World's Grandest Liner Makes First Visit to NYC!

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, World's Grandest Liner, Makes First Visit to New York

Mayor Michael Bloomberg to Formally Welcome Ship to Manhattan

NEW YORK, April 22
Today 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 (QM2) is scheduled
to dock just after 8:00 a.m. at Pier 92 at the New York Cruise
Terminal.
QM2 is the largest (151,400 tons), longest (1,132 feet/345 metres),
tallest (236 feet/72metres), 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 (QE2) entered service in May 1969.

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg will formally welcome QM2 at
a brief quay-side 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 QM2; Jonathan Tisch, chairman of NYC & Company, and other
dignitaries.

Plans call for QM2 to sail past the Statue of Liberty at 7:00 a.m. Her
arrival at Pier 92 will be heralded by a rousing welcome from the New
York Maritime College and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point,
NY) marching bands. Additionally, Cunard commissioned world-renowned
artist Peter Max to create a commemorative banner that depicts the
familiar image of Lady Liberty, whose welcoming arms and glowing torch
have greeted transatlantic voyagers for over two centuries. The
artwork, which will serve as the backdrop for the Mayor's welcome
ceremony, will adorn lampposts throughout the city from April 20 to
May 20.

In her remarks, Cunard's Conover will decla "Today 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."

On Saturday, April 24, 2004, QM2 will welcome the Entertainment
Industry Foundation's second annual "Hollywood Hits Broadway" musical
extravaganza benefiting the National Colorectal Cancer Research
Alliance. Host Katie Couric will be joined by some of the biggest
names in film, music, television and theatre, including Antonio
Banderas, Dakota Fanning, Glenn Close, Steve Tyrell, Brian Stokes
Mitchell, Christine Ebersole, Danny DeVito, Harry Connick, Jr.,
Heather Headley, Jon Bon Jovi, Nathan Lane, Peter Cincotti and Whoopi
Goldberg.

The excitement will continue on Sunday, April 25, as QM2 and her
famous sister ship QE2 will meet for the first time in New York. Their
legendary namesakes Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth were berthed in the
port together in March 1940, the last time two Cunard Queens adorned
Manhattan's harbour. Cunard's current 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
fireworks display is being sponsored by American Express and American
Express Travel.

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 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. QM2 uniquely features the world's only shipboard planetarium.
Among its feature presentations is the American Museum of Natural
History's Space Show -- The Search for Life: Are We Alone? -- narrated
by actor Harrison Ford.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II named the ship at a gala ceremony held
in Southampton on January 8, 2004. She entered service on January 12
with her maiden voyage from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale, FL,
followed by a series of Caribbean cruises. In 2004, she will offer 13
transatlantic crossings between New York and England as she takes over
the role currently operated by QE2.

Six-day crossings are priced from $1,499 per person, double occupancy,
and include one-way Economy Class air between London and 102 North
American gateways. In between operating April to October transatlantic
crossings, QM2 will offer five European itineraries, two fall foliage
cruises to ports in New England and Canada, and serve as the flagship
of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

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.

Someone please explain how this ship becomes 'The Worlds "Grandest"
Ship' and what makes any ship GRAND in the first place. Jim

In article , Jim
wrote:

Someone please explain how this ship becomes 'The Worlds "Grandest"
Ship' and what makes any ship GRAND in the first place.

Advertising companys and marketing departments.

--
Charles

Charles wrote in message id...
In article , Jim
wrote:

Someone please explain how this ship becomes 'The Worlds "Grandest"
Ship' and what makes any ship GRAND in the first place.

Advertising companys and marketing departments.

While I'm against any EST word what can make something grand can have
to do with vision and dedication as well. In this case, the QM2's size
and to a good degree her interior opulence creates an impression of
something grand.

Anyway, folks, most headlines are attention grabbers, and that's what
this header is.

Ben S.

Advertising companies and marketing departments.

While I'm against any EST word what can make something grand can have
to do with vision and dedication as well. In this case, the QM2's size
and to a good degree her interior opulence creates an impression of
something grand.
Anyway, folks, most headlines are attention grabbers, and that's what
this header is.
Ben S.
==============

So, let me get this right. You guys are saying she is "GRAND" because
of advertising, marketing, and size? Right?
Oh and I like this phrase: ".......her interior opulence, which creates
an impression of something grand". To me this is based upon other
peoples workings, writings, and reviews and other things. Sort of like
reading and believing what you read or have read in the National
Enquirer. JR

... So, let me get this right. You guys are saying she is "GRAND"
because of advertising, marketing, and size?...
... I have yet to hear anyone say that the ship was a tub...
... shore-side issues and service onboard are something entirely
different, however. It sounds as though Cunard has to get it's act in gear.

I had my "issues", some of which I posted here, with my recent QM2
experience... resulting in a 3 page [after much editing] letter to Ms.
Conover. None of them had to do with the ship's design or decor, etc. My
"issues" [and others'] were primarily, as you've noted Karen, in the areas
of shore-side and service... and, for me, muddled on-site middle-management.

If "grand" means, as I think it does, magnificent, splendid, impressive,
stately and the like, this ship merits the term being applied to it.
Actually, I found some spaces to be "too grand", which, to my tastes, can
border on "precious" or even "kitsch", but others to be so elegant that they
"saved the day".

I'll be interested in hearing your reactions. [Bon Voyage!]

Mila



"CupCaked" wrote in message
...
(Jim) wrote:

Advertising companies and marketing departments.

While I'm against any EST word what can make something grand can have
to do with vision and dedication as well. In this case, the QM2's size
and to a good degree her interior opulence creates an impression of
something grand.
Anyway, folks, most headlines are attention grabbers, and that's what
this header is.
Ben S.
==============

So, let me get this right. You guys are saying she is "GRAND" because
of advertising, marketing, and size? Right?
Oh and I like this phrase: ".......her interior opulence, which creates
an impression of something grand". To me this is based upon other
peoples workings, writings, and reviews and other things. Sort of like
reading and believing what you read or have read in the National
Enquirer. JR

Nope, I think they're just repeating what they have heard and read
about this ship. To the person, I have yet to hear anyone say that
the ship was a tub, it was badly designed, it had ugly or even a
mediocre interiors. Everyone has raved about how beautiful it truly
is.

Now, Cunard's handling of shore-side issues and service onboard are
something entirely different, however. It sounds as though Cunard has
to get it's act in gear.

But I'll see and judge for myself next week. As those of you who have
been reading my reviews for years already know, I can be a brutal
reviewer, and since I have no commercial or financial interest with
regard to what I have to say about the ship (as some of the online
cruise web sites do,) I'll tell it true.

Karen, just about done packing



__ /7__/7__/7__
\::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.cupcaked.com/reviews
(...and leave off the "potatoes" to e-mail)

From: (BTC/TAK=A0on=A0ACK)

I had my "issues", some of which I posted here, with my recent QM2
experience... resulting in a 3 page [after much editing] letter to Ms.
Conover. None of them had to do with the ship's design or decor, etc. My
"issues" [and others'] were primarily, as you've noted Karen, in the
areas of shore-side and service......and, for me, muddled on-site
middle-management.
If "grand" means, as I think it does, magnificent, splendid, impressive,
stately and the like, this ship merits the term being applied to it.
Actually, I found some spaces to be "too grand", which, to my tastes,
can border on "precious" or even "kitsch", but others to be so elegant
that they "saved the day".
I'll be interested in hearing your reactions. [Bon Voyage!]
Mila
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D

Sounds like a person who didn't "read" or "hear" about the ship second
hand, but saw, felt, and experienced for herself.
Even when "reading" reviews you can find umpteen likes and dislikes.
What one person sees as treasure, another sees as garage sale fodder.
Cruise reviews are the same, IN MY OPINION.
Jim

I approved of this e-mail message.

Jim wrote:
From: (BTC/TAK on ACK)

I had my "issues", some of which I posted here, with my recent QM2
experience... resulting in a 3 page [after much editing] letter to Ms.
Conover. None of them had to do with the ship's design or decor, etc. My
"issues" [and others'] were primarily, as you've noted Karen, in the
areas of shore-side and service......and, for me, muddled on-site
middle-management.
If "grand" means, as I think it does, magnificent, splendid, impressive,
stately and the like, this ship merits the term being applied to it.
Actually, I found some spaces to be "too grand", which, to my tastes,
can border on "precious" or even "kitsch", but others to be so elegant
that they "saved the day".
I'll be interested in hearing your reactions. [Bon Voyage!]
Mila
==========

Sounds like a person who didn't "read" or "hear" about the ship second
hand, but saw, felt, and experienced for herself.
Even when "reading" reviews you can find umpteen likes and dislikes.
What one person sees as treasure, another sees as garage sale fodder.
Cruise reviews are the same, IN MY OPINION.
Jim

This has nothing to do with the fascination with this ship. Get this. It
is about what is associated with the ship, not necessarily the realities
of sailing aboard the ship. The romance of the seagoing voyage on
something that has a certain presence. Today a Carnival Spirit class
ship came up the Hudson and few noticed on the Hoboken riverfront.
However, whenever the QE2 comes up the Hudson, a certain amount of
attention is paid to her. The QM2 is perceived as a modern version of
her, a modern Titanic, a modern "Queen".

This isn't about reviews, or what the ship has to offer. It is about
certain feelings that this ship evokes as to what elegant seagoing
voyages are supposed to be. Feelings that most modern ships do not evoke.

Ben



I approved of this e-mail message.

Jim wrote:

Advertising companies and marketing departments.


While I'm against any EST word what can make something grand can have

to do with vision and dedication as well. In this case, the QM2's size
and to a good degree her interior opulence creates an impression of
something grand.

Anyway, folks, most headlines are attention grabbers, and that's what

this header is.

Ben S.

==============

So, let me get this right. You guys are saying she is "GRAND" because
of advertising, marketing, and size? Right?

You missed the important word, "impression", Jim.



Oh and I like this phrase: ".......her interior opulence, which creates
an impression of something grand". To me this is based upon other
peoples workings, writings, and reviews and other things. Sort of like
reading and believing what you read or have read in the National
Enquirer.

Get over yourself Jim and maybe see it as others see it. It's often part
fantasy when dealing with what others think the "priviledged" ones are
experiencing. That's what perception and impressions are about.

Ben S.


JR

CupCaked wrote:

(Jim) wrote:


Advertising companies and marketing departments.

While I'm against any EST word what can make something grand can have

to do with vision and dedication as well. In this case, the QM2's size
and to a good degree her interior opulence creates an impression of
something grand.

Anyway, folks, most headlines are attention grabbers, and that's what

this header is.

Ben S.

==============

So, let me get this right. You guys are saying she is "GRAND" because
of advertising, marketing, and size? Right?
Oh and I like this phrase: ".......her interior opulence, which creates
an impression of something grand". To me this is based upon other
peoples workings, writings, and reviews and other things. Sort of like
reading and believing what you read or have read in the National
Enquirer. JR


Nope, I think they're just repeating what they have heard and read
about this ship. To the person, I have yet to hear anyone say that
the ship was a tub, it was badly designed, it had ugly or even a
mediocre interiors. Everyone has raved about how beautiful it truly
is.


This is a Press Release from Cunard. That's where the wording "world's
grandest liner" is coming from. Superlatives are typically used to get
people interested in products and/or achievements. I think most people
here reading press releases read them in the context that they are
marketing promotion.

What's significant here is that this ship is in NYC and there's plenty
of festivities surrounding her. And call it grand, world's largest,
liner, whatever, there's something unique about this one vs. other
modern ships that have had some festivities in NYC.

What I'm trying to steer people in is why always see the commercial
product side? There is the other side of achievement and all of the hard
work, vision, and spirit of collaboration that goes into the creation
even considering commercial revenue functions. And, with ships/liners,
there's also what people feel and imagine around the creation, its
image, and how it represents a continuation of a lifestyle of a marque.

Ben




Now, Cunard's handling of shore-side issues and service onboard are
something entirely different, however. It sounds as though Cunard has
to get it's act in gear.

But I'll see and judge for myself next week. As those of you who have
been reading my reviews for years already know, I can be a brutal
reviewer, and since I have no commercial or financial interest with
regard to what I have to say about the ship (as some of the online
cruise web sites do,) I'll tell it true.

Karen, just about done packing



__ /7__/7__/7__
\::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.cupcaked.com/reviews
(...and leave off the "potatoes" to e-mail)