It was almost a year ago that Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria cruised into the West coast’s Long Beach Harbor, just one event in a long history of notable sailings. Now, Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth was greeted by hundreds of fans during her inaugural visit to San Francisco yesterday, coming from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on her 2012 World Cruise, her first stop in the City only maiden call to the U.S. this year.
Today marks a very special visit for Queen Elizabeth,” said Captain Christopher Wells. “This is the Queen’s only U.S. maiden call, and given Cunard’s storied history with San Francisco, we are pleased that now, our entire modern fleet has called on this treasured port.”
The city of San Francisco has long held historical significance for Cunard ships since 1942, when the original Queen Elizabeth visited as part of her war duties, and where she also underwent a refit. Later, in 1978, Queen Elizabeth 2 made her maiden call there, visiting a dozen times more in subsequent years. Five years ago, flagship Queen Mary 2 was enthusiastically received by hundreds who came out to welcome her during her 2007 inaugural visit; and Queen Victoria was also graciously embraced by the city during her 2010 maiden call.
Queen Elizabeth captured the world stage with her launch in 2010, quickly establishing her among the fleet. She also has been ranked among the top three “Best Large Resort Ships” in the 2012 Berlitz Complete Guide to Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships, sharing the honor alongside her sister ships.
Historic? Yes. but not of the level when Cunard Line ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria, will all meet up in New York in January 2011.
The line’s flagship, Queen Mary 2 arrived and docked at Red Hook in Brooklyn while the Queen Victoria and the Queen Elizabeth sailed up the Hudson and dock at the Passenger Ship Terminal in Manhattan.
“In January, 2008, Cunard Line’s first Rendezvous of their three Queens took place. It was quite exciting as it was the first time Cunard had three ships with Queen in the name and all three were together.” said cruise industry expert Stewart Chiron CEO, CruiseGuy.com at the time, adding “It was the last time for many to see Queen Elizabeth 2, as she would depart the fleet later that year.”
All three passed under the Verrazzano bridge about 6:00 am then spent the day in port before sailing by the Statue of Liberty to enjoy a fireworks salute to the famous ships before sailing off around 6:40 Eastern time.
Here, we see video of the Queen Mary 2′s first arrival in San Francisco in 2007
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