Remembering 40 Years Ago – May 7-9, 1969
RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 Arrives & Departs From New York for the First Time

Photo Essay by Theodore W. Scull

All Photos Taken by Theodore W. Scull except the arrival photo, courtesy of Cunard Line.

QE2

Queen Elizabeth 2, for her maiden arrival on May 7, 1969 is escorted up the North River
to her West Side berth by scores of boats and harbor craft.

QE2

New Yorkers gather at the bunting-draped Cunard Line pier to have a first look at the brand new Cunarder. While the pierhead will soon undergo reconstruction and lose its present decoration, the Sabrett’s blue & yellow umbrella remains much the same 40 years later.

QE2

QE2 remained at her berth from arrival on May 7 to departure on May 9,
and many noted the absence of Cunard funnel colors.

QE2

The liner’s bow is slim and trim while the navigating bridge appears to be the size of a World War II bunker.

QE2

The plaques attached to the pier indicate where a specific liner’s bridge should line up.
Note QUEEN ELIZABETH, with the liner now out of service, is almost completely covered over.

QE2

Queen Elizabeth 2 handled mail when she first entered service, hence the RMS designation. Note the deck officer in the mail hold.

QE2

On the Boat Deck, the kennel attendant is handling a canine passenger
in amongst spent streamers and the original buff upper works.

QE2

Grace Line’s Santa Paula is seen in Upper New York Bay on May 9, 1969.

QE2

QE2, seen from the Staten Island Ferry on May 9, is outbound to Havre and Southampton
with the Statue of Liberty appearing over her bow, is outbound in Upper New York Bay.

QE2

QE2’s lines appear so clean and simple in her first months of service.
Many changes to her profile will begin occurring in just a few short years.