Investor Relations

Cunard and The New York Times Collaborate On Enriching Travel Experiences

Cunard's award-winning enrichment programme to elevate offerings with New York Times expert speakers

SOUTHAMPTON, England, March 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard has come together with The New York Times to offer stimulating speakers as part of its long-running, award-winning Insights programme. The exclusive offering will debut on Queen Mary 2 on 3 January 2016 and will be on tap during all East-bound Transatlantic Crossings in 2016.

To kick-off the series, the 3 January 2016 cruise dubbed "The New York Times Insights Cruise" will feature an impressive line-up of The New York Times' experts including: former foreign correspondent and columnist Clyde Haberman; science writer John Schwartz; Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist David Cay Johnston; national security reporter Michael Schmidt; and Peter Lewis, former senior writer at The New York Times and Fortune Magazine. From national security, climate change, and the space program, to economics, tax issues, sports, technology, journalism, laws of the ancient world and much more, intellectually curious passengers will enjoy unique access to a wealth of research and insights from some the world's leading luminaries.

For those who want even greater immersion into The New York Times and its content, guests can purchase an exclusive pre-cruise and onboard package for the 3 January Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic sailing. This programme includes a tour of the newsroom and brunch at The New York Times prior to sailing, as well as additional onboard elements. Places are limited to just 100 guests and must be booked by contacting Times Journeys directly at 855-698-6363.

Setting the benchmark for compelling onboard enrichment programmes, Cunard was the first line to provide guests stimulating lecturers from a wide variety of disciplines, when the programme officially launched on QE2 in the 1970s. Since then, it has been a much-anticipated signature of the line and continues to provide a robust line-up of speakers on every voyage today. However, the company, which is celebrating its 175^th Anniversary this year, can trace the early inception of the programme to the days when such luminaries as Noel Coward and Cole Porter would sail Atlantic Crossings on the Queen Mary and informally perform and regale guests in after-dinner salons with titillating anecdotes from their various experiences and travels. Now Cunard Insights will be even more compelling as Cunard collaborates with The New York Times' leading roster of journalists and contributors.

In addition to the customized The New York Times Insights Cruise, Cunard will also feature The New York Times Insights experts on every Eastbound Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing in 2016 as part of the line's Insights programme. Cunard Insights regularly offers compelling talks on a variety of contemporary issues by well-known celebrities and knowledgeable personalities.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with The New York Times to curate such an enriching and entertaining travel adventure," says Richard Meadows, president, Cunard, North America. "This will be an exciting enhancement to our Cunard Insights program, with a caliber of experts that will surely spark a stimulating and thought-provoking experience for our guests."

For more information about Queen Mary 2 and to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard toll-free at 1-800-728-6273, or go to www.cunard.com

About Queen Mary 2
Christened by Her Majesty The Queen in 2004, Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2 defines luxury travel for the 21st Century and continues an almost 175-year legacy of transatlantic travel. Queen Mary 2 achieved her 200th Transatlantic Crossing in July 2013. Famous names who have experienced this iconic voyage since 2004 include President George H.W. Bush, Desmond Tutu, James Taylor, Wes Anderson, Tilda Swinton, George Takei, Kim Novak, Uma Thurman, Richard Dreyfuss, John Cleese and Angela Bassett.

About Cunard
Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and the epitome of British refinement since the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard voyages bring together like-minded travellers who seek a civilised adventure and relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Today, Cunard offers the only regularly scheduled trans-Atlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which it began in 1922.

World's Leading Cruise Lines
Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

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For additional information about Cunard, contact:
Jackie Chase, Cunard Line, 661-753-1035, jchase@cunard.com
Maria Andriano, MGA Media Group, 212-251-1015, maria@mgamediagroup.com
Cindy Adams, MGA Media Group, 917-282-2464, cindy@mgamediagroup.com

SOURCE Cunard