Queen Mary 2 to Host British Comedic Legend John Cleese on June 9 Transatlantic Crossing

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VALENCIA, Calif., May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2, the world's most famous ocean liner, will welcome English comedic legend John Cleese as a guest speaker during its June 9-15, 2005 transatlantic crossing from New York to Southampton, England. Joining him as guest speakers are his wife Alyce Faye Cleese, psychotherapist and author of "How to Manage Your Mother," as well as renowned Australian actor and writer Bille Brown who will interview John Cleese as part of the onboard program.

The crossing will feature a series of entertaining programs by John and Alyce Faye Cleese and Bille Brown. In addition to hosting interviews with the Cleeses, Brown will be offering a reading of his dramatic story entitled, "Herself."

"We're delighted to give our guests the opportunity to enjoy the classic comedic genius of John Cleese," commented Jan Swartz, senior vice president of customer service and sales for Cunard Line. "Along with his wife Alyce Faye, and distinguished actor Bille Brown, we're delighted they'll become part of our company's long tradition of hosting notable personalities onboard our ships."

John Cleese is a film and television comic actor whose deadpan wit makes life's routine bothers hilarious. A hilarious piece of Python humor, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," is the basis of the hit new broadway show, "Spamalot," in which Cleese is the voice of God. Other well known films created by the Monty Python troupe include "The Life of Brian" (1979) and "Monty Python's The Meaning of Life" (1983). Screenings of select films from Cleese's repertoire such as "A Fish Called Wanda," "The Meaning of Life" and "Fawlty Towers" will also be shown onboard.

Alyce Faye Cleese, a distinguished psychotherapist with degrees and training from Oklahoma State, Baylor and London Universities, will give a presentation on the topic of her book by the same name "How to Manage Your Mother: Understanding the Most Difficult, Complicated, and Fascinating Relationship of Your Life." Her book examines the relationship with mothers from an adult perspective and offers a practical 10-step plan to improve the relationship. The fascinating book also includes high-profile interviews with Mia Farrow, Hugh Hefner, Lauren Hutton, Mike Nichols, Arianna Huffington and many others.

Bille Brown is one of Australia's most renowned actors and writers and is perhaps best known for his work in Shakespearean theatre. One of his most recent writing accomplishments includes the English pantomime of "Aladdin" which played at the Old Vic in London and starred Ian McKellen. His film credits include "Black & White," "The Dish" and "Oscar & Lucinda."

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 cabins available in degrees of style and comfort ranging from pampered elegance to almost unimaginable luxury. Among the many notable facilities on board Queen Mary 2 are 10 dining venues, including a Mediterranean specialty restaurant run by star chef Todd English, the only spa at sea operated by Canyon Ranch health resorts, the largest ballroom at sea, the largest library at sea, the largest wine collection at sea, a Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar, a two-story theatre, a casino, five indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and children's facilities with British nannies.

Queen Mary 2 will sail 26 Atlantic crossings in 2005 and offers a variety of cruises to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. More records will be broken in winter 2006 when she becomes the largest passenger ship ever to circumnavigate South America with maiden calls planned for the US West Coast and Hawaii. For more information on Queen Mary 2, consult a travel professional, call 1-800-7CUNARD or visit the website at 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 Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 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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