The world’s only ocean liner and one of the world’s oldest met in L.A.’s harbor this week
Cruisers, Anglophiles and well-wishers gathered in L.A.’s harbor earlier this week when the Queen Mary 2 sailed past her 90-year-old namesake in a rare visit to Southern California. The world’s largest – and only – ocean liner is a luxurious super ship currently on a globetrotting 108-day world voyage, making a brief stop in San Pedro. Los Angeles was invited on board to see the liner and enjoy a traditional English tea.
Queen Mary 2 Credit: Photo by Chris Nichols
It has been twenty years since the two Queens last saw each other. Fans onboard both vessels were greeted by a water-spraying fire boat, private yachts, and a harbor cruise boat chartered for press and locals who wished to experience the historic meetup.
Tea on the Queen Mary 2 Credit: Photo by Chris Nichols
“A lot of design features drawn upon when this ship was designed reflect our past,” Captain Andrew Hall said, welcoming guests. The newer ship integrates art deco details, names and artwork that recall the earlier vessel, which has been a floating hotel in Long Beach harbor since 1971, four years after arriving. That gala flotilla captured in historic newsreel footage. The city has recently committed $12 million towards the restoration of the vintage ship.
Queen Mary 2 Credit: Photo by Chris Nichols
Upon entering the Queen Mary 2, your eye is drawn to the outrageously decorated giant silver “Boston Commemorative Cup” locked behind glass. The trophy was created for Sir Samuel Cunard when he launched his first steamship, Britannia, in 1840 and chose Boston as his American port. The artifact was discovered in an antique shop in 1967 and always sailed on Cunard’s flagship.
Grand lobby of the Queen Mary 2 Credit: Photo by Chris Nichols
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Cunard currently operates four “Queens,” named for British monarchs Victoria, Elizabeth, Anne and of course, Mary. This ship’s crew members work for up to four months at a time and are drawn from 67 countries, including Indonesia, India, Hungary and the UK. The ship typically sails from Southampton to New York on trans Atlantic voyages and was able to utilize the newly expanded Panama Canal for the first time on this journey.
Crew on the Queen Mary 2 Credit: Photo by Chris Nichols
The fine linens, bone china and silver spoons laid out for the tea built our anticipation to sample the Queen’s finest. “I’ve tasted enough cucumber sandwiches,” another reporter joked as I used my silver tongs to retrieve the last one. In truth, the culinary offerings were perhaps a little pedestrian for such a grand ship, but the trappings were exquisite.
Tea time on the Queen Mary 2 Credit: Photo by Chris Nichols