Queen Mary 2 Drops Anchor in Brooklyn

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On April 15, Cunard Line Moves to New Brooklyn Cruise Terminal

VALENCIA, Calif., April 3 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, April 15, Queen Mary 2 makes New York City's brand-new $52 million Brooklyn Cruise Terminal her berth-of-choice, marking an exciting new chapter in the company's illustrious history. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and a host of other dignitaries will be on hand to welcome the world's most famous ocean liner as she sails into New York and docks in Buttermilk Channel to celebrate the official opening of the new full-service facility at Pier 12 in Red Hook.

"From stunning views of the iconic Manhattan skyline and close-by Statue of Liberty to the streamlined embarkation and disembarkation process, traveling through Brooklyn will create a truly memorable start and end to a legendary Cunard voyage," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line.

The Red Hook facility will be used by Carnival Corporation's Cunard Line and Princess Cruises. In April 2004 the Bloomberg Administration reached a historic agreement with Carnival that calls for the company to support the City's investments in cruise facilities in Brooklyn and Manhattan through port charges in exchange for berthing rights. In its first year of operation, the 182,000-square-foot Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is expected to welcome approximately 40 ships, including the new Crown Princess launching in June 2006. The Terminal adds 330 new, permanent jobs to the Brooklyn waterfront.

"Investing in industries poised for growth and job creation is one of the best ways for us to diversify the economy, and the investments we're making in New York City's booming cruise sector is the latest example," said Mayor Bloomberg. "The completion of the spectacular Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and arrival of the QM2 will be major milestones not only in the expansion of New York City's cruise industry, but also in the growth of Brooklyn's working waterfront."

Now the third largest cruise market in the U.S., New York City has experienced tremendous growth in the cruise industry. The industry had an economic impact of $600 million and supported 3,200 jobs in 2004. Those numbers are expected to reach $900 million and 5,000 jobs by 2012, according to New York City Economic Development Corporation estimates.

The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is the first in the New York area to be designed specifically to accommodate today's larger cruise ships. In addition to deepening the channel, reinforcing moorings and upgrading the gangway, the new facility includes traveler-friendly improvements such as improved signage, landscaping, a tourist kiosk and more attractive glass exterior and canopy.

Queen Mary 2 is the grandest ocean liner ever built. There are 1,310 suites and cabins available in degrees of style and comfort ranging from pampered elegance to almost unimaginable luxury in the ship's famed Grill-level accommodations. Queen Mary 2 brings together like-minded travelers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service(SM), fine dining, sophisticated adventure and legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel.

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 and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

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