The Only Modern Ocean Liner in the World
Join us August 27 as we set sail for the “new world” aboard Cunard’s iconic flagship, the RMS Queen Mary 2. We’ll also see special guest performances by the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Anthony Inglis as we journey across the rugged North Atlantic! Photo courtesy of Cunard.
Today, I’m on an airplane bound for London Heathrow Airport, and the nine-plus-hours on the Airbus A330 will give me ample time to think about my forthcoming journey and our next Live Voyage Report: a Westbound Transatlantic Crossing aboard Cunard Line’s legendary flagship, the Queen Mary 2.
Departing from the historic port city of Southampton on Thursday the 27th of August, Voyage M518, this transatlantic crossing is a special one for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s a rather unusual eight-day crossing, giving guests one more day to enjoy the simple pleasures of being on the ocean – or, as Cunard points out, the over 101 things you can do(PDF) each day onboard Queen Mary 2.
The Black and White ball in full swing in the Queen’s Room, the largest ballroom at sea. Live music and dancing are a huge part of the oceangoing experience aboard Queen Mary 2. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders
It’s also unique in that this voyage features performances by the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of acclaimed conductor, Anthony Inglis. Part of the Phantom of the Opera since its inception, Inglis is the Musical Director for singer Katherine Jenkins and has also conducted the naming ceremonies for Cunard’s Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2.
He conducts the National Symphony Orchestra, marking the fifth such time he has done so aboard Queen Mary 2. The NSO has appeared with stars like Sir Elton John and Diana Krall, and has performed the scores of noted film composers like Alan Silvestri and John Williams.
Guests will have even more time to enjoy the performances by the NSO thanks to the direction Queen Mary 2 is heading: on westbound crossings, the ship’s clocks are set back an hour on six evenings to adjust to the time difference between London and New York – meaning that six out of our eight days onboard will feature 25 full hours to enjoy all that this ship has to offer as she makes her way to New York across the vast and open expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
If the idea of crossing the Atlantic inspires grand visions, the Queen Mary 2 complements them handily. Everything about Cunard’s flagship – the only true modern ocean liner in existence – is based entirely in superlatives.
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