Cunard Unveils Brand New Digital Animated Timeline Showcasing 175 Years at the Forefront of Ocean Travel

SOUTHAMPTON, England, Jan. 13, 2015 /CNW/ -- Celebrating 175 years of pioneering ocean travel, Cunard has unveiled a brand new animated timeline, giving viewers an insight into some of the most iconic moments in the shipping line's illustrious 175-year history.

Launched this morning on Cunard's website, the animation moves seamlessly through the decades, taking the viewer on an electrifying journey through some of the company's most significant moments in the last 175 years. The timeline begins in 1840 with Sir Samuel Cunard as Britannia makes its maiden transatlantic voyage to Halifax, Nova Scotia. As this unique journey continues, the viewer is drawn through history, taking in Cunard's participation in WWI, the very first World Voyage in 1922 on Laconia, and the glamour and glitz of the 1950s. The fascinating animation takes Cunard's story right through to the present as we prepare to celebrate our big anniversary year.

Simon Attwater, Group Creative Director at DigitasLBi, the global marketing and technology agency who, along with the award winning animation company NOMINT, worked with Cunard to create the detailed animation was excited by the unusual brief:

"As a history geek, the chance to look back at Cunard's illustrious 175 year history was a dream of a brief. Rifling through the annals was a delight and turned up wonderfully individual and quirky facts. We've woven them into a two and a half minute story that celebrates what it is that makes Cunard unique. Most brands don't have the luxury of an illustrious story that has literally changed history. Consequently many attempt to make one up. However, Cunard is different. After spending considerable time with the Cunard historian, Michael Gallagher we were blown away by the rich heritage of the company."

The task of squeezing 175 years into a two and half minute short animation was no small feat, providing creative challenges along the way. Christopher McKee and Richard Morgan, creative team at DigitasLBi continues:

"Our biggest challenge was realising our ambitious ideas, trying to animate 175 years proved tough as each decade looked so different. I think we're most proud of the complex New York scene because it says so much about Cunard as a brand. Also the WWI scene which, as viewers will see, communicates an important historical moment in a very respectful manner."

Celebrating 175 years of history, the gripping animation is sure to hold many surprises for those unfamiliar with Cunard's rich history, including the loss of twenty ships from the fleet when they were deployed during WWI from 1914-1918. As well as being called upon at time of crisis, the animation also details how Cunard played its part in the world of fashion and glamour as many of the world's most iconic movie stars graced the Promenade Deck of Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth in the 1950s. Fred Perry, Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor to mention just a few, were regular guests as they made their way across the Atlantic.

Richard Meadows, President, Cunard Line, North America said:

"For those unfamiliar with Cunard, it's difficult to comprehend how much of a role the company has played in shaping the world of ocean travel as we know it today. This year is our 175^th anniversary and we are proud to be able to showcase everything we have achieved in this time. We have so much planned for 2015, including events across the globe which we hope as many people as possible will join us for and take their place in our history books too."

Click here to watch the brand new animated timeline on Cunard's official YouTube channel.

Cunard will also launch a brand new social media campaign today which showcases the type of images that would have been taken over the generations on board our ships if modern technology, like the Smartphone 'selfie' phenomenon, were around 175 years ago. For those interested in following us on Twitter find us at @CunardLine or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/cunard.

For more information about Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, and to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard toll-free at 1-800-728-6273, or go to 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 Line
Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, 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 travellers who seek a civilised adventure and relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Today, Cunard offers the only regularly scheduled trans-Atlantic 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 and Seabourn. 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.

Cunard is also here:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cunard
YouTube: www.youtube.com/wearecunard
Blog: www.WeAreCunard.com
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/cunard
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cunardline

Cunard photography is available online at www.cunardimages.com
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For additional information about Cunard, contact:
Jackie Chase, Cunard Line, 661-753-1035, [email protected]
Maria Andriano, MGA Media Group, 212-251-1015, [email protected]
Cindy Adams, MGA Media Group, 917-282-2464, [email protected]

SOURCE Cunard Line