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CRUISE SHIP PHOTO/VIDEO FEATURE
CUNARD IN HALIFAX |
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There is a special bond between Cunard Line and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Halifax was the birthplace of Cunard's founder, Samuel Cunard. It was where he made the fortune that enabled him to establish the transatlantic shipping company that still bears his name nearly two centuries ago and which earned him a knighthood from Queen Victoria. Businesses and buildings in Halifax continue to bear the Cunard name. His statue stands in a prominent position near the cruise terminal. Consequently, when a Cunard ship comes to Halifax, it is always a special occasion. When two Cunard ships arrive, it is a cause for celebration.
On 26 July 2019, both Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth spent the day in Halifax. The two ships were on Atlantic crossings, not the tradional direct run between New York and Southampton, England but on more leisurely voyages that involved calls in Canada and Iceland. Queen Mary 2 was on a westbound itinerary and was nearing the end of her voyage while Queen Elizabeth was just beginning her eastbound voyage having left New York two days before. The two ships docked stern to stern at Halifax's cruise terminal. Passengers on the two ships went off to explore. Some went on excursions to places like Peggy's Cove or to the various sites associated with the Titanic disaster. Others walked along Halifax's splendid harbor-side boardwalk to the center of town and attractions such as the Martime Museum of the Atlantic, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and the Victorian Citadel overlooking the city. Locals came down to the harbor to see the ships. Due to the arrangement of the berths, Queen Mary 2 all but blocked the view of Queen Elizabeth from the boardwalk. However, Queen Elizabeth's berth was visible from the boats in the harbor and from the Dartmouth side of the harbor. Meanwhile, a ceremony was taking place on Queen Mary 2. Local and national dignitaries including members of the Canadaian government, the mayor of Halifax, business leaders, military officers and the Lieutenant Governor (the Queen's represenative), gathered aboard for the presntation of two awards inspired by Samuel Cunard. The Samuel Cunard Prize for Vision, Courage and Creativity was created in partnership with the Canadian Maritime Heritage Foundation, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and Cunard Line, and acknowledges an extraordinary individual who demonstrates the qualities exemplified by Sir Samuel Cunard throughout his life. The Innovative Spirit Award was created to honor an individual who stands out as having a pioneering spirit similar to Samuel Cunard. “These awards continue to pay lasting tribute to our founder and reflects his legacy through the esteemed honorees that are chosen each year,” commented Captain Christopher Wells, master of Queen Mary 2. Canadian businesswoman and social entrepreneur Zita Cobb received the Samuel Cunard Prize for Vision, Courage and Creativity. Cobb is founder of the Fogo Island Inn and the Shorefast Foundation, a Canadian charity that uses business-minded means to help secure economic and cultural resilience for Fogo Island. Former President and CEO of Amirix Systems Sandra Greer received the Samuel Cunard Innovative Spirit Award. Greer spearheaded the merger of two innovative organizations – Amirix and Vemco – creating a dynamic new organization where innovation flourished. The product of the combined entity is the backbone of important scientific research performed in lakes, rivers and oceans around the world. In addition to the awards ceremony, John G. Langley, Q.C. took the occasion of the two Cunard ships call in Halifax to donate a significant part of his Cunard collection to the Cunard Archives at the University of Liverpool. Mr. Langley is a prominent Halagonian and is the Director and Chairman of the Cunard Steamship Society as well as the author of the definitive biography of Sir Samuel Cunard. The donated items were brought aboard QM2 for transportation to Great Britain. “Samuel Cunard was an entrepreneurial icon who lived each day by his family motto: 'By perseverance.' Vision, courage and creativity were his hallmarks. His was a legacy that succeeding generations have come to value and appreciate.” Mr. Langley noted. As the sun began to set the two ships prepared to resume their voyages. However, they did not simply cast off their lines and head out to sea. Queen Elizabeth sailed first and swinging around the Dartmouth side of George's Island, she headed further up into the harbor. Shortly thereafter, QM2 departed and headed further into the harbor running along the Halifax side of George's Island. Once they were in the widest part of the harbor, the two ships began to maneuver crossing each other's path and swinging about so that they were facing the exit to the harbor. A fireboat sent plumes of water high into the sky as a considerable crowd watched the maneuvers from the boardwalk and various other locations in the city. Then, with Queen Elizabeth in the lead, the two ships sailed down Halifax harbor and out to sea. |
Above: Queen Mary 2 shortly after arriving in Halifax.
Below: Queen Elizabeth from Queen Mary 2. 
Above: Captain Christopher Wells of Queen Mary 2 at the Samuel Cunard Prizes ceremony.
Below: Hugh Paton, a descendant of Sir Samuel Cunard, with Sir Samuel's biographer John G. Langley, Q.C. 
Above: Captain Wells and visiting dignitaries congratulate Samuel Cunard prize winners Sandra Greer and Zita Cobb.
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Page two continues with photos and video of Queen Mary 2 sailing from Halifax
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Cruise ship photo feature - - Cunard - - Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth - - Cunard in Halifax