QM2, World's Grandest Liner, First Visit to NYC!

Hi Everyone,

I received this press release from Cunard Line 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, World's Grandest Liner, Makes First Visit to New York

Mayor Michael Bloomberg to formally welcome ship to Manhattan

NEW YORK, April 16
On Thursday, April 22, 2004, the world's grandest luxury liner --
Queen Mary 2 -- will arrive at her U.S. home port of New York for the
first time on her maiden westbound transatlantic voyage from
Southampton, England. The flagship of Cunard Line and the British
merchant fleet will be welcomed to New York in grand fashion. Escorted
by two U.S. Coast Guard vessels amidst a massive water display by
fireboats, Queen Mary 2 is scheduled to dock just before 8:00 a.m. at
Pier 92 at the New York Cruise Terminal.

Queen Mary 2 is the largest (151,400 tons), longest (1,132 feet/345
metres), tallest (236 feet/72 metres), widest (135 feet/41 metres) and
most expensive ($800 million) liner ever built. It is also the first
true transatlantic liner to have been built since Cunard's famous
Queen Elizabeth 2 entered service in May 1969.

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg will formally welcome Queen
Mary 2 at a brief quayside ceremony upon her arrival. Also in
attendance will be Pamela Conover, president of Cunard Line; Micky
Arison, chairman of Cunard's parent Carnival Corporation; Commodore
Ronald Warwick, master of Queen Mary 2; Cristyne Nicholas, president
of NYC & Company, and other dignitaries.

Plans call for Queen Mary 2 to sail past the Statue of Liberty at
approximately 6:45 a.m. en route to the pier. Her arrival will be
heralded by a rousing welcome from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
(Kings Point, NY) band and the New York Maritime College marching
band.

According to Cunard's Conover, "Thursday, April 22 is an historic day
for Cunard Line, for it is the first time in 35 years that we will
welcome a new ship to New York. We have a special relationship with
this great city as the only company to provide regular transatlantic
service between England and New York for over 158 years."

Sunday, April 25, will also be a special day for Cunard Line as both
Queen Mary 2 and her famous sister ship Queen Elizabeth 2 will be
together in New York. Their legendary namesakes Queen Mary and Queen
Elizabeth were last berthed in the port together in March 1940. The
two Queens will cross the Atlantic in tandem, arriving in Southampton
on May 1.

To celebrate this milestone, prior to leaving the harbour, both
vessels will be positioned near the Statue of Liberty at approximately
8:30 p.m. for a spectacular serenade of fireworks by Grucci, the
award-winning creators of fireworks programs for three sets of Olympic
Games, six U.S. presidential inaugurations and three World's Fairs.
The fireworks display is being sponsored by American Express and
American Express Travel.

Queen Mary 2 was named by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at a gala
ceremony held in Southampton on January 8, 2004. The ship officially
entered service on January 12 with her Maiden Voyage from Southampton
to Fort Lauderdale, FL, followed by a series of Caribbean cruises and
a voyage to Rio de Janeiro and back, timed for Carnival. In her
inaugural year, she will sail 13 crossings between England and New
York as she takes over the route currently operated by QE2. In between
offering April to October transatlantic crossings, Queen Mary 2 will
operate five European itineraries, two Fall foliage cruises to ports
of call in New England and Canada, and serve as the flagship of the
2004 Athens Olympic Games.

Queen Mary 2 features 10 dining venues, including a Mediterranean
speciality restaurant operated by celebrity chef Todd English. The
liner also has 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, 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
QE2, Caronia and Queen Mary 2, destined to recapture the glamour of
the original Queen Mary, currently a hotel and attraction in Long
Beach, CA. In 2007, 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.