Queen Mary 2 visits Halifax

WATCH: The famous ocean liner The Queen Mary 2 docked at the Halifax Harbour to mark a significant anniversary. Global’s Dave Squires reports.

HALIFAX – The famous ocean liner the “Queen Mary 2” docked in Halifax Friday.

It’s not the ship’s first visit to Halifax, but this one is extra special.

The Cunard Line of cruises is celebrating 175 years by recreating the original voyage made by the companies first flagship, Britannia, in 1840. Halifax was not only along that route, but the city is also the birth place of the company’s founder Samuel Cunard.

“It’s very special for Cunard to be here today in Halifax. If you think about the vision and wisdom Sir Samuel Cunard brought to our industry but also the powerful place he had in history in bringing so many immigrants to North America. It’s really an honor for us to be back here,” said Rick Meadows the President of Cunard North America.

The Anniversary voyage set sail from Liverpool on July 4th and will include celebrations throughout.

The Captain of the “Queen Mary 2” Kevin Osprey says he relishes the opportunity to dock in Halifax as the city has special meaning for him.

“Everytime you come in I always take a walk along the front to his (Cunard) statue there to have a look and pay my respects to the man. So it’s quite an experience to come here to Halifax.”

The ocean liner will next stop in Boston before it finishes the anniversary voyage in New York City.

Report by Dave Squires.