SOUTHAMPTON, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On the occasion of Queen Elizabeth’s maiden call to Halifax, Nova Scotia yesterday, Cunard celebrated the legacy of Sir Samuel Cunard, who hailed from Halifax and established the iconic ocean liner company bearing his name more than 171 years ago.
In honour of the maiden visit of Cunard’s newest ocean liner and the recent revitalization of the Halifax Seaport and waterfront, The Halifax Foundation re-dedicated the majestic statue yesterday which had been re-located last year to a more prominent position, adjacent to the Cunard Centre, overlooking the harbour and Georges Island. On hand to join the festivities were many members of the Paton Family, direct descendants of Samuel Cunard, whose younger members, Geoffrey, age 7; Ben, age 11; and Sam, age 13 cut the commemorative ribbon during the re-dedication. At that moment, Queen Elizabeth sounded her whistle in acknowledgement of the historic occasion.
Captain Christopher Wells, master of Queen Elizabeth, and members of the ship’s company joined the re-dedication ceremony on the waterfront. In his remarks Wells said, “The city of Halifax holds unique significance to Cunard Line, and we are proud to join Samuel Cunard’s descendants as we celebrate this special occasion. It is truly gratifying to see this majestic symbol of Samuel Cunard’s legacy take such a prominent position on the waterfront; it stands as a beacon to visitors from all over the globe, which is fitting since Samuel Cunard made far-reaching travel possible for untold millions.”
“Today marks another noteworthy moment for the city of Halifax and the Cunard legacy,” said Alan R. Abraham, vice chairman of The Halifax Foundation. “Five years ago, we celebrated one of Halifax’s finest with a bronze statue of his likeness. We recognize his contributions to the city of Halifax again today and honour him with the re-dedication of his statue.”
In 2006, The Honourable Alan R. Abraham of The Halifax Foundation, along with John Langley, chairman of the Cunard Steamship Society, spearheaded the initiative to create a bronze statue of Sir Samuel Cunard, which was dedicated in October of that year and has presided over Halifax’s waterfront to recognize one of the city’s most famous and influential individuals. The statue depicts Cunard standing beside a ship’s telegraph, symbolic of steamship travel and the company he established.
"Cunard history and heritage is widespread as one might expect after 171 years, and counting. It was here that founder Samuel Cunard was born, later establishing a company which has no equal in the annals of ocean liner history. Today in Halifax was a great day for celebrating the man and his legacy," said John Langley, who is considered to be the foremost expert on the life of Samuel Cunard and who authored his biography, “Steam Lion.”
“We’re honoured to be included as one of Queen Elizabeth’s calls in her first year of operation,” said Cathy McGrail, manager of Cruise Development at the Halifax Port Authority. She added, “We’re delighted to have Captain Wells and crew join the re-dedication of the Samuel Cunard statue, which has become a signature attraction to our port.”
Prior to her maiden call to Halifax, Queen Elizabeth made her inaugural visit to Boston, before continuing up the eastern seaboard through Maine. She completes her maiden New England & Canadian Adventure voyage with a maiden call to Québec City, Quebec and Cornerbrook, Newfoundland before returning to Southampton, England.
Debuting in October 2010, Queen Elizabeth became the third Cunard liner to bear the illustrious “Elizabeth” name. Art Deco features throughout the ship pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth, reflecting The New Golden Age of Ocean Travel. On board, guests savour the sense of occasion by dressing up for glamourous evenings at Royal Nights themed balls, and enjoy countless offerings and amenities from Champagne Afternoon Tea in the Garden Lounge to an extraordinary dining experience in The Verandah, a contemporary French restaurant that pays tribute to the legendary Verandah Grills aboard the original Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary.
For more information about Queen Elizabeth 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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