Three Queens Meet In Southampton
24 April 2008
Tuesday 22 April 2008 has gone down in the annals of British maritime history, when Cunard’s three Queens met in their homeport of Southampton in another historic first for the company. Queen Mary 2, company flagship and the largest ocean liner in the world, and Queen Victoria, the newest Cunard Queen, saluted QE2, the most famous and beloved ship in the world on the day she celebrates the 39th anniversary of her official entry into service in 1969*.
Carol Marlow, Cunard’s President and Managing Director, said:
“We're delighted that this unexpected opportunity for Southampton to host our three ocean liners arose after we took the recent decision to have QE2’s scheduled 2008 refit in her homeport. We would like as many people as possible to witness this historic spectacle”.
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Just after 1700 hours Queen Mary 2 left her berth at the Queen Elizabeth II Terminal and proceeded up river to get as close as possible to Queen Victoria (at the City Cruise Terminal) and QE2 (alongside Berth 105).
All three ships sounded their whistles in salute before Queen Mary 2 departed on her first transatlantic crossing of 2008 (her 81st crossing) followed by Queen Victoria embarking on her first voyage to Iberia and the Canaries.
On 2 June 2008 Her Majesty The Queen will make a farewell visit to Queen Elizabeth 2 in Southampton. |
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QE2, the most famous ship in the world, and for 35 years the flagship of the Cunard fleet, was launched by Her Majesty at Clydebank on 20 September 1967 – forty years ago last year.
Since then QE2 has travelled over 5.6 million nautical miles, more than any ship ever; has carried over 2.5 million guests; has completed 25 World Cruises; and has crossed the Atlantic 802 times. She leaves Cunard service in November 2008.
Her Majesty The Queen has visited QE2 twice since the launch – on 1 May 1969, immediately prior the Maiden Voyage, and on 27 July 1990 to mark Cunard Line’s 150th anniversary.
Details of the visit on 2 June will be announced shortly, but Cunard’s President and Managing Director, Carol Marlow, comments:
“We are delighted and honoured that The Queen has chosen to visit QE2 to wish her farewell. Her Majesty has taken a close interest in the ship over the last forty years, and I am certain this will be a memorable occasion for all involved”.
* QE2 entered service on 22 April 1969 with her ‘Preview Voyage’ - an eight-day voyage to Las Palmas, Tenerife and Lisbon prior to departing on her maiden transatlantic crossing on 2 May.
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