British Queens in Honolulu

Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 made a stop in Honolulu yesterday (February 15) on its annual around the world voyage. The majestic ship sailed into Honolulu Harbor early yesterday morning and remained in port for just a brief 11-hour refueling stop. Passengers were able to disembark and do some quick sightseeing in Honolulu before they departed in the late afternoon.

I made it to Honolulu Harbor area to take some photos of the Queen Mary 2 as she laid in port shortly before leaving. At precisely 5 in the afternoon, the mighty queen blew her whistle and casted off for her next destination. It took about 17 minutes to turn the ship around in the harbor. A small crowd was on hand to view and photograph the event. It’s quite awesome to be fairly close up and watch the world’s largest ocean liner turn around and sail out.

Above: People line the shoreline bank to watch QM2 depart Honolulu. Top photo: Queen Mary 2 docked at Honolulu Harbor. Photo taken from the Aloha Tower observation deck.

SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THE QUEEN MARY 2

Queen Mary’s sister ship, Queen Victoria, also of Cunard line paid Honolulu a port visit on February 1. She was on her around the world trip too. The two queens now fill the void left by the Queen Elizabeth 2 which called into Honolulu Harbor for the last time in March 2008. She has since been retired and is now undergoing conversion to an entertainment center and hotel in the country of Dubai.