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With the city’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge in view, Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria
was seen on 3 February during her only visit to San Francisco this year. |
During the ship’s only visit to the city this year, special guests from the California Heritage Council presented the ship’s Master, Captain Inger Olsen, with an archival photograph of Cunard’s original Queen Elizabeth in San Francisco during World War II.
Taken on 31 March 1942, the dramatic photograph shows an aspect of the arrival of the iconic ship at that time in San Francisco. The photograph is historically significant because it was the only time Queen Elizabeth ever entered a U.S. west coast port, doing so to pick up 8,000 American soldiers bound for Sydney, Australia, at the height of the most critical part of the Pacific campaign during the war. The image is also important as it was captured in secret: photography of ships in port during World War II was prohibited.
“Thanks to the efforts of Cunard and these and other troops, the Americans and Australians were able to stop, and throw back, the enemy advance in 1942 and 1943,” said Neil Malloch, historian for the California Heritage Council, as he presented the rare photograph to Captain Olsen. “All this happened just 70 years ago. It is important to commemorate such historic events while there are veterans and survivors still alive.”
The California Heritage Council is the oldest statewide organization, dedicated to the restoration, preservation and commemoration of historic people, places and events in California.
Cunard Line’s pivotal role during WWII is well-documented, with Winston Churchill having famously credited Cunard for ending the war one year early due to the thousands of U.S. troops that were transported by Queen Elizabeth and sister ship the Queen Mary during the conflict.
In grand Cunard tradition, Queen Victoria is designed in the spirit of the floating palaces of the past. Having debuted in December 2007, she captured the world stage in a way few ships ever do – becoming one of the most fêted ships to be introduced in recent years and quickly establishing herself in the Cunard fleet. Every inch of the 2,000-passenger liner is infused with a sense of luxury and tradition – from the Royal Court Theatre, which includes the first private viewing boxes at sea, to the signature two-storey library with a spiral staircase and nearly 6,000 volumes. Queen Victoria features double- and triple-height public rooms that evoke the rich and well-recorded history of ocean liner and Victorian era design.
For more information about Queen Victoria, or to book a voyage, consult your Travel Agent, call Cunard toll-free at 1-800-728-6273 or go to www.cunard.com.
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About The California Heritage CouncilThe California Heritage Council is dedicated to preserving and honoring those places and buildings which have given quality and distinction to the cultural life of California. Our missions are: To EDUCATE; to help PRESERVE the many significant historic sites in California which are endangered by deterioration or threat of destruction; and to HONOR those historic buildings and sites whose owners have significantly enhanced the historic values of their properties by appropriate preservation, restoration, or re-use.
The California Heritage Council identifies historic sites or structures needing protection or deserving to be honored. The Council visits these sites under consideration and invites knowledgeable persons to speak about them. They then determine appropriate responses to the perceived threats, and speak out on critical historic preservation issues. When appropriate, CHC honors those whose efforts merit recognition. www.californiaheritagecouncil.org
About Cunard Line
Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and the epitome of British refinement since the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard voyages bring together like-minded travellers who seek a civilised adventure and relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Today, Cunard offers the only regularly scheduled Transatlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which it began in 1922.
World’s Leading Cruise Lines
Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World’s Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.
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