Queen Elizabeth II and Her Connection to the Cruise Industry
Elizabeth II was the queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. She was born in London, England on April 21st , 1926. Her reign lasted 70 years until her death on September 8th , 2022, making her the longest-reigning monarch in British history. During her long reign, she had many connections to the cruise industry, being the patroness to several ships over the decades. When she was still a princess, at the age of 21, she helped with the launch of Cunard’s Caronia on Clydebank, back on October 30th, 1947. This ship was one of the first transatlantic ocean liners providing luxury passenger cruise travel. During her lifetime, many more ships were made that were christened by her Majesty. (Brittanica, 2022)
The cruise ship Queen Elizabeth II, named after the Queen, was the longest-serving ship made by Cunard Cruise Line. The Queen named the ship on December 30th , 1967. It traveled for 5 nights on its first voyage from Southampton, England to New York City. It made many transatlantic crossings during its lifetime of service and even made exotic world cruises, among other itineraries. After years of service, the ship was retired and converted into a floating hotel in the city of Dubai. Another Cunard vessel that was christened by the late Queen in the year 2004, was the Queen Mary 2. This ship was specifically designed to be a Trans-Atlantic vessel. At the time, the Queen Mary 2 was considered the largest Ocean Liner in the world. The Queen Mary 2, like cruise ship Queen Elizabeth II, travelled all around the world. The ship was named after King George V’s consort, Mary of Teck, and is considered the flagship of the Cunard line, which is still in operation. (Mayntz, 2022)
The reason behind why so many cruise ships have a Royal connection may stem from the British Isles and their very long naval history as well as connections with the Royal family. In her lifetime, Queen Elizabeth II christened 21 cruise ships, which is considered more than anybody else in the United Kingdom’s history. After the passing of the Queen, the cruise lines paid tribute to her Majesty. Many cruise lines offered their condolences to the Royal Family. Cruise lines such as Cunard, P&O Cruises, Ambassador Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and many more paid their respects posting many messages and photos to remember the Queen. (McGonagle, 2022)
The shipping Industry paid their respects as well to the Queen. The secretary general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Kitack Lim offered condolences stating, “ It is with great sorrow and sadness that we have learned of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The entire membership of the IMO and its staff share the grief with deep sympathy at this difficult time.” The United Kingdom, being the host country for the IMO, received a visit from the Queen during their 70th anniversary in their headquarters, which she opened in 1983. The president of the UK Chamber of shipping, Graham Westgarth, also paid respects by saying, “On behalf of the UK shipping community I pay tribute to Her Majesty’s lifetime of selfless service. At this moment of national sadness, I extend the Chamber’s deepest sympathies to the entire Royal Family and especially to King Charles III as he begins his reign by leading the nation’s mourning.” (Smith, 2022)
The Queen’s reach extended far and wide within the cruise industry. With almost a century of history in the industry, she will be remembered as a Godmother for many of the cruise ships still active today and throughout the Maritime Industry. A part of her legacy will live on in the ships she christened during her lifetime, as the cruise ships continue their services to bring fun and happiness to millions traveling and to the seafarers who work hard to make their fun a reality.
References
Brittanica. (2022, 11 29). Elizabeth II Queen of the United Kingdom. Retrieved from Brittanica: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elizabeth-II
Mayntz, M. (2022, September 8). Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Legacy of Cruise Ships. Retrieved from Cruise Hive: https://www.cruisehive.com/queen-elizabeths-royal-legacy-of-cruise-ships/81062
McGonagle, K. (2022, September 8). Cruise lines pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Retrieved from Cruise International: https://www.cruise-international.com/cruise-lines-pay-tribute-to-her-majesty-queen-elizabeth-ii/
Smith, A. (2022, September 9). Shipping industry pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. Retrieved from Cruise & Ferry: https://www.cruiseandferry.net/articles/shipping-industry-pays-tribute-to-queen-elizabeth-ii-1