We Three Queens

For seafarers it was a moment in history — three Queen cruise  liners in their home port of Southampton at the same time.
In fact it signalled the start of Cunard’s celebrations for its 175 year anniversary with the arrival home of the Cunard fleet from their world cruises. 
The gathering of Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria at Cunard’s homeport initiated what Cunard said would be a momentous season of festivities for the company, beginning with a ‘Thank You , Southampton’ event before departure today.
For almost 100 years Cunard ships have called Southampton ‘home’ and during that time many spectacular events, royal visits and other special occasions have been shared by the company and the city. 
To celebrate the beginning of the UK festivities in the milestone year, Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 took centre stage leading her sister ships Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria on a triumphant procession down Southampton Water and into the Solent, in homage to the city.
 Cunard’s Marketing Director, Angus Struthers said: “We’re excited to start our UK 175 festivities in Southampton and share the celebrations with the city and beyond in this magnificent landmark year."
For the very first time Queen Mary 2 leads a daylight parade of Cunard’s Three Queens down Southampton Water and into the Solent. Together with the city, the company has shared so many fantastic memories.”
At vantage points on the waterfront, thousands of  enthusiasts took advantage of this magnificent sight and the  spectacle of seeing the three Queens manoeuvring together so close to  Southampton.
 
The sailaway procession got underway as Queen Mary 2 led the procession, but after zigzagging round the Brambles sandbank at the entrance to Southampton Water, each ship took the lead for a while until reaching the Nab Tower off the Isle of Wight where each liner departed to their individual cruise itineraries.