Queen Mary Ships Reunite in Long Beach After 20 Years

The Queen Mary 2 ocean liner anchored alongside the historic Queen Mary for the first time since 2006.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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In a royal maritime reunion, the Queen Mary 2 ocean liner anchored alongside the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach, California on Monday. This was the first time the two ships have been together in 20 years. The Queen Mary 2 is on a worldwide voyage and recently completed its first crossing of the Panama Canal.

Why it matters

The meeting of the two Queen Mary ships is a significant event that highlights the enduring legacy and history of ocean travel. As the Queen Mary celebrates its 90th anniversary, this reunion reflects the continued importance of preserving maritime history and innovation.

The details

The Queen Mary 2 pulled alongside the Queen Mary on Monday morning, and the two vessels shared a whistle salute. The Queen Mary 2 is outfitted with a refurbished whistle from the original Queen Mary. After the historic meeting, the Queen Mary 2 continued into the Port of Los Angeles to dock overnight.

  • The Queen Mary debuted in 1936 and was retired in 1967.
  • The Queen Mary 2 made her debut in the 1970s.
  • The two ships last met 20 years ago.

The players

Queen Mary 2

An ocean liner that is on a 108-night worldwide voyage, including stops in San Francisco, Hong Kong, Singapore, Cape Town and Sydney.

Queen Mary

A historic ocean liner that debuted in 1936, was retired in 1967, and now operates as a hotel, restaurant and tourist destination in Long Beach, California.

Steve Caloca

The managing director of the Queen Mary in Long Beach.

Katie McAlister

The president of Cunard cruise line, which operates the Queen Mary 2.

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What they’re saying

“Welcoming Queen Mary 2 to Long Beach during our 90th anniversary year is an extraordinary honor, and watching the rendezvous this morning was a once-in-a-generation sight.”

— Steve Caloca, Managing Director, Queen Mary (nbclosangeles.com)

“This iconic rendezvous pays a powerful tribute to Cunard's enduring legacy and the spirit of ocean travel. Queen Mary 2's reunion with the original Queen Mary for the first time in 20 years reflects our past, present and future, reminding us of Cunard's distinct connection to maritime history and the generations brought together through timeless elegance, innovation and one-of-a-kind journeys around the world.”

— Katie McAlister, President, Cunard Cruise Line (nbclosangeles.com)

What’s next

The Queen Mary 2 will continue its worldwide voyage after docking overnight in the Port of Los Angeles.

The takeaway

This reunion of the Queen Mary ships highlights the enduring legacy of ocean travel and the importance of preserving maritime history. It serves as a powerful tribute to Cunard's past, present and future, and reminds us of the timeless elegance and innovation that defines the cruise line's distinct connection to the world of ocean voyages.