QE2 TO WELCOME MUPPET PERFORMERS™ ABOARD SUMMER 2003 FAMILY CRUISE

July 7

Cunard’s world famous Queen Elizabeth 2 will welcome puppet performers and a producer from the Emmy Award-winning television series The Muppet Show™ during its July 16-22, 2003, transatlantic crossing from Southampton, England, to New York.

Among the featured Muppets™ will be The Great Gonzo™, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew™, Kermit’s nephew Robin™, Zoot and Floyd Pepper™ from the Electric Mayhem Band™, Beauregard™, Lew Zealand™ and Dr. Julius Strangepork™.

“The Muppets may not be the most famous guests to have cruised on QE2, but they’ll certainly be the most fun,” said Deborah Natansohn, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Cunard Line. “We’ve seen multiple generations of families book this voyage, including parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.”

The 6-night voyage – which is nearly sold-out – was marketed to families and offered rates starting from $1,799 per person, double, including one-way air to London.

In addition to being entertained by principal Muppet Performers Dave Goelz and Jerry Nelson, Martin Baker, a producer for The Jim Henson Company, will talk about his experience working on The Muppet Show and introduce a documentary on Jim Henson. Designer/Builder Jane Gootnick, who will talk about how the puppets are initially designed, created and ultimately brought to life, will join them.

Oscar-winning creators of Chicken Run also aboard

As an extra bonus, Peter Lord, co-founder of Ardman Animation, creators of the Oscar-winning Wallace & Gromit animated short films, will be on board for the crossing. In addition to introducing their box office smash Chicken Run, they will showcase some of the miniature sets with which they work and demonstrate how claymation is done.

Passengers who are not fans of puppets and animated films or who are not travelling with their children need not worry; additional “grown up” entertainers and guest lecturers will be on board to ensure that passengers of all ages enjoy their QE2 voyage.

2003 marks Farewell Transatlantic Season for QE2

Cunard’s feted QE2 is presently celebrating her Farewell Transatlantic Season. After this July 16 departure there will be 10 gala crossings through December 2003. In 2004, the line’s transatlantic route will be assumed by the grand, new Queen Mary 2, which is currently being built in France at a cost of $780 million.

While 2003 marks the final season of transatlantic crossings for QE2, in May 2004 – after a major refurbishment – QE2 will be deployed on cruises to the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Scandinavia and Northern Europe, sailing round-trip from Southampton. QE2 will also continue to be the ship of choice for Cunard’s annual World Cruise.

Cross the Atlantic Ocean in total comfort

Often called a “City at Sea,” QE2 offers every five-star comfort, including six dining venues, several elegant bars and lounges, a European-style spa, a computer learning centre with both Internet and e-mail access, and an award-winning library, staffed by qualified librarians. Other facilities include a cinema, showroom, casino, fitness centre, indoor and outdoor pools, golf driving and putting area, formal wear shop and duty-free boutiques – including Harrods.

QE2 uniquely features a florist, synagogue, a pet kennel and a nursery with British nannies. For women travelling alone, gallant Gentlemen Hosts? assure that they don’t miss a dance.

Most recently, the ship’s five-star Grill accommodations won a prestigious maritime Oscar from the respected Berlitz guide to Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships 2003. The author states, “If you occupy one of the top-level suites, with butler service and all the trimmings of finery, your experience should be nothing short of superb.”