RMS Queen Mary Long Beach
Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth – Ocean Liners of Cunard
Free admission – whistle salutes and fireworks celebrate the historic meeting of ships in Long Beach Harbor
On the evening of March 12th, 2013 in the Long Beach Harbor the world famous former grand ocean cruiser of the Cunard Line, the R.M.S. Queen Mary, once the undisputed Grand Dame of the North Atlantic, will be visited by the youngest ship of the Cunard clan, Queen Elizabeth. In celebration of this historic moment, the Queen Mary is offering free admission so the public can witness the meeting of the two most royal names in maritime history from the decks of the 20th Century’s most recognized ocean liner, turned hotel.
Retired from the sea now 45 years, the Queen Mary at it’s Long Beach dock the hotel is visited by millions of tourists. The Cunard Line has never forgotten their famous former flagship and over the years has sent their newer ships to pay tribute to their first Queen. In the early 1980s the Cunard Princess came to call on the grand old lady, and more recently in 2006 their current flagship the magnificent Queen Mary 2 visited, followed by the young Queen Victoria in 2011. However, the upcoming Royal Rendezvous with the beautiful new Queen Elizabeth will be the most poignant of all.
From 1947 to 1967 the glorious sister ships Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth crossed the North Atlantic on their appointed schedules, often sighting one another in mid voyage. This wonderful oceanic interlude was relished by passengers, captains, and crew alike for there was no finer sight than to witness the largest and most beautiful ships of the era in their natural element, splashing the sea aside as they passed. The old and the new will parade for a new public. Adding to the event Goodyears iconic blimp, the Spirit of America, will escort the Queen Elizabeth into the harbor and capture aerial coverage of the Royal Rendezvous.
Free Access to the Queen Mary will be offered from 4PM-9PM on March 12th, 2013. The best public viewing location will be on the Promenade Deck of the Queen Mary, at the aft of the ship. Event commentary provided by Commodore Everette Hoard. Festivities include DJ entertainment, special hotel and dining options and a fireworks display.
To celebrate the occasion, those in attendance will be able to enjoy the Diana: Legacy of a Princess exhibit for just $9.95 (regularly priced at $34.95) while the Diana display will also extend her hours and stay open until 8 p.m. In addition, Sir Winston’s Restaurant and Lounge will prepare a special menu for the occassion, complete with a whiskey flight.
Schedule:
6:30-7:00 PM – Queen Elizabeth sails into Long Beach Harbor
7:00-7:30 PM – Ships whistle salutes
7:30-7:45 PM – FIREWORKS SHOW
For more information, visit: queenmary.com/royalrendezvous/
Travelmode 