Cunard Line's New Dress Codes Celebrate the Chance to Dress Up - and Relax

Cunard Line Embraces Formal Nights on Transatlantic Cruises

Cunard Line has renewed its commitment to the joy of dressing up on-board “The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World” with an update to its dress codes, while at the same time encouraging the loosening of ties on its less formal nights.

Research with existing passengers and luxury travelers generally has led Cunard to strengthen the Line’s commitment to special occasion dressing three times a week on its Transatlantic Crossings and twice each week on sailings to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and beyond.

However, also in response to growing travel trends, Cunard is adjusting its advice on dress codes for other nights.  The result:  along with two or three formal nights each week, there will be four or five “informal” evenings where jackets are required but ties will now become optional, heightening the sense of anticipation for formal nights even more.

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Cunard's Queen Elizabeth and Cunard's Former Queen Mary Meet in Long Beach California

Cunard's Queen Elizabeth and Cunard's Former Queen Mary Meet in Long Beach California

 

For the first time since 1967 a Cunard Queen Elizabeth met with the long-retired Queen Mary in Long Beach on March 12, 2013 - an event celebrated with an exchange of whistle salutes, fireworks and fanfare.

 

In addition, a narrative of the ships’ histories was simulcast by Everette Hoard, speaking from the Bridge of Queen Elizabeth which was also heard by guests on Queen Mary.  

The last meeting of an Elizabeth and Mary took place when both ships passed each other mid-Atlantic on 25 September 1967 with Queen Mary on her final Atlantic crossing. 

 About the Queen Mary
Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. At the time of her maiden voyage in May of 1936, she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built. The Queen Mary’s signature restaurants include the award-winning Sir Winston’s and Chelsea Chowder House & Bar as well as a weekly Champagne Sunday Brunch served in the ship’s Grand Salon. History buffs enjoy the ship’s museum and Glory Days tour, guests of all ages love the Ghosts and Legends show, and the ship is currently featuring the renowned Diana: Legacy of a Princess exhibit and Tea Room. The Queen Mary features 80,000 square feet of event space in 17 remarkable Art Deco salons as well as a tri-level, 45,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall. The Queen Mary boasts 314 staterooms including nine full suites. For more information or for reservations, visit: www.queenmary.com or call (800) 437-2934. The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach, CA.

About Cunard Line
Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and the epitome of British refinement since the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840.  Cunard voyages bring together like-minded travellers who seek a civilized adventure and relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment.  Today, Cunard offers the only regularly scheduled Transatlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which it began in 1922.

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Cunard Line Renoun Guest Speakers On Select 2013 Cruises

Cunard Line to Welcome Cutting-Edge Speakers from
the Worlds of Books, Business and Biology in 2013

Renowned for its award-winning Cunard Insights on board enrichment programme, Cunard Line has announced that leading luminaries in their fields – author Bill Bryson, business guru Lord Digby Jones and eminent Professor of Science and Society Lord Robert Winston – are among the featured speakers aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth beginning this spring.

“The quality of our speaker programme on board our ships is something which sets Cunard apart,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.  “We are delighted to welcome three such pre-eminent and internationally respected figures to our line-up for 2013 who will add an extra dimension to our passengers’ experience on board.”

Delving into a variety of compelling and relevant topics, Cunard Insights introduces guests to accomplished experts and visionaries who reflect the Line's legacy of adventure and prestige while sailing a luxury cruise vacation.  Sail dates for these cutting-edge Cunard Insights speakers, as well as the voyage itineraries, are as follows:

• Lord Digby Jones, Queen Victoria, Adriatic Explorer, 15 May, 17 days:  Southampton; Palermo for Sicily; Korcula, Croatia; Venice; Dubrovnik; Corfu; Messina for Sicily; Valencia, Spain; Southampton.  Fares start from $3,074 per person (including government fees and taxes), plus save $500 per person off airfare when booked by 31 March 2013.
   
• Lord Robert Winston, Queen Elizabeth, Norwegian Fjords and North Cape Explorer, 26 May, 14 days: Southampton, Stavanger, Flaam, Alesund, Trondheim, Honningsvag for North Cape, Tromso, Geiranger, Bergen, Southampton.  Fares start from $2,616 per person (including government fees and taxes), plus save $500 per person off Airfare when booked by 31 March 2013.
   
• Bill Bryson, Queen Mary 2, Autumn Colours, 15 October, 12 days: New York; Newport, Rhode Island; Boston; Bar Harbor, Maine; St John, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Québéc (overnight stay); New York.  Fares start from $1,999 per person.

All fares quoted are per person, based on double occupancy.

Bryson, Lord Jones and Lord Winston complement the array of speakers lined up for Cunard’s current four-month World Voyages, who include:

• Queen Mary 2 – journalist and war correspondent Martin Bell; ex-Formula 1 driver Sir Jackie Stewart; former Chief of the General Staff General Dannatt; and “Human Planet” BBC documentary producer Dale Templar
• Queen Elizabeth – Roger McGuinn, lead singer of The Byrds; Royal commentator Jennie Bond; former ambassador and high commissioner Sir Alan Collins; and polar explorer Felicity Ashton
• Queen Victoria – former politician and broadcaster Edwina Currie; author and “queen of cakes” Jane Asher; and cartoonist Gerald Scarfe

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Cunard Unveils 2014 World Cruises Along With Testamonial Videos

Cunard Line 2014 World Cruise Brochure

With its 2014 World Voyage Season now on sale, Cunard Line today unveiled the first of a new video series highlighting some of their frequent World Voyage passengers.  In this first video, Michigan residents Richard and Pat Donahey (Belleville), Dr. Martin and Linda Weissman (Birmingham) and Maryland residents Peggy and Pamela Zirkle (Berwyn Heights) share some of their favorite World Voyage experiences and memories.

Highlights include guests sharing how they came to first sail on a Cunard World Voyage, and why they have frequently sailed since then; what they enjoy about life on board; and the many interesting people they’ve met over the years – from globally known personalities such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, to their many friendships that have developed with people from all over the world.

One guest speaks enthusiastically about her love for dressing up on formal nights and such events as Cunard’s Black & White Ball, and even gives viewers a peek into her “cruise closet,” replete with gowns reserved only for her Cunard voyages.

Coming in October, the second video will highlight the travel experiences of these guests, ranging from exploring India’s Taj Mahal and touring the Egyptian Pyramids, to walking on the Great Wall of China and climbing Australia’s famed Sydney Harbour Bridge.

“For nearly a century, Cunard has served the adventure-seeking traveller with unrivaled access to the world’s most storied regions since the advent of our World Voyage Program in 1922,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.  “These World Voyage guests provide a glimpse into this legendary experience and explain why Cunard compels so many guests to return to the World Voyage year after year.”

Cunard’s 2014 World Voyage Season will cover more than 116,000 nautical miles across six continents and visits to 85 unique ports of call in 40 countries.  The program features three World Voyages ranging from eight to 133 days aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, with embarkation points in Southampton (England), New York, Fort Lauderdale and San Francisco.

Guests sailing a luxury cruise vacation aboard Cunard Line delight in the experience of the voyage itself, not just the destination.  By day, guests enjoy voluminous libraries, world class spas, white-glove afternoon tea service and engaging award-winning Cunard Insights guest enrichment program; by night they are entertained by Royal Nights themed balls, West End-style theater productions and Veuve Clicquot champagne cocktails.

To view the complete 2014 World Voyage schedule, visit www.cunard.com/2014wv.

Cunard's Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria Meet In Flaam Norway

Cunard Logo - Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria Meet in Flaam Norway

Cunard's Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria meet in Flaam Norway. The these two great Cunarders meet and give locals a great view.

To read more on the Queen's rendezvous and see a photo please - chick here to go to our sister site -> Nick's Cruise Corner.

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Cunard Announces 2013 Itineraries

Cunard Line today announced its 2013 Voyage Program, offering an extensive range of sailings across its three ships featuring 106 voyages visiting 99 ports in 35 countries. Highlights include several maiden calls and overnight stays, and multiple departures for its most popular itineraries, including the St. Petersburg & Baltic Explorer, Fjords & Waterfalls and Greek Isles & Mediterranean Treasures voyages.

Cunard brings over 170 years of maritime heritage to the youngest, luxury fleet at sea – flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth – acquainting guests with captivating destinations and the Line’s enduring grandeur, glamor and elegance. For those seeking to experience a luxury cruise vacation aboard Cunard, the Line’s classic traditions and legendary White Star Service coupled with contemporary and sophisticated on board offerings provide an unmatched ocean travel experience.

Queen Mary 2 will continue to offer her legendary Transatlantic Crossings between New York and Southampton, as well as to Hamburg, while Queen Victoria will spend her full 2013 season sailing Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Atlantic Isles, Iberia and Morocco, with a new 24-day voyage to the Black Sea and Turkey; and Queen Elizabeth will spend much of her season travelling from Southampton to Northern Europe and sailing the Mediterranean from Venice, Athens, Rome and Southampton.

“In addition to our superb White Star Service and glamorous on board experiences, Cunard is famed for its extensive itineraries with visits to the world’s most stunning ports of call,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “We’ve expanded next year’s program to include multiple departures for our most popular itineraries, plus new ports of call and overnight stays to satisfy customer demand for these favoured regions.”

Queen Mary 2

The grandest ocean liner at sea, Queen Mary 2, will sail a total of 17 Transatlantic Crossings between New York and Southampton from May 2013 to January 2014. In addition to the flagship’s popular seven-day Transatlantic voyages, Cunard introduces two eight-day Crossings, providing guests the most of Queen Mary 2’s exceptional travel experience and more time to enjoy the unique sense of timelessness that only a Transatlantic voyage can provide. Extended nine- and ten-day Crossings between New York and Hamburg will also be available.

These longer Crossings offer additional time to explore the ship’s extensive on board amenities and activities, including lectures through the award-winning Cunard Insights program; stargazing in the only planetarium at sea; white-gloved afternoon tea served in the Queens Room or a spin around the dance floor during a Royal Nights themed ball; taking in a performance or workshop by members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art; or perusing the 8,000 volumes in the largest library at sea.

Guests travelling select European itineraries also may opt to combine their voyage with Transatlantic Crossings on either side, creating a “Grand” voyage.

Queen Mary 2 will also continue ventures to Northern Europe, plus round-trip New York departures to New England and Canada – featuring an overnight stay in Quebec – and a visit to the Caribbean just in time for the holidays. Maiden calls for Queen Mary 2 include Andalsnes, Norway and Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda.

Fares for the following voyages start from:

• Seven-day Transatlantic Crossings: $1199
• Eight-day Transatlantic Crossings: $1499
• Seven-day Fjords & Waterfalls: $1699
• Five-day 4th of July Getaway: $1349
• 12-day Autumn Colors (New England/Canada): $2499
• 15-day Northern Highlights: $2999
• 21-day Grand Fjords & Waterfalls: $4399
  

Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria will sail a range of voyages from Southampton to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Isles, Iberia and Morocco, including the popular seven-day Fjords & Waterfalls itinerary (Norway) and the St. Petersburg & Baltic Explorer voyage, with an overnight stay in St. Petersburg.

Additionally, Queen Victoria will sail a series of Mediterranean voyages ranging from 12 to 17 days and, new for 2013, a 24-day voyage to the Black Sea and Turkey. Maiden ports include Agadir, Morocco; Isafjordur, Iceland; Palau–Costa Smeralda, Italy; Torshavn, Faroe Islands; and Warnemunde, Germany. Overnight stays include St. Petersburg, Istanbul and Madeira (two nights).

Fares for the following voyages start from:

• 10-day Iberia & Moroccan Highlights: $1499
• 14-day Mediterranean Medley: $3099
• 14-day St. Petersburg & Baltic Explorer: $2999
• 15-day Geysers & Glaciers: $3199
• 24-day Black Sea & Turkish Splendors: $5399

Guests sailing aboard Queen Victoria enjoy many distinctive features including the first private theater boxes at sea (Royal Court Theater); the classic art of fencing; Cunardia, a museum display of historic artifacts; and nods to HM Queen Victoria including original etchings drawn by The Queen and Prince Albert.

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth’s 2013 schedule will take her to Iceland, the Norwegian Fjords, the British Isles and the Baltic Sea. Later in the season, she will reposition to the Mediterranean and embark on eight voyages from Venice, Rome (Civitavecchia) and Athens (Piraeus). These popular itineraries again include the Greek Isles and Holy Land voyages, and maiden ports include Akureyri, Iceland; Goteborg, Sweden; Isafjordur, Iceland; Izmir, Turkey; Marseilles, France; Reykjavik, Iceland; Salerno, Italy; Split, Croatia; Valencia, Spain; and Warnemunde, Germany. Overnight calls include St. Petersburg, Istanbul, Copenhagen and Venice.

Fares for the following voyages start from:

• 7-day Fjords & Waterfalls: $1399
• 12-day Greek Isles & Holy Land Explorer: $1799
• 12-day Mediterranean Odyssey: $1799
• 12-day Adriatic & Black Sea Explorer: $2499
• 14-day St. Petersburg & Baltic Explorer: $2799

Queen Elizabeth’s grand art deco interiors and unique art works, which pay homage to both the original Queen Elizabeth and Great Britain’s Royal Family, continue to fascinate and delight guests who sail aboard the Line’s newest Cunarder. The ship’s Grand Lobby prominently displays the 18.5 ft. marquetry piece of the original Queen Elizabeth created by David Linley, only nephew of Her Majesty The Queen; and a specially commissioned portrait of The Queen, created by artist Isobel Peachey particularly for Queen Elizabeth’s 2010 debut.

All referenced fares are per person, based on double occupancy.

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Cunard's Queens to Rendezvous to Celebrate Queen's Jubilee

Cunard Line will celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a unique Cunard Royal Rendezvous on 5 June 2012, the final day of the Jubilee celebrations. Her Majesty has long been associated with Cunard, being the only person to have attended the naming of all three Cunard Elizabeths, beginning in 1938.

This will be the first time that the three ships of the Cunard fleet – the three largest Cunarders ever built – will have been seen arriving and departing together in formation at their home port of Southampton.

“Cunard is delighted to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in a way that will give everyone, especially our guests, a truly remarkable day that they will feel proud to talk about for years to come,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “We are thrilled to take part in such an historic occasion, marking the sixty glorious years of Her Majesty’s reign in a fitting, memorable and spectacular way,” Shanks continued.

Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 will approach the port soon after first light on Tuesday 5 June, sailing in single file up the Solent River, with a flotilla of small boats expected to welcome them in.

As Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria tie up at their berths, Queen Mary 2 will follow on, passing each ship in turn, with crew lining the foredeck of all three vessels, and the ships’ whistles sounding in salute of Her Majesty’s Jubilee.

Events will be happening throughout the day, to create both an outstanding guest experience and a fitting commemoration of Her Majesty’s reign. The celebrations will culminate in an evening spectacular where all three ships will be brought within close proximity of each other, and a fusillade of fireworks and special effects will light up the evening sky beyond them.

Queen Mary 2 will then lead Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria in single file down the Solent as all three ships set out on their celebratory Jubilee voyages.

Further details of the day’s events will be released in due course.

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Cunard Line Announces Feel Famous Sale on Cruises to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Legendary Trans-Atlantic Crossings

Those looking to experience a Cunard luxury cruise vacation exploring the historic wonders of the Mediterranean, Northern Europe’s uniquely dramatic landscapes, or the timeless adventure of the line’s signature trans-Atlantic cruise can now enjoy significant savings on select cruises with the 2012 Feel Famous Sale. With savings of up to $1,600 on balcony staterooms, experiencing these sought-after itineraries in distinctive Cunard style is even more accessible than ever.

Guests can save up to:

• $1,600 per balcony stateroom on Northern Europe cruises of 14 days or longer aboard Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth

• $1,100 per balcony stateroom aboard select 7-day trans-Atlantic Crossings aboard Queen Mary 2

• $1,000 per balcony stateroom on Northern Europe cruises shorter than 14 days aboard Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth

• $800 per balcony stateroom on 12-day Mediterranean cruises aboard Queen Elizabeth

The Mediterranean is a world of contrasts, beauty, culture and enduring fascination and its alluring destinations each hold unique appeal. From Kusadasi, for example, guests can explore inspiring Ephesus, with its ancient walls, bustling markets and the ageless temple of Artemis. Rhodes combines beautiful beaches and spectacular vistas, Santorini is the quintessential Greek isle, and Venice perhaps best captures Italy’s romantic splendour where music, art, its famed canals and exquisite cuisine captivate all who visit.

The awe-inspiring beauty of Scandinavia is highlighted by stunning fjords, plunging waterfalls and twisting mountains. Scenic Norway offers some of nature’s most breathtaking landscapes and the natural beauty of Stavanger features charming interlaced bridges and perfectly-preserved 18th century homes.

Cunard’s most iconic itinerary, the trans-Atlantic Crossing, is like no other ocean-going cruise - steeped in heritage, elegance and grandeur, and offering the luxury of time with seven to nine days at sea. On a Crossing, guests enjoy a myriad of interests from traditional, white-gloved afternoon tea, workshops with members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, daily planetarium shows, the largest library at sea and the first shipboard Canyon Ranch SpaClub.

All cruise prices are per person, and the sale runs through 29 February 2012.

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Cunard Line Reflags Ships To Bermuda and Malta Registry

After 171 years of registering its ships in the United Kingdom, Cunard Line announced that it is re-flagging its entire fleet -- Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth -- in Bermuda. Starting at the end of this October, Hamilton' (instead of ‘Southampton') will be emblazoned across the stern of each ship.

While there are various reasons for changing the fleet's registry, today's press statement highlighted only the positive -- the fact that Cunard will now be able to offer weddings at sea, fulfilling pent-up demand for couples to tie the knot at a captain-officiated ceremony in the middle of the Atlantic.

Ships flagged in the U.K. are not allowed to offer this service: Under U.K. law, couples can be married on a ship but only when it's in port and only by a minister or other notary. Cunard is at a competitive disadvantage in the lucrative romance market; its sister lines, P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises, as well as the ships of rival Celebrity Cruises are flagged in Bermuda or Malta, allowing them to offer wedding ceremonies at sea.

However, economic reasons most likely also played a part in Cunard's move. Britain's new Equality Act 2010 means that workers from EU countries employed on British-registered ships must be paid wages equal to those of British citizens. While many lines favour Filipino and Indian crew, Cunard employs a lot of dining room waiters and bartenders from Eastern Europe and its increased wage bill no doubt played a part in this decision.

Cunard's three Queens will still use Southampton as their home base, and because they're being registered in Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory, they'll still fly the Red Ensign. The ‘Weddings at Sea' program will kick in after the ships have completed their world cruises early in 2012 and will go on sale this December.

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Cunard Offers Discounts During 5 Day Cruise Sale.

4-21-2011 - In celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s 85th birthday (April 21st) and the historic Royal Wedding next week, Cunard Line announces a special five-day sale on select voyages in honor of these Royal celebrations. On sale April 25th – 29th.

For more information and details....Cunard Cruise Discounts

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Cunard's 3 Queens to Meet in New York for a Royal Rendezvous

1/5/2011 - Cunard's 3 Queens will Meet in New York on January 13, 2011. The Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria will all be in New York and depart together with a splendid fireworks send off. To learn more info and find the best location to observe the events Click Here: http://www.nycruiseinfo.com/News_Article/11-01-04-Three_Queens_NY_Jan_2011.htm

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Cunard's New Queen Elizabeth Features Art and Memorability

Cunard Line’s new Queen Elizabeth debuts on 11 October, the art and memorabilia on board will captivate guests with a unique mix of contemporary art, items from QE2 and the original Queen Elizabeth along with signature art deco pieces.

In addition, Queen Elizabeth’s fine art programme will depart from the art auction format with Cunard’s introduction of a partnership with Clarendon Fine Art, one of the most celebrated new galleries in London’s tony Mayfair district.

“Queen Elizabeth’s artwork reflects Cunard’s distinctive heritage and style with art deco pieces, maritime paintings, and works reflecting our ties to the Royal Family,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “And our partnership with London’s Clarendon Gallery provides an exciting new retail offering for our guests who enjoy contemporary art.”

Art deco flourishes, wood panelling, intricate mosaics, chandeliers and cool marbles will combine to give Queen Elizabeth a design and personality of her own, but with overtones of the late 1930s when her predecessor, the first Queen Elizabeth, was built.

Highlights include:

· An 18.5-foot marquetry panel depicting the port bow of the original Queen Elizabeth, created by David Linley, son of the late Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowdon, and Her Majesty The Queen’s only nephew

· A 30-inch antique 1930s art deco globe by Phillips & Sons situated on a large carved walnut stand in the library

· An art deco mural at the Reception Desk by Academy-Award® winner, author and art deco expert Arnold Schwartzman

Art throughout Queen Elizabeth also celebrates the ship’s predecessors. Examples include the art deco plaques on display at the Tour Desk, listing all the masters of the first Queen Elizabeth and QE2; the murals in The Verandah, inspired by the original Queen Mary Verandah Grill artwork; a tribute to QE2 in the Yacht Club, with striking photos and – from QE2 herself – a silver ship model and a builder’s plaque and bell; and the Midships Bar mural painted by Hollywood scenic artist Marian Westall. Artefacts from the first Queen Elizabeth will also be on display in the Midships Bar.

“Displaying the famous silver QE2 model created by Asprey’s in the early 1970s and displayed for many years on QE2, shows the enduring history of that famous ship,” said Peter Shanks.

Cunard Place, located on Deck 2 near the Queens Room, will feature memorabilia highlighting the relationship between the three Queen Elizabeth liners and Great Britain’s Royal Family, as well as murals based on the Queen Elizabeth and QE2 launch ceremonies painted by Italian artist Diego Bormida.

Housed in the Queens Room are three significant pieces: a bust of Her Majesty The Queen by Oscar Nemon; a replica of the Cunard-commissioned portrait of Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh that was originally on display in Caronia’s main lounge and then was moved to QE2; and a second replica painting of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth by Sir Oswald Birley, commissioned for the original Queen Elizabeth and subsequently displayed on QE2.

Queen Elizabeth will also display paintings paying tribute to Cunard’s history.

Robert Lloyd is one of Europe’s most sought after marine artists, producing visually stunning paintings. His oil mural of three Queens meeting in Southampton, Queen Elizabeth in Sydney Harbour, and printed porthole murals of maritime scenes will all be on display in the Commodore Club, with other works in the forward stairwells.

Known for painting in oils using a palette knife, artist Harley Crossley had seven of his large original paintings of Cunard and White Star ships displayed on one of the stairways on board QE2. His most recent work of art, depicting Queen Elizabeth leaving Southampton, will be on display in the Grand Lobby.

Clarendon on Cunard will ensure that the most collectable contemporary art is available on board to view and to purchase, featuring a superior range of original paintings, limited editions, sculpture and collectors' art books. Rolf Harris originals and limited edition prints are expected to be popular.

The gallery will host events that provide a unique opportunity to meet some of the artists who will bring their work to life on board.

There will also be an area dedicated to collectable artwork surrounding Cunard itself, the Cunarders Gallery. Within this less formal setting, Clarendon will show collections of historical images, vintage travel posters and celebrity photographs, which will be exclusively available to guests of Queen Elizabeth.

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Cunard Takes Delivery of Queen Elizabeth

30 September 2010 – Cunard Line has taken delivery of Queen Elizabeth – the second largest Cunarder ever built and the third new liner for the luxury cruise vacation company in six years.

The Handover Ceremony took place today on board the new 92,400-ton vessel at the Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard. The event included a speech by Cunard President Peter Shanks. The Italian flag was ceremonially lowered and the Blue Ensign was raised, marking the entry of another magnificent Cunard liner into the Register of British Shipping.

“This ceremony to mark the completion of the Queen Elizabeth and our acceptance of delivery, is just the first of a number of significant events over the next few weeks – including the ship’s official naming by Her Majesty The Queen in Southampton on Monday 11 October,” said Shanks. “I’m certain the British will take this truly magnificent ship to their hearts, as they have all the Cunard Queens.”

Queen Elizabeth is due to leave the shipyard on 30 September and sail to Southampton, where she will berth at the Ocean Cruise Terminal on Friday 8 October.

Queen Elizabeth will depart on her Maiden Voyage at 5:00pm on Tuesday 12 October.

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