Queen Mary 2 Celebrates 5

By Sean Ballent

The grandest of the grand, Queen Mary 2, celebrates her fifth birthday on January 12, 2009. The fastest passenger ship in the world will celebrate this milestone in the warm waters of the Caribbean.

It was January 2004, Her Majesty The Queen christened Queen Mary 2 in a spectacular naming ceremony in her homeport of Southhampton. Since then, QM2 has sailed almost 750,000 nautical miles. That’s 104 Atlantic crossings on the route for which she was specifically built.

Since becoming Cunard’s flagship in 2004, QM2 successfully continues the Cunard passenger liner tradition established almost 170 years ago becoming one of the most celebrated ships in the world. Although one of the oldest names in shipping, Cunard sails the youngest fleet in the industry (look for the new Queen Elizabeth to debut in 2010). The iconic ship has attracted thousands of well wishers around the world in over 115 ports in 45 different countries.

To celebrate her fifth birthday, QM2 will depart from her birthplace in Southampton and will undertake a “lap of honor.” This will be her very first voyage around Britain, a journey that became popular due to the success of QE2-crowds of thousands greeting her at every port. It is likely that QM2 will continue that same Cunard tradition. Maiden calls for QM2 will be made at Greenock and Liverpool, both ports with close historic ties.

Transatlantic Crossings aboard the QM2 start at just $745 per person. For more information and to book a voyage aboard Queen Mary 2, consult your Travel Professional, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com