NEW YORK -- Cunard celebrated the 30th anniversary of its
flagship, the Queen Elizabeth 2, with ceremonies in Southampton,
England, on Oct. 1. Launched from the Scottish shipyard John Brown
and Co. in Clydebank on Sept. 20, 1967, the famous vessel has
traveled 4 million nautical miles. It has carried nearly 2 million
passengers on more than 1,000 voyages. The ship was constructed at
a cost of $50 million, and Cunard since has spent $500 million on
refurbishments and refits over the years.
The anniversary celebration in Southampton was orchestrated in
cooperation with the British Red Cross, and Diana, Princess of
Wales was to have officiated. Following the death of the princess
in an Aug. 31 car accident, Cunard altered the program to include a
tribute to Diana.