by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 7:50 AM ET, Thu February 5, 2026
Cunard celebrated a rare maritime moment this week, as Queen Mary 2 reunited with her namesake Queen Mary for the first time in 20 years.
The ships were both in Long Beach, where Queen Mary is permanently docked, following Queen Mary 2’s first-ever transit of the Panama Canal.
After the rendezvous, Queen Mary 2 returned to the Port of Los Angeles after 17 years as part of her 108-night 2026 World Voyage, which includes more than 30 ports of call across the Americas, Australia, Asia, Africa and Europe.
Queen Mary debuted in 1936 and operated until 1967. Today, the Arc Deco ship is a cultural destination in Long Beach with dining, tours, exhibits, festivals and overnight accommodations.
Queen Mary 2 made her maiden voyage in 2004. The ship’s starboard funnel still houses a fully refurbished whistle originally from the first Queen Mary
“This iconic rendezvous pays a powerful tribute to Cunard’s enduring legacy and the spirit of ocean travel,” says Katie McAlister, president of Cunard. “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.”
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