Celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with Cunard’s Three Queens
On 5th June 2012, the city of Southampton will host Cunard’s 3 stunning ocean liners in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. This will be the first time that Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria have been seen together in a British port and as such, it is sure to be a historic occasion.
The three cruise ships, or ‘Queens’, are the largest ever constructed by Cunard and already have a royal association, with each of their naming ceremonies attended in person by Queen Elizabeth II.
In addition to the appearance of the three Queens, the day is set to be packed full of other eye-catching events – including a special performance from the Red Arrows and an evening firework display.
If you’d like to be part of this historic occasion, then we’ve prepared a handy schedule so you know what to expect and when as well as a few recommendations for parking and dining out in Southampton.
Southampton Jubilee: Schedule and timings
05:30 – 06:15 – Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2 arrive in Southampton
As dawn breaks over the city of Southampton, Cunard’s three vessels will approach the port in single file before being repositioned in a bow-to-bow formation situated a short distance from the main City Terminal. To announce their arrival, a series of whistles and sirens will be sounded whilst the ships’ crew line the decks.
18:20 – 18:45 – Red Arrows Display
With the evening drawing in, those present will be treated to a display by the world-famous Red Arrows who will light up the skies above Southampton for the first time. Their performance will cover the entire length of the docks and pass over the 3 vessels that will be docked at separate docks (Queen Mary 2 – Ocean Terminal, Queen Victoria – Mayflower Terminal, Queen Elizabeth – City Terminal ).
22:20 – 22:35 – Firework Display
The three Queens’ will be repositioned once more in a bow-to-bow formation around the City Terminal whilst what promises to be a fantastic firework display lights up the night’s sky.
23:00 – Vessels depart
The Queens will be led out of Southampton by Queen Mary 2.
Parking in Southampton for the Jubilee celebrations
For long-stay parking in Southampton during the celebrations we recommend the following:
College Street – 168 spaces (SO14 3EJ for satellite navigation devices)
Eastgate MSCP – 709 spaces (SO14 3HB for satellite navigation devices)
Lime Street – 227 spaces (SO14 3HX for satellite navigation devices)
(Please note that the Mayflower car park will not be open during the day)
Places to eat during the Jubilee celebrations
The Oliver Tree – Freshly prepared British/European cuisine
Banana Wharf – Seafood, oriental, pasta and pizza in trendy Ocean Village
La Regata – Spanish specialities on the waterfront
Due to the popularity of this event, it is recommended that you make reservations in advance to avoid disappointment.
For further information about this event please contact Southampton City Council.
