The maiden call to Cobh of the majestic Cunard liner Queen Victoria was a huge success with passengers and Cork people alike enjoying the free concert with Cobh’s own Big Band and an array of arts, crafts and food stalls.
A Wreath Laying Ceremony took place at the Lusitania Peace Memorial at 11.15 am when Captain Paul Wright, Master of the Queen Victoria along with the Chairman of the Port of Cork Dermot O’Mahoney layed wreaths in honour of those who died when the Lusitania sank in 1915. The ship sailed to an emotional Brass Band sendoff at 7 pm amidst beautiful afternoon sunshine.
The Queen Victoria is scheduled to make two calls to Cobh in 2011, while the new Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mary 2 are each expected to visit Cobh once in September 2011.