Queen Mary 2 Meets Original Queen Mary in Long Beach After 20 Years

Cunard brought two generations of ocean-liner history together on Feb. 2, 2026, when Queen Mary 2 met the original Queen Mary in Long Beach, California, marking their first reunion in 20 years.

The brief “Royal Rendezvous” occurred during Queen Mary 2’s 108-night World Voyage, creating a rare moment linking Cunard’s modern flagship with a preserved icon that has been part of the Long Beach waterfront for decades.

An anniversary-year reunion in Long Beach

The meeting was timed to the original Queen Mary’s 90th anniversary year. The ship was launched in May 1936 and later became one of the most recognizable names in transatlantic travel before leaving service.

“This iconic rendezvous pays a powerful tribute to Cunard’s enduring legacy and the spirit of ocean travel,” said Katie McAlister, President of Cunard. McAlister said the reunion “reflects our past, present and future,” pointing to Cunard’s ties to maritime history and its ongoing focus on “one-of-a-kind journeys around the world.”

The original Queen Mary’s life after ocean service

The original Queen Mary sailed for Cunard until her retirement in 1967, completing 1,001 transatlantic crossings. After leaving service, she was brought to Long Beach, where she has operated over the years as a floating hotel, museum, and cultural visitor attraction with dining, event, and museum offerings.

Steve Caloca, Managing Director of the Queen Mary, said the call by Queen Mary 2 carried particular significance during the anniversary year. “Welcoming Queen Mary 2 to Long Beach during our 90th anniversary year is an extraordinary honor,” Caloca said, calling the rendezvous “a once-in-a-generation sight.”

A working piece of the first ship lives onboard the second

Beyond the ceremonial meeting, Cunard has maintained a direct physical connection between the ships. Queen Mary 2’s starboard funnel houses a refurbished, fully functional whistle that originally belonged to the first Queen Mary.

How the two ships compare

While they share a name and Cunard lineage, their specifications reflect how ocean travel has evolved across generations, with Queen Mary 2’s size increasing faster than her passenger count relative to her predecessor.

• Gross tonnage: Queen Mary measures 81,237 gross tons; Queen Mary 2 measures 149,215 gross tons.
• Guest capacity: Queen Mary accommodated about 2,140 guests per voyage in her peak era; Queen Mary 2 carries up to 2,695 guests per sailing.
• Top speed: Queen Mary 2 reaches 30 knots; Queen Mary reached 28.5 knots.

Where the rendezvous fit into Queen Mary 2’s 2026 World Voyage

Queen Mary 2’s world cruise departed Southampton, England, on Jan. 11, 2026, and is scheduled to return to Southampton on April 30, spanning 108 nights and more than 30 ports across the Americas, the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Cunard has described the 2026 sailing as Queen Mary 2’s first world voyage in two years.

The Long Beach gathering followed another first for the ship: Queen Mary 2 recently completed her first-ever transit of the Panama Canal. After the rendezvous, Queen Mary 2 continued to the Port of Los Angeles for an overnight visit, marking her return to Los Angeles after 17 years.

Across the itinerary, the ship’s schedule includes calls in Hawaii and French Polynesia, followed by New Zealand and Australia, then onward to Asian destinations including China, Vietnam, Singapore, and other stops in Southeast Asia, before continuing to ports in Africa and Europe, along with the Canary Islands. The sailing also features extended stays in major cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Cape Town.

What’s next after the world cruise

After completing the circumnavigation, Queen Mary 2 is slated to return to a mix of itineraries that includes Cunard’s signature transatlantic crossings, voyages to Norway’s fjords, and shorter cruises. Cunard has also scheduled the ship to take part in the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations in New York City, including a seven-night roundtrip sailing from New York with calls at Newport and Halifax.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Queen Mary 2’s rendezvous with the original Queen Mary significant?

The meeting marked the first time in 20 years that Queen Mary 2 and her historic namesake were brought together, and it took place during the original Queen Mary’s 90th anniversary year. Cunard leaders framed the moment as a tribute to the brand’s legacy and a link between its past and present fleet.

What are the key differences between Queen Mary and Queen Mary 2?

Queen Mary measures 81,237 gross tons and carried about 2,140 guests per voyage in her peak era, while Queen Mary 2 measures 149,215 gross tons and carries up to 2,695 guests per sailing. Queen Mary 2 is also slightly faster, with a top speed of 30 knots compared with Queen Mary’s 28.5 knots.

How long is Queen Mary 2’s 2026 World Voyage?

The world cruise is scheduled for 108 nights. It departed Southampton on Jan. 11, 2026, and is set to return on April 30.

Where is the original Queen Mary today?

The original Queen Mary is permanently docked in Long Beach, California, where it operates as a hotel and visitor attraction, including museum and dining offerings.

What are Cunard’s plans for future world cruises?

Cunard has said it will offer additional 100-plus-night world cruises in 2027 and 2028 aboard ships including Queen Victoria, Queen Anne, and Queen Elizabeth, with itinerary highlights that include overnight calls in destinations such as Sydney, Hong Kong, and Yokohama.