Cunard Showcases "Inspired by the Original" Video at Seatrade

SOUTHAMPTON, England, March 16, 2015 /CNW/ -- Cunard revealed a new video entitled "Inspired by the Original" at a Seatrade press conference in Fort Lauderdale yesterday. The video is a tribute to one of its most beloved ocean liners, Queen Mary, the inspiration for the remastering of Cunard's current flagship, Queen Mary 2, entering into dry dock for an extensive refit on the 80^th anniversary of its predecessor's maiden voyage, May, 27 2016.

Queen Mary earned her place in history as a symbol of recovery from the Great Depression when she entered service in 1936; she became the most popular ship on the Atlantic before she retired to California in 1967, where she remains today as a museum and hotel. Her war record, and that of her sister Queen Elizabeth, led Churchill to comment that Cunard had shortened the Second World War by "at least a year." It is only fitting that the new design for her namesake Queen Mary 2 should take inspiration from such an iconic legend.

Alison Clixby, Cunard's Director of Hotel Design and Projects, worked closely with renowned British interior design firm SMC to create the new interiors for Queen Mary 2. The design, inspired from Queen Mary and Cunard's past, feature traditional elements such as marble, brass and bronze fittings, but within a modern style and setting.

"The original ship was a true inspiration and provided a wealth of art deco features and details to work with in creating the new design for Queen Mary 2," commented Alison Clixby. "As always with such an important and major project like this, we went through many iterations during the development phase, making sure every detail was precise and on concept."

The manifestation of Queen Mary décor and motifs will be present throughout the whole ship, including in the restaurants, suites, and even the kennels. The Verandah restaurant, which will launch on Queen Mary 2 following the refit, will feature circus-inspired artwork and a black geometric carpet design similar to the first Verandah Grill on Queen Mary.

In the Grills suites and restaurants, a design scheme of soft tones contrasted with bold colours and fine detailing has been applied to honour Cunard's art deco heritage. New contemporary carpet patterns have been inspired by the geometric diamond designs seen on Queen Mary, and all the new Queens Grill Suites will incorporate a circular design first seen in Queen Mary's First Class suites.

Cunard will also be installing a lamp post and fire hydrant in the expanded kennels, two items that were installed on the original Queen Mary, which first launched kennels at sea, following the suggestion of HRH The Duke of Windsor, who was a regular traveller on board the ship.

As well as taking Queen Mary as a reference for new designs, Cunard has reached into its unrivalled past with art deco chandeliers, fixtures and fittings to transform the Kings Court buffet area, inspired by the intricate designs of the bright and airy grand Booking Hall in the famous Cunard Building in Liverpool. All suites and staterooms will feature stunning images of the historic Cunard Buildings in Liverpool, Southampton and New York that were captured by photographer Paul Ward.

For more information about Queen Mary 2 or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard Line at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

About Queen Mary 2

Christened by Her Majesty The Queen in 2004, Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2 defines luxury travel for the 21st Century and continues an almost 175-year legacy of transatlantic travel. Queen Mary 2 achieved her 200th Transatlantic Crossing in July 2013. Famous names who have experienced this iconic voyage since 2004 include President George H.W. Bush, Desmond Tutu, James Taylor, Wes Anderson, Tilda Swinton, George Takei, Kim Novak, Uma Thurman, Richard Dreyfuss, John Cleese and Angela Bassett.

About Cunard

Defining true excellence at sea with over 175 years of legendary voyages, Cunard is the operator of luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth that are renowned for impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Cunard has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries since the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Today Cunard offers the only regularly scheduled Transatlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which it began in 1922.

World's Leading Cruise Lines 

Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Seabourn and fathom. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

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For additional information about Cunard, contact:
Jackie Chase, Cunard, 661-753-1035, [email protected] 
Maria Andriano, MGA Media Group, 212-251-1015, [email protected]

SOURCE Cunard