Ship Photos of the Day – Queen Mary 2 Sails Into New York Harbor

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 sailed into its U.S. home port in New York Tuesday morning escorted by historic ships and Coast Guard vessels as the company continues its 175th Anniversary celebrations.

Upon its arrival, the Queen Mary 2 was accompanied into New York Harbor by the Mary A Whalen, oil tanker; the tug Eric R Thornton; John J Harvey Fireboat; Nantucket Lightship, and the Pegasus Tug after passing under the Verrazano Bridge en route to her berth at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.

All photos courtesy Cunard Line/Jonathan Atkin

Cunard’s flagship’s arrival marked the vessel’s final port of call on her 175th Anniversary crossing, paying tribute to the original voyage made by Cunard’s first flagship, Britannia, as Cunard inaugurated the first scheduled mail and passenger service across the Atlantic on July 4, 1840.

Cunard has been sailing in and out of New York City ever since the Hibernia first called in 1847, and the company has called Red Hook Brooklyn its home since 2006. Sites of the company’s earlier history and its relationship to the city can be seen through the Cunard White Star sign at Pier 54 and the Cunard Building at 25 Broadway, which was completed in 1921 and is today considered a New York City landmark.

“Cunard’s relationship with the city of New York holds a distinctly unique place in our 175-year history,” said Richard Meadows, president, Cunard North America. “New York has been our U.S. homeport for decades, and has played a significant role in the transformative world events during our history. We are very pleased today to extend our heartfelt thanks for our enduring relationship with this great city.”

New York Stock Exchange and Light Show

The commemorative anniversary activities is expected to continue when Captain Kevin Oprey, Master of Queen Mary 2, rings the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

“Cunard is pleased to contribute to the growing success, visibility and economic impact of the city and to be a part of New York’s growing cruise business, which attracts international visitors from across the globe,” Meadows added.

Later this evening, Queen Mary 2 will hold position in front of the Statue of Liberty for a light and music show in Battery Park.

All photos courtesy Cunard Line/Jonathan Atkin