Cunard's Queen Mary 2 and The Original Queen Mary Reunite After Two Decades

Cunard's Iconic Queens Reunite

In a spectacular maritime moment, Cunard's flagship ocean liner, Queen Mary 2, made a significant rendezvous with her historic namesake, the original Queen Mary, off the coast of Long Beach. This event marks the first reunion of the two grand vessels in 20 years, showcasing the enduring legacy of Cunard.

Queen Mary 2, famed for her transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton, reaffirms her status as the world's only true ocean liner. Launched more than 35 years after her legendary predecessor was retired in 1967, Queen Mary 2 serves as a floating tribute to Cunard's maritime history.

The original Queen Mary, now a celebrated cultural destination permanently docked in Long Beach, is commemorating her 90th anniversary this year. Since her debut in 1936, she has become an enduring symbol of Art Deco elegance and remarkable engineering, offering visitors immersive tours, award-winning dining, and signature festivals. She stands not only as a relic of maritime history but also as an active participant in preserving it.

To add to the historical significance of this reunion, Queen Mary 2's funnel still houses a refurbished whistle from the original Queen Mary, thereby forging a connection between the two generations of Cunard ships. Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, remarked, "This iconic rendezvous pays a powerful tribute to Cunard's enduring legacy and the spirit of ocean travel."

The reunion comes on the heels of Queen Mary 2's first-ever transit of the Panama Canal, a major milestone in her illustrious career. After the joyous gathering, she made her long-awaited return to the Port of Los Angeles, where she docked overnight as part of her 2026 World Voyage.

This voyage, the first in two years for Queen Mary 2, boasts a comprehensive 108-night itinerary, taking adventurous travelers to over 30 ports across the Americas, Australia, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Notable stops include extended stays in iconic cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Cape Town, allowing guests ample opportunity to explore these bucket-list destinations.

As a flagship of luxury travel, Cunard aims to never lose sight of the heritage that defines their operation. This historic gathering serves as a reminder of the past while looking forward to the endless opportunities that lie ahead in ocean travel. Steve Caloca, Managing Director of the Queen Mary, noted, "This historic moment reflects the enduring bond between the Queen Mary's past and present, continuing to symbolize ocean travel, innovation, and preservation."

For those interested in experiencing this luxury maritime voyage, Cunard offers a range of options that guarantee a sumptuous travel experience characterized by fine dining, world-class entertainment, and attentive service. To learn more about their offerings, travelers can reach out to their local travel advisors or visit Cunard's website.

In conclusion, the reunion of Queen Mary 2 and the original Queen Mary is more than just a meeting of vessels; it’s a celebration of maritime history, of enduring legacies, and of the future yet to unfold on the high seas. Cunard continues to bridge generations through its commitment to excellence in ocean travel and unforgettable experiences.

Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a curious first-timer, Cunard promises to deliver an experience filled with elegance, adventure, and connection to the timeless allure of the ocean.