Cunard celebrated a historic maritime moment when the Queen Mary 2 ocean liner anchored off the coast of Long Beach to reunite with its legendary namesake, the historic Queen Mary, for the first time in 20 years.
Renowned for its iconic transatlantic voyages between New York and Southampton, the Queen Mary 2 redefined ocean travel as the world's only true ocean liner and remains a symbol of Cunard's legacy as its flagship. The Queen Mary 2 debuted more than 35 years after its namesake, the Queen Mary, was retired from service in 1967. Now celebrating its 90th anniversary, the Queen Mary remains one of the world's most recognizable ships as an Art Deco icon following its debut in 1936. Today, it is a vibrant cultural destination in Long Beach, boasting renowned dining, immersive tours and exhibitions, iconic festivals, and overnight accommodations.
Adding to the historical significance of the moment, the starboard funnel of the Queen Mary 2 still houses a fully restored whistle that originally belonged to the first Queen Mary, cementing an eternal connection between generations of Cunard's Queens.
“This iconic reunion pays powerful tribute to Cunard’s enduring legacy and the spirit of ocean travel,” said Katie McAlister, Cunard’s president. “The reunion of Queen Mary 2 with the original Queen Mary for the first time in 20 years reflects our past, present, and future, reminding us of Cunard’s unique connection to maritime history and the generations united through timeless elegance, innovation, and unique voyages around the world.”.
“Welcoming Queen Mary 2 to Long Beach during our 90th anniversary year is an extraordinary honor, and witnessing the reunion this morning was a once-in-a-generation sight,” said Steve Caloca, Managing Director of the Queen Mary. “This historic moment reflects the enduring link between the Queen Mary’s past and present and its continuing role as a living symbol of ocean travel, innovation, and preservation.”.
The reunion of the Queens in Long Beach took place after the Queen Mary 2's first-ever transit of the Panama Canal, another historic milestone in the ship's illustrious career. Following the meeting, the Queen Mary 2 made its official return to the Port of Los Angeles after 17 years, where it remains docked overnight as part of its 2026 round-the-world voyage.
The first in two years, the Queen Mary 2's 108-night World Cruise takes travelers to more than 30 ports of call across the Americas, Australia, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The itinerary includes overnight stays in destinations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Cape Town, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in dream destinations around the globe.
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