Recent Releases:
  • Announcement of New Cunard Public Relations Coordinator
  • Cunard's QE2 Bids Fond Farewell to Florida
  • Cunard Line Celebrates 170th year with New Ports and New Itineraries for Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria's 2009 Schedule
  • Her Majesty The Queen to Bid Farewell to QE2
  • Liner Notes Premieres on Public Radio
  • QE2's Farewell Season Marked by Poignant Final Calls
  • Spectacular Historic Cunard Royal Rendezvous Between Queen Victoria and QE2
  • Cunard Queens Rendezvous In Sydney This Weekend
  • Cunard Line Announces New Partnership with The Prince's Trust
  • Cunard Hosts the European Travel Commission’s 2008 Giants of Culture and Travel Celebration onboard Queen Mary 2
  • Iconic Royal Mail Postboxes aboard Cunard Ocean Liners Symbolize the Celebrated Line's Place in Maritime History

    http://www.golftransactions.com/gpaccess/upload_files/1001694.jpg>
    VALENCIA, CA - August 10, 2006 - The traditional Royal Mail postboxes aboard Queen Elizabeth 2 and RMS Queen Mary 2 are more than a convenient place for the ships' guest to post their letters. They are a significant reminder of Cunard's unique place in history as the first provider of transatlantic mail service between England and America. The postboxes recall Samuel Cunard's successful bid on the rights to the first transatlantic mail shipping contract. Winning the bid entitled his company, the British and North American Royal Mail Steam Packet Company (later known as Cunard Line) to use RMS, or Royal Mail Ship, as a prefix to the ships' names and garnered the Line an early and decidedly competitive advantage.

    On Queen Mary 2, the newly installed postbox is conveniently located outside the Golden Lion Pub, one of the ship's most popular dining venues, serving what some guests describe as the best fish-and-chips at sea along with other pub favorites. Stamps, including an exclusive QM2 stamp available only onboard, can be purchased at the Pursers Desk. Stamp collectors, in particular, will appreciate the ship's unique cancellation mark which appears on every piece of mail dropped into the Royal Mail postbox.

    The traditional bright red postboxes resonate with Cunard's passengers who enjoy the British sensibility captured in all manner of the ship's amenities and services. From formal afternoon tea served by white-gloved wait staff to the experienced British nannies who care and comfort the youngest guests, Cunard ships are a bastion of British style.

    "Cunard guests tend to be passionate historians and many feel a personal connection to the line's history. The presence of these authentic Royal Mail postboxes is just another example of how Cunard seamlessly integrates the company's rich history amid 21st century appointments and facilities," said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard Line.

    Aboard Queen Elizabeth 2, the Royal Mail postbox is located just outside the library on Quarter Deck. When Queen Victoria debuts in late 2007, she will continue Cunard's legendary British heritage with a Royal Mail postbox onboard.

    Queen Mary 2 is the grandest ocean liner ever built. There are a wide variety of suites and staterooms available in degrees of style and comfort ranging from pampered elegance to almost unimaginable luxury in the ship's famed Grill accommodations. Queen Mary 2 brings together like-minded travelers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star ServiceSM, fine dining, sophisticated adventure and a legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel.

    For more information about Cunard, Queen Elizabeth 2 or Queen Mary 2, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.

    Media Contact:
    Jackie Matthews, Cunard Line
    (661) 753.1035
    jmatthews@cunard.com

    Maria Andriano, Redpoint Marketing PR
    (212) 229.0119
    andriano@redpointpr.com

    Cindy Adams, Redpoint Marketing PR
    (212) 229.0119
    adams@redpointpr.com