QM2's Transatlantic Landmark

Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 will be marking a major milestone on her July 6 voyage from New York to Southampton – it will be her 200th Atlantic crossing, with special speakers and performers on board to add to the celebratory mood.

Stephen Payne, OBE, who was largely responsible for the overall design of QM2, will present a fascinating insight into the construction of the world’s grandest ocean liner as part of Cunard’s speaker progamme. Stephen will be guest of honour at a gala evening on board which will include a commemorative dinner with a special menu. In addition, BBC newsreader and Classic FM presenter Nick Owen will lecture on board.

Also getting into the swing of things will be 16 musicians, plus a band leader and vocalist from the world-renowned Juilliard School of Dance, Drama and Music. The group will perform as a jazz orchestra providing a selection of Big Band, Swing and Glen Miller style music and smaller ensemble pieces.

They will play at an evening event in the Royal Court Theatre with full orchestra and vocalist, an afternoon tea dance, lunchtime jam sessions featuring an ensemble in the Chart Room, and a late evening ensemble in Illuminations as well as giving two jazz masterclass talks and a Q&A with the bandleader and members of the orchestra.

Queen Mary 2 is still the largest, longest, tallest, widest and most expensive liner ever built. Today, she is the only true ocean liner left in service and is the fastest passenger ship in the world.

For bookings, follow this link to the Cruise Line, the UK's luxury cruising specialists.

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