Miaden call will also mark the first time any modern Cunard ship has docked near to Queen Mary
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth is to berth near Queen Mary for the first time when she makes her maiden call to Long Beach in California, US, on 5 February.
Previously, modern Cunard ships have only been able to carry out floating salutes in Long Beach, but 5 February will mark the first time any of the ships has been able to dock near Queen Mary.
After sailing into Long Beach harbour at 7.00am, Queen Elizabeth will remain in the port until 6:00pm when she will depart after a fireworks display and a whistle exchange salute with Queen Mary.
“During our 175-year history, Queen Mary has been one of our most beloved ships,” said Richard Meadows, president of Cunard North America. “This meeting of the Queens will be especially memorable for our passengers, as this maiden call offers them the opportunity to disembark in Long Beach and experience the Queen Mary, an integral part of our history and tradition.”
Queen Mary crossed the Atlantic more than 2,000 times and served as a passenger ship, a vessel for troops during World War II and a British Royal Mail ship while in service. She is now a permanent hotel and museum in Long Beach harbour and this year will mark her 80th year in service.
To mark Queen Elizabeth’s visit and commemorate Queen Mary’s 80th anniversary, a new Ship Model Gallery will be dedicated on the Queen Mary in a private ceremony. Located on the ship’s Promenade Deck, the model gallery will feature 15 large-scale models of famous ships including the Titanic, Lusitania and Normandie, as well as contemporary Cunard liners, Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth 2. It will also include the original Bassett-Lowke shipbuilder’s model of Queen Mary, which measure more than 20ft in length.
The gallery marks the first phase of the Queen Mary’s plans to create a world-class maritime museum and learning centre onboard the ship.
“Having Queen Elizabeth in port for the gallery dedication makes it even more special,” said John Jenkins, general manager of The Queen Mary.
2015 also marks 175 years since Cunard’s first Transatlantic Crossing from England to the US.