Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth met Queen Mary for an historic Cunard Royal Rendezvous. Cunarders and maritime enthusiasts alike gathered along the shores of Long Beach Harbour and more than two thousand people were aboard Queen Mary for a celebration. Joining these maritime icons high above was the famed Goodyear blimp, the Spirit of America.
Spectators were treated to a commemorative fireworks show. In addition, a narrative of the ships’ histories was simulcast by Everette Hoard, commodore of Queen Mary, who was speaking from the Bridge of Queen Elizabeth and was also heard by guests on Queen Mary. Queen Elizabeth then departed on her 18-day Panama Canal Discovery voyage.
This Royal Rendezvous marks Queen Mary's first meeting with a Queen Elizabeth since 1967 when Queen Mary, during her final Transatlantic Crossing in Cunard service, passed by the original Queen Elizabeth. Queen Mary retired from service in 1967 and is permanently docked in Long Beach, Calif. as a hotel, museum and tourist attraction.
For more information, visit www.cunard.com.