Historic Cunard Royal Rendezvous Pays Tribute to Her Majesty The Queen, Godmother of Flagship Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth
In what is believed to be the largest Diamond Jubilee celebration outside London, all three ships of the Cunard Line fleet – flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth – sailed up Southampton Water in formation for the first time today in preparation for a day of special tributes, celebrations and displays to mark Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 sails majestically past sister ships Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth during the fleet's historic Royal Rendezvous in Southampton, England, on 5 June, kicking off day-long events celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen. (Photo: Business Wire)
Her Majesty The Queen has long been associated with Cunard, being the only person to have attended the naming of all three Cunard Elizabeths, beginning in 1938 with the original Queen Elizabeth, then in 1967 when she launched Queen Elizabeth 2 and 2010 when she named Queen Elizabeth.
This is the first time that the three Queens – the largest Cunarders ever built – have been seen arriving and departing together in formation at their home port of Southampton, England.
Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 approached the port soon after first light today, sailing in single file up Southampton Water, where a flotilla of small boats welcomed them.
Queen Mary 2 turned in the upper swinging ground as Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria tied up close to City Terminal. Queen Mary 2 then slowly passed each ship in turn, creating a three ship formation and revealing a "Congratulations Ma'am" message by her funnel. With crew lining the foredecks of all three vessels, the ships' whistles sounded in salute of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee.
"Cunard is delighted to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee in a way that gives everyone, especially our guests, a truly remarkable day that they will feel proud to talk about for years to come, taking part in history and marking the sixty glorious years of Her Majesty's reign in fitting, legendary and memorable Cunard style," said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.
Events are planned through this evening to create both an outstanding guest experience and a fitting commemoration of Her Majesty's reign. The celebrations will culminate in an evening spectacular when all three ships will again be brought within close proximity of each other, and from 10.20 p.m. GMT, a fusillade of fireworks and special effects will light up the evening sky.
Queen Mary 2 will then lead Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth in single file down Southampton Water as all three ships set out on their celebratory Diamond Jubilee voyages.
To access photographs from all of today's Cunard Royal Rendezvous celebrations, go to www.cunard3queens.com. To view a video of this morning's events, click here.
For more information about Cunard's ocean liners or to book a voyage, consult your Travel Agent, call Cunard toll-free 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.
About Cunard Line
Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and the epitome of British refinement since the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard voyages bring together like-minded travellers who seek a civilised adventure and relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Today, Cunard offers the only regularly scheduled trans-Atlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which it began in 1922.
World's Leading Cruise Lines
Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.
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