'QUEEN MARY 2' MARKS 77TH ANNIVERSARY

Queen Mary visits New York  (Credit: Cunard)

Today is a special day for Cunard. When the Queen Mary 2 sails into New York harbor, concluding her Transatlantic Crossing from Southampton, it will mark 77th anniversary of the maiden call of the original Queen Mary in New York in 1936. Having cruised on the Queen Mary 2 from the Big Apple, we can imagine it was just as special then as now.

Here's a little of the backstory from Cunard:

"Queen Mary’s Maiden Voyage began in Southampton on May 27, 1936 when she departed to the sounds of gleeful bands and ecstatic crowds. On board were the famous bandleader, Henry Hall, scheduled to give a series of live radio broadcasts during the Crossing; the virtuoso harmonica player, Larry Adler; and well-known singer, Frances Day, who performed a song written especially for Queen Mary by Henry Hall. Interestingly, Miss Day was doubtful of the ship’s ability to provide fresh eggs throughout the voyage, and so brought along her own chickens.

"Seventy-seven years later, flagship Queen Mary 2 left Southampton last Saturday, May 25, for New York. On board to speak is Jeffrey Weinberg, adviser to seven U.S. Presidents; and passengers still enjoy Cunard’s renowned on board entertainment, including presentations from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Today, the eggs – all 45,000 of them – are fresh and plentiful, and the Line’s legendary Transatlantic Crossings live on.

"Queen Mary would cross the Atlantic another 1,000 times during her 31-year career before being retired in 1967. Queen Mary 2 will sail her 200th Crossing on 6 July – from New York – during this, her ninth year on the Atlantic." --Gerry