America Bids Farewell To Cunard Line’s QE2

America is losing one its most famous cruise visitors. Cunard’s QE2 bid farewell to America in a poignant celebration befitting the company’s longest serving liner, recognized as the most famous ship in the world. On her 710th and final call to New York, the iconic passenger vessel elegantly sailed through New York Harbor for the last time, escorted by the US Coast Guard and FDNY Fireboats, meeting her sister ship Queen Mary 2 for their final Royal Rendezvous at the Statue of Liberty before departing in tandem for Southampton, England.

“It is most fitting that QE2’s farewell to America be celebrated in New York, the city Cunard has called our North America homeport since 1847 and the setting for so much of the Line’s history,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line.

Earlier in the day, Her Majesty’s Consul General New York Sir Alan Collins and British Ambassador Sir Nigel Sheinwald joined Carol Marlow and distinguished guests onboard QE2 for a reception and farewell luncheon to celebrate the storied life of the legendary ocean liner.

Members of the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums provided a regal salute to QE2 and joined crowds of well-wishers lining the Battery Park Promenade to bid a fond farewell.