Two Queens, One Harbor: Historic Reunion in Long Beach

By Arturo Garcia-Ayala and Terelle Jerricks

For the first time in nearly two decades, the Queen Mary and Queen Mary 2 stood side by side in the Port of Long Beach — a rare maritime reunion that drew excitement across Southern California.

“It’s just a wonderful day,” said Steve Coloca, managing director of the Queen Mary. “To have the Queen Mary 2 right alongside the Queen Mary here in Long Beach — it’s great for Southern California to have the two sisters back together.”

The last visit by the Queen Mary 2 was about 20 years ago, making the moment especially meaningful for ship enthusiasts and local residents.

For Danny Wrangel, first officer aboard the historic Queen Mary, the sight was unforgettable.

“It was an incredible moment — 20 years in the making,” Wrangel said. “To see her that close was awe-inspiring. She’s inspired by her older sister, the Queen Mary. Getting to narrate that for everyone was something special I’ll never forget.”

The bond between the two liners is more than symbolic. One of the Queen Mary 2’s horns is the original horn from the Queen Mary, transferred during the newer ship’s construction in the early 2000s. The Queen Mary 2 was launched in 2005.

During the reunion, the Queen Mary 2 sounded its horn first. Moments later, the Queen Mary answered, the blasts echoing across the harbor — a shared voice bridging generations of ocean travel.

“It’s really wonderful,” Coloca said.

The original Queen Mary, once capable of nearly 40 miles per hour, remains the faster vessel in maritime lore. The Queen Mary 2, reaching about 34 to 35 miles per hour, is currently the fastest active ocean liner in service. She is captained by Inger Klein Thorhauge of the Cunard Line.

The Queen Mary 2 is scheduled to remain in port for several days before continuing her voyage.