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Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth 2 in port together
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| HISTORIC LINK-UP: Victoria, above, and QM2 pictured passing QE2. |
IT promises to be an unmissable sight, and one Southampton has never seen before or will ever see again, when all three Cunard "Queen'' liners gather together in the city tomorrow.
For one day only the Cunard fleet of Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and the legendary, Queen Elizabeth 2 will be in their home port at the same time for a historic meeting never to be repeated again.
QM2 and Queen Victoria have many long years in front of them but QE2's career, spanning more than 40 years as the most famous ship in the world, is nearing the end as on Tuesday, November 11 she will leave Southampton on her last voyage.
The liner has been bought by the Middle East state of Dubai where the Cunarder is to be converted into a luxury floating hotel and tourist attraction.
In the coming months the liners' different schedules mean this will be the first and last opportunity for Southampton, so long the centre for the Cunard fleet, to witness the three Queens side by side.
Noisy exchange
At about 5pm the vast QM2 will slip her mooring ropes and move away from the city's Eastern Docks before manoeuvring to position herself near QE2 and Queen Victoria, both berthed in the Western Docks.
After a noisy exchange of deep blasts from the ships' whistles, QM2 will make her way down Southampton Water and set a course for a six-night, transatlantic crossing to New York. Queen Victoria is then due to depart for a ten-night cruise to the Canary Islands while QE2 remains at berth 105 for a ten-day maintenance period in readiness for her last summer season of voyages.
Last January the three liners did meet up in New York for what was then thought to be the only time they would be together but a change in QE2's programme meant that the trio of ships are now able to salute each other one last time in Southampton where a large crowd is expected at Mayflower Park for a grandstand view of the unique event.
In 2010 the Cunard fleet will again boast three ships as the company's next vessel, to be named Queen Elizabeth, enters service in the port of Southampton.
9:52am Monday 21st April 2008
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CommentPosted by: mrs j tucker, christchurch dorset on 5:51pm Mon 21 Apr 08
Having sailed on qe2 quite a few times i am sorry to see her go out of service but look forward to sailing on the new queen in 2010
Having sailed on qe2 quite a few times i am sorry to see her go out of service but look forward to sailing on the new queen in 2010
Posted by: Mr Mark Simmons, Weston, Southampton on 6:04pm Mon 21 Apr 08
My Uncle Peter served on the QE2 durin the years he went to the Falklands and had many good years on her, going round the world numerous times.
He died a few years ago and his ashes are scattered in the deep water channel.
God rest his soul and now he will no doubt be around to see her go past him.
Goodbye to them both.
We love and miss you Peter Simmons.
My Uncle Peter served on the QE2 durin the years he went to the Falklands and had many good years on her, going round the world numerous times.
He died a few years ago and his ashes are scattered in the deep water channel.
God rest his soul and now he will no doubt be around to see her go past him.
Goodbye to them both.
We love and miss you Peter Simmons.
Posted by: annibutterworth on 8:16am Tue 22 Apr 08
commenting from adelaide south australia - hope we get to view some footage but even reading about it is marvellous. I remember seeing the first voyage of the QE2 from the roof of St. Annes College and can still remember that occasion. What a memorable day for Southampton and all three liners.I know children will be watching and in many years to come remembering - have a wonderful day Southampton
commenting from adelaide south australia - hope we get to view some footage but even reading about it is marvellous. I remember seeing the first voyage of the QE2 from the roof of St. Annes College and can still remember that occasion. What a memorable day for Southampton and all three liners.I know children will be watching and in many years to come remembering - have a wonderful day Southampton
Posted by: Jeff, Los Angeles on 9:33pm Tue 22 Apr 08
I was on QV in NYC for the last Royal Rendez Vous and it was cold and raining. I hope to see great shots of today's meeting. I have sailed on all three Queens and QE2 will be missed.
I was on QV in NYC for the last Royal Rendez Vous and it was cold and raining. I hope to see great shots of today's meeting. I have sailed on all three Queens and QE2 will be missed.
Posted by: Michelle Thompson, Crewe Cheshire UK on 6:12pm Mon 28 Apr 08
Sailed home from New York on the Queen Mary 2 on 22nd April 2008 and was over joyed to see Queen Victoria and QM2 in Southampton Docks at the same time, it was one off the most wonderful sites we have ever seen and was a lovely ending to a perfect holiday, shame it will be the last time all THREE queens will be toghter!!!!!
Sailed home from New York on the Queen Mary 2 on 22nd April 2008 and was over joyed to see Queen Victoria and QM2 in Southampton Docks at the same time, it was one off the most wonderful sites we have ever seen and was a lovely ending to a perfect holiday, shame it will be the last time all THREE queens will be toghter!!!!!
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