A royal maritime reunion took place Monday in Long Beach, as the Queen Mary 2 ocean liner anchored alongside her historic namesake, the Queen Mary, for the first time in 20 years.
Queen Mary 2 is on a worldwide voyage, and recently completed its first crossing of the Panama Canal. The ship pulled alongside the Queen Mary Monday morning, and the two vessels shared a whistle salute. Queen Mary 2 is outfitted with a refurbished whistle from the Queen Mary.
“Welcoming Queen Mary 2 to Long Beach during our 90th anniversary year is an extraordinary honor, and watching the rendezvous this morning was a once-in-a-generation sight,” Steve Caloca, managing director of the Queen Mary, said in a statement. “This historic moment reflects the enduring bond between the Queen Mary’s past and present and continued role as a living symbol of ocean travel, innovation, and preservation.”
The Queen Mary debuted in 1936 and was retired in 1967, ultimately taking up residents in Long Beach, operating as a hotel, restaurant and tourist destination. Queen Mary 2 made her debut in the 1970s.
After the two ships’ historic meeting Monday morning, Queen Mary 2 continued into the Port of Los Angeles to dock overnight.
Queen Mary 2’s current World Voyage is a 108-night journey to 30 ports, including stops in San Francisco, Hong Kong, Singapore, Cape Town and Sydney.
“This iconic rendezvous pays a powerful tribute to Cunard’s enduring legacy and the spirit of ocean travel,” Katie McAlister, president of Cunard cruise line said in a statement. “Queen Mary 2’s reunion with the original Queen Mary for the first time in 20 years reflects our past, present and future, reminding us of Cunard’s distinct connection to maritime history and the generations brought together through timeless elegance, innovation and one-of-a-kind journeys around the world.”