Queen Mary 2 Makes History in Namesake Meeting

Tuesday, 27 Feb, 2006 0

Two legendary ocean liners, the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Mary, made maritime history today (February 23 LA), meeting for the first time in California for a “royal rendezvous”.

As she entered Long Beach harbour on February 23, the Queen Mary 2 was met by a flotilla of 800 boats, 14 helicopters, three blimps, 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.

The commemorative festivities were part of the Cunard Lines’ Queen Mary 2’s highly anticipated maiden call to Los Angeles, where more than 25,000 spectators turned out to welcome the ship on her arrival on February 22.

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 the 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.”

Graham Muldoon

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