All About Cunard: June 2012

June 28, 2012

Cunard closes online booking system after security mishap

Cunard had to close down access to their online systems after a huge technical error where over 1200 peoples details were emailed out in an attachment sent out to people registered with the company.

This security risk got a huge amount of publicity across the media, and was much discussed.

Cunard email sent out passengers contact information
Cunard seems to have inadvertently sent out an email with a spreadsheet attached. On it was contact information for 1225 Cunard passengers. It is not known how many people were sent this email.

It came to light when a person with the nickname "davyjones" made a posting on the Cruise Critic forum.

He said: “I have received an email from Cunard with a spreadsheet file attached giving me the booking reference and names and email address of 1225 passengers. This information would allow me to see all the information such as address, contact number and passport information that you need to enter before your cruise. My name and number is on the list.”

Risk of criminal activity
The view being that as it had names, address, contact numbers and even passport details, that it would be possible for criminals to use these details for anything from planning break-ins knowing people would be away, to some form of identify fraud.

Cunard response

Cunard can confirm that an e-mail was sent in error to some guests containing details relating to other guests' bookings. We took swift action to close down the check-in system, Voyage Personalizer, until we are able to re-issue new secure log-in details to all affected guests. We are very sorry if this error has caused our guests any concern and we would like to reassure them that the issue has been dealt with and we are in the process of contacting relevant guests with new, secure log-in."

– JACKIE CHASE, CUNARD SPOKESWOMAn

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June 15, 2012

Video: RNLI rescue passenger from Queen Mary 2

The dramatic video below shows the UK RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) heading out to the Cunard Queen Mary 2 to fetch and rescue a passenger that had fallen ill back to land and to hospital. The ship diverted close to the South Devon Coast so the Lifeguards could reach the ship.

The This is South Devon Site reports: "A cruise liner bound for Southampton was diverted to the South Devon coast after one of its passengers fell seriously ill. The Queen Mary 2 came close to the coastline at Start Bay, about a mile from the mouth of the River Dart, after a passenger suffered a suspected cardiac arrest."

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June 14, 2012

Andy Fitzsimmons: A passenger's view of Cunard's 3 Queens Diamond Jubilee Event

Photo by: Andy Fitzsimmons

I have posted a number of articles about Cunard's Diamond Jubilee event in Southampton. I add to this series with a perspective by Andy Fitzsimmons who was on the Queen Victoria coming back from a cruise into Southampton on the day of the event.

In his Flickr Account he has shared a perspective and many amazing photos. Some of them are below, but also visit Andy Fitzsimmons 3 Queens Jubilee Celebration Photo Set for many more, and his full review and comment.

Some key points he talks about are:

Not the first time that 3 Queens had been together in their home port, the first occasion being on 22 April 2008 when Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria met up with Queen Elizabeth 2 for the final time, this was the first time the current Cunard fleet had arrived together.
Queen Mary 2 arrived from New York, Queen Victoria from Bergen and Queen Elizabeth from Barcelona
He was up on deck from 3.30am! Even by 4am crowds were lining Town Quay and Mayflower Park, while helicopters hovered overhead filming the event.
On Queen Mary 2 a group was dressed in period costume waiving union flags, and atop the mast, the Royal Mail pennant could be spotted flying proudly alongside the red ensign and Cunard house flag, together with what appeared to be the ship’s callsign (ZCEF6), spelt out in signal flags while further aft, a giant banner in the style of a union flag and bearing the legend ‘Congratulations Ma’am’, could be seen covering the name board.
The celebrations were hampered by the weather: Red Arrows display was cancelled, and fireworks for the departure were very obscured by low cloud
The 3 ships departed again later that evening. Queen Mary 2 for Rotterdam, Queen Victoria for La Corũna and Queen Elizabeth to Hamburg.
Despite all the fuss: He spoke to a guest at breakfast who asked wheat all the fuss had been about earlier. They seem to have missed all the announcements and materials put in the cabins...

Thanks to Andy for posting the amazing photos and his review, which you should read in full on his Flickr Page

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Photo by: Andy Fitzsimmons

June 11, 2012

Cunard's Three Queens Diamond Jubilee Celebration, Southampton 5 June 2012

Cunard's Three Queens Diamond Jubilee Celebration, Southampton 5 June 2012

Cunard have made and posted a 6 minute video of the day to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. It shows great shots of the ships arriving, aerial shots and interview.

Other blog postings I have done on the Diamond Jubilee:
http://allaboutcunard.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/cunard-3-ships-in-southampton-for.html

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June 7, 2012

Video: Cunard 3 QUEENS Diamond Jubilee Departure Whistles 5 June 2012

On the departure of the 3 QUEENS from Southampton after the day's Diamond Jubilee events and firework display, there was much whistle blowing between QUEEN MARY 2, QUEEN VICTORIA & QUEEN ELIZABETH. The 3 cheers can just about be heard coming from QUEEN MARY 2 as she sets sail. QUEEN VICTORIA followed QM2, blowing her whistles again - 22:30 5 June 2012

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Cunard's Three Queens Arrival Into Southampton: Video of the Jubilee Celebration

On 5 June 2012 Cunard's Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth met in Southampton for the first time ever to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. This is a video made by Cunard of the arrival of the ships

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June 6, 2012

Cunard 3 Ships in Southampton for Queen's Diamond Jubilee

On June 5 2012 all 3 of the Cunard ships in service (Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria) were together in Southampton to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. Here are some of the amazing photos that people who were there published on Flickr.