Queen Victoria To Offer Unique Sporting Pursuit

11-23-2007

N E W S

 

Cunard Continues Tradition of British Heritage with
Unique Sporting Pursuit Aboard Queen Victoria

 

Valencia, CA - November 21, 2007 - In a move that underscores Cunard's tradition of British heritage and ongoing attention to historical detail, the Line will introduce the sport of fencing - a favorite pastime of Prince Albert, husband and consort of Her Majesty Queen Victoria - aboard its newest ocean liner, Queen Victoria, when she enters service on December 10, 2007.  To craft the programme, which is another cruise industry first, Cunard turned to Leon Paul Fencing Equipment, the British company whose name has been synonymous with fencing for nearly a century.  Run by and for competitive fencers, members of the Leon Paul family have competed in 20 Olympic Games and 30 World Championships, winning 25 national titles.

"Much like the award-winning enrichment programmes aboard our ships, the sports and recreation programme is designed to provide unique and stimulating guest experiences.  The addition of fencing, which relies on keen strategic thinking, does just that," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line.

"Fencing is often described as physical chess," said Ben Paul, the forth-generation president of Leon Paul.  "It's tactically challenging while also providing great exercise.  We are delighted to use our knowledge of the sport to provide Queen Victoria guests with an authentic fencing experience using the same state-of-the-art equipment selected by competitive fencers."

Cunard guests will have an opportunity to learn fencing basics or fine-tune their fencing skills with a fully certified instructor using equipment identical to that used by world champions.  The fencing programme can accommodate up to 10 aspiring or accomplished fencers at a time for foil fencing, the preferred method for elementary fencing classes due to the flexible and lightweight blade and blunted tip.  Fencing instruction for guests aged 16 and up will be provided daily by a fully certified fencing instructor.

Other recreational activities include paddle tennis, shuffle board, chess, deck quoits (the maritime version of horse shoes), ping pong and golf in two golf nets.

For more information about Cunard Line and Queen Victoria, contact your travel professional, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com .

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About Queen Victoria
The 90,000-ton Queen Victoria will offer the very best of the heritage and traditions of Cunard Line, along with all modern day luxuries including some exciting innovations.  These will include the first traditional West End-style private boxes at sea in the Royal Court Theatre, the first Cunardia museum exhibit at sea, housing Cunard artifacts and memorabilia along with the first two-storey library at sea featuring an elegant spiral staircase.  The ship will also feature the line's celebrated Queens Grill and Princess Grill accommodations and dining, further enhanced on Queen Victoria with an exclusive deck terrace and an al fresco dining option.
     
From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at the sophistication that differentiates a Cunard liner.  This will be most evident in the ship's adherence to liner traditions of the past, with elegant public rooms, many on a grand scale, featuring rich wood paneling, intricate mosaics and gleaming chandeliers.  There will also be a grand, colonial-style conservatory complete with a retractable glass roof.
     
As well as being the second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Victoria's arrival is particularly noteworthy as it will mark the first time that three Cunard Queens have been in service together in the company's 168-year history (she joins the world's grandest liner, Queen Mary 2 and the world's most famous and best-loved liner, QE2).

About Cunard Line
Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2 and QE2, has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and the epitome of British refinement since the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840.  Cunard voyages bring together like-minded travelers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service^TM, fine dining, sophisticated adventure, the legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel.  Queen Victoria joins the fleet in December 2007.

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 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.

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