Cunard readies for Royal Rendezvous

On March 12, Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth and the legendary Queen Mary will make history when they meet for the first time in a Cunard Royal Rendezvous in Long Beach Harbor, California. This rare evening encounter will be open to the public and will feature traditional whistle salutes between the ships and conclude with a fireworks display. Adding to the significance of this event, the Royal Rendezvous will be Queen Mary’s first encounter with a Queen Elizabeth since 1967 when Queen Mary, during her final transatlantic crossing in Cunard service, passed by the original Queen Elizabeth on the morning of Sept. 25. “The Queen Mary is a cornerstone in our nearly 175-year history, and we are very pleased to introduce our youngest Cunarder to this legendary ship in festive Royal Rendezvous fashion,”said Cunard president Peter Shanks. The best public viewing location of the Royal Rendezvous is on the Promenade Deck of the Queen Mary, at the back of the ship. Free access to the ship will be offered from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; parking will be $15.00. A DJ will be on deck providing musical entertainment while everyone eagerly awaits the historic meeting. Queen Elizabeth will sail into Long Beach Harbor at approximately 6:30 p.m., and the fireworks display will begin at 7:30 p.m. Joining these maritime icons high above will be the famed Goodyear blimp, the Spirit of America. The presence of a Goodyear blimp overhead lends a special appeal at major sporting and red carpet events and will add to the historical significance of this Royal Rendezvous. (http://www.cunard.com/rendezvous)