CUNARD LINE APPOINTS QUEEN ELIZABETH SENIOR OFFICERS

The following press release has been made by Cunard this week:

Following the appointment of Captain Christopher Wells as Master of its new Queen Elizabeth, Cunard Line has selected three more Senior Officers who will be on board the ship when she enters service in October 2010. Robert Howie, Hotel Manager Fife-born Robert Howie brings almost 25 years of experience – on land and at sea – to his new post as Hotel Manager aboard Queen Elizabeth. He held the position of Food and Beverage Manager aboard Queen Mary 2 in the ocean liner’s inaugural year and was then promoted to the prestigious position of Hotel Manager on Cunard’s flagship in 2005. Robert was also the first Hotel Manager on board Queen Victoria when she entered service in December 2007. As Hotel Manager Robert is in charge of all onboard operations covering housekeeping, food and beverage, entertainment and human resources. Prior to joining Cunard, Howie had served in senior managerial food and beverage positions for Princess Cruises – both shoreside and onboard – since 1990. Alastair Greener, Entertainment Director Alastair Greener from Marlborough – about as far from the sea as you can get in the UK – has a love of both the sea and stage: characteristics that will serve him well as he prepares to join Queen Elizabeth as Entertainment Director. Alastair has also served as Cruise Director on both Queen Mary 2 and QE2 and was the first Entertainment Director on board Queen Victoria. Currently he is the face of the very popular ‘We Are Cunard’ blog which is the site to visit for all the latest news on this new Cunarder. He was also asked to represent CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) as a media tour spokesperson. Alastair is a member of the British Actors’ Union and has appeared in a wide range of film, theatre and television productions, including the BBC’s ‘House of Cards’ and Warner Brothers’ ‘Black Beauty’. Prior to Cunard, Greener had joined Princess Cruises in 1997 and served on eight ships within the fleet. Hamish Sunter, Staff Captain Despite his Scottish forename, Hamish Sunter is proud to be a Yorkshireman. Halifax-born Captain Sunter joined Cunard in 1990 as an officer on Cunard Princess where he remained for three years. He also obtained his Master’s Certificate at this time. In 1993 he was transferred to QE2 as Junior First Officer and left that ship as Chief Officer in 1998. After two years Hamish was keen to go back to sea which he did in 2000 with P&O Cruises and sailed as First Officer on several of their ships. He returned to Cunard as Chief Officer on Queen Mary 2 in October 2005. He rejoined QE2 as Staff Captain in December 2006 and has also served in that capacity on board Queen Victoria. Colin Black, Chief Engineer Colin Black, from East Lothian, joined P&O / Princess Cruises in 1990 as a CPO Mechanic on board Royal Princess. He subsequently moved up the ranks to First Engineer prior to being given the responsibility for the newbuild of Princess Cruises’ Dawn Princess, followed by Ocean Princess. In 2001 he was seconded to the Southampton Office working within the newbuild department and in 2002 he moved across to P&O Cruises serving onboard Oriana, Aurora and then the new Arcadia. Colin’s first appointment as Chief Engineer was onboard Tahitian Princess in 2006 and her sister ship Pacific Princess. In 2007 he was assigned as Technical Fleet Services Project Manager for Queen Victoria thereafter taking over as Chief Engineer. Peter Shanks, Cunard President and Managing Director, says: “Our passengers will be delighted to find so many ‘old friends’ aboard Cunard’s newest ship. One of our distinguishing characteristics is the number and frequency of our repeat guests and they will truly appreciate ‘coming home’ to these familiar faces.” Queen Elizabeth will feature many unique Cunard traditions linking her with her sisters Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, and their predecessors, together with all the modern day luxuries Cunard’s guests have come to expect. There will also be features that will give the vessel her own style and personality. The first Queen Elizabeth was one of Cunard’s greatest ships, and the new Queen Elizabeth will reflect her predecessor in interior grandeur, décor and style, but with a modern twist. From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at an experience that differentiates a Cunard liner from a modern-day cruise ship. This will be most evident in the ship’s adherence to liner traditions, with elegant double and triple height public rooms on a grand scale, luxuriously endowed with rich wood panelling, intricate mosaics, hand-woven carpets, gleaming chandeliers, and cool marbles. Art Deco features will pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth, and will allow the new ship to reflect a more civilized era of travel. Queen Elizabeth will depart on her Maiden Voyage on Tuesday 12 October 2010. This 13-night celebration will leave from the company’s home port, Southampton, and will call at Vigo, Lisbon, Cadiz, Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (overnight call) and Funchal.

Cunard Welcomes Filmmakers Dori Berinstein and Judd Ehrlich on 29 April Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing: Film industry documentarians to be featured Cunard Insights speakers

This press release was issued by Cunard:

In association with Cunard's partnership with the Tribeca Film Festival, which included the sponsorship of the 2009 World Documentary Feature competition and recognition as the 2009 Official Cruise Line of the Tribeca Film Festival, the iconic ocean liner company welcomes acclaimed documentary filmmakers Dori Berinstein and Judd Ehrlich on the 29 April Transatlantic Crossing from New York to Southampton aboard Queen Mary 2. With this upcoming sailing, Berinstein and Ehrlich join a distinguished list of luminaries and tastemakers that have sailed this legendary voyage with Cunard, operator of The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World.

April marks the start of Cunard's Transatlantic Crossing season, and the 29 April voyage is one of more than 21 six-, seven-, eight- or nine-day Crossings between New York and Southampton, Cherbourg or Hamburg offered by Cunard until mid-November this year.

During the Crossing, Berinstein and Ehrlich will participate in Cunard Insights, the line's award-winning onboard enrichment programme, and will each screen one of their films. Berinstein will discuss "Gotta Dance," a documentary focusing on a unique dance team made up entirely of senior citizens. Ehrlich will screen "Run for Your Life," a feature-length documentary about the enigmatic running guru and founder of the NYC Marathon, Fred Lebow. In addition, they will engage in a panel conversation with the ship's entertainment director where they will share stories about their multi-faceted careers and the many roles they play in the entertainment industry - from director to producer to writer. All programmes will be held in Queen Mary 2's spectacular 450-seat, stadium-style theatre, Illuminations, which is also the only planetarium at sea.

"Cunard's partnership with the Tribeca Film Festival represents our commitment to celebrating the art of filmmaking," said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. "We welcome these distinguished documentarians aboard Queen Mary 2 and are confident that the real-life stories they capture through their work, and in turn share through the Insights programme, will thoroughly entertain and engage our guests."

Dori Berinstein is an award-winning director, producer and writer of film, theater and television. Her first feature film, "Show Business: The Road to Broadway," about Broadway behind-the-curtain, was named one of the top five documentaries of 2006 by the International Documentary Association. Berinstein's second feature, "Some Assembly Required," about kids nationwide competing in a toy invention competition, will be released in 2010. Her most recent film, "Gotta Dance," was released theatrically during the summer of 2009; a Broadway adaptation is underway. Berinstein is a three-time Tony-winning Broadway producer ("Thoroughly Modern Millie," "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "Fool Moon"). Her 11th Broadway show, "Legally Blonde: The Musical," currently is playing in London and on tour across the United States. Berinstein has served as an executive and/or consultant at DreamWorks, Walt Disney Imagineering, Paramount and Sony Pictures.

Judd Ehrlich, a native of New York City, most recently directed and produced "Run for Your Life." The film, which features interviews with notables from Olympian Frank Shorter to Mayor Ed Koch, premiered at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival, was acquired by Screen Media Films/Universal Studios and was released theatrically. Ehrlich's directorial debut, "Mayor of the West Side," the coming-of-age story of a teenager with multiple disabilities, was nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Documentary and is airing on PBS nationwide through 2010. Ehrlich collaborated on the editing of Ric Burns' epic PBS series and Emmy Award-winner, "New York," and worked for acclaimed PBS independent documentary series "POV" and edited for CBS News. Ehrlich has also created and curated multiple film series at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Brooklyn Museum and the JCC in Manhattan. He currently is completing a documentary, following young magicians at the country's premier magic camp.

"It has been wonderful to again share our commitment to providing quality entertainment and engaging thoughtful experiences for audiences with Cunard," said Nancy Schafer, executive director of the Tribeca Film Festival. "Both Dori and Judd's crowd pleasing films played to sold out audiences at the Tribeca Film Festival and I know that Cunard guests will enjoy the experience of not only screening their films but having the rare opportunity to connect with the filmmakers directly."

Delving deeply into a variety of compelling and relevant topics, Cunard Insights introduces guests to stimulating experts and accomplished visionaries who reflect the line's heritage of adventure and prestige. Through a series of lectures, Q&A's, social gatherings and workshops, guests connect with authors and intellectuals who have achieved notable distinction in areas including history, world affairs, science, politics, arts and literature. The Insights programme underscores Cunard's longstanding view that onboard entertainment should afford guests a provocative and rewarding cerebral experience.

Widely considered the definitive ocean travel experience, a Cunard Transatlantic Crossing offers guests myriad opportunities for intellectual interaction, leisurely pursuits, health and wellness activities and gourmet dining. Unique Cunard amenities found aboard Queen Mary 2 include the famed Princess and Queens Grill accommodation, the first Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea and the first Todd English restaurant at sea.

Cunard post photos of Queen Victoria in pink in Sydney on their Flickr page

For more photos visit the Cunard Flickr section: click here

The pictures by James Morgan (0403 892304)- Free images for use in online and editorial only (NO SALES/NO ADVERTISING) - on behalf of Carnival Australia - please credit images by James Morgan if used or issued. For further information please contact Greg Dehn on 0418 645 939..
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19th February 2010 – Sydney Harbour, Australia – Making a rare call into Sydney, Cunard’s Queen Victoria entered Sydney Harbour for a one night stay this morning docking into the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay just after 6.30am. The ship weighing in at 90,000 tons and with a length of 964.5 feet and height of 179 feet comes with 990 staterooms, capacity for 2000 guests on 12 decks, has seven restaurants, thirteen bars, three swimming pools, a ballroom and a theatre. She will stay in Sydney for one night before leaving for Melbourne on Saturday evening. 

Cunard's Queen Victoria is "Pretty in Pink" in Sydney

Cunard's Queen Victoria is "Pretty in Pink" in Sydney

19 February 2010 - History was made in Sydney today when, in a world first, Cunard Line's Queen Victoria was illuminated in pink while berthed at Sydney's Circular Quay. Queen Victoria was bathed in vibrant pink light from dusk to support Australia's National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), which officially launched its 2010 fundraising target of $17 million at an event onboard. Pink lights illuminated the entire ship, providing the ideal setting for the event. "Pink has become synonymous with the fight against breast cancer, so we are delighted to offer NBCF the opportunity to boost awareness of research and claim a world first by being the first to illuminate a liner in pink," said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. Queen Victoria will make history again this time next year when she sails her first "Americas" season, traversing the Panama Canal on more than one voyage, making rare roundtrip sailings from Los Angeles to Hawaii, plus debuting her maiden Mexico Getaway voyage. read more: click here

Cunard Queen Victoria Helping BBC Children In Need

Cunard Queen Victoria in Rotterdam Holland (21), originally uploaded by garybembridge.

I received this email today from Cunard:

If your mornings have not been the same since Sir Terry Wogan left his weekday morning show, then why not join us aboard Queen Victoria on 14 May 2010 for the second TOGs (Terry's Old Geezers and Gals) voyage?

Fares start from just £1,399 per person


This 12 night Jewels of the Mediterranean voyage, roundtrip from Southampton, takes in such cultural delights as Barcelona, Cannes and Civitavecchia (for Rome). And we're delighted that Sir Terry and his intrepid team will be joining us during the voyage, to entertain and delight all TOGs on board. More Information.

You too could be a TOG!

Simply sign up for this wonderful adventure - as well as having a lot of fun - you'll also be making a contribution to BBC Children In Need. Cunard will donate 10% of every TOGs voyage booked directly with Cunard online at www.cunard.co.ukto this charity. To ensure you are registered as a TOG and able to join in all the amazing activities, please book direct with Cunard online at www.cunard.co.uk or call the TOG Voyage Helpline on 01633671586.

REMEMBER

THE CUNARD SALE ENDS 28 FEBRUARY, SO BOOK NOW TO RECEIVE SAVINGS FROM £50 - £300 PER PERSON.

Sir Terry Returns to the Airwaves.

Sir Terry Wogan and his beloved TOGs (Terry’s Old Geezers and Gals) are planning a second intrepid trip on Cunard’s Queen Victoria to raise money for BBC Children In Need – and everyone’s invited!

The 12-night roundtrip voyage from Southampton promises to visit the Jewels of the Mediterranean – woven with more than a modicum of guests, glamour and glitz from the whimsical world of Wake Up To Wogan.

Many members of the Togmeister's team will be on board to host receptions, entertainment, and evenings of music and mirth – and Pudsey is sure to make an appearance or two! Janet and John Marsh, and the mad ‘bus crasher’ Charles Nove, The ‘Loose Canon’ Roger Royle  and ‘Voice Of The Balls’ Alan Dedicoatare already aiming to build up their parts!

And the ‘ Togmeister’ himself is hoping  to helicopter in to rescue the whole sorry affair!

The 12-night trip departs from Southampton 14 May 2010 and includes:

• Two Exclusive Champagne Receptions
• Deadlyoke – a sea shanty sing-a-long with the Voice Of The Balls
• Janet & John Live! (not for the faint hearted)
• A Natter With Nove ( A crash course in how not to drive a bus and other torrid tales)
• And the return of Alan Dedicoat’s world famous Pub Quiz (“who’s buying me a drink?”)
• Plus a sensational fundraising evening with a knight of the realm and the team!

Fundraising dynamos Norman Macintosh and Hellen Bach are delighted that Sir Terry and his crew are back on the high seas.

“Following the great comments we had from the TOGs both on board and following the last Voyage, and with this one being Southampton to Southampton, I am sure it will be even more successful. The facilities on-board are fantastic and the presence of the Togmeister and his team will be a highlight for TOGs. We are proud to be associated with a second TOGs Voyage on Cunard’s Queen Victoria!”

Anyone can be termed a TOG and sign up to this extraordinary adventure – but it isIMPERATIVE that they make their booking direct with Cunard online here or call the TOG Voyage Helpline on 01633 671586. Cunard, pledges to donate ten per cent of each and every TOG fare made via these methods to BBC Children In Need.

Unfortunately bookings made through travel agents and other third  parties will not include a contribution from Cunard to BBC Children in Need and will not ensure participation in the TOGs fun on board so please follow the procedure above.

*10% donation applies to bookings made direct with Cunard at www.cunard.co.uk  or on the link from the TOG’s website – www.charitygoods.com or via the TOG Voyage Helpline on 01633 671586. The 10% will be calculated in relation to the paid fare amounts, not land arrangements or hotel options amounts, any cancellation revenues or any fees.

Cunard’s Queen Victoria entered Sydney Harbour for a one-night stay on Feb. 19, 2010

There is a great photo folder on facebook Cunard group of the Queen Victoria entering Sydney harbour:

Making a rare call into Sydney, Cunard’s Queen Victoria entered Sydney Harbour for a one-night stay on Feb. 19, 2010, docking into the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay just after 6:30 a.m.


http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1138149913654#!/album.php?aid=183865&id=137330428222&ref=nf
 

It;s a dog life on the Queen Mary 2. If you are a dog and travelling in their exclusive kennels!!

The Queen Mary 2 is the only ship where you can take your dog with you on a crossing or cruise.

They have kennels and a full time kennel master.

The wearecunard.com blog has written about it, as has a lady who runs a blog about dogs and her own pet called Pepper. the blog is called "Pepper in Paris"

On that she has a posting about the trip and what you need to do.
She also has a video of the trip with pictures which she describs as " A dog on the Queen Mary 2! Pepper, a Miniature Schnauzer from New York City travels to Paris, via South Hampton and Hamburg, on Cunard's ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2. Follow all of this adventures... click here to watch on YouTube or on the blog posting.




To read her blog post:
http://betterwords.typepad.com/pepperinparis/taking-a-dog-on-the-queen-mary-2.html

A CAMERA LOST IN THE ATLANTIC OFF QM2 IS REUNITED WITH CRUISE COUPLE

Cunard Queen Mary 2 QM2 decks, originally uploaded by garybembridge.

Now here is a story and a half, in most newspaers and online today.

A camera dropped overboard from the Cunard Queen Mary 2 in the Atlantic has been returned – after the trawler skipper who found it managed to trace its owners!! How spooky is that..

The camera belonged to a couple called Barbara and Dennis Gregory, and was dredged from the bottom of the ocean by a Spanish fishing net. They had dropped it in October 2008 while on a trip from New York to Southampton.

The camera fell as they jumped up to take photographs of dolphins. “It literally bounced off his lap, across the deck and into the water with hardly a splash and it was gone,” said Mrs Gregory.

“We’d bought it from Macy’s in New York for $300 because Dennis had broken the previous camera. We were devastated. We’d lost every photograph from New York. It had all our holiday snaps on it. To think the Spanish fisherman has gone to such efforts on this – it’s very touching."

And a little bit spooky too!

Cunard Promotion: offering a free 8 night cruise linked to booking a longer one

Received this email from Cunard today:

Complimentary 8 night voyage:

Join us for a 24 night exotic voyage on Queen Mary 2 and receive an extra 8 nights of Cunard luxury with our compliments


On 13 January 2011 you could be part of Cunard history as our three Queens, Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, meet in New York for the very first time.

Join Queen Mary 2 in New York and embark for 24 nights on a voyage of dramatically contrasting vistas. Skim by airboat across the sawgrass of Florida's Everglades, admire Rio's enchanting beauty and Uruguay's gaucho plains, before the imposing Table Mountain welcomes you into Cape Town. More details.

Fares for this voyage range from £3,239 per person for a D8 Inside Stateroom to £10,549 per person for a Q5 Queens Grill Suite.


SPECIAL OFFER - AN EXTRA 8 NIGHTS WITH OUR COMPLIMENTS


Book before 28 February 2010 and you won't even need to fly to New York by taking advantage of a complimentary 8 night Transatlantic Crossing from Southampton to New York on Queen Victoria departing 5 January 2011. This means that not only can you experience 2 Cunard Queens but you can also enjoy 32 nights of Cunard luxury for the 24 nights fare above - saving you at least £1,149 per person. Please quote code KQV at time of booking.


To book or for more information please call us on 0845 071 0302 or contact your preferred travel agent. Please remember that as a valued Cunard World Club member you will receive an additional 5% saving on the above fares.

Cunard Queen Victoria Maiden Call to San Francisco in January 2010. A video of the arrival

Cunard's Queen Victoria ocean liner made her Maiden Call to San Francisco in January 2010. Alastair Greener was on hand to capture the sights and sounds as Queen Victoria made a pre-dawn pass. This from the wearecunard blog.


Click here to watch on YouTube, or on the blog post:

Cunard QE2 likely to be sold off by her Dubai owners, as plans to turn her into hotel collapse due to Dubai crisis.

QE2 Lifeboats and Deck: Crossing the Atlantic, originally uploaded by garybembridge.

The Sunday Times newspaper reports today that the Cunard QE2 is likely to be sold off by her Dubai owners, as plans to turn her into hotel collapse due to Dubai crisis.

Read the full article: click here

In the article they say:

"CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, the Canadian circus group, and the QE2 cruise liner are among a raft of Dubai-owned assets being prepared for sale as part of a huge cash-raising exercise by the debt-laden emirate.

Advisers to Dubai World, the state-backed conglomerate, plan to offload a portfolio of trophy assets owned by Istithmar, its private-equity arm. The money raised will be used to pay off some of Dubai World’s $22 billion (£14 billion) debts. The group has about 100 large creditors, including British banks.

It is understood that advisers will attempt to sell each asset individually rather than find a single buyer for the whole portfolio...."


On the QE2 they go on to say:

"Other assets have failed to live up to expectation. A bold plan to turn the QE2, which Istithmar bought for $100m from Cunard in June 2007, into a luxury, floating hotel berthed at the man-made Palm Jumeirah island has never materialised"

Cunard Introduces Special Relationship Enrichment Programme

Queen Mary 2 QM2 Deck Transatlantic Crossing, originally uploaded by garybembridge.

New speaker series aboard Queen Mary 2 focuses on close political and cultural ties between the United States and the United Kingdom

2 February 2010 - In keeping with its longstanding tradition of offering guests award-winning enrichment programmes, Cunard Line announces the Special Relationship speaker series. Guests sailing on select 2010 Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossings will have the unique opportunity to attend lectures by ambassadors, statesmen, politicians, journalists, academics and broadcasters with a shared interest between the United States and United Kingdom, an association first referenced as a "special relationship" by Winston Churchill in 1946. The programme was developed in direct response to guests noting their interest in hearing about politics and contemporary issues while onboard.

"When Cunard began its Transatlantic liner service 170 years ago, it began a tradition of bridging the United Kingdom and the United States. With this programme, we will bring to life and explore the historical connection between these two countries with our guests, who have expressed great interest in the subject," said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. "Additionally, the Special Relationship series further underscores Cunard's commitment to bringing its guests not only legendary voyages aboard the most famous ocean liners in the world, but also engaging and intellectual pursuits during their journey."

Joining the 15 April Crossing will be Iwan Morgan, professor of U.S. Studies and head of U.S. Programmes at the Institute for the Study of the Americas at the University of London. The political scientist also has been published widely in various fields of modern U.S. political history and economy. His latest book, The Age of Deficits Presidents and Unbalanced Budgets from Jimmy Carter to George W. Bush, was published at the end of 2009.

Kenneth T. Walsh, chief White House correspondent for U.S. News & World Report, is scheduled to sail on the 1 June Transatlantic Crossing. He has covered the residencies of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and, currently, Barack Obama. Walsh is the author of four books focused on presidential topics and has won the two most prestigious awards for White House coverage - the Aldo Beckman Award in 1991 and the Gerald R. Ford Prize for Distinguished Reporting on the Presidency in 1992 and 1998.

Sailing aboard the 22 April and 25 June Crossings is Jeffrey Weinberg, who has served each of the last seven U.S. presidents as a legislative attorney at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Executive Office of the President. While onboard, Weinberg will be leading discussions on the following topics: insights into the Obama administration, stengths and weaknesses of the governments of the U.S. and the U.K., and "tools" that are available to the President to enhance his effectiveness.

Additional programme participants will be announced in the coming months. Other scheduled voyages featuring Special Relationship speakers include:

• 12 September
• 1 October
• 10 November

The Special Relationship series is part of Cunard Insights, the enrichment programme that introduces guests to stimulating experts and accomplished visionaries who reflect the Line's heritage of adventure and prestige. Through a series of lectures, Q&A's, social gatherings and workshops, guests connect with personalities who have achieved notable distinction in areas including history, world affairs, science, arts and literature. The Insights programme underscores Cunard's longstanding view that onboard entertainment should afford guests a provocative and rewarding cerebral experience.

New Cunard Website by Chris Frame, a Cunard fan

I got this email from Chris Frame about his new Cunard website.

He wrote:
Dear Friends and Maritime Enthusiasts,

After nearly seven years my Cunard website has had a much deserved redesign!

I wanted to share with you all my new Cunard website which can be found at http://www.chriscunard.com/

There you'll find detailed information about the current Cunard fleet as well as the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2, including photographs, deck plans and a live bridge cam feed from QM2 and Queen Victoria.

The historical aspect of the website has been significantly upgraded including an individual page for a number of great Cunarders. This can be found here: http://www.chriscunard.com/cunard.php under "Cunard Fleet".