The trek of Queen Mary 2 began with George Takei documentary

“To Be Takei” makes Transatlantic premiere
at special Cunard Line screening with renowned “Star Trek^®" actor 

Before Queen Mary 2 sailed her 28 July Transatlantic Crossing, select Cunard Line guests took an enlightening journey through the life of actor, activist and social media superstar George Takei. 

The actor participated in an exclusive on board screening of his biographical documentary, “To Be Takei” (Starz Digital Media), and joined as the ship’s distinguished guest on the eight-night voyage from New York to Southampton, during which the film is being screened.

Directed by Jennifer M. Kroot, “To Be Takei” is an entertaining and moving look at the many roles played by eclectic 77-year-old actor/activist George Takei whose wit, humor and grace have allowed him to become an internationally beloved figure who may be more relevant today than ever.

 George Takei, "Kikaru Sulu" in the original "Star Trek" television series,
enjoying lively conversation with a “Trekkie”

The film balances unprecedented access to the day-to-day life of George Takei and his husband and business partner, Brad Takei, starting with Takei's fascinating personal journey from his childhood in U.S. internment camps for Japanese Americans during WWII, through his iconic and groundbreaking role as Sulu on "Star Trek" to his rise as an internet phenomenon with over seven million Facebook fans. 


“The opportunity to screen ‘To Be Takei’ with the iconic actor also on board brings a whole new level of interaction and enjoyment for our guests,” said David Dingle, CEO for Cunard Line.  “Mr. Takei’s extraordinary story and reinvention will inspire many on Queen Mary 2 as the conversation continues throughout our Transatlantic Crossing.”

In addition, Takei will speak twice for Cunard’s Insights programme.  The first presentation will cover the many communities that influenced him throughout his life, while the second talk will highlight his 50-plus years in Hollywood.  Takei’s most recent project is the musical Allegiance, based on his own internment camp experience during WWII.

“The documentary gives viewers an honest look at me and my career, and I’m looking forward to the discussion with fellow passengers,” Takei said.  “With such an impressive history of guests over the past 10 years, Queen Mary 2 is a wonderful place to share stories and laughter.”

Starz Digital Media acquired the North American rights to “To Be Takei” following its world premiere at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. The film is available exclusively on DIRECTV through 6 August  and will be released in theaters and via On Demand, iTunes and other digital stores on 22 August.

Takei joins a long line of famed entertainers who have sailed with Cunard Line. Legendary notables such as Elizabeth Taylor, Rita Hayworth, Cary Grant and Clark Gable frequently crossed the Atlantic on Cunard’s earlier Queens, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth.

Since Queen Mary 2’s debut nearly 10 years ago, the ship has also welcomed other film industry notables including George Lucas, Uma Thurman, John Cleese, Angela Bassett, and most recently Wes Anderson, Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman and Roman Coppola. The Grammy^® Award-winning singer-songwriter James Taylor will join Queen Mary 2 on her 27 August Transatlantic Crossing.


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

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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 is the fastest passenger ship in the world and achieved her 200^th Transatlantic Crossing in July 2013. Since becoming Cunard flagship on completion of her maiden Transatlantic Crossing in May 2004, Queen Mary 2 has remained unchallenged as the world’s largest, longest, tallest, widest and most expensive ocean liner ever built and the most famous and fastest passenger ship in operation today.

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 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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