned out to welcome the ship on her arrival yesterday.

As she entered Long Beach harbor on February 23, the Queen Mary 2 was met by a flotilla of 800 boats, 14 helicopters, three blimps, a squadron of skytypers and skydivers as well as 6000 spectators lining the shore to view the festivities.  A first-time whistle salutation between the famed ocean liners had even more meaning as the QM2 carries one of her namesake’s original whistles, the tone of whose deep bass “A” can be heard ten miles away.

Since Queen Mary 2′s dazzling debut in 2004, Cunard enthusiasts have wondered if the grand ocean liner would ever meet her legendary predecessor, the Queen Mary.  Retired from maritime service for nearly 40 years, the Queen Mary, which sailed from 1937 through 1967, is now permanently berthed in Long Beach and is one of the city’s most well-known attractions.

“Since the debut of Queen Mary 2 in 2004, Cunard Line has dreamed of the day these two sister ships would meet,” said Captain David Christy, vice president marine, for Cunard Line.  “We are delighted that it is here at last and that we have had the opportunity to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience in Long Beach, home of the Queen Mary.”

Though longer, taller and nearly twice as large as the Queen Mary, Queen Mary 2 shares a number of venerable “family” traditions with her namesake, including worldwide fame, royal launching ceremonies, spectacular maiden calls and a lineage of hosting noted society figures, celebrities and other luminaries of the day.

Queen Mary 2 is the grandest ocean liner ever built.  There are 1,310 suites and cabins available in degrees of style and comfort ranging from pampered elegance to almost unimaginable luxury in the ship’s famed Grill-level accommodations.  Queen Mary 2 brings together like-minded travelers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star ServiceSM, fine dining, sophisticated adventure and legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel.

For more information about Cunard, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com. 
For more information about the Queen Mary, call 1-562-499-1620 or visit www.queenmary.com

February 24, 2006   Posted in: Cruise Ships