Posts tagged Queen Elizabeth News
Silver Screen on the High Seas: Cunard Announces Three-year Partnership with British Film Institute for Queen Anne

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Silver Screen on the High Seas: Cunard Announces Three-year Partnership with British Film Institute for Queen Anne

VALENCIA, Calif., Sept. 21, 2023 -- Cunard has teamed up with the British Film Institute (BFI) for an exclusive new partnership that will make waves with film lovers ahead of the launch of the line's newest ship, Queen Anne.

The luxury cruise line has announced a three-year partnership with the UK's lead organization for film, TV, and the moving image. The collaboration will see a curated program of short films and beloved blockbusters shown exclusively on the outdoor screen in The Pavilion aboard Queen Anne.

The Pavilion is an idyllic open-air oasis on the top deck of Cunard's newest ship, and the BFI will be showing 10 films every month on the cinematic LED screen in this romantic outdoor space. These specially selected films will also be shown in guests' staterooms.

As a multi-purpose space, The Pavilion boasts a specially designed glass dome roof that retracts in warmer climates. Inspired by beautiful glasshouses, it is the ideal spot for getting lost in a book or enjoying a dip in the pool by day and for meeting new friends over a glass of wine in the evening.

The space has been designed by David Collins Studio, with its sophisticated aesthetic likened to a ship sailing through serene waters as guests breeze from one moment to the next. The gentle arc of the glass dome encompasses all the experiences within the space, and opens to let the outside in.

Acclaimed architect Martin Francis – who supported with engineering the iconic Louvre Pyramid in Paris – led a redesigning of the glass dome, which will now feature a refined arched steel frame to maximize height and light in the space as it stretches up and aft to create the new Wellness Studio.

Queen Anne's wider design concepts have been founded on heritage, craftmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest ship, which spans 14 decks, will offer guests several breath-taking experiences, and more choices of entertainment, dining, and bars than ever before.

BFI Partnership

In addition to the collaboration with The Pavilion on Queen Anne, Cunard will be a main sponsor of the 67th BFI London Film Festival, in partnership with American Express, which runs at venues across London, as well as in nine UK partner cinemas, from October 4-15, 2023, as well as in 2024 and 2025.

On October 11, the Cunard Gala will support the European premiere of The Holdovers at the BFI London Film Festival – in association with Universal Pictures and Focus Features – at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall. The Holdovers is a new American comedy-drama from acclaimed director Alexander Payne.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the British Film Institute, with our shared dedication to providing immersive experiences aligning perfectly. We're hugely proud of our long-standing affiliation with the silver screen, with some of Hollywood's biggest names having sailed in style with Cunard – from Charlie Chaplin to Meryl Streep. As the first cruise line to host an on board film premiere with the launch of The Greatest Showman on Queen Mary 2 in 2017, we are incredibly passionate about the power of timeless storytelling. We have dedicated spaces for film enthusiasts across the fleet, and our new ship Queen Anne will boast even more big screen experiences for guests. Together with the BFI, we'll strive to create unparalleled and unforgettable moments for film lovers."

Francesca Vinti, BFI Executive Director of Fundraising and Enterprise, added: "We are thrilled to be working alongside Cunard on this partnership and are incredibly thankful for their support of the BFI and the BFI London Film Festival. We are excited to be able to reach audiences in new inventive ways with amazing films and look forward to collaborating with Cunard over the next three years."


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Making waves in the arts: Cunard partners with pop art phenomenon Mr. Brainwash for unique Queen Elizabeth mural

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Making waves in the arts: Cunard partners with pop art phenomenon Mr. Brainwash for unique Queen Elizabeth mural

VALENCIA, Calif., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard has raised the anchor on an exciting collaboration with pop art phenomenon Mr. Brainwash as the luxury cruise line continues to champion artistic excellence at sea.

Thierry Guetta, AKA Mr. Brainwash, joined guests and VIPs aboard Queen Elizabeth in his hometown of Los Angeles yesterday (August 22) for an exclusive ceremony in which he officially unveiled a new mural in the ship's Garden Lounge.

The mural is an intricate patchwork of iconic Cunard marketing posters from the 1920s, with Mr. Brainwash spray-painting a unique finishing touch, in his signature graffiti style, during the ceremony to celebrate the best of Cunard and contemporary art.

The bespoke installation "Cunard x Mr. Brainwash" was commissioned in partnership with Clarendon Fine Art, who've represented the leading street artist in the UK since 2020 and whose galleries appear across the Cunard fleet of ships.

Three innovative limited editions have also been created which will be exclusively available to guests and feature each of the three Cunard Queens. Showcasing the iconic vessels, as well as Mr. Brainwash's unique style, the editions will offer guests an opportunity to acquire a unique moment in Cunard's history.

Yesterday's event marked the conclusion of Queen Elizabeth's arts-focused Pacific Coastal sailing from Vancouver to Los Angeles, which offered several Mr. Brainwash-inspired seminars as well as a screening of Banksy's Academy-nominated 'Exit Through the Gift shop' documentary featuring Mr. Brainwash. The largest collection of the artist's original artwork and limited-edition pieces ever seen at sea were also brought onboard for guests to view and purchase in Queen Elizabeth's art gallery.

The Los Angeles-based artist's work is held in public and private collections across the globe, including in all 75 of Clarendon Fine Art's UK and USA galleries as well as across the Cunard fleet. His 'Long Live the King' portrait of King Charles III, released to coincide with the Coronation, was a record release demonstrating the remarkable levels of interest in his work.

Some of his work also features in private collections belonging to the likes of Barack Obama, Al Pacino, Lionel Richie, and Rihanna, and he has also worked on charity collaborations with Pope Francis and the Dalai Lama.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: "We are thrilled to have partnered with Mr. Brainwash for Queen Elizabeth's incredible new mural and it is a privilege to be associated with such an acclaimed and innovative artist. We always strive to provide guests with enriching and unique experiences on board and this one-of-a-kind masterpiece will certainly be enjoyed by our many art lovers."

Thierry Guetta, AKA Mr. Brainwash, who fronts the pop-up Mr. Brainwash Art Museum in Beverly Hills, added: "I am ecstatic to collaborate with Cunard because throughout history, they have proven to be timeless and consistent. This piece of mine holds massive significance. It is very special to me because it merges two worlds together and represents artistic expression on a grand scale. I believe creating accessible art is beautiful because it has the ability to enrich an individual's journey and ignite their imagination no matter where they are in the world or what they are doing. If I can manage to even bring that expression to the high seas, there truly is no limit to where art can go. This unveiling is more than an event; it marks something that will inspire those who see it immediately and for generations to come. In the future, I will look back on this collaboration with beautiful memories attached to it. This collaboration is beautiful."

Helen Swaby, CEO of Clarendon Fine Art, said: "We are proud and privileged that pop art phenomenon Mr. Brainwash has been invited into this unique collaboration with Cunard. For more than a decade we have had the pleasure of entertaining and educating guests aboard Cunard's luxury liners, and ever since we first introduced Mr. Brainwash to guests there has been an overwhelming level of interest and love for this work. In recent times we have rediscovered the importance of positivity and fun and his work has struck a chord with art collectors and art lovers helping us to connect with the lighter side of life. This moment marks the next step in Mr. Brainwash's meteoric rise to fame with his first ever mural taking up residency aboard a cruise ship. We hope that guests on the beautiful Queen Elizabeth enjoy the rare opportunity to view this uplifting and life-affirming artwork by one of the best-loved street artists of modern times."


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Cunard Celebrates Cruise Milestone with The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority in Victoria, BC

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Cunard Celebrates Cruise Milestone with The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority in Victoria, BC

VALENCIA, Calif., August 16, 2023 – Cunard is proud to bring the ten millionth cruise passenger to Victoria, BC, where The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) welcomed them to The Breakwater District at Ogden Point on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. The passengers arrived on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, marking 54 years of cruise ships visiting Victoria.

The cruise industry has grown since the first cruise ship arrived in 1969. “Ten million cruise visitors to Victoria is an incredible milestone. Cruise supports the region's visitor economy and creates jobs that support Victoria's economic recovery. Engineers, entrepreneurs, accountants, mechanics and others are employed due to cruise tourism in Victoria, with salaries totalling over $40 million annually,” said Robert Lewis-Manning, CEO of GVHA.

Each year, cruise visitors and crew contribute $56 million to the local economy, purchasing tours and local transportation, retail goods and food and beverages. Cruise lines spend $84 million on warehousing, ship agents, repairs and maintenance, port fees and docking services.

"Victoria welcomes and celebrates its ten millionth cruise ship passenger,” said Mayor Marianne Alto. “The cruise industry is a valued and vital part of a regional visitor industry that continues to create countless career opportunities and support the livelihood of Victorians,” Alto added.

Two couples stepped off Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth this morning and were presented with a gift courtesy of the Bay Centre. Industry partners and stakeholders gathered at the port of Victoria to welcome these guests. “We’ve been married for 14 years, and we came on this trip to renew our vows,” said Emma Lonergan, a passenger from the UK. 

“Victoria is a world-class city because it has something for everyone, from natural beauty, heritage and architecture to fabulous dining options and a warm community,” said Matt Gleaves, VP, Commercial, Cunard North America. "It is a much-loved highlight of Cunard’s voyages in this part of the world and holds great appeal for Cunard’s guests as well as from our sister brands across our corporation.”


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Cunard Enables Shore Power Capability Across the Fleet

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Cunard Enables Shore Power Capability Across the Fleet

VALENCIA, Calif., August 15, 2023 – Cunard achieves a ground-breaking milestone as the brand attains the capability for its entire fleet to connect to shore power.

Queen Elizabeth has been fitted with shore power capabilities and now all three Cunard ships – Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth – have the ability to plug into shore power, where available. The line’s newest ship, Queen Anne, set to debut in May 2024, will have the technology installed before her maiden voyage.

Shore power technology enables docked ships to connect directly to a specially fitted land-based source, allowing cruise ships to switch off their on board engines and operate on electricity sourced entirely from the local electrical grid, reducing emissions and noise while at port. The ability for the ships to plug in to local grids already exists at many key ports, including Queen Mary 2’s homeport at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and Queen Anne’s homeport in Southampton, England.

Katie McAlister, President at Cunard, said: “By adopting shore power technology, we are taking a significant step in our ongoing commitment to reducing emissions, minimizing our carbon footprint, and fostering healthier port environments. The introduction of shore power technology aligns seamlessly with Cunard's corporate vision and values, and we are proud to be able to take such a positive step.”


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Coronation Celebrations at Sea on board Cunard's Three Queens

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Coronation Celebrations at Sea on board Cunard's Three Queens

VALENCIA, Calif., May 2, 2023 -- Cunard joins the celebration in marking the historic coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort with a range of coronation-themed activities planned on all three of its Queens.

From street parties in the majestic Grand Lobby to themed musical performances, films and quizzes, guests on board Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth will be able to truly immerse themselves in the regal festivities.

An exclusive Coronation dinner menu has been created for the evening of Saturday, May 6, inspired by King Charles' love of farming, agriculture, game, and organic principles. It features a selection of specially curated dishes showcasing some of his favorite ingredients, to create a meal that perfectly commemorates this auspicious occasion.

Specially designed cocktails will be available to toast Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort, including a "Coronation Oath" made with Prosecco, White Vermouth, Grapefruit and Cardamom Bitters and a "Monarch Martini" using Cunard's 3 Queens Gin.

All three ships will be at sea for the big day and will broadcast the ceremony live from Westminster Abbey into the ships' Royal Court Theatres and stateroom TVs. Queen Elizabeth guests will be just starting their nine-night tour of Southern Japan and Taiwan, visiting the stunningly beautiful island of Hualien and the idyllic tropical paradise of Miyakojima, while Queen Victoria will be returning from a 12-night voyage around the Canary Islands.

A brand-new Coronation Celebration voyage was announced earlier this week, with Queen Mary 2 sailing roundtrip from Southampton on May 2 to Cunard's spiritual home port of Liverpool.

Cunard's world-renowned Insights program across the fleet will feature royal commentator Dickie Arbiter, historian Caroline Aston and etiquette expert Grant Harrold.

Each ship will also host a deck walk in honor of The Big Help Out on Monday May 8, to raise money for youth charity The Prince's Trust, a proud partner of Cunard's for the past 15 years since the Queen Consort was named as godmother to Queen Victoria in 2007. This significant milestone will be celebrated on a special British Isles voyage in August. To date, thanks to the generosity of guests, crew and friends, Cunard has raised over $3.37 million for the Trust. The charity helps young people who have faced disadvantage and adversity to build a better future for themselves, through employment, education and enterprise.

Cunard's royal connections date back to August 1861, when Prince Alfred sailed from Halifax to Liverpool on Cunard's SS Arabia. More recently, Cunard is immensely proud that members of the royal family have graced each of the ships in its current fleet.


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