Guest Blog: Lisa Page – New Media Executive

Hello All

It’s been a very exciting week here in our online team and I wanted to share a couple of things that I thought you might find interesting…

We have created an infographic – an image full of fun facts and figures about Transatlantic Crossings on board Queen Mary 2. Did you know that the most purchased cocktail is a Classic Dry Martini? Or that we bake over 6000 fresh scones on each crossing? You can see the full sized image here . It has been a real talking point on our twitter and facebook pages!

An Interactive facebook Crossing

Laura from our team here in Southampton is currently hosting an interactive Transatlantic Crossing on our facebook page. Every day between 2-10 January she is posting Queen Mary 2’s Daily Programme for our fans to choose her activities and dining choices, she is then reporting back with the photos in the album on facebook.

The voyage started with a stay at the Marriott Marquis in New York on 2 January, where the facebook Cunarders suggested that Laura take in the sights and a spot of retail therapy. With 24 hours in New York before joining Queen Mary 2, Laura managed to see Central Park, the Rockefeller Centre, Grand Central Terminal and the Empire State Building. You can see the photos here

On day 1 of the crossing the fans have voted on room service breakfast, an Insights lecture from Eamonn Gearon and the Black and White Ball in the Queens Room.

The sea conditions are moderate, with an outside temperature of 6 degrees – there was even snow on the balcony on Day 1! So far they have travelled 747 nautical miles and have 2495 left to go to reach Southampton. Join in the fun this week, vote for your activity choices and ask any questions you have about Queen Mary 2 or the legendary Transatlantic Crossing:

www.facebook.com/cunard

Guest Blog: Mike Pearse, ITV News

We left Southampton for Queen Mary 2’s latest voyage to New York on a dark and damp Thursday, November 10th, 2011. But this trip has been anything but dark and damp.

This is the first time I have travelled on the ship since her fifth birthday trip around the UK. And first impressions are that standards are higher than ever and have not only been met but exceeded. From the moment you board the ship you are treated with first class service.

Staterooms are spotless and those who attend to you could not be more friendly. They are happy to bring you anything you require and nothing seems a fuss.

I am on this crossing to film some reports for ITV News in the UK. They will be broadcast next April as part of a series looking at how safety and travel from Southampton to New York by sea has changed over the years since the Titanic one hundred years ago.

Many of the fellow guests have been on QM2 many times before and they tell me they can’t wait to get underway. The safety drill over it is time to change for drinks and dinner. In the Britannia Restaurant we are greeted, just like everywhere else on this ship, with high quality service, smiles and a first class attitude. As ever our food and wine is what you would expect in a top London hotel and when one in our party asks for something not on the menu it is never any trouble. This ship has a very can do attitude you do not often experience even in many of our top dining places at home.

But this is just the start and I am pleased to report as we near the end of our trip things have not changed but got even better. Staff right around the ship maintain the highest standards and are a credit to Cunard.

The Master and officers have kept us fully informed all the way of our progress and the Captain’s Reception saw drinks and canapés of a mouth-watering standard. Captain Kevin Oprey took time to talk to guests and pose for photos and then spent far longer than I had expected talking with those who attended.

As the days have continued we have dined in Todd English and found the food exceptional. The staff were, as we have come to expect, expert in knowing what is on the menu. A nice added touch was meeting the chef who prepared our meal. The chicken and fish courses are to be recommended.

At every step of the way we have found standards maintained and exceeded. My uncle has a saying “keep it First Class” and it certainly has been that.

As for things to do on board the problem is fitting them into your busy schedule.

Eating plays a great part from the buffet breakfasts to full English, lunch at a number of venues to the formal evening meals food is one thing you can not fault.

Lectures have been extremely informative.  From one about earthquakes and tsunamis by Dr. Keith Johnson to the work of the RNLI by Martin Woodward MBE, they have been well attended and liked by fellow guests. Classical performances by Kerenza Peacock and Alison Farr were brilliant and the vocals of David Shannon showed West End quality. We have also heard international band VIBZ and Roger McQuinn from the Byrds has been telling us about the history of the band.

Many varied films on board have entertained cinema goers but one very good event was the Bizet Opera Carmen in 3D. It was nothing short of brilliant and sure to be a big hit. Harry Potter is also being shown before we arrive in New York, again in 3D.

It was pleasing that we marked Remembrance Day both on November 11th, at 11am and with a special service on Sunday. Many of us on board were determined not to forget. We were allowed to remember with pride.

You have to mention the weather. It was a little rough during the first couple of days but soon became calm with a mostly moderate sea. A very good crossing for the time of year.

One could go on forever writing about every minute of every day but being on QM2 is something you have to experience. What is so impressive is how many people on board have been not once, or twice but six, seven or eight times. Some will only have a few hours in New York for lunch and return straight away. That is how much they love this ship.

Dining on the Captains table was a great end to our week at sea. A visit to the Bridge to hear the whistle blown at noon was also very exciting. Another visit was behind the scenes to the kitchens on board. It is a massive operation to cook and prepare so many meals and the planning is often done weeks in advance to make sure everything remains up to standard. By my maths an average crossing has 3,700 passengers and crew and totals some twelve thousand meals a day. It is a major challenge but one executed so well.

So to sum up this has been a trip which has seen Cunard keep up its exceptional service and standards. Cunard does keep it First Class and does rule the waves between Southampton, New York and the rest of the world.

I left you last after my and the National Symphony Orchestra’s first performances of our American Evening on board the magnificent Queen Mary 2. It was appreciated by all the guests, but most of all by the many Americans travelling with us.

Our next performances were as keenly looked forward to, not just by the guests but also the orchestra. This was going to be a British Evening and therefore would comprise famous music from the United Kingdom, finishing with “Jerusalem,” “Rule Britannia” and “Land of Hope and Glory.” We would turn, temporarily at least, The Royal Court Theatre into The Royal Albert Hall.

To help us, the orchestra and I had two volunteer choirs, made up of guests on board who rehearsed and then performed before their friends and family and other guests. We were wonderfully inundated with volunteers and in the end had nearly 200 guests singing in the two choirs. The second rehearsal was no different from the first, which I talked about in Part One. There was lots of laughing and good-natured banter between the choir members and me, but ultimately lots of work to prepare them for singing in four-part harmony – some of them for the first time!

The song I had chosen for them was the Cunard anthem: “Amazing Grace,” that extraordinary hymn to freedom, written by John Newton. The last rehearsal was with the orchestra, and in the afternoon of the final sea day, we were ready!

At the first performance, the Royal Court Theatre was packed with guests waiting to hear 90 of their fellow guests give their all. I was nervous for them, as many were singing in public for the first time. But I need not have worried – they were magnificent, as I knew they would be!

For the second performance, word must have spread, as guests started finding their seats fully 50 minutes before the performance was due to begin. The stage was even more crowded for the second performance – never has the stage been so packed! They were equally magnificent as the choir in the first performance.

All too soon the shows were over and everybody had to go back to their staterooms and pack their bags. The orchestra and I loved the whole experience. The enthusiasm with which the audience joined in with the participation numbers, the joy with which the two choirs sang, and the feeling of elation we all had afterwards with two shows well performed and brilliantly received, was wonderful.

In fact, I enjoyed the voyage so much, I returned on Queen Mary 2’s 23 October Crossing to do it all again.  This time with my wife and children, I had as good a time as I did on the previous voyage.

Day 1

New York City – it was a bright, sparkling morning and as the car headed across the Brooklyn Bridge, I caught a sight of Queen Mary 2 alongside Pier 12 at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. I was on my way to join Queen Mary 2, feeling very honoured to have been invited to sail as the Ambassador for the Cunard World Club for the voyage from New York to Southampton. Minutes later we checked in at the large and efficient terminal and shortly after boarded the magnificent Queen Mary 2. I had not been on board since 2006, and my first impression, as I entered the ship on 3 Deck, along the line of staff waiting to assist and direct,  was how beautifully maintained the ship looked, immaculate everywhere.  

Soon it was time for boat drill, and then up to Deck 8 Aft for sailaway.  It was such a beautiful afternoon, the skyline of New York and the Statue of Liberty outlined clearly against a backdrop of bright blue sky – a perfect picture postcard.   Gradually the skyline grew smaller, we were clearing the Verrazano Bridge (always a breathtaking moment for those watching the mast and funnel going under – will there be sufficient space?) and then heading into the North Atlantic for Voyage M120, another Transatlantic crossing and part of the long tradition of Cunard since they started regular voyages on this vast ocean in 1840.

 

Day 2

This morning, Paul O’Loughlin, the Entertainment Director, kindly invited me to be a guest on his TV show  ‘Wake up With Paul’, a lively and fun  entertainment  to start the day. The weather was perfect and soon many guests were up on deck. After UK Immigration Inspection, I joined the Solo Travellers Welcome Get-Together, and was delighted to meet Mrs Maxine Bernstein, who has sailed on Cunard ships for many years, besides meeting other guests, some of whom were sailing for the first time.  The ballroom dance class is always a great venue for meeting and mixing with guests – today we did the waltz.  The class was very full, but Anthony and Kristina quickly got everyone dancing with their expert tuition and organisation.  During the afternoon I went to the Needlework and Knitting interest corner – always a sociable and fun occasion (and good for me to continue my counted cross stitch project which I’m slowly completing!). As ever the Entertainment Programme was full, two busy events being the Planetarium shows and a maritime lecture on Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth.

 

This evening Commodore Rynd held two receptions for Britannia Restaurant guests in the Queens Room and I then hosted a dinner table with the Deputy Captain, Robert Camby.  Mr and Mrs Robert Poda and Mr Thomas Fitch were some of the guests that we welcomed to the table this evening.

Day 3

This morning I took part in the first of the RADA workshops.  The Queens Room was packed but the RADA team quickly organised everyone into groups for movement and storytelling.  It was enormous fun, I met up with many guests and it was much enjoyed by everyone.  Do join a workshop when you travel again.  A lecture was given by the journalist and war correspondent, Martin Bell, which drew a full house.  Once more, the weather was lovely and my day slipped away mingling with guests at the Cha Cha Cha class, tea in the Queens Room and at the Commodore’s Reception for Grill guests. This evening it was lovely to welcome, among others, Mr and Mrs Benford and Mr and Mrs Grayson to dinner in the Britannia Restaurant.  After dinner I caught some of the Royal Cunard Singers and Dancers production ‘Viva Italia’.

Day 4

This morning I gave a Cunard World Club presentation in the Royal Court Theatre, an account of my many years working with Cunard Line and some of the people, ships and events that have been part of that story.  An Art Talk on the life and works of Rolf Harris was one of the many events for today, and guests were out enjoying deck sports as the weather continues to be warm. I’ve spent some time this afternoon wandering the outside decks, socialising with guests.  This evening, Mrs Martha Hufford, Mr Charles Warder and Mr Michael Comer, who have been travelling for many years with Cunard, were among the guests at dinner.

Day 5

Another great RADA workshop (each group acting out their various interpretations of Red Riding Hood!), followed by a lesson in jive dancing, both events attended by large numbers. As ever, the Daily programme was full of activities including Bridge, Art Class and Trivia.

This evening I attended the Cunard World Club Reception, a lovely occasion, when I was delighted to make the presentation to the Top Sailor of the voyage, Mrs Maxine Bernstein, who has accumulated a magnificent total of 2253 days sailing on Cunard ships.  I again hosted a table – there always seems to be such a lively exchange of conversation, making us one of the last to leave the restaurant!

Day 6

This afternoon a Wine Tasting was organised for Platinum and Diamond Cunard World Club members.  We tasted five wines and the sommeliers, all very experienced and knowledgeable, gave in-depth descriptions of each wine and its background.  The participants really enjoyed the event! Later I went to the Tea Dance in the Queens Room, combining the traditional Cunard white glove afternoon tea experience with the Queens Room Orchestra.  Couples floated round the floor some ladies in dance dresses – an elegant occasion.  This evening I met John Smith, the Environmental Officer, and together we hosted a table in the restaurant. After dinner, I watched the Ascot Ball Hat Parade in the Queens Room – always fun to see the entries for the show, some of them very ingenious, particularly a lady with a model of Queen Mary 2 on her head – lit up!

Day 7

Commodore Rynd’s Interdenominational Church Service took place this morning in the Royal Court Theatre.  I was honoured to be asked to read at the service – some verses from the Book of Revelation.  During my years with Cunard, there has always been a church service conducted by the Master of the ship – one of the lovely Cunard traditions that endures to this day.

 A small gift has been sent to the cabins, specially created for the Cunard World Club voyages of 2011, plus a certificate signed by the Commodore, the artwork showing the route of the voyage.

The last afternoon has passed quickly and walking on deck at about 6.15pm, one could see in the distance the Isles of Scilly, the first land since departing the coast of the United States – our transatlantic crossing is almost over and the real world is at hand!

Tomorrow Queen Mary 2 will dock at Southampton.  As ever, I am so very impressed and proud of this great Cunard ocean liner.  The crew, as always, are the best, their level of commitment and standards are constantly upheld in true Cunard tradition.  The ship looked lovely, her spacious public areas immaculately maintained.  The cuisine was superb and the Daily Programme of entertainment quite outstanding in its extent, variety and standard, including A Night At the Opera, a three hour performance of Carmen in 3D! Travelling the North Atlantic in this fine ship is truly ‘The Only Way to Cross’.  If you haven’t experienced a crossing on Queen Mary 2, you should certainly think about it for the future!

I would like to say a special ‘thank you’ to Louisa Gould, Senior CRM and Loyalty Executive from Cunard Office and to Yo-Yo and Eli the Voyage Sales Specialists on Queen Mary 2 for all their help and kindness to me during the voyage.

Countdown to Queen Elizabeth – 124 days

I know I said I would be posting a Blog about Queen Victoria’s latest Star Of The Month, but that’ll now be later in the week because I have a special President’s Blog featuring our President and Managing Director, Peter Shanks, which speaks for itself, so I’ll hand over to Peter.

                                                                                               

President’s Blog

Peter Shanks

President and Managing Director, Cunard Line

 

 

 

 

Sounds terribly grand – but once a year we have a ‘Presidential Voyage’ – I travel on the voyage and take the opportunity to spend as much time as I can with our guests and the ship’s company. It’s an opportunity for our valued guests to let me know how things are going and just as importantly an opportunity for me to meet with as many of our people as I can. It was a remarkable voyage in many ways and I thought I would share it with you as a blog. It was a seven day voyage – but don’t worry, you will get through this in less than seven minutes.

New York, New York – never ceases to amaze me with its hustle and bustle. Having flown in the day before the voyage, I had a few hours in Manhattan. Of course I stayed at The Waldorf – well why not, it is the perfect warm up act to Cunard with oodles of heritage and grandeur. I went for a brief walk around the city. As I was standing waiting to cross Madison Avenue (en-route to the finest shop in the world – Brooks Brothers – for my regular supply of blue button-down shirts) I observed New York at its best. A chap in a suit hailed a cab; the cab driver saw him and slowed. Then, another chap in an even sharper suit hailed the same cab. The driver stayed loyal to his first hailer and he climbed in to the cab. The second chap shouted ‘Are you serious’, walked up and opened the door. ‘I was first already’ he yelled. There followed a fantastic argument and then the cab drove off. It was a cross between the film ‘Taxi Driver’ and John McEnroe screaming at an umpire at Wimbledon. So – that was New York at its best – and I retired looking forward to boarding Queen Mary 2 the next morning.

Sailing out of New York – is simply awesome. I often talk of the value for money of a transatlantic crossing – well I also think that whatever you pay you get your value in the sail away from this famous city. It is simply the only way to see New York. The Manhattan Skyline seen from deck 14 of Queen Mary 2 just can’t be bettered.

Ellis Island – where many millions stepped ashore from Cunard Liners in the past to start their new life in America. The sun glinting off the Statue of Liberty and then we headed towards the Verrazano Bridge.  I was hosting a group of some of our travel agent partners in the Commodore Club and I politely said that I had to leave them to go up and make sure we got under the bridge – most of them came up with me. It is an awesome experience – you stand with your back to the bridge and watch the funnel. As we go under the bridge you hear screams of ‘we are not going to make it’ – and then right at the last second the perspective changes and the funnel glides silently under the bridge – to cheers and laughter.

We have left New York; ahead of us is seven days at sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a unique feeling, with the ocean ahead of us for seven days, how are we going to spend our days, what lies ahead of us, what are we going to do. There was a sense of intrigue and excitement around the ship – we were on a crossing and we were in for something very special indeed.

White Star Academy – my first task on day one was to spend the morning with 40 new recruits to Cunard. As we prepare for Queen Elizabeth we are recruiting new staff. Onboard Queen Mary 2 we have our White Star Training Academy and the new recruits had a full week of induction to White Star Service before joining their colleagues upstairs and looking after our guests. So I spent the morning with them on induction. Commodore Warner and other senior officers came down to the academy to introduce themselves to the new recruits and I was able to say a few words as well. They were certainly made to feel special, to feel welcome and already there was a sense of being part of the team; more later in the blog when I describe their graduation.

There was one amusing moment – for me at least – as we went through a typical ship’s daily programme a hand shot up and asked ‘Could you explain what does ‘Friends of Dorothy’ and ‘Friends of Bill W’ mean – I left it to one of my colleagues to explain……………….

Hosting our valued Guests – Ahead of me lay 6 nights of hosting our valued guests on the Captain’s Table. It was a bit of a daunting thought – but do you know it was a real pleasure. It was a privilege to meet so many interesting and delightful people. Many of them have special memories of having travelled with Cunard Line in the past and I always find it so interesting that we attract such lovely people from different corners of the globe. I have to say they were all great company and most nights we were so busy in conversation we were last to leave the restaurant. Many gave me some tips as to where we can improve further; many spoke highly of the staff that were looking after them. On the last but one night – a Cunard tradition – we bring all the Chefs out into the dining room to parade in front of our guests. There is something very special in seeing 165 Chefs on the glorious staircase in the Britannia Restaurant with rousing applause from our guests. As the Head Chef was introduced, Ray Rouse (Our Entertainment Director and the James Bond of Cruising) finished off the parade by saying ‘and that is because……’ and all 165 Chefs shouted ‘We are Cunard’. It was rather a special moment for me as ‘We are Cunard’ is the glue that holds us all together and our guests reacted with a very warm round of applause. Marvelous.

So how about some Exercise – well on a Crossing you can relax as hard as you like. But it was interesting to see just how many people were active. Early each morning I walked right around our promenade deck – Deck 7. Now Queen Mary 2 is a rather large ship – and it’s three times round the deck to 1.1 miles. It is an excellent start to the day – and very popular. On this crossing we were blessed with good weather and the ship was as steady as a rock. After about three miles I must have said ‘Good Morning’ to at least a hundred people and importantly had burned off many of the calories from the night before. Our Canyon Ranch Spa is really very special. I did not have time for treatments or for the salon – but 30 minutes in the spa pool, sauna, steam room and power showers before dinner just has to be done. It is a fabulous experience. As you step out of the shower, one of the staff has already taken your trunks, rinsed and spun them and placed them in a bag for you. As you approach your locker, one of the staff places a mat on the floor for you. Canyon Ranch – trust me it does not come any better – anywhere.

Is there enough to do on a crossing?  Blimey. It is non-stop for our guests. The 8,000 book Library was very popular. The Bridge Club up in the Atlantic Room was suitably competitive. I was really pleasantly surprised by RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art), they were doing a matinee of ‘Taming of the Shrew’ on a few afternoons and there were over 700 guests at each session. Computer Classes were busy as was the ConneXions Internet Centre (Well sending your friends and family an email from the middle of the Atlantic on Queen Mary 2 is one of those things you just have to do). There was plenty more as well including – Feature Movies – Planetarium (Yes a full size one in our Illuminations Theatre showing four different galactic presentations – my favourite is the one narrated by Tom Hanks) – Lectures on really fascinating subjects – Watercolour Painting Lessons – Line Dancing – Whisky Tasting (Gave that one a miss as I was working) – Chef Demonstrations – Trivia Tournaments – Paddle Tennis – Golf Simulators – Book Club Discussions – Needlework Lessons – Fitness Lectures – Casino Lessons and Tournaments – Shopping – Cooking Demonstrations and a whole lot more. I must admit, as I left New York I thought that seven days was a long time. But something quite remarkable happens and the next thing you know its Southampton already.

He is 101 years old – We have a Cunard World Club Cocktail Party in the Queens Room. Imagine the scene. The finest ballroom at sea, a full jazz band in full flow, 1,000 guests resplendent in Black Tie and beautiful dresses. The Atlantic Ocean rushing past the windows at 23 knots, but not an inch of movement of the ship. Commodore greets the guests and introduces the senior officers. (He also tells his joke – it’s a very good one and works every time). We then recognize and thank our valued and most loyal guests. This evening’s honour was a lovely couple who have been travelling with us for many years – it was touching to recognize them. But not as touching as what came next. Ray had discovered that we had a gentleman travelling with us who was in his 101^st year. George Lewis has travelled on many Cunard Liners including Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and QE2, and today is as fit as a fiddle and a marvel to behold – we all wanted to know what his secret was. We asked him up to the stage and presented him with a book on Cunard and OK – maybe when I said ‘We hope you will sail with us for many years to come’ I was pushing it a bit far. But you know, I bet he will.

Queen Mary Reunion – A very special 60 minutes – On each crossing we hold a reunion for those who travelled on the original Queen Mary. So I thought I should go along and listen.

Now if it was not for the fact that I played rugby for many years – I would admit that I was close to tears when listening to this remarkable event. Seated in our Board Room were 15 people – including George. I wrote down some of what I heard as each person told their story. Here we go, it was very moving;

‘I travelled on Queen Mary in 1946 when I was two years old. My mother was a war bride and we were travelling to Halifax where my father met me for the first time’

 ‘I first worked on Queen Mary as a telephonist in 1955. Whist I was on the ship I met and fell in love with the Chief Electrical Engineer. We were married, sadly my husband recently passed away. I am 88 years old now, but I have with me here today our daughter and we have been looking forward to this very special trip with so many memories’

 ‘I travelled on Queen Mary in 1936 when I was aged five. I have always wanted to come back and today I have. I remember running off during supper one evening an getting totally lost – a member of staff found me and reunited me with my parents .I remember being told off by mother, she had made me a lovely floral dress to where on formal nights and she caught me sliding down the wooden slide in the children’s den before supper’

An evening on the ocean – there is such a wide range of ways to enjoy the ship and the experience. People tend to find their own space, their own favourite spot. One option would be a pre-dinner drink in the Chart Room to the music of our Jazz Trio followed by dinner in the Britannia Restaurant and then on to a show in the Royal Court Theatre or dancing at Royal Ascot Ball in the Queens Room. Or – a more informal evening starting with a couple of drinks in the Golden Lion Pub, followed by an Asian meal at The Lotus up in Kings Court followed by a fling in the Casino. It is fascinating to stroll the ship during the evening and see so many activities and experiences – it’s like being in the coolest parts of a happening City – with many Bars, Restaurants and Shows to choose from.

Juilliard Jazz Masterclass – now that was something special. We have just started our relationship with Juilliard School in New York – one of the top music schools in the world. On this voyage we had Rodney Jones performing. He plays jazz guitar and in his time has played with Peggy Lee, Petula Clark, Stevie Wonder, James Brown. He was described by George Benson as ‘a legend among musicians, especially guitarists’.

He played to a packed theatre for an hour and it was spellbinding and just the sort of unique experience our guests expect. More than that – before his final piece – he held a Q+A session for the audience which was fascinating. When a guest asked; ‘Who do you think is the best rock guitarist? – he paused. I thought to myself – well there is only one person for that honour and that is Eric Clapton. After a few seconds he said – ‘Eric Clapton and Jimmy Hendrix’ – well I was half right. Off to bed with a real sense of our guests having had a special experience. There was also Jazz Trombonist, James Burton III, and here he is in his master class with the Chart Room Jazz Trio, Bass, Steve Riddle, Piano, Simon Galfe and on Drums, Andrew Hugget

A special thank you – One morning I was having breakfast when an American guest came up to speak to me. He said he had always wanted to meet somebody senior from Cunard to thank them. He explained that his father had travelled to the 2^nd World War in Europe on Queen Mary in 1941. More importantly, after the war, Queen Elizabeth took him safely home back across the Atlantic. He was on this voyage for that reason and to experience the crossing on Queen Mary 2 as his father had on Queen Mary. It is very humbling to hear such stories but at the same time very uplifting. At Cunard we often talk about our heritage and how special it is – well now I was really starting to understand just how special a crossing really is.

Graduation Time – On the last afternoon, along with Commodore and his Senior Officers we attended the graduation ceremony for the 40 new joiners who had been at the White Star Academy all week. They were each handed their certificate. It is very important that our Senior Officers do this, and I was really pleased to be able to wish them well in their careers with Cunard. Also shaking their hand was our Hotel Manager John Duffy. John has been with Cunard for over 40 years – it was indeed apt that he should be welcoming our new White Star Members into the fold – and no better example for them than what John has achieved.

Last night of the Cunard Proms – We had Conductor Anthony Inglis and his 26 strong National Symphony on this voyage. Earlier in the voyage they played an American Evening – the highlight of which was Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. But on the last night it was the good old British Proms. He had pulled together a 60 strong choir from the guests. 

I joined the choir – we had three rehearsals and were ready to go (Well- sort of).

Commodore Warner also took the baton to conduct under the guidance of course of Anthony Inglis who had also exchanged jackets!.

  

The Royal Court Theatre was packed for the two shows. The Orchestra played some wonderful pieces including ‘The Dambuster March’ and Elgar’s ‘Nimrod’. As a choir we sang quite a tricky Handel piece and just about got away with it. Then for the fun – Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory. The audience loved it – flags everywhere – and three encores.

This was very special – this was a crossing – this was Cunard. (Not sure if I have forgiven the Conductor for asking Commodore and I to have a go at conducting the orchestra – but it was jolly good fun.)

And so it was to be Southampton the following morning – time had flown by and it had been a truly interesting and enjoyable crossing for all. As I left the stage after the concert, one of my fellow singers approached me to say ‘A magnificent concert to end a perfect day and a perfect week – thank you so much’. Works for me – and as I left the ship the next morning I was so proud of each and every one of the 1,250 strong ship’s company and hopeful that our guests had enjoyed their crossing experience as much as I had.

We do more than 20  crossings a year – come and join us on one – you will be most welcome and we would love you to experience all that is special about Cunard and Queen Mary 2 – the most famous liner in the world…………………

Best Regards

Peter Shanks

President and Managing Director

Thanks Peter for a great Guest Blog; it sounds like yet another wonderful Crossing on our flagship. I’ll be back on Thursday with some fantastic new pictures of Queen Elizabeth in Italy. Cheers, Alastair.

Countdown to Queen Elizabeth – 248 days

 

Both World Voyages on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria are progressing well and it’s exciting to hear that so many readers are following us on the ships’ Webcams. As I write this, Queen Victoria is in the southern hemisphere heading towards New Zealand and Queen Mary 2 is enjoying the stunning city of Hong Kong. We will of course keep you posted on both voyages, and thanks again for all your feedback and comments on what you’ve seen so far. In this Blog we decided to feature something a little different; Cunard’s “Pets At Sea” programme, but that’s after Cunard’s history, for the week 12 to 18 February:

 

12 February 1949	Caronia begins her first Caribbean voyage
14 February 1978	QE2 makes her maiden call at Auckland, New Zealand
15 February 2007	Queen Mary 2 crosses the International Dateline for the first time
16 February 2006	Cunard announces the first details of Queen Victoria including her maiden voyage
17 February 1954	Saxonia II is launched by Lady Churchill at John Brown Shipyard, Clydebank and goes in to service on the Canadian emigrant run
17 February 2007	Queen Mary 2 makes her maiden call to Auckland, New Zealand
17 February 2009	Queen Victoria makes her maiden call at Hobart, Tasmania

 

There are many traditions that Cunard likes to maintain and some things are unique to Cunard like offering a regular transatlantic service. However did you know that you can even travel with your cat or dog when you take a Transatlantic Crossing on Queen Mary 2? It’s a unique service that has been enjoyed by numerous guests for many years on QE2 and now Queen Mary 2. In fact by the time Queen Mary 2 had completed her 100th Transatlantic Crossing in 2008, over 450 pets had crossed the North Atlantic on the liner.

 

Queen Mary 2’s Kennel Programme is available on all crossings between New York and Southampton in either direction, and is overseen by a full-time Kennel Master, whose responsibilities include feeding and walking guests’ pets as well as cleaning the 12 kennels. Travelling dogs and cats also receive a complimentary gift pack and other animal amenities. The kennels and adjacent indoor and outdoor walking areas are open throughout the day, enabling guests to spend significant time with their pet. Reservations for the kennels may be made at the time of booking, and are based on space availability. Food is provided for all of the animals, but if a guest has a special request for a particular brand, or would prefer to bring their own, they only have to ask.

 

The Kennel Master currently on Queen Mary 2 is 32 year old Dayle Mercado. From Pampanga in the Philippines, Dayle is married with one son, Kenneth. I recently chatted to him and asked him about his special role on board. He told me; “Since I love pets, my supervisor asked me if I wanted to be a Kennel Master. I was really excited to be given the opportunity so I accepted and spent two months training in kennels, where I learned about how to care for the animals and how to understand their behaviours.”  Here he is at work:

 

 

 

 

 

I asked him what the job was like. “Taking care of the animals is not easy, especially during the first and second day of the crossing”, he said. “During this time the animals are still adjusting to being at sea, much in the same way that guests do.  However the animals become settled very quickly and are happy for the remainder of their crossing”.

 

Dayle said that every day for him is fun but nothing beats the moment when he opens the kennel door first thing in the morning, and all the animals are excited to go out and play. During his time as Kennel Master, Dayle has looked after a wide range of different breeds of dog including, Chihuahuas, Westies, Poodles, German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, Terriers and many more. 

 

After a recent crossing, a guest enjoyed the whole experience so much she wrote a Blog about it. Nikki Moustaki, MA, MFA, is a well-known dog trainer, TV and radio personality, and animal expert who splits her time between New York City and Miami Beach with her two rescued Schnauzers, Pepper and Ozzie, her rescued Schnoodle, Pearl, and three parrots. She is the author of 9 books on dogs and 24 books on birds as well as books on topics other than pets. She writes for Dog Fancy Magazine as well as for many national pet websites. Nikki has also been featured on national television and radio shows including the BBC.

 

Nikki said taking the Transatlantic Crossing on Queen Mary 2 was the voyage of a lifetime especially as neither she nor Pepper were keen to fly. After her initial enquiry, Cunard sent her all the paperwork she needed including details of the international rules of pet travel, as every dog and cat on board must have all of the paperwork for the Pet Passport Travel Scheme.

 

When Nikki and Pepper arrived at the terminal building at Brooklyn, New York, Chantal Mooiman, Queen Mary 2’s Chief Purser, met them and checked Pepper’s paperwork, and Nikki said they felt like VIP’s as they were escorted onto the ship. As this is the only time the pets are in the guest areas, apart from the Kennels, it was the perfect time for a photo opportunity.

 

 

 

At the kennel on Deck 12 they met Dayle for the first time. “Dayle, was the sweetest guy. He clearly loved the dogs and cats on board and I immediately trusted him. And I don’t trust a lot of people with Pepper”, said Nikki.

 

 

 

She was intrigued to find out that each pet has a life jacket and a staff member assigned to him or her in case of an emergency

 

Nikki added that; “One night on each of my voyages, Cunard put a “Dog Lovers Meeting” in the Daily Programme. All of the dog lovers on board got together to talk about their dogs on board and their dogs at home. It was very nice.”

 

Nikki said that she and Pepper enjoyed the photo session for people with their pets. One of the ship’s photographers takes photos of guests with their pets wearing the complimentary Queen Mary 2 coat which she said looked “very cute”.

 

She offered some advice to guests thinking of travelling with their pets; “The kennel is a great place to spend part of the day if your pet is on board. The view is spectacular. We saw whales one day! Only people who have pets are allowed inside the deck run or the kennel, so your pet is safe, and the kennel is locked tight when the kennel master isn’t there. The kennel is quite a curiosity on board, so be prepared to answer some questions from people stopping by to say hello to the dogs.”

 

 

 

In wrapping up Nikki said; “All in all, we had a spectacular time and I would take this voyage again in a heartbeat. Pepper thinks so too”

 

If you would like to read Nikki’s full story with more pictures you can use this link to get to her account of the voyage:  http://betterwords.typepad.com/pepperinparis/taking-a-dog-on-the-queen-mary-2.html. She also made a great video which you can see by clicking on this link: –

 

 

 

 

Thank you Nikki for sharing your story with us and thanks to Harald Franzen for the wonderful pictures of Pepper enjoying his Transatlantic Crossing. I would also like to thank Dayle for taking the time to chat to us.

 

That’s it for this post but I’ll be back again on Monday with more news from around the Cunard World! Thank you as always for logging on and please do keep those comments and questions coming. Cheers for now, Alastair

 

 

We have just ended our back to back final Transatlantic Crossings with Queen Mary 2 on our flanks and they have been as expected totally unforgettable. Our Guests have experienced what sailing the North Atlantic is all about and what makes it such a legendary voyage!

 

It was Friday 10^th October 2008 and QE2 was imminent to steam off on our 805th North Atlantic Crossing over to New York City, the BIG Juicy Apple… This with our grand larger sister Queen Mary 2. In Southampton on this day Queen Mary 2 was alongside at the City Cruise Terminal. Also in Southampton was P&O Cruises newest ship Ventura, docked at the Mayflower and we were berthed at our usual spot at the Queen Elizabeth II Terminal.

 

All guests boarded, 1668 in total including 22 different nationalities. Our crew totalled just over 1000 spread across an amazing 56 different nationalities who were all geared up and ready to ensure that this would indeed be an emotional, memorable penultimate transatlantic for this Grand Old Queen of the high seas.

 

 

 

 

 

Entertaining us on this voyage in the Grand Lounge was Petrina Johnson, Dave Evans and Steve Hewlett. As well as our magnificent cast of the Royal Cunard Singers & Dancers. Lecturing in the Theatre was Brian Hoey, Sir. Michael Parker, Bill Miller and Ted Scull. Also included in the Entertainment package was our outstanding jazz band the ‘Ray Terry Jazz Band’, our Caribbean band ‘ChangeZ’ and three super talented classical ladies from the Ukraine ‘Celestial Strings’. A great line-up! 

 

The first two days of the Atlantic proved to be just a little bumpy but both ships stayed beautifully stable and calm. This is exactly what these two gracious ships were built for…

 

Queen Mary 2 from QE2. Photo by Paul Davies, Photo Manager QE2

 

I must say I have forgotten how lively Transatlantic Crossings are, all our venues bustling with atmosphere and excitement and before we knew it we were arriving at New York City and no matter how many times you have been there, it takes your breath away every time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We glided under the Verrazano Bridge with just a few feet to spare with Lady Liberty on our port side welcoming us as she has done graciously for so many years. It was a gorgeous day and the decks were lined with our Guests, flashes going off every few seconds, some genuinely spectacular photographs captured memories that will last forever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our sail-away, the 806th and final for QE2, was amazing and dramatic at the same time as we pushed away from Berth 90 and slipped into the Hudson. The weather was perfect, almost as if it was ordered by Samuel Cunard himself, it was an ideal day for these two ladies to once again take to the North Atlantic back to Southampton… 1697 guests on board.

 

QE2 met with Queen Mary 2 at Lady Liberty before they both set sail into the deep blue… I have attached some pictures below.

 

QE2 meets Queen Mary 2

 

 

QE2 leads Queen Mary 2 away from NYC

 

 

 

Entertaining us on the way back was Maria King and Annette Wardell. Lecturing we had none other than Stephen Payne, one of the Naval Architects involved in the design of Queen Mary 2, Celebrity TV Presenter Jennie Bond and Brian Hoey QE2’s favourite Royal Author. 

 

Yet again the days went by very quickly. Time flies when you are having fun in a first rate atmosphere around the ship. Could there be anything better…?