Queen Mary 2 meets Queen Mary in Long Beach

The Queen Mary 2 met her legendary predecessor the Queen Mary for the first time on Thursday.

The world's largest cruise liner sailed into Long Beach harbour, where the original Queen Mary has been berthed since 1967.

Cunard, owner of the Queen Mary 2 and former owner of the Queen Mary, touted the event as the chance to witness the convergence of its present with its illustrious past.

The Queen Mary 2 was on its inaugural sail from Los Angeles, having completed its maiden voyage to South America.

At approximately twelve noon (local time) on Thursday February 23rd, it entered Long Beach harbour and sailed as close as water depth allows – about a third of a mile - to the stern of the Queen Mary.

To the delight of the assembled throng of people, many taking extended lunch hours to witness the event, the two Queens greeted each other with a 'whistle salute' that could be heard for ten miles.

"Through Cunard's storied history, we can recall few occasions that have inspired so much anticipation," said Cunard's president and managing director Carol Marlow.

"The meeting of the Queen Marys is a rare opportunity to witness the convergence of Cunard's illustrious past with the line's 21st century future."

The $800 million Queen Mary 2 is only 100ft longer than her predecessor, but is nearly twice the size in terms of gross tonnage and about 80ft taller.

The original Queen Mary has been berthed in Long Beach as a restaurant and museum for nearly 40 years, and it is nearly 70 years since it entered service in May 1936.

Cunard has set up a website dedicated to the meeting of the two Queens. For more information go to: www.thequeenmarysmeet.com XXX