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WHAT:
The Queen Mary once served as Cunard’s most famous ship.

(Photo courtesy of the Queen Mary)

In recognition of that auspicious history, Captain Inger Thorhauge and over two thousand Queen Elizabeth passengers will make a rare harbor visit – July 4 – to salute the iconic Queen Mary and draw attention to a new visitor attraction set to open on the Queen Mary the following day.

The Cunard Story comprehensively presents the luxury line’s remarkable 179-year old history and illustrates Cunard’s influence on immigration and maritime policies overall. Told through artifacts, photographs, film and video – the Cunard Story encapsulates the legacy of a brand responsible for many innovations seen today in modern day cruising.

As when the Queen Mary launched in 1934, today’s elegant Cunard ships and passenger services are world-class. The Queen Elizabeth, her passengers and crew, having just completed their first season Alaska and call at San Francisco, will toast the past and reflect the future as they participate in Long Beach Harbor’s July 4 celebration before berthing at the Port of Los Angeles Cruise Ship terminal for a rare overnight stay. On July 5, Queen Elizabeth departs Los Angeles and will sail south to Mexico, transit the Panama Canal, sail up to New York, and dock in Halifax on July 26 to meet her sister ship Queen Mary 2 in the company’s ancestral home, before continuing onward to Southampton, England.

DETAILS:
THE CUNARD STORY: The Cunard Story will be formally dedicated, July 5. Shipboard ceremonies on the Queen Mary will begin at 10 a.m. Cunard’s first female Captain, and Master of Queen Elizabeth, Inger Thorhauge will represent Cunard and all the officers, crew and passengers having contributed to the company’s unparalleled history.

WHERE:
M Deck, Forward (Bow)
The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy Long Beach, CA 92802

WHEN:
Friday, July 5
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

TICKETS:
The Cunard Story will be free to the public from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. After 12 p.m. Guests can visit and experience The Cunard Story with the purchase of a ship admission ticket.

  • Adults (ages 4+): $40
  • Children (ages 2-11): $20

ALL-AMERICAN 4th OF JULY CELEBRATION & ROYAL RENDEZVOUS: The Queen Mary’s annual All-American 4th of July red, white, and blue ship-wide event offers multiple stages of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, patriotic-themed food, a vintage aircraft flyover, and culminating with one of SoCal’s top 4th of July fireworks displays above America’s “shining seas.” This year, the Cunard’s namesake Queen Elizabeth will greet the Queen Mary in the harbor for a “Royal Rendezvous” before the fireworks show. This reunion will mark the fourth time Cunard ships have crossed paths with the Queen Mary since she left Cunard’s service and permanently docked in Long Beach in 1967. 4th of July festivities kick off at 3 p.m. with the iconic 15-minute fireworks display at 9 p.m. Advance tickets and hotel packages are available at queenmary.com.

WHERE:
The Queen Mary 1126 Queens Hwy Long Beach, CA 92802

WHEN:
Thursday, July 4

  • All-American 4th of July: 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Royal Rendezvous: 8:30 p.m.

TICKETS:
Guests can visit and experience the All-American 4th of July Celebration and Royal Rendezvous with an admission ticket.

  • General Admission: Adults (ages 4+): $49 | Children (ages 2-11): $29
  • VIP Admission: Adults (ages 4+): $119

JUBILEE YEAR: In 1934, RMS Queen Mary launched on Scotland’s River Clyde – making her Maiden Voyage in 1936. Over 1.5 million still visit the ship annually. Queen Mary is the only vessel of her class still active on the public stage. September 2019 marks the beginning of Queen Mary’s 85 Jubilee Year – the dedication of the Cunard Story appropriately begins the celebration.

PARKING:
On-site parking starts at $18 per vehicle.

MEDIA:
Interviews and photo ops can be arranged with prior approval. Please contact Ari Johnson at ari@theaceagency.com with interest in covering or to pre-arrange an interview or photo op. Media, photographers and camera crews are welcome with prior approval.