World's Largest Liner Named!

Hi Everyone,

I received this press release from Cunard and thought it would be of
interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are
available on my web site.

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Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
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Her Majesty the Queen Names Queen Mary 2

World's Largest Liner Named in Homeport of Southampton


SOUTHAMPTON, England, Jan. 8
Today in Southampton Her Majesty The Queen formally named Queen Mary
2, the first transatlantic liner to enter service since Queen
Elizabeth 2 in 1969. The Queen, accompanied by HRH The Duke of
Edinburgh, arrived at the ship where she was greeted by Commodore
Ronald Warwick, Master of Queen Mary 2, and Pamela Conover, President
of Cunard Line.

After individual guided tours of the 151,400-ton flagship of the
Cunard fleet, during which they met both officers and crew members,
the Royal couple joined more than 2,000 invited guests -- including
prominent figures from politics, the services, entertainment and the
arts -- for the quayside naming ceremony.

Hosted by British broadcaster Michael Buerk, the ceremony included
music from the massed bands of the Royal Marines, the Royal
Philharmonic Orchestra, Heather Small singing "Proud" and opera diva
Lesley Garrett.

The christening of Queen Mary 2 by the Queen follows an established
tradition of Cunard flagships being named by a senior female member of
the Royal family. The original Queen Mary was named by Her Majesty
Queen Mary, wife of King George V, in 1934; Queen Elizabeth was
launched by the late Queen Mother, then Queen Elizabeth and wife of
George Vl in 1938; and Queen Elizabeth 2 was named by the current
Queen in 1967.

In her welcome remarks, Cunard's President, Pamela Conover, said:
"Queen Mary 2 is a transatlantic liner with all the dignity and grace
of the liners of the past; but she is also a transatlantic liner of
the future with comforts and technology undreamt of when Queen
Elizabeth 2 was launched." She continued: "Just as the original Queen
Mary was the herald of an earlier golden age of ocean travel, so this
ship heralds the new golden age; she represents no less than the
triumph of a great tradition."

Queen Mary 2 sets off on her 14-day maiden voyage to Fort Lauderdale
from Southampton on January 12. In her inaugural year she will sail 13
transatlantic crossings between England and New York as she takes over
the role currently operated by her sister ship, QE2, as Cunard's
transatlantic liner. Her maiden eastbound crossing on April 25 will be
historic for Cunard as both Queen Mary 2 and QE2 will depart New York
together. The day in New York will be the first time two Cunard Queens
have been berthed in the port together since March 1940.

Queen Mary 2 features 10 dining venues with acclaimed Chef Daniel
Boulud serving as Cunard's culinary advisor and Chef Todd English
operating a Mediterranean speciality restaurant of the same name. The
liner also has the only Canyon Ranch SpaClub® at sea, the world's
first planetarium at sea, as well as a Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar, a
two-story theatre, a casino, five indoor and outdoor swimming pools,
hot tubs, boutiques and children's facilities complete with British
nannies.

For more information, consult a travel agent.

Cunard Line has operated the most famous ocean liners in the world
since 1840. Cunard vessels have a classic British heritage and include
Queen Elizabeth 2 and Caronia. In 2004 the line welcomes Queen Mary 2,
destined to recapture the glamour of the original Queen Mary,
currently a hotel and attraction in Long Beach, CA. In 2005, another
newbuild, Queen Victoria, joins the fleet.

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.

It would have been a lot more exciting if she had said, "I've
changed my mind.
"I name this ship Queen Elizabeth 3. May God bless her and all
who sail in her,"


Her Majesty the Queen Names Queen Mary 2

On Fri, 09 Jan 2004 13:54:11 GMT, "DiggerDog"
wrote:

It would have been a lot more exciting if she had said, "I've
changed my mind.
"I name this ship Queen Elizabeth 3. May God bless her and all
who sail in her,"

Queenie had to read two lines from a card. She didn't even care enough
to memorize, what, ten words?

Made her look like a ******.


The Not So Fine Art Of Google
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"Cruising Chrissy" wrote in message
...


Queenie had to read two lines from a card. She didn't even care enough
to memorize, what, ten words?

Made her look like a ******.

Careful, your red socks are showing.