Press Release Source: Cunard Line

Cunard Takes Delivery of Queen Mary 2 World's Largest and Grandest Liner Ever
Monday December 22, 6:38 am ET

SAINT NAZAIRE, France, Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard officially took delivery today of Queen Mary 2 -- 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) ocean liner ever built. Queen Mary 2 is the first true transatlantic liner to have been built since the line's legendary Queen Elizabeth 2 entered service in May 1969.

The historic ceremony at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard here included the symbolic changing of the flag where the Blue ensign and the Cunard house flag -- a gold lion rampant on a red background -- were raised. Queen Mary 2 then officially became a Cunarder, carrying the Cunard name, with its associated heritage and traditions, into the future. The ceremony also included a celebratory lunch on board for 600 guests.

According to Pamela Conover, Cunard Line's president and chief operating officer, "Queen Mary 2 is the most extraordinary passenger liner ever built and is destined to be the most famous ship in the world. The superb quality and exacting care with which she was built will ensure that she is the ultimate in ocean travel for years to come."

Patrick Boissier, chairman and CEO of Chantiers de l'Atlantique, said: "Today is a proud day for all of our employees and partners associated with this magnificent vessel. Without question, Queen Mary 2 is the new benchmark for shipbuilding excellence. She will be our best ambassador on the seas."

After several days of manoeuvres the new flagship of the Cunard fleet will arrive in her homeport of Southampton, England, on Boxing Day, December 26. The vessel will be met by fireboats and is expected to receive a tumultuous welcome. Her Majesty The Queen will name Queen Mary 2 at a gala ceremony in Southampton on January 8, 2004. The ship enters service on January 12 with a Maiden Voyage from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

In her inaugural year Queen Mary 2 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. On April 16, she will make her maiden westbound transatlantic crossing from Southampton to New York. The vessel will also introduce 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. 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, 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, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or visit the website at www.cunard.com . AOL keyword: Cunard.

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.

Source: Cunard Line