Category — Cunard Line

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Notable film critic and journalist Rex Reed has joined the distinguished list of luminaries scheduled to sail aboard Cunard Line’s flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2. He will be aboard the 5 November Transatlantic Crossing from New York to Southampton. A two-time Grammy nominee, Reed will be a featured presenter for Cunard Insights, Cunard’s acclaimed onboard enrichment programme. Like previous tastemakers, Reed will deliver a series of lectures and Q&A discussions during his voyage aboard Queen Mary 2.

“Reed’s extraordinary wit and charm is sure to lead an enchanting and rich programme for our guests,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. “His long and distinguished resume of work provides for a variety of discussion topics that will resonate with everyone aboard.”

A member of the New York Film Critics Circle and the National Society of Film Critics, Reed is a critic, columnist, journalist and lecturer whose work appears every week in the New York Observer. He was a contributing editor on the masthead of Talk Magazine and has been a film critic for Vogue, GQ, and Woman’s Wear Daily. Reed is also the author of eight books, including Personal Effect, and for five years, he starred in the nationally syndicated television show, “At the Movies.” As a music critic, Reed has written liner notes for Liza Minelli, Lena Horne, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Eileen Farrell, Barbara Cook and many others. In 1993, he was inducted, along with James Carville, into the Louisiana Hall of Fame in his native state. Reed holds an honorary degree from Brandeis University.

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.

The 5 November Transatlantic Crossing is one of more than 20 classic six-day voyages between New York and Southampton offered by Cunard in 2009. In addition, Queen Mary 2 will sail two voyages between New York and Hamburg and two voyages between Boston and Southampton. 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, restaurants and lounges and the first Todd English restaurant at sea.

John Duffy, QE2 Hotel Manager – “Seagoing Employee of the Year 2008″
Seatrade Insider’s “Seatrade Awards 2008″

Cunard Line – “Best Cruise Line”
Australian Gourmet Traveler’s 2008 Travel Awards

Queen Mary 2 – “Best Luxury Cruise Ship”
Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards

Queen Mary 2 – “Top 10 Best Spa on a Cruise Ship”
SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Awards

Queen Mary 2, Queen’s Grill – 6+ Star Rating
Stern’s Guide to the Cruise Vacation, 2009 Edition

Queen Victoria – “Best Cruise Ship”
Robb Report – Best of the Best

Queen Victoria – “Hot New Hotel” and “Hot New Spa”
Condé Nast Traveler – Annual Hot List (World Category)

Cunard Line – “Best Transatlantic Crossings”
Porthole Cruise Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards

Cunard Line – “Best World Cruise Itineraries”
Porthole Cruise Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards

Cunard Line – “#1 – Top Ten Cruise Lines”
2008 Berlitz Complete Guide to Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships

Cunard Line – “Best Overall Food” and “Best Overall Service”
2008 Berlitz Complete Guide to Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships

Cunard Line revealed itinerary and design plans for its newest ocean liner, Queen Elizabeth, which is scheduled to enter service on 12 October 2010, giving one of the oldest names in shipping the strength of operating the youngest fleet in the industry. Queen Elizabeth will be the third new ocean liner to be introduced by Cunard in six years and the second largest Cunard ship ever built.

Queen Elizabeth will feature the unique Cunard traditions linking her with her sisters Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, and their predecessors. She will also debut some exciting features that will give the vessel her own style and personality, plus all the modern day luxuries Cunard’s guests have come to expect. [Read more →]

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Cunard Line is proud to announce that Grammy® Award-winning singer-songwriter James Taylor and his band will perform during Queen Mary 2’s June 19 eastbound Transatlantic Crossing. Sailing from New York to Southampton, England, Taylor will headline two Cunard Command Performances in the ship’s Royal Court Theatre during the six-day journey. (Space is still available to book this very special voyage!) 

“We are honoured to welcome James Taylor aboard our flagship Queen Mary 2 and into a lineage of luminaries who have sailed with Cunard during our 170-year history,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. “Our guests will most certainly enjoy this intimate concert experience with an American music icon.” [Read more →]

Courtesy of Cunard Line

   
The winner of the latest Suggestion Box contest gives suggestions for marketing Cunard in today’s economy.

Congratulations to Clay Hawley of The Cruise Web, Inc. in Landover, Maryland, who has won $500 with his submission for a sales strategy that works in the current economy.  His entry emphasised the need to be creative and promote group sailings to target audiences.  “Pick a theme both you and your clients enjoy on the finest liners in the ocean and the destination really becomes secondary,” he wrote in his submission. [Read more →]