The world’s only active ocean liner will have a front-row seat to the largest peacetime naval gathering in history — one celebrating a milestone anniversary for our nation.
Millions of spectators are expected to attend America’s 250th birthday bash in the New York Harbor next summer, and one special ship will have the best view in the house.
The Queen Mary 2, an ocean liner by Cunard, will offer guests Harbor-side vistas as the largest flotilla of tall ships and naval vessels ever assembled coasts between the George Washington and Verrazano bridges. The dazzling display of these giant, majestic ships will be the highlight of the multi-day event hosted by Sail4th 250 from July 3 through 8.
The Queen Mary 2 will be in some other good company.
“Surrounding the Queen will be Navy aircraft carriers also at anchor,” Chris O’Brien, the president of Sail4th 250, told The Post. “It’s going to make for a visually unbelievable sight.”
The once-in-a-generation global gathering expects more than 30 nations’ tall ships among its ranks, according to O’Brien. With a prime anchorage point, the Queen Mary 2 is advertising an unbeatable view of the nautical array.
Finalizing the giant ocean liner’s position in the harbor with the Navy and the Coast Guard was one of “the final pieces of the puzzle” in planning the big day, O’Brien said.
“At this scale, it’s a little bit of a ballet,” O’Brien said. “Especially after the parade is over and the docking of ships starts.”
While the flotilla of ships will serve as the patriotic weekend’s centerpiece, the national fête will also include cannon salutes, boat tours, Blue Angels flight shows and, of course, Macy’s glittering July 4 fireworks.
The Queen Mary 2 will be secured along the parade route by her 23-ton anchors, just south of Governors Island. Guests can watch the parade float by on traditional steamer chairs along the promenade deck, or from one of 14 passenger decks.
When the ocean liner first set sail in 2004, it was the largest, longest, widest and tallest passenger ship in history. The Queen Mary 2 towers 200 feet above the waterline and its length is equal to the height of a 23-story building, or twice the length of the Washington Monument. The ship can hold more than 2,600 passengers, according to Cunard.
An on-board whistle inherited from the original Queen Mary, which sailed the North Atlantic from 1936 to 1967, is audible for 10 miles.
The ship remains the world’s only active ocean liner, distinct from cruises for its powerful ability to sail over the high seas, as opposed to hugging coast lines. And it blends force with a refined touch. On-board luxuries include four outdoor pools and the ocean’s only floating planetarium.
Cunard already carries significant cachet in American history.
In the 1800s, Cunard’s Royal Mail service provided a vital and reliable connection between the US and Europe. Its ships later transported waves of European migrants to the United States, many of whom passed through the doors of Ellis Island. Cunard also operated the doomed Lusitania, and the liner supported Allied troops in both World Wars.
Cunard’s heroic steamship crew of the RMS Carpathia rescued 705 survivors of the Titanic disaster from the frigid water in 1912, and took them to the shores of New York City.
The Queen Mary 2 is selling tickets for its July 4 voyage across more than 1,300 guest rooms. Prices for available rooms currently start at about $5,000, with Princess Grill Suites and Queens Grill Suites starting at $14,000 and $15,000.
Discerning travelers can shell out more than $50,000 for one of five duplex apartments. The ultra-luxury offerings feature two-story glass walls and more than 1,000 square feet of space.
Following the July 4 celebrations, the voyage will continue with visits to Newport, Rhode Island and Halifax, Nova Scotia, before returning to New York on July 10.
“Cunard ships have been sailing into New York Harbor for 185 years, and we are thrilled to honor this history by being part of Sail4th 250’s historic celebration,” said Liz Fettes, senior vice president, Commercial for North America, Cunard. “Aboard Queen Mary 2, our guests will enjoy an unparalleled view of the tall ships parade, fireworks and an unforgettable spectacle marking America’s 250th anniversary.”
Please visit Sail4th.org for more information.
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