For the first time since 1967 a Cunard Queen Elizabeth met with the long-retired Queen Mary in Long Beach last night - an event celebrated with an exchange of whistle salutes, fireworks and fanfare. In addition, a narrative of the ships’ histories was simulcast by Everette Hoard, speaking from the Bridge of Queen Elizabeth which was also heard by guests on Queen Mary.
The last meeting of an Elizabeth and Mary took place when both ships passed each other mid-Atlantic on 25 September 1967 with Queen Mary on her final Atlantic crossing. Queen Mary served as a Cunard liner for more than 30 years and also served as a troopship during World War II. Her influence lives on today serving as interior design inspiration for the modern Cunard fleet – one of the youngest at sea – and continues to be a popular destination for maritime enthusiasts since her 1967 retirement where she has been permanently docked in Long Beach, California, as a hotel, museum and tourist attraction.
Queen Elizabeth, the latest addition to the Cunard fleet having entered service in 2010, then departed on her 18-night Panama Canal Discovery voyage.
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