Queen Mary 2 Returns to Los Angeles After 17-Year Absence

The Queen Mary 2 arrived in the Port of Los Angeles today, February 2, marking a historic homecoming for the world’s only remaining ocean liner. This arrival is a highlight of her 108-night 2026 World Voyage and follows her maiden transit through the new locks of the Panama Canal last week. 

The ship’s return to Southern California is a momentous occasion for maritime enthusiasts, as the QM2 has not docked in the region for 17 years, drawing crowds to the San Pedro waterfront to witness her majestic entrance.

The highlight of the day is the long-anticipated "Reunion of the Queens." For the first time in two decades, the QM2 will salute her legendary namesake, the 1936 RMS Queen Mary, which is permanently docked as a hotel in nearby Long Beach. 

This "meeting of the monarchs" has sparked a surge in local hospitality bookings, with the Queen Mary hotel reporting 100% occupancy for the weekend. The event underscores the enduring appeal of "heritage cruising" in an era dominated by modern, ultra-large vessels.

For the 2,600 passengers currently on the world voyage, the Los Angeles stop offers a mix of Hollywood glamour and naval history before the ship departs for its next leg toward Hawaii and the South Pacific. 

The 2026 tour has become a symbol of the "slow travel" movement, where affluent travelers opt for months-long, immersive journeys over quick flights. As the QM2 prepares to sail west tonight, she leaves behind a renewed interest in the golden age of ocean travel among the Southern California public.