I am so looking forward to Tuesday 5th June because I have been invited down to Southampton to witness first hand Cunard’s spectacular Three Queens Diamond Jubilee Celebration. You can imagine how much I am looking forward to that!! I hope to be keeping you updated throughout the day with updates on FaceBook HERE, (make sure you are become a fan/like to keep upto date) followed by a full review and photos on my website the following day. A very exciting day is planned with drinks reception onboard Queen Elizabeth, a tour of the ship, lunch in Britannia Restaurant, a waterline tour of all three ships whilst they are in their berth, then over to the roof of Carnival House for a grandstand view as the Red Arrows perform a full display over Southampton for the first time, flying in a seven aircraft formation over the length of the dock area. I then need to find a vantage point for the fireworks and what I’m sure will be an amazing sailaway by all three Cunard Queens.
The countdown is on and it’s just a few days until Cunard Three Cunard Queens meet in Southampton for the first time ever, in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Whether you are sailing into Southampton on 5 June, departing in the evening, visiting Southampton for the day or following Cunard online, here is all of the information you will need to make the most of the special day!
Early on Tuesday morning Queen Victoria, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth will sail in single file up the Solent and into Southampton. The best local vantage points can be seen on the map here, with the first viewings expected at 3.25am from Ryde, Isle of Wight.
From 8am through to midnight Cunard will be broadcasting Cunard FM live from our office in Southampton, the station will be played on board all three ships and can be picked up on 87.7 FM up to 3km from Carnival House. There will be music throughout the day as well as interviews with celebrities, guests and visitors. So if you are on board or watching from Southampton on the day, look ou for Cunard roving reporters for your chance to be broadcast to Cunard listeners. Entertainment Director Keith Maynard will be presenting the highlights of the evening and will be reading out facebook posts and tweets, use the hashtag #3Queens to have your message mentioned live on air!
At 6.20pm the Red Arrows will be performing a full display over the three ships, flying over the length of the docks with a focus over Marchwood Pier. There will be a live commentary of the display from Squadron leader Mike Ring on Cunard FM.
Between 10.20pm and 10.35pm there will be a spectacular fireworks display over the three ships by the City Terminal, music will be played during the display on Cunard FM and will be heard across the decks on board. This will be a great photo opportunity as the Queens will reposition to be closer together in preparation for their departure. The best places to view the fireworks will be Town Quay and Hythe Marina, Southampton.
After the firework display the ships are scheduled to depart Southampton at 11pm. They will sail from the City Terminal with Queen Mary 2 leading the way, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth will then follow out as they head for their Northern Europe, Mediterranean and Baltic voyages.
It looks to be a spectacular event and I am so honoured to be invited to witness it first hand. I cant wait! I will do my best to keep you updated throughout the day so keep an eye on Facebook until I am back with the full report.