N E W S

Cunard Line Marks Queen Mary’s 75^th Anniversary

John Thomas (right), Queen Mary’s historical consultant, receives a commemorative
75^th anniversary print from Cunard Line spokeswoman Jackie Chase (center),
and is joined by Everette Hoard (left), retail manager of Stacks on Queen Mary.

2 June 2011 – On Friday 27 May, Cunard Line joined enthusiastic well-wishers aboard Queen Mary in Long Beach, California, to pay tribute to the legendary ocean liner on the 75^th anniversary of her maiden Transatlantic Crossing from Southampton to New York in 1936.  A General Manager’s reception kicked off the celebrations and included maritime devotees and historians, former crew members and past guests of the iconic ship.  

 Cunard Line spokeswoman Jackie Chase with Stuart Babcock, a member of the
34^th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, which sailed aboard Queen Mary in 1944
during World War II.
 

Also in attendance was a group of World War II squadron members, reunited for the first time since Queen Mary carried them across the North Atlantic during her service days as the Grey Ghost.  Among these guests was Stuart Babcock of Hartford, Conn., who was with the 34^th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron and sailed aboard a six-day Queen Mary Crossing on 21 March 1944 from New York’s Pier 90 to Glasgow, Scotland.  Flying alone and armed only with cameras, the WWII photo reconnaissance squadrons were the eyes of the allied armies over every battlefield.  Accompanied by his daughter, Susan, for the anniversary celebrations, Babcock was visibly moved to be back on board the vessel for the first time since his journey during the war.

Guests from the United Kingdom included a group from the R.M.S. Queen Mary Association, based near Southampton, England.  Retired Cunard Commodore Ronald Warwick OBE FNI LLD is the president of the organization, whose mission it is to preserve the historical legacy of the beloved ship.

Representing Cunard at the reception, spokeswoman Jackie Chase presented a commemorative print to John Thomas, Queen Mary’s historical consultant and master of ceremonies, that mentioned references to the ship’s dramatic impact on the 20^th century – including Winston Churchill’s famous accolade about Cunard’s role in ending WWII one year early due to Queen Mary’s transport of thousands of American troops between the United States and Great Britain.

“Queen Mary is an icon of the 20^th century who shall forever remain one of the world’s most beloved ocean liners, and an enduring symbol of the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom,” said Chase, sharing excerpts from the commemorative print.

“Since 1967, when Queen Mary retired to her new home in Long Beach, California, she has continued to fascinate visitors from all over the globe.  She lives to bear witness to the revival of Cunard’s ocean liner renaissance with the advent of her namesake Queen Mary 2, which proudly carries on the company’s traditions, heritage and hallmarks made famous by Queen Mary,” Chase added.

The 75^th anniversary festivities continued throughout the weekend and included a fireworks show over Long Beach Harbor.

For more information about Cunard Line or to book a voyage, consult your Travel Agent, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.

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About Cunard Line
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 Transatlantic 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. 

About the Queen Mary
Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. At the time of her maiden voyage in May of 1936, she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built. In 2011, the Queen Mary will celebrate the 75^th Anniversary of that inaugural transatlantic crossing. The Queen Mary’s signature restaurants include the award-winning Sir Winston’s and Chelsea Chowder House & Bar as well as a weekly Champagne Sunday Brunch served in the ship’s Grand Salon. History buffs enjoy the ship’s museum and Behind the Scenes tour while guests of all ages love the Ghosts and Legends tour. The Queen Mary features 80,000 square feet of event space in 17 remarkable Art Deco salons as well as a tri-level, 45,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall. The Queen Mary boasts 314 staterooms spanning three decks including nine full suites which have hosted a variety of colorful characters from World War II leaders to British royalty and the stars of Hollywood’s golden era. For more information or for reservations, see www.queenmary.com or call (800) 437-2934.

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