Queen Mary 2 Named "Best Luxury Cruise Ship" By Travel Weekly

Readers Choice Awards single out "Best of the Best in the travel industry"

Valencia, CA - December 20, 2007 - At its fifth annual Readers Choice Awards gala, the editors of Travel Weekly, the national newspaper of the travel industry, named Cunard Line's flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2 the world's "Best Luxury Cruise Ship." Presented at a black-tie dinner at New York City's Pierre Hotel on December 13, 2007, the award reflects the educated opinions of Travel Weekly's 40,000 readers, comprising industry executives, travel agents and wholesalers.

"We are honored to receive this influential award," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. "We strive to deliver the cruise industry's premier travel experience and this award is recognition that when it comes to luxury, Cunard - and specifically Queen Mary 2 - exemplifies the pinnacle of ocean voyaging. We look forward to seeing her new sister ship, Queen Victoria, earn a place on this prestigious list," she continued.

"This is the industry insiders' award," said Arnie Weissmann, vice president and editor in chief. "Travel Weekly's readership understands what it takes to 'wow' a traveler. Not only are the travel professionals who vote avid travelers themselves, but they also hear first-hand the unvarnished truth - the compliments and complaints - from thousands of American consumers. To be voted a winner in any category is confirmation that you've won the hearts of American travel agents and their customers."

Queen Mary 2 is the grandest ocean liner ever built. There are a wide variety of suites and staterooms available in degrees of style and comfort ranging from pampered elegance to almost unimaginable luxury in the ship's famed Grill-level accommodations. Queen Mary 2 brings together like-minded travellers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service(TM), fine dining, sophisticated adventure and legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel.

Queen Mary 2 - A Most Civilized Way to Cross

In 2008, Queen Mary 2 increases the number of Transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York to 24 and builds on the success of its 2006 transatlantic voyages to/from Hamburg, Germany, with the continuation of four such voyages in 2008.

New for 2008, she'll make two Transatlantic voyages to/from Cherbourg, France, one of which departs July 15, the day after Bastille Day.

"Transatlantic crossings continue to distinguish Cunard Line," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. "We've added even more voyages this year and their timeless elegance resonates with an audience seeking our singular combination of history, elegance and glamour. The demand for Transatlantics continues unabated."

Six-day eastbound Transatlantics, from New York to Southampton, are scheduled April 16, 28; May 10, 27; June 8; July 8, 22; Aug. 7,19; Sept. 4; Oct. 4 and 16. Westbound Transatlantics, from Southampton to New York, are scheduled April 22; May 4, 16; June 2, 26; July 16; Aug. 1, 13, 29; Sept. 21; Oct. 10 and 22. Of these, six sail to/from Hamburg and Cherbourg with stops each way in Southampton.

"Given the remarkable popularity of our Transatlantic voyages to and from Hamburg, Germany, we're pleased to add another European destination to our Crossings - via Cherbourg, France - allowing our guests to further tailor their experience on one of Cunard's legendary voyages to and from Europe," added Marlow.

Seven-day Transatlantic Crossings to/from Cherbourg sail on July 8 (eastbound) and July 15 (westbound). Eight-day eastbound Transatlantic Crossings to/from Hamburg, Germany sail on July 22 and August 19 and westbound sailings sail on July 30 and August 27.

Transatlantic Voyage fares start from $1,195.

In addition to her six Caribbean sailings in early 2008, Queen Mary 2 will offer seven Caribbean voyages in the second half of the year. These are:

Southern Caribbean Calypso - Five 10-day voyages, departing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale on Nov. 9, 19, 29 and Dec. 9 and Jan. 2 with stops in Willemsted, Curacao; St. George's, Grenada; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Basseterre, St. Kitts; and St. Thomas. Fares start from $1,645.

Caribbean Adventure - An eight-day voyage, departing from New York to Ft. Lauderdale on Nov. 1, with stops in Basseterre, St. Kitts; St. George's, Grenada; and Kralendijk, Bonaire. Fares start from $1,295.

Caribbean Celebration - A 14-day voyage over the holidays, departing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale on Dec. 19, with stops in Cristobal, Panama; Kralendijk, Bonaire; St. George's, Grenada; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; Basseterre, St. Kitts and Road Town, Tortola. Fares start from $3,295.

The Mediterranean is also on the ship's itinerary, with two voyages in June and September:

Mediterranean Explorer - A 12-day voyage, departing roundtrip from Southampton on June 14 with stops in Vigo, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Rome, Naples/Capri, Gibraltar and Lisbon. Fares start from $2,695.

Riviera Rendezvous - An 11-day voyage, departing roundtrip from Southampton on Sept. 10 with stops in Vigo, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Rome, Gibraltar and Lisbon. Fares start from $2,395.

Once again, the ship will offer its popular seven-day Splendours of Autumn voyage, departing roundtrip from New York on Sept. 27, with calls in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John, New Brunswick; Portland, Maine; Boston, Mass. and Newport, R.I. Fares start from $1,795.

Queen Mary 2's popular Getaway sailings, ranging from four to six days, include:

Memorial Day Getaway - A five-day voyage, departing roundtrip from New York on May 22, with stops in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Boston, Mass. Fares start from $1,195.

Independence Day Getaway - A six-day voyage, departing roundtrip from New York on July 2, with stops in Boston, Mass.; Bar Harbor, Maine and Halifax, Nova Scotia. The ship will be in historic Boston on July 4th and will depart at 10:00pm allowing guests to enjoy the local festivities and celebrations. Fares start from $1,495.

Halloween Getaway - A four-day voyage, departing roundtrip from New York on Oct. 28, with a stop in Eleuthera Island, Bahamas. Fares start from $795.

Frommer's Caribbean 2008