Cruise Holidays and Cunard Line News

Here you will find some of the latest news issued by Cunard Line or information about Cruise Holidays Chicago on Magnificent Mile, the Cunard certified cruise travel agency in Chicago and member of Cunard's exclusive group of Inner Circle travel agents.

Cruise Holidays Chicago accepts reservations for Cunard Line 2012 schedule from April 4, 2011 onwards; offers extra shipboard credits

March 28, 2011 - To celebrate the launch of the Cunard Line sailing schedule for 2012 and early 2013, Cruise Holidays Chicago, the certified Cunard Commodore specialist travel agency in Chicago, offers up to $300 additional shipboard credits and reduced deposits on Cunard Line reservations made between April 4 and 11, 2011. These special offers are in addition to already generous Cruise Holidays amenities and benefits offered on most future Cunard cruises and Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossings.

As one of Cunard Line's exclusive Inner Circle travel agencies, Cruise Holidays Chicago can take your Cunard Line reservation for the 2012 schedule from April 4, 2011 onwards. For details, call (773) 549 7447 or (888) 744 7397.

In Recognition of Recent Veterans and Remembrance Day Holidays, Cunard Line Honours Military Personnel with On Board Credit Programme

18 November 2010 - In recognition of those who have served and continue to serve in the military, Cunard Line is promoting its military on board credit programme for active and retired military personnel. The credit, which ranges from $50 to $250 per stateroom depending on the length of the voyage, is available to members of the United States and Canadian armed forces with appropriate service identification.

"In honour of the recent Veterans and Remembrance Day holidays, we commemorate and thank those who have fought around the globe to bring peace and freedom worldwide," said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. "Throughout our 170 year history, we have supported military forces during wartime; today we recognize their dedicated service and hope that this programme provides a small token of our gratitude."

The Line's military personnel on board credit programme is available to active military personnel plus retired and disabled military veterans with proper verification as follows:

* Active personnel currently serving in the following service divisions: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserves, Canadian National Defense (military verification certificate).

* Retired Personnel defined as: Enlisted personnel or officers with a minimum of 20 years of service, medically retired or 100-percent disabled (blue or tan uniformed ID card/Canadian white N.D. 21 ID card).

* Veterans with an Honourable Discharge serving a minimum of two years or six months in an active war zone in any of the United States service divisions listed above or Canadian National Defense (DD 214 plus current photo ID).

The on board credit amount is $50 for voyages six days in length or less, $100 for voyages of seven to 13 days, or $250 for voyages of 14 days or longer, offered on a per stateroom basis.

To request the military personnel on board credit, eligible persons should apply no later than one week prior to the voyage departure date. Guest and sailing information should be accompanied by proof of eligibility and provided to either the guest's travel agent or to Cunard Line. For more details, contact certified Cunard Commodore experts Cruise Holidays Chicago at (773) 549 7447 or (888) 744 7397.

Rob Clabbers of Cruise Holidays Chicago talks about Cruise Travel Safety on FOX TV

As cruise travel specialists, the experts at Cruise Holidays Chicago are frequently invited by the media to provide their insight on the cruise line and travel industry.

On November 12, 2010, FOX TV "Good Day Chicago" invited Rob Clabbers, president of Cruise Holidays Chicago, to speak with anchors Corey McPherrin and Kori Chambers about cruise line safety. (Click the below image to open the FOX Chicago's website in a new window. Click on the play button on that site to start the video.)

Cruise Holidays Chicago invited to Royal Naming Ceremony of Queen Elizabeth

19 October 2010 - Cruise Holidays Chicago was one of Cunard Line's top producing U.S. travel agents who travelled to Southampton, England to attend the Royal Naming Ceremony and related festivities of Cunard Line’s new Queen Elizabeth on 11 October. The group gathered in the ship’s Grand Lobby shortly after Her Majesty The Queen christened the liner in front of more than 1,500 invited guests.

Top producing agents on Queen Elizabeth

Joining some of the top Cunard agents are Cunard executives Jan Swartz, executive vice president of sales, marketing and customer service; as well as Elena Rodriguez, director of charter and incentive sales/national accounts, and Anthony Viciana, regional sales director.

Pictured in the group are (L-R):
- (back row) Mark Kammerer, Rob Swartz, Julian Menken, Anthony Viciana, John Lovell and Rob Clabbers of Cruise Holidays Chicago
- (middle row) Julia Haisley Smith, Elena Rodriguez, Audrey Johnston and Nancy Magee
- (front row) Sabrina Greca, Jackie Friedman, Jan Swartz, Dorothy Reminick, Valerie Wilson and
Elizabeth Langton.

The group posed under the Grand Lobby’s signature art installation depicting the original
Queen Elizabeth. The 18 and a half foot panel was crafted by renowned marquetry artist David Linley, son of the late Princess Margaret and famed photographer, Lord Snowden, and also the only nephew of
Her Majesty The Queen.

Her Majesty the Queen to Name Queen Elizabeth

Cunard Line is pleased to announce that Her Majesty The Queen will name the company’s new Queen Elizabeth, the third Cunard ship to bear the name, at a ceremony to take place in Southampton, England on Monday, 11 October 2010.

The naming will be a milestone in British maritime history and will be a major event of worldwide interest.

“The naming of a Cunard Queen is a very special occasion and this will be an historic event in the true sense of the word,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “The Queen launched Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 in 1967 and named our current flagship, Queen Mary 2, in 2004. We are both honoured and proud that Her Majesty will name our new liner, Queen Elizabeth,” added Shanks.

Her Majesty was also present at the age of 12 at the launch of the first Queen Elizabeth on 27 September 1938 when she accompanied her mother, Queen Elizabeth, to Clydebank for the launch.

The Naming Ceremony will take place in Southampton on Monday, 11 October and Queen Elizabeth will set sail on her Maiden Voyage the following day.

Other historic namings of Cunard ships by British royalty over the Line’s 170-year history include the following:

Her Majesty The Queen, as Princess Elizabeth, launched Caronia, the ‘Green Goddess,’ in 1947.
Her Majesty Queen Mary, wife of King George V, launched Queen Mary in 1934 – and in so doing became the first British Monarch ever to launch a merchant ship. His Majesty King George V accompanied his wife.
The late Queen Mother, as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, launched Queen Elizabeth in 1938. Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret accompanied their mother.
HRH The Princess Margaret launched Carinthia in 1955.
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall named Queen Victoria in Southampton in December 2007. HRH The Prince of Wales was also in attendance.

Introducing the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Company

Upon QUEEN ELIZABETH's October 2010 debut, Cunard will introduce an original concept in theatrical entertainment, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Company – the first and only resident theatre company at sea. Guests will enjoy a brand new repertoire of shows premiered by the Theatre Company's 29 singers, dancers, actors and musicians.

New shows will include the hit Slice of Saturday Night, a nostalgic pastiche of 1960s music. Adapted especially for the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Company by its original writers, the Heather Brothers, Slice of Saturday Night features all of the Theatre Company members – the largest production show that Cunard has ever staged.

Performing in the ship's majestic Royal Court Theatre, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Company will present a compelling variety of musical productions and abridged versions of popular plays such as a Neil Simon triple bill and Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. The Simon show will feature three scenes, one each from some of the playwright's best-loved shows – Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Plaza Suite and
The Odd Couple. At the conclusion of each show, the audience may take part in an informal Q&A session with the actors.

Cunard to Launch Special Relationship Enrichment Programme

New speaker series aboard Queen Mary 2 to focus 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, strengths 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.

In 2010, Cunard offers guests more choices of Transatlantic Crossings, sailing classic six- and seven-day voyages between New York and Southampton, as well as new extended seven-, eight- and nine-day Crossings to Cherbourg, France, and Hamburg, Germany, between April and November. Widely considered the definitive ocean travel experience, a Transatlantic Crossing offers guests a myriad of 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 Partners with The Juilliard School to Present Jazz Performances aboard Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossings in 2010

7 January 2010 – Cunard Line, operator of the most famous ocean liners in the world, is pleased to announce a partnership with The Juilliard School that will present stellar jazz performances on select 2010 eastbound Transatlantic Crossings aboard Queen Mary 2. Students and faculty from Juilliard, which has set America’s standard for education in the performing arts, will perform programmes in the ship’s Royal Court Theatre, treating guests to the best in classic and contemporary jazz. These presentations are part of Cunard’s entertainment and award-winning enrichment programme, which showcases a variety of compelling entertainers – from new and emerging world-class talent to today's most enduring and iconic artists. Last August, Juilliard Jazz scholar Jumaane Smith became the first student from the school to take the stage onboard Queen Mary 2, presenting a trumpet recital that proved to be very popular with the voyage’s guests.

"Our partnership with Juilliard will provide our guests access to outstanding, world class performances, reflecting both the rich history and lineage of Juilliard, as well as Cunard’s ongoing commitment to supporting the arts and to offering our guests exclusive onboard experiences," said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.

“We are honored that a famous and trusted brand such as Cunard has invited Juilliard to help enhance their legendary Transatlantic voyages with the talents of our students and faculty,” said Dr. Laurie A. Carter, the School’s vice president and general counsel, as well as executive director of Jazz Studies. “At Juilliard, we seek to foster the skills of our musicians, while helping them share their gifts with the world. With these special performances, we are proud to be able to provide them the opportunity to do so and, in return, bestow upon them what are sure to be unforgettable journeys.”

Juilliard performers are scheduled for the following Transatlantic voyages (*denotes a Juilliard Jazz faculty member):

15 - 22 April

· Brandon Lee* – Trumpet: One of 18 students admitted to the inaugural class of the Juilliard Institute of Jazz Studies, thus forming the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra. In the fall of 2008, Lee became the youngest member of the Juilliard Jazz faculty as an assistant to the Director of the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra. After spending one year as the Assistant, he has been named the Director of the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra for the fall of 2009.

· Kris Bowers – Piano: Currently a bachelor of music student at The Juilliard School. Since his arrival in New York, Bowers has shared the stage and/or recorded with artists such as Terell Stafford, Mulgrew Miller, Terence Blanchard, Clarence Penn, Carl Allen, Ben Wolfe, Ron Blake, Rodney Jones, Benny Green, Bobby Watson, Kurt Elling, Duane Eubanks, EJ Strickland, Ambrose Akinmusire, Walter Smith and Ingrid Jensen, to name a few.

· Philip Kuehn – Bass: As a member of the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra, he will appear this year at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall. In September 2006, he performed with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra for John Coltrane’s 80th birthday celebration. He also has performed with Dr. Billy Taylor’s Jazz and the New Generation II at the Kennedy Center and the White House.

· Aaron Kimmel – Drums: Currently a bachelor of music student at The Juilliard School, where he studies with Billy Drummond, Kenny Washington and Carl Allen. While in junior high, Kimmel was selected for the Mellon Jazz Festival’s “Swing into Spring All-Star Student Big Band” for three consecutive years. In high school, he was selected for the Pennsylvania All-State Jazz Ensemble in 2005 and 2006.

21 - 28 May

· James Burton – Trombone: A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Jackie McLean’s Institute for Jazz Studies and the Juilliard Jazz Studies Artist Diploma program. Burton recently completed a master of music degree in jazz studies from The Juilliard School, studying with trombone icon Steve Turre. He currently is the Director of Jazz Studies at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah.

7 - 14 June

· Rodney Jones* – Guitar: Hailed by guitar master George Benson as “a legend among musicians,” Jones continues to push the boundaries of modern jazz guitar playing, while at the same time, working with many notable artists, including Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Ruth Brown and Dizzy Gillespie. He currently is the professor of Jazz Guitar Studies at The Juilliard School.

6 - 13 July

· Jeremy Viner – Tenor Saxophone: Recently completed his master of music degree at The Juilliard School. Since moving to New York in 2004, Viner has had the honour to work and perform with many popular musicians in the jazz and new classical music communities.

· Chris Burbank – Trumpet: Since beginning his studies at The Juilliard School, he has been fortunate enough to study with the great Eddie Henderson. Burbank has been honored to share the stage with such jazz icons as Terence Blanchard, Maria Schneider, Benny Green, Mulgrew Miller and Benny Golson.

8 - 22 August

· Michael Cottone – Trumpet: Recently completed his master of music degree at The Juilliard School in New York City. Cottone’s performance experiences include the Downbeat Award-winning Eastman Jazz Ensemble, The Cab Calloway Orchestra, The Grand Hotel Orchestra on Mackinac Island and the Broadway Production of Hair.

· Andrew Gutauskas – Alto Saxophone: Attended the Artist Diploma program at The Juilliard School, where he studied with Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra baritone saxophonist, Joe Temperley. During his short but impressive career, Gutauskas has shared the stage with such artists as Jimmy Heath, Frank Wess, Michael Buble, Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Antonio Hart, Jon Gordon, Tom Harrell, Carl Allen and many others.

12 - 19 September

Juilliard Jazz Faculty Ensemble

· Eddie Henderson* – Trumpet: Has been on the faculty at The Juilliard School since 2007. Henderson received his first few trumpet lessons at the age of nine from Louis Armstrong and went on to study at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Eddie first got worldwide recognition for his jazz-trumpet playing from the popular recordings he made with Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi group during the early 1970s.

· Frank Kimbrough* – Piano: Currently on the Jazz Studies faculty at The Juilliard School and previously taught at The New School University and New York University. Kimbrough has been active on New York’s jazz scene for more than 25 years. He currently is a Palmetto Records artist, with previous recordings as a leader for OmniTone, Soul Note and Mapleshade, and nearly 50 more as a sideman.

· Ben Wolfe* – Bass: Currently on the teaching faculty at The Juilliard School: Jazz Division. Early on in his career, Wolfe performed with Harry Connick, Jr., the Wynton Marsalis Septet and Diana Krall’s touring band. He recently released his fifth album.

· Carl Allen* – Drums: Currently Juilliard Jazz Artistic Director. With more than 200 recordings to his credit, Allen is a drummer, sideman, bandleader, entrepreneur and educator. He has toured and recorded with a number of notable artists, including Freddie Hubbard and The Brecker Brothers. His latest release on the Mack Avenue label is “Work to Do” with co-leader, bassist Rodney Whitaker.

12 – 19 October

· Randall Haywood – Trumpet: Recently received his master of music degree in Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School. At age 15, Haywood joined the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, becoming the youngest member in the prestigious organization. He also has shown his multi-talented skills by performing as a drummer with great artists such as jazz vocalist Nneena Freelon, saxophonist Bill Pierce and pianist/actor Johnnie Oneal.

Queen Mary 2 offers an array of accommodation combining classic Cunard touches with a stylish, refined elegance. The liner's legendary Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites afford guests spacious five-star accommodation and dedicated single-seating dining in the famed Grills Restaurants, along with a private sun terrace and cocktail and concierge lounges. Guests sailing in Britannia category accommodation enjoy gourmet dining prepared by world-class chefs in the Britannia Restaurant, the liner's grand three-tier dining venue. As an added bonus, guests can experience the culinary creativity of celebrity chef Todd English in the first restaurant at sea bearing his name.

Nights are filled with themed Royal Balls and Galas, where guests can dance the night away to a live orchestra in the Queens Room, the largest ballroom at sea. Days are filled with such activities as perusing a vast selection of 8,000 books in the largest library at sea, enjoying traditional afternoon English tea or exploring the cosmos in the only planetarium at sea.

Queen Mary 2's Transatlantic Crossings reflect the pinnacle of civility in ocean travel and refinement. The only company offering regularly scheduled Transatlantic liner service, Cunard is sailing 21 crossings in 2010, singularly offering the New Golden Age of Ocean Travel through such unique Cunard experiences as Cunard Insights, the line's award-winning enrichment programme. The Crossings afford guests opportunities for leisurely pursuits, ranging from wellness in the first Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea to wine tastings with a world-class sommelier.

This year marks the introduction of extended Crossing options. Now, in addition to classic six-day Crossings between New York and Southampton (UK), a seven-day option also is available. Additionally, extended seven-, eight- and nine-day Crossings are offered to Cherbourg (France) and Hamburg (Germany).

To book passage on these very special voyages or on another Transatlantic Crossing aboard Queen Mary 2, consult Cruise Holidays of Chicago or call (888) 744 7397.

Ceremonies Mark the Float Out of the World’s Newest Queen

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Reaches Major Milestone

5 January 2010 – Special ceremonies at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard near Trieste, Italy, were held today to mark the float out of Cunard’s newest liner, Queen Elizabeth. Cunard’s President and Managing Director, Peter Shanks, was joined by 79-year-old Florence (Dennie) Farmer, who served as guest of honour at the event. Dennie’s husband, Willie Farmer, joined Cunard in September 1938 and served as Chief Engineer on both the first Queen Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth 2 until retirement in October 1979. Since her husband’s passing, Dennie has sailed with Cunard many times and her link with the two previous Queen Elizabeth ships is unparalleled. In recognition of this, Cunard has bestowed Dennie with the honour, in Italian tradition, of being “Madrina” to the third Queen Elizabeth.

The first ceremony involved the welding of significant coins beneath the mast of Queen Elizabeth for good luck. Three coins were chosen – a half crown dated 1938 (the year the first Queen Elizabeth was launched), a sovereign dated 1967 (the year Queen Elizabeth 2 was launched) and a sovereign dated 2010 (to acknowledge the new Queen Elizabeth being floated out in 2010).

After the coin ceremony, the focus moved to the dockside, where the liner was blessed and a bottle of Italian prossecco was smashed against the hull by the Madrina. The valves of the dry dock were then opened and the liner met the water for the first time.

“It is only a little over six months since the keel for this great ship was laid. In that short time, a solitary block at the bottom of the dry dock has, as a result of the skill and discipline of the workforce here at Fincantieri, grown into this awe-inspiring vessel,” said Shanks. “Even in her present unfinished state, devoid of the carpets and curtains, furnishings and facilities, paintings and porcelain that we associate with a Cunard luxury liner, she is awesome. Of our 170 years of history, there has been an ‘Elizabeth’ in the fleet for more than 70 and this ship – the second largest Cunarder ever built –will take the name far into the 21st Century.”

Queen Elizabeth will feature many unique Cunard traditions linking her with her sisters, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, and their predecessors. It also will feature all the modern day luxuries Cunard’s guests have come to expect. Additionally, there will 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.

As successor to Queen Elizabeth 2, the ship will also reflect this great liner through artwork and memorabilia, and its very own “Yacht Club.” Queen Elizabeth will acknowledge the links that Cunard has enjoyed with royalty and the maritime world over the years with photography, memorabilia and exhibits.

Queen Elizabeth’s Maiden Voyage, now sold out, will depart on Tuesday12 October 2010. This 13-night celebration will leave from the company’s home port in Southampton (UK), and will call at Vigo, Lisbon, Cadiz, Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (overnight call) and Funchal.

Her Maiden Season will run from October 2010 to January 2011 and include voyages to the Western and Central Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Fares for the ship’s 13-day Iberian Discovery voyage start from $2,620 per person, based on double occupancy. Departing roundtrip from Southampton on December 1, Queen Elizabeth will visit Vigo, Lisbon, Cadiz, Grand Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma and Madeira.

Queen Elizabeth will depart Southampton on 5 January 2011 on her 103-night epic Maiden World Voyage, which has just opened for sale. This tour will feature 35 maiden calls, including Cunard’s first call ever at Port Denarau (Fiji). In total, Queen Elizabeth will call at 38 ports in 23 countries as she makes her way west around the globe, with maiden transits of both the Panama and Suez Canals and calls at Los Angeles, Auckland, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and Lisbon.

Queen Elizabeth will be in great company, as her sisters will be on hand for several Cunard Royal Rendezvous meetings during the voyage: she will sail in tandem en route to New York with Queen Victoria before all three Cunard Queens meet in New York on 13 January; she will meet Queen Mary 2 in Sydney on 22 February and in Civitavecchia on 13 April; and she will meet Queen Victoria again in Aruba on 19 January.

Cunard’s Newest Queen Receives Her Legendary Name

23 November 2009 – For more than 70 years, Cunard ships graced with the name Queen Elizabeth have been a significant part of maritime history, British heritage and an unparalleled cruise liner experience. And now, with less than a year to go until her maiden voyage, the legendary letters that will identify the newest addition to Cunard’s regal fleet of Queens have been welded onto the bow of Queen Elizabeth at the Fincantieri yard in Trieste, Italy.

“It is a rare honour for any ship to bear the name Queen Elizabeth, and as I saw the famous name being welded to the bow, I was overcome by the historical significance,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “A milestone such as this only continues to build on the already wide anticipation of the debut of our gracious new Cunarder.”

Limited space is still available on voyages for Queen Elizabeth’s maiden 2010 season, comprised of six legendary voyages, calling on 32 distinct ports in 18 countries. Her Maiden Voyage, now sold out, will depart from Cunard’s homeport of Southampton, U.K., on 12 October 2010, en route to the Atlantic Isles.

For more information about Cunard and to book a voyage aboard Queen Elizabeth, contact Cruise Holidays of Chicago, your Chicago area officially certified Cunard Line expert travel agents.

Cunard Named “Top Overall” Large Cruise Line in Zagat Survey

23 November 2009 – ZAGAT Survey, the world’s most trusted source for information about where to eat, drink, stay and play around the globe, released results of its first cruise line survey naming Cunard top overall large cruise line, taking highest honours in Cabins, Service, Dining and Facilities. Cunard, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, also received the highest rankings within its category for best Spa Services, Shopping, Itinerary Choices and Casinos.

“We are normally modest about the accolades that come our way. However, to be recognized by travellers who have sailed with us is a testament to the very high standard of service and the quality experiences delivered by our teams onboard,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “With increasing anticipation for the arrival of our new Queen Elizabeth in October 2010, Cunard Line is a growing force in luxury cruising. These accolades reflect the view of our loyal valued guests and give further confidence to our travel agent partners who are introducing their clients to Cunard for the first time.”

The survey, conducted on Zagat.com, covered 22 major cruise lines as voted on by surveyors who had taken nearly 22,700 separate cruises. In addition to individually rating the Cabins, Service, Dining, Facilities and Shipboard Activities of cruise lines in three categories – large ships (1,500+ passengers), mid-size ships (200 to 1,500) and small ships (less than 200) – Zagat surveyors were asked to rank the cruise lines in several areas including “Top Casinos/Gambling” and “Top Itinerary Choices.”

A complete listing of Zagat’s cruise line survey results can be viewed at http://www.zagat.com/cruiselines.

For more information about Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth and to book a voyage, consult your Cruise Holidays of Chicago certified Cunard Commodore experts.

Cunard's Carol Marlow to manage P&O Cruises

20 July 2009 - Carol Marlow, President of Cunard Line will become Managing Director of P&O Cruises, Cunard’s UK sister brand and Britain’s largest cruise line, effective today. Peter Shanks, who has worked closely with Cunard for over some 7 years will succeed Ms. Marlow.

Construction of new Queen Elizabeth begins

2 July 2009 – Today a ceremony to mark the keel laying of Cunard Line’s new Queen Elizabeth was held at the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste, Italy. The second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Elizabeth’s keel is the third Cunard has lain in the space of seven years. When she enters service in October 2010, she will join Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria as not only the most famous ocean liners in the world but also the youngest fleet in passenger travel.

The keel laying involves the placement in the dry dock of the first section of the ship’s hull. This section is made up of six pre-manufactured blocks, weighs 364 tons and is fitted with 104 tons of pipes, cables, insulation and other equipment.

The ceremony followed an intensive period of design and development. Fifty-three sections will be used in the construction of Queen Elizabeth and she will take to the water for the first time at her float out in December.

“We are delighted to be back here among our friends at Fincantieri so soon after we took delivery of Queen Victoria in 2007—the first Cunarder to be built in Italy—and I am sure that Queen Elizabeth will be just as popular and successful as her two sister ships,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. “We at Cunard are always impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm of everyone at Fincantieri, and we look forward to the next year-and-a half of working closely with them on this ship, which will be nurtured by their skill and vision and built into a vessel equal in stature to the other great Cunard liners,” she added.

Paolo Capobianco, director of Fincantieri Shipyard, said, “Our company is the heir to the Italian shipbuilding industry and the world leader in cruise ship construction and believes, as Cunard does, in the possibility and the need of actively matching tradition and innovation. Building a new liner for Cunard is a special achievement for Fincantieri and takes us right to our roots, fostering both our determination to build once again a passenger ship of high technological content and unmistakable style, reflecting the best of the industry and tailored to the needs and requirements of the ship owner.”

Queen Elizabeth will feature the 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 and some exciting features that will give the vessel her own style and personality.

Named after the first Queen Elizabeth, one of Cunard’s greatest ships, 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, 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.

Furthermore, in addition to the extensive Cunard entertainment programme on board, Queen Elizabeth will offer some unique strands inspired by the era of the first Queen Elizabeth, such as country house parties at sea, evening piano sing-a-longs and period dancing, from traditional ballroom to the jitterbug and the jive, all within the setting of this 21st century ship.

As successor to Queen Elizabeth 2, the ship will also reflect this great liner through artworks and memorabilia and its very own “Yacht Club.”

Queen Elizabeth will also pay homage to the links that Cunard has enjoyed with royalty and the maritime world over the years with photography, memorabilia and exhibits.

Queen Elizabeth will depart on her Maiden Voyage on 12 October 2010—a voyage which sold out in a record-breaking 29 minutes 14 seconds in April 2009. This 13-night celebration will leave from Cunard’s home port of Southampton and will call at Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Seville (Cadiz), Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, an overnight call), La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma) and Madeira (Funchal).

Her Maiden Season will run from October 2010 to January 2011 and include voyages to the Western and Central Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Fares start from just $1,195 per person for the five-night 26 November 2010 Gallic Debut voyage with ports of call at Amsterdam, Zeebrugge and Le Havre; while the 13-night Iberian Discovery voyage departing 1 December 2010 features fares from $2,395 per person, with ports of call at Vigo, Lisbon, Seville, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma and Madeira.

The world’s newest ocean liner will depart Southampton on 5 January 2011 on her 103-night epic Maiden World Voyage, which has just been released for sale. This will see her make 35 maiden calls, including Cunard’s first call ever at Port Denarau (Fiji). In total, Queen Elizabeth will call at 38 ports in 24 countries as she makes her way west around the globe, with maiden transits of both the Panama and Suez Canals and calls at Los Angeles, Auckland, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and Lisbon. Queen Elizabeth will be in great company as her sisters will be present on several occasions during the voyage: she will sail in tandem to New York with Queen Victoria before all three Queens will meet for a Cunard Royal Rendezvous in New York on 13 January 2011; and then she meets with Queen Mary 2 in Sydney and Civitavecchia and Queen Victoria again in Aruba. Full World Voyage fares aboard Queen Elizabeth start from $19,995; Queen Elizabeth’s Segment World Voyage fares start from $2,545. Fares are based per person, double occupancy.

For more information and to book a voyage aboard the new Queen Elizabeth, contact Cruise Holidays of Chicago at (888) 744 7397 or (773) 549 7447.

Cruise Holidays of Chicago now accepts reservations for Cunard 2011 World Cruises

Cunard has announced its 2011 World Cruise itineraries on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth. Call us now to ensure you are amongst the first to book and benefit from 10% additional savings, shipboard credits and other world cruise benefits.

Cruise Holidays of Chicago offers cruise updates and offers on Twitter

Interested in cruise travel? Go to www.twitter.com/888ShipExperts and follow our latest quick cruise updates and offers.

Cruise Holidays of Chicago accepts reservations for Cunard 2010 itineraries

Cruise Holidays of Chicago can now make reservations for 2010 itineraries on Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and the maiden season voyage of Queen Elizabeth. Transatlantic sail dates have been added to the Transatlantic Cruises page.

Cruise Holidays of Chicago accepts reservations for Cunard's new Queen Elizabeth from April 1, 2009

In preparation for the Maiden Season of Queen Elizabeth, the latest Cunard liner to join the fleet in October 2010, Cruise Holidays of Chicago is accepting reservations on the first six introductory cruises from April 2, 2009 onwards. Cunard World Club members and past passengers may book as early as April 1, 2009. Itineraries are now listed on our Europe Cruises page.

James Taylor Live in Concert on QM2, June 19, 2009

James Taylor will present two Cunard Command Performances aboard Queen Mary 2's June 19 Crossing from New York to Southampton. Be a part of this very extraordinary entertainment programming event by reserving your stateroom today – this voyage is certain to sell out. During The Crossing, guests will have the chance to join a live Q&A interview by our Entertainment Director, where Mr. Taylor will talk about his award-winning career and the Summer European Tour he will begin after his arrival in England.

Queen Mary 2®, the grandest ocean liner at sea, is the ultimate way to experience The New Golden Age of Ocean Travel in the classic tradition of a Transatlantic Crossing. Treat yourself to a six-day journey filled with a variety of pleasurable pursuits and civilised service in a refined atmosphere. It is a timeless adventure aboard a magnificent ocean liner, reminiscent of the regal floating palaces of the past.

Political satirist Christopher Buckley to sail aboard QM2's November 5, 2009 sailing

February 12, 2009 - Award-winning author and political satirist Christopher Buckley has joined the distinguished list of literary luminaries scheduled to sail aboard Cunard Line's flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2. He will be aboard the November 5 Transatlantic Crossing from New York to Southampton. Hailed as "the quintessential political novelist of our time" by Fortune magazine, Buckley will be a featured guest of Cunard Insights, Cunard's acclaimed onboard enrichment programme which, this year, will host notable authors such as E.L. Doctorow, Erica Jong and Amy Bloom. Like his literary contemporaries, Buckley will deliver a series of lectures, Q&A discussions, readings and book signings during his voyage aboard Queen Mary 2.

"Buckley's political insight and 'insider intelligence' promise an engaging and entertaining experience for our guests," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. "His humourous take on Washington's political life is always fresh and appealing and we know his unique brand of wit will resonate with our guests."

A cum laude graduate of Yale University, Buckley has been awarded the Thurber Prize for Literary Excellence and the Thurber Prize for American Humor. He has written fourteen books, including God Is My Broker, The White House Mess, No Way to Treat a First Lady, Little Green Men, Florence of Arabia, Boomsday and Supreme Courtship, his newest work. His book, Thank You for Smoking, was made into a major motion picture starring Aaron Eckhart and Robert Duvall. Buckley is the founding editor of Forbes FYI (now ForbesLife) and is currently the magazine's editor-at-large. A former managing editor of Esquire magazine (at the age of 24) and chief speechwriter to Vice President George H.W. Bush (at age 29), Buckley has written more than 60 comic essays for The New Yorker and writes regularly for the New York Times.

The November 5 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 Canyon Ranch SpaClub, the famed Princess and Queens Grill accommodations, restaurants and lounges and the first Todd English restaurant at sea.

Cunard has long been the line-of-choice for travelers with a passion for literature. Cunard was the first company to install a library aboard a passenger vessel and, today, Queen Mary 2 continues the tradition with the largest library at sea, a two-story space with two librarians and more than 8,000 books. Cunard also features an onboard Book Club.

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, debates, 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 Cunarder, Cunard World Club Past Passenger Magazine, Winter 2009

Past Passengers of Cunard regularly receive a magazine full of Cunard information, travel suggestions and of course excellent offers. As your Cunard cruise travel agent, we have access to all of these fares and offers. To take a look at the latest version of The Cunarder, click to download the pdf file. Please note that the special offers listed here are only available to Cunard Past Passengers, but we will be happy to find you other offers.

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 Celebrates Fifth Birthday

Historic Voyages from $745 per person

January 8, 2009 - Queen Mary 2, the grandest ocean liner ever built and, since the retirement of QE2, the fastest passenger ship in the world, celebrates her fifth birthday on January 12, 2009. And with 2009 fares for Transatlantic Crossings starting from just $745 per person, there is no better time to join the half a million other guests who have so far enjoyed Cunard’s flagship.

Queen Mary 2 entered service in January 2004 just four days after being named by Her Majesty The Queen during the most spectacular naming ceremony Southampton, her home port, had ever seen. Since that historic entry into service, Queen Mary 2 has sailed almost 750,000 nautical miles, completed 104 Atlantic crossings (the route for which she was specifically built, the first passenger ship to be built for that trade in 35 years), and made calls to 115 ports in 45 countries. She will spend her fifth birthday in the Caribbean.

Since becoming Cunard’s flagship in May 2004, taking over the mantle from QE2, Queen Mary 2 has also become one of the most celebrated ships in the world and successfully continues the Cunard passenger liner tradition established almost 170 years ago.

“This is an important milestone for Queen Mary 2 and we are very proud of her many achievements,” said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard Line. “In her young life, Queen Mary 2 has attracted thousands of well-wishers in many ports around the world, achieving iconic status.”

To mark her fifth birthday, Queen Mary 2 will undertake a “lap of honour” around the UK departing from Southampton on October 15, 2009. This will be her first voyage around Britain, a journey that became so popular for QE2 to undertake as crowds came out to welcome her in every port. It is expected that Queen Mary 2, as the flagship of the British merchant fleet, should continue this Cunard tradition. This voyage will feature maiden calls for Queen Mary 2 at Greenock and Liverpool - ports which have close historic ties with Cunard.

"Cunard is one of the oldest names in shipping; however, we currently are sailing the youngest fleet in the industry which we are poised to continue upon the new Queen Elizabeth’s debut in 2010," Marlow added.

For more information and to book a voyage aboard Queen Mary 2, consult your Cruise Holidays of Chicago Cunard certified travel agent at (773) 549 7447, call toll-free 1-888-744 7397 or go to www.CunardCommodore.com.

Cunard’s Storied Transatlantic Crossings to Feature Literary Luminaries

Guests aboard select 2009 Queen Mary 2 voyages will get up-close-and-personal with award-winning authors, playwrights and poets

January 6, 2009 – In 2009, guests sailing a Transatlantic Crossing aboard Cunard’s flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2 will have an opportunity to meet and mingle with some of the literary world’s most fascinating personalities. Among the best-selling authors and playwrights scheduled to sail are E.L. Doctorow, Erica Jong, Amy Bloom, John Guare and Susan Cheever. They are among several celebrated, award-winning authors who are set to infuse Cunard Insights, the line’s top-rated onboard enrichment programme, with a dose of literary lore from April through September, 2009. Guests can look forward to engaging Q&A discussions, lectures, book signings and readings with select titles to be featured in the Cunard Book Club.

“Our Transatlantic Crossing is a most storied voyage and therefore it is quite fitting to feature these literary luminaries to engage and delight our guests,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. “Queen Mary 2 is the only ocean liner in the world providing regularly scheduled service between New York and Southampton. A Cunard voyage across the Atlantic truly epitomizes the new Golden Age of Ocean Travel, and the addition of these renowned authors will further enhance an experience that is already considered one of the most thrilling journeys in the world.”

Among the authors scheduled to sail are:

Kathryn Harrison – April 20, 2009 (Southampton to New York)
A prolific author, Harrison has published six novels, three memoirs, a travelogue, a biography and a book of true crime. A frequent reviewer for The New York Times Book Review, Harrison also writes personal essays that have been included in many anthologies and have appeared in The New Yorker, Harper's Magazine, Vogue, O Magazine, More, Bookforum and other publications.

Oscar Hijuelos – May 8, 2009 (New York to Southampton)
American novelist Hijuelos is the first Hispanic to win a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. His first novel, Our House in the Last World, was published in 1983 and received the 1985 Rome Prize, awarded by the American Academy in Rome. His second novel, The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love, received the 1990 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. It was adapted for the film The Mambo Kings in 1992 and as a Broadway musical in 2005.

Rita Dove – May 25, 2009 (Southampton to New York)
An American poet and author of American Smooth, Dove was the second African American poet to win the Pulitzer Prize (1987). From 1993 to 1995, she served as the second Black and the youngest Poet Laureate of the United States and Poetry Consultant to the Library of Congress. Her next book, Sonata Mulatica, will be published in April.

E. L. Doctorow – May 31, 2009 (New York to Southampton)
Doctorow is the author of several critically acclaimed novels that blend history and social criticism. Although he had written books for years, it was the publication of The Book of Daniel in 1971 that earned him notoriety. His next book, Ragtime, was a commercial and critical success. As of 2006, he held the Glucksman Chair in American Letters at New York University. His personal papers are held by the Fales Library at NYU.

Erica Jong – June 13, 2009 (Southampton to New York)
Erica Jong is a poet, novelist and essayist best known for her eight best-selling novels, including Fear of Flying and her mid-life memoir Fear of Fifty. Sheis also the author of six award-winning collections of poetry. She is a frequent lecturer in the US and abroad.

Susan Cheever – June 25, 2009 (Southampton to New York)
Daughter of John Cheever and sister of Benjamin Cheever, Cheever is an author whose books include My Name is Bill - Bill Wilson: His Life and the Creation of Alcoholics Anonymous, a biography of Alcoholics Anonymous cofounder Bill Wilson; Home Before Dark, a memoir about her father, John Cheever; Note Found in a Bottle, a memoir of her own alcoholism and recovery; Treetops: A Memoir; as well as five novels: Looking for Work, A Handsome Man, The Cage, Doctors and Women and Elizabeth Cole.

Amy Bloom – July 6, 2009 (New York to Southampton)
An American writer, Bloom has been nominated for the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award. In addition to novels Away and Love Invents Us, Bloom has written articles in periodicals including The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic Monthly, Vogue, Slate and Salon.com. Her short fiction has appeared in The Best American Short Stories, The O. Henry Prize Stories and several other anthologies, and has won a National Magazine Award.

Brad Gooch – July 30, 2009 (New York to Southampton)
Gooch is an American writer and current Professor of English at William Paterson University in New Jersey. His novels include Zombie 00, Billy Idol and Scary Kisses.

John Guare – September 8, 2009 (New York to Southampton)
An American playwright, Guare is best known as the author of The House of Blue Leaves, Six Degrees of Separation and Landscape of the Body. His style, which mixes comic invention with an acute sense of the failure of human relations and aspirations, is at once cruel and deeply compassionate.

In 2009, Queen Mary 2 marks her fifth year of service with an extended Transatlantic season including more than 20 classic six-day voyages between New York and Southampton, two voyages between New York and Hamburg and two voyages between Boston and Southampton. Cunard’s iconic Transatlantic Crossing offers guests the classic ocean travel experience with an abundance of sea days affording guests the luxury of time to enjoy myriad leisurely, health & wellness, gourmet dining and intellectual pursuits.

Cunard has long been synonymous with onboard enrichment and was the first company to install a library aboard a passenger vessel - on the Bothnia in 1874. Queen Mary 2 continues this tradition with the largest library at sea filled with more than 8,000 books.

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, debates, social gatherings and workshops, guests connect with personalities 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.

For more information and to book a voyage aboard Queen Mary 2, consult your Cruise Holidays of Chicago Cunard certified travel agent at (773) 549 7447, call toll-free 1-888-744 7397 or go to www.CunardCommodore.com.

For More Information and Current Availability:

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