SOUTHAMPTON, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Amidst fireworks and much fanfare yesterday, Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2, and Queen Victoria joined the new Queen Elizabeth for her maiden call in New York, meeting for a historic Cunard Royal Rendezvous. Thousands of New Yorkers and Cunarders alike lined the shores of Manhattan, from Battery Park to Hudson River Park, to see the regal fleet gather for the first time. During a celebration that began with a 21-gun fireworks salute, the three Cunard Queens made a majestic procession into New York Harbor illuminated by a dazzling Grucci fireworks show, as they then departed on their respective luxury cruise vacations. The meeting of the Queens marks only the second time in Cunard’s 171-year history that all three of the company’s ships have met simultaneously in New York. The first Cunard Royal Rendezvous took place in 2008 celebrating Queen Victoria’s maiden call to New York.
“Cunard’s Queens have always been regally greeted in our US home port, and we are thrilled that our newest Queen has been met with an equally exquisite celebration,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “The City of New York is a core part of our legacy and a significant landmark for Cunard, and we’re delighted to celebrate the very rare and momentous Royal Rendezvous in The Big Apple.”
Along with this grand celebration in New York Harbor, as a salute to the Cunard Royal Rendezvous, the Empire State Building was lit in Cunard’s regal color of red. Shanks along with Cunard’s Commodore Bernard Warner and Micky Arison, CEO and Chairman of Carnival Corporation, rang the closing bell for the New York Stock Exchange yesterday, using the ship bell from the original Queen Elizabeth (circa 1938).
Most recently, Queen Elizabeth captured the world stage with her Royal Naming Ceremony on 11 October 2010, attended by Her Majesty The Queen in Southampton, England. Following her maiden call to New York, she embarks on her Maiden World Voyage (103 days), flagship Queen Mary 2 begins her fifth World Voyage (103 days), and Queen Victoria begins her debut Americas Season, traversing between the east and west coasts through the Panama Canal.
For more information about Cunard’s three Queens or to book a voyage, consult your travel agent, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to 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 Transatlantic 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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