Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 has sailed into its US home port of New York escorted by a fleet of historic ships and Coastguard vessels to mark the end of its 175th anniversary commemorative Transatlantic Crossing.
The voyage paid tribute to the original transatlantic voyage made by Cunard’s first flagship Britannia, as the company inaugurated the first scheduled mail and passenger service across the Atlantic on July 4,1840.
Queen Mary 2 recreated history when she sailed from Liverpool on July 4, 2015, following in the wake of Britannia which left the city 175 years earlier to the day. The voyage also marked the first time since 1968 that a Cunard ship has departed from Liverpool for America.
Cunard has been sailing in and out of New York City since the Hibernia first called in 1847, and the company is very proud to call Red Hook Brooklyn its home since 2006. Sites of the company’s earlier history and its relationship to the city can be seen through the Cunard White Star sign at Pier 54 and the Cunard Building at 25 Broadway, which was completed in 1921 and is considered a New York City landmark today.
Cunard North America president Richard Meadows said Cunard’s relationship with the city of New York holds a distinctly unique place in its 175-year history. “New York has been our US homeport for decades, and has played a significant role in the transformative world events during our history. We are very pleased to extend our heartfelt thanks for our enduring relationship with this great city,” Mr Meadows said.
The commemorative anniversary activities continued when Captain Kevin Oprey, Master of Queen Mary 2, rang the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange, as a testament to the economic and industrial achievements of Cunard, as well as to the future of the brand.
As part of the celebrations, Queen Mary 2 also held position in front of the Statue of Liberty for a spectacular light and music show in Battery Park. Designed by the acclaimed Quantum Theatricals, the light show was cast over the ship, illuminating New York harbour and the sky above. Moments before Queen Mary 2 embarked on her return journey back across the Atlantic, the celebratory display took viewers on a fantastic journey through Cunard’s 175 years of history, as well as the future that lies ahead.
Additional photography from yesterday’s events, as well as from all of Cunard’s 175th Anniversary events, can be found at www.Cunard3Queens.com.
For more details on Cunard visit www.cunard.com, phone 132 441 or see a licensed travel agent.
SOURCE Cunard