For the first time since 1967, a Cunard Queen Elizabeth met with the long-retired Queen Mary in Long Beach, an event celebrated with an exchange of whistle salutes, fireworks and fanfare. In addition, a narrative of the ships’ histories was broadcast by Everette Hoard, speaking from the Bridge of Queen Elizabeth, which was also heard by guests on Queen Mary.
The last meeting of an Elizabeth and Mary took place when both ships passed each other mid-Atlantic on 25 September 1967, with Queen Mary on her final Atlantic crossing. Queen Mary served as a Cunard liner for more than 30 years and also as a troopship in World War II. Her influence lives on, with her interior design inspiring the modern Cunard fleet, while she continues to be a popular destination for maritime enthusiasts, who can visit her at her berth in Long Beach, California, where she is used as a hotel, museum and tourist attraction.
