Cunard Line Announces Entry into China, Bringing a Comprehensive Luxury Cruise Experience

Flagship Queen Mary 2 to Launch Shanghai-Based Cruises in 2017

Shanghai, March 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard Lineon March 26officially announced its entry into the Chinese market. In 2017, Cunard Line’s flagship, Queen Mary 2, will set sail from Shanghai, commencing its first 7-night China-based cruise itinerary.On that day, numerous media representatives and travel agency delegates attended Cunard Line’s press conference held aboard Queen Mary 2, where they learned the news firsthand.

Cunard Line’s flagship — Queen Mary 2 — docked at the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal. On March 22, 2017, Queen Mary 2 will depart from Shanghai, kicking off its first 7-night China-based cruise itinerary.

Ms. Wang Ping, Vice President and General Manager of Carnival UK China, addressed the audience at the Cunard Line China Launch Press Conference

The Cunard Line China Launch Press Conference was held today in the Queen’s Ballroom aboard Queen Mary 2.

Between May and December 2017, Cunard Line’s three ships — Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth — will visit 93 destinations across 32 countries, covering a total distance of over 200,000 nautical miles. As the world’s only true ocean liner, Queen Mary 2 will also launch its first 7-night China-based cruise from Shanghai, taking guests to a variety of exciting destinations in Japan and Korea. This marks the first time Cunard Line has offered a China-based cruise itinerary.

Ms. Wang Ping, Vice President and General Manager of Carnival UK China, said at the event: “We are very excited to bring such an iconic and luxurious cruise brand to China. As early as the 1920s, when Cunard’s RMS Laconia embarked on its first world cruise, it visited China and stopped at Dalian Port. Today, we are honored to offer this comprehensive luxury cruise experience to more Chinese guests. The Cunard Line experience combines some of the finest onboard amenities at sea with a diverse range of leisure and entertainment options.”

In addition, Queen Mary 2 will also undergo a comprehensive 25-day refurbishment and upgrade this year, featuring the introduction of 15 Britannia Single Staterooms, 30 Britannia Premium Balcony Staterooms, an expanded kennel area, and a newly renovated King’s Court dining venue, as well as the debut of the new Corridor Restaurant and Carinthia Lounge. All suites and restaurants will also receive complete redesigns and renovations.

“This refurbishment and upgrade of Queen Mary 2 will ensure that our flagship continues to lead the global luxury cruise scene. We look forward to Chinese guests fully enjoying the comprehensive luxury experience during Cunard Line’s 2017 7-night Shanghai-based cruise,” said David Rousham, Director of International Business Development at Cunard Line. “As a cruise company with a history of over 175 years, our fleet carries an unparalleled number of guests and offers an unmatched range of itineraries, and Queen Mary 2 is the crown jewel of our fleet.”

For over 175 years, Cunard Line has been a pioneer in ocean travel, with a rich heritage dating back to 1840. The line is renowned for operating transatlantic crossings and launching the first-ever round-the-world cruise in 1922. Throughout history, many prominent figures have sailed with or visited Cunard Line ships, including Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, American actress Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Walt Disney, and former U.S. Presidents John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter.

For more information about Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth, or to book a voyage, please visit the official Cunard Line China website at www.cunardline.cn or contact your local travel agency.