Today, August 14, the world's only operational ocean liner, Queen Mary 2, celebrates 20 years in service. The QM2 arrived this morning at the port of Hamburg, Germany where celebrations are already in full swing.

This morning, a reception on board featured invited guests, live music, and ongoing festivities. If weather permits, the ship will join the harbor barges for a mini harbor tour in the evening, traveling from Steinwerder to the Elbphilharmonie.

Designed specifically for transatlantic crossings, the Queen Mary 2 was launched in 2004 and constructed at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in France. The 345-meter-long vessel has made nearly 400 transatlantic crossings. Since her first visit to Hamburg in 2004, the "Queen Mary 2" has become a frequent guest at the port.

A few days ago, Cunard announced the celebrations on social media, saying:

"The excitement is building, and we hope for similarly good weather and beautiful images as during last week’s visit. We look forward to welcoming all spectators who will gather along the Elbe on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. The Queen Mary 2 will depart from the Hamburg Cruise Center Steinwerder at around 7:45 p.m., setting off towards the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg. After completing the turn, it will begin its departure from the harbor at around 8:15 p.m., near the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg. This plan is contingent on favorable weather conditions."

Fun Facts:

• Did you know that the construction cost of the RMS Queen Mary 2 exceeded USD 900 million, making it nearly twice as expensive as most of the cruise liners currently in operation? For comparison, the Carnival Jubilee, built in 2023, cost USD 950 million. The high cost was due to the use of top-quality materials, and the vessel required 40% more steel than a typical cruise ship to withstand the harsh conditions of the North Atlantic.

• With a cruising speed of 30 knots (56 kph / 35 mph), QM2 ranks as the world’s fastest vessel amoung the cruise ship currently in operation, with a service speed of 26 knots. By contrast, modern cruise ships of similar size can reach a maximum speed of 23 knots.

• RMS Queen Mary 2 is also the first ocean liner to feature a Combined Diesel and Gas propulsion system, which utilizes gas turbines to amplify the power produced by its diesel engines.

Happy 20th Birthday Queen Mary 2!  Here's to two decades of unforgettable journeys and the countless memories created on board. Wishing smooth seas to all who sail on her—past, present, and future. Bon voyage!