|
CRUISE PICTORIAL
QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 FOURTH OF JULY |
|
Although Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) proudly flew the British flag, the ship traditionally celebrated United States Independence Day, a.k.a the Fourth of July. After all, the ship had a large following in the United States and New York was her second home.
Naturally, the extent of the celebration was greater if the voyage encompassing the Fourth was out of New York. Still, even when the ship was in European waters or sailing transatlantic, there was some form of celebration. Typically, turkey would be featured on the dinner menu because, as we were told, "Americans do like to have turkey on their holidays."
The officers also liked to point out that American Independence was not the only reason for celebrating the Fourth of July. It was also the anniversary of the first Cunard transatlantic voyage, which began 4 July 1840.
In this feature, we look back at three Fourth of July celebrations on QE2.
Naturally, the extent of the celebration was greater if the voyage encompassing the Fourth was out of New York. Still, even when the ship was in European waters or sailing transatlantic, there was some form of celebration. Typically, turkey would be featured on the dinner menu because, as we were told, "Americans do like to have turkey on their holidays."
The officers also liked to point out that American Independence was not the only reason for celebrating the Fourth of July. It was also the anniversary of the first Cunard transatlantic voyage, which began 4 July 1840.
In this feature, we look back at three Fourth of July celebrations on QE2.
June 30, 1992
|
QE2's Fourth of July voyage in 1992 combined a Bermuda cruise with participation in a major maritime event, the celebration of the Columbus Quincentential in New York harbor.
|
|
|
At this point, there was no cruise port at the Royal Naval Dockyard and so QE2 had to anchor in the Great Sound and tender her passengers ashore during her stay in Bermuda (above).
Smaller cruise ships such as Royal Caribbean's Nordic Prince and Celebrity Cruises' Horizon were able to dock along Front Street in Hamilton. |
|
On the return voyage to New York, the ship was decorated to reflect the American holiday.
|
|
Once back in New York, QE2 anchored off of the Statue of Liberty. This gave passengers a ringside seat to watch a parade of tall ships that had gathered for the Quincentennial. It also provided a good view of the fireworks display that evening.
Cunard arranged a concert in the Grand Lounge during the afternoon that included composer Marvin Hamlisch. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cruise photo feature - - Cunard Line - - Queen Elizabeth 2 Fourth of July - page one