Queen Mary 2 Passes Sea Trials in Style!

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.

Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com


Queen Mary 2 Passes Sea Trials in Style

First Atlantic Liner To Be Built For Over 30 Years; Right On Schedule
For January Maiden Voyage


SAINT NAZAIRE, France, Sept. 29
Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2 returned from the sea for the
first time today having completed her sea trials with flying colours.
The largest, longest, tallest, widest, and at - $780-million - the
most expensive passenger liner ever built underwent four days of
rigorous testing of her power, manoeuvrability and vibration levels
off the Brittany coast. The successful trials put QM2 right on
schedule for her January 12 Maiden Voyage from Southampton, England,
to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030929/NYM129 )
According to Captain Ronald Warwick, master-designate, Queen Mary 2,
"The sea trials for Queen Mary 2 have been a tremendous success. It
was great to finally take her out to the open ocean, where she
belongs."

Another observer on board during sea trials, the ship's naval
architect Stephen Payne, was also jubilant: "For a first builder's sea
trial, the performance of Queen Mary 2, being a prototype ship,
exceeded expectations in all respects."

Destined to become the defining luxury ocean liner for the 21st
century, QM2 will offer 15 transatlantic crossings in her inaugural
year as she takes over the role currently operated by her sister ship,
Queen Elizabeth 2, as Cunard's transatlantic liner. Prices for six-day
crossings begin at $1,499 per person, double occupancy. The vessel
also introduces a series of Caribbean cruises from New York and Fort
Lauderdale; a voyage to Rio de Janeiro and back, timed for Carnival;
five European itineraries and two fall foliage cruises to ports in
Canada and New England.

Cunard's Queen Mary 2 features sweeping staircases, expansive
promenades and luxurious accommodations for 2,620 passengers; nearly
three-quarters of which have private balconies. World-famous chef
Daniel Boulud is the ship's culinary consultant. Facilities include 10
dining venues, including the only shipboard restaurant by celebrity
chef Todd English, the only Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea, the world's
first planetarium at sea, the largest ballroom at sea, the largest
library at sea, and the largest wine collection at sea.

The ship also features a Veuve Clicquot Champagne bar, several other
elegant bars and showrooms, a two-story theatre, a casino, five indoor
and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, boutiques, a pet kennel, and a
children's facility, complete with British nannies.

A special highlight of the QM2's inaugural schedule will be its maiden
eastbound crossing from New York on April 25 as both Queen Mary 2 and
QE2 will sail in tandem. This day will be the first time two Cunard
Queens have been berthed in the port together since March 1940.

For more information on Queen Mary 2, 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
QE2 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.

January - Terrible time to cross the Atlantic.

SUNNY.......salutes those brave hearts who will be on QM2 crosing the
pond

S'nd I

Subject: Queen Mary 2 Passes Sea Trials in Style!
From: Ray Goldenberg
Date: 9/29/2003 12:48 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Message-id:

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.

It won't be long before the CVE's are completed (part of the uscg's solas
compliance) which can be examined by the public at the MSO that will have
conducted the CVE. Upon proper completion, the following will be documented:
Service Status, VIN #, Call Sign, Hull #, Service Type, Flag of Registry and
YOB.

Nookey