Queen Mary 2 Continues to Enthrall and Enliven With 2005 Enrichment Programs

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Guest Speakers Sponsored by Architectural Digest, House & Garden and New Yorker Featured on Selected Transatlantic Crossings

VALENCIA, Calif., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Guests of Queen Mary 2's transatlantic crossings are in for more than a treat in 2005. In addition to the vessel's much anticipated "Chefs at Sea" program sponsored by Gourmet Magazine, this year's on board enrichment offerings will feature guest speakers sponsored by Architectural Digest, House & Garden and the New Yorker.

Continuing the successful collaboration with Architectural Digest, the ship is pleased to welcome William Stubbs, author of I Hate Red, You're Fired, on the eastbound May 28 transatlantic crossing. Chronicling his design journeys from Acapulco to Moscow, his book illuminates why Architectural Digest hails Stubbs as one of the top 100 Designers today.

The September 20 westbound sailing will see the arrival of celebrity designer Roderick Shade, who counts Star Jones as one of his top clients. Voyaging on November 1 is the final guest speaker of the series, Anthony P. Brown. Another of the magazine's Top 100 Designers, Brown is British by birth but resides in Washington, D.C. and is credited with the spectacular design of Oprah Winfrey's Santa Barbara home.

Cunard is equally excited about two new enrichment program partnerships in 2005. Speakers from House & Garden will include the magazine's Garden Editors Stephen Orr and Charlotte Frieze (on the May 4 and September 2 eastbound sailings, respectively). A self-taught gardener, Orr has been a featured gardening expert on the CBS Early Show and has appeared on numerous national broadcast programs. Frieze, a former landscape architect was responsible for many impressive projects including Disney Boardwalk at Disney World, and the Norman Rockwell Museum.

For avid readers at sea, an exciting New Yorker series showcases an eclectic group of famed authors. On the May 22 voyage, Jonathan Lowy, one of the publication's own writers, will discuss his recently published, fictional New Yorker account of a memorable Cunard voyage, appearing in three installments. The creative piece was featured in January and February alongside a Cunard advertisement; readers are anxiously awaiting the third chapter scheduled for April. Joshilyn Jackson, novelist, playwright, and essayist will engage Queen Mary 2 guests on the September 8 sailing with her unique tales of the South and beyond. Carol Higgins Clark, best selling novelist of eight Regan Reilly mysteries and daughter of famed mystery writer Mary Higgins Clark, will enthrall Queen Mary 2 guests on the October 14 crossing.

"Queen Mary 2's Transatlantic crossings are the perfect platform for our 2005 enrichment programs," says David Gevanthor, vice president of marketing for Cunard Line. "Showcasing the genteel style of the bygone 'salon' -- a cultural exchange on art, design and literature -- guests find inspiration in the stimulating discussion from industry trendsetters."

Due to very popular demand, Cunard Line increased Queen Mary 2's number of transatlantic crossings from 13 in 2004 to 26 in 2005. Prices for transatlantic voyages on May 4, September 8, 20 and October 14 start from $1,649 for a standard inside room up to $24,549 (September 8 & 20) for the ship's most lavish accommodation, the 2,249 sq. ft. Grand Duplex apartment. Staterooms on the May 22 and 28 sailings start from $1,749 and range up to $24,549; July 17 & September 2: $1,899-$24,699; and November 1: $1,599-$24,399.

Queen Mary 2 is the largest (151,400 tons), longest (1,132 feet), tallest (236 feet), widest (135 feet) and most expensive ($800 million) passenger vessel ever built. There are 1,310 suites and staterooms available in degrees of style and comfort ranging from pampered elegance to almost unimaginable luxury.

For more information about Cunard or Queen Mary 2, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to http://www.cunard.com.

Cunard Line has operated the most famous ocean liners in the world since 1840. Cunard vessels have a classic British heritage and include the legendary Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2. Queen Victoria joins the fleet in 2007. Cunard Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Windstar Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together they offer exciting cruise vacations to the world's most desirable locations.

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