The celebrations have started……..

Earlier this month, the 05th to be precise Cunard kicked off the company’s 175th Anniversary celebrations in the U.S. by paying homage to the Queen Mary when Queen Elizabeth docked in the port of Long Beach, California for the first time.  Enthusiastic well-wishers turned out for the festivities which featured an emotional speech read by the Queen Mary’s Commodore Everette Hoard to the gathered crowd about the history of the Queen Mary, currently celebrating her 80th year in public life. Whistle salutes between the two ships followed, and a dazzling fireworks display finished the day as the ship pulled away from her berth. 

This was the first time a Cunard ship had berthed in Long Beach since Queen Mary arrived at her retirement home in October 1967. In recent years the current Cunard fleet has saluted Queen Mary during brief visits to the harbour. Queen Mary will celebrate the 80th anniversary of her Maiden Voyage in May 2016.

This is just the start of the celebrations in what is sure to be a special year for Cunard.   The main highlight of course will be Liverpool on the 25th May where all 3 Queens will salute the city which was Cunards home for 127 years!  

As well as the main celebration in Liverpool Cunard will pay tribute to the sinking of Lusitania a 100 years ago where guests will be invited to attend ceremonies and events at the memorial in Cobh, close to where Lusitania still lies. 

On the 02 July Join Queen Mary 2 for the first step of their next 175 years. With gala dinners, special speakers and events planned ashore, this crossing will be a highlight of our 175^th anniversary celebrations, to remember and recreate the original journey across the Atlantic.         Take a look at this historical video!

There is still time to book your place on some of these special cruises, so if you’re interested give me a call and i’ll be happy to assist as always!

Haydn