For over 169 years, Cunard ships have reigned on the high seas but these are especially exciting times for our company. The Cunard fleet of the Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World is now the youngest and most modern fleet on the seas with our flagship Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria proudly flying the Cunard flag, soon to be joined by Queen Elizabeth in 2010.

As some of you are aware I was privileged to be working as European Managing Director for Cunard when Queen Mary 2 was introduced to the fleet in 2004 and am delighted to have recently returned as President and Managing Director. Carol Marlow, whom many of you know personally, has moved on after five wonderful years to take up the role of Managing Director, P&0 Cruises, Cunard’s sister company in the UK.

2009 is Queen Victoria’s second full season and I am delighted to report that she is continuing to achieve record customer service scores with the overwhelming majority of guests saying they would sail again and recommend her to their friends. She has earned many new fans during her second World Voyage earlier this year and has now settled into her role for the rest of the summer and autumn operating round trip Southampton voyages to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and beyond. In 2010 however she will again be based in the Mediterranean from August onwards with voyages starting and ending in Rome, Barcelona and Venice. Finally, in 2010 she will embark on a series of breathtaking Exotic Voyages to the Hawaiian islands and central America.

 Queen Mary 2 continues her scheduled Transatlantic service and the demand for this legendary crossing is growing. Our 2009 season is proving more popular than ever and demonstrates that the era of Transatlantic travel by ship is as strong as ever. In 2010 we will offer the extra choice of both six and seven day crossings and I recommend you to book early to avoid disappointment. This year marks Queen Mary 2’s fifth Birthday which will be celebrated on a special Round Great Britain Voyage in October which I hope to join.

Our newest liner, Queen Elizabeth will be launched in autumn 2010.  Construction of this beautiful new 2092-passenger ocean liner is now well underway with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri at their Monfalcone yard. She will be the second largest Cunarder ever built and will offer the very best of Cunard's values and traditions, blended with every conceivable modern luxury that you, our guests, expect. Her six maiden season voyages went on sale earlier this year in April and are proving extremely popular – in fact her maiden voyage to the Canaries sold out in a record breaking 29 minutes!

I hope you find our website easy to use and informative - please take a look at our virtual tours where you can fully explore both ships before booking your voyage on-line or calling your travel agent. Also take a look at our Cunard blog at wearecunard.com where you will find regular news and updates from our ships including blogs and interviews with many of our famous guests.

Since 1840 we have established an enviable reputation for providing the very best service at sea and for the most memorable voyages. Our famed White Star Service is recognised as the very best and our wonderful dining and accommodation is legendary. Whether you are a regular Cunard guest or someone who has yet to experience The New Golden Age of Ocean Liner Travel I do hope you are able to sail with us soon and I hope we get the chance to meet one day.

Yours Sincerely

Peter Shanks
President & Managing Director