Cunard Line Welcomes Nobel Peace Prize Winner and Celebrated Activist Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu aboard RMS Queen Mary 2

 

Archbishop Tutu arrives into Cape Town as flagship makes her maiden call

The Most Reverend Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu arrived in Cape Town, South Africa to-day after enjoying a segment of Cunard Line’s 2010 World Voyage onboard RMS Queen Mary 2. Upon the flagship’s arrival – her inaugural call to Cape Town – Archbishop Tutu, flanked by Captain Nick Bates and Cunard Line President Peter Shanks, unveiled a plaque that read: “This plaque was unveiled by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu to commemorate his voyage onboard Queen Mary 2 between Port Louis and Cape Town from 20 March to 25 March 2010.”

During the voyage, passengers enjoyed a standing room only Cunard Insights Q&A session and lecture with ArchbishopTutu, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism, the Gandhi Peace Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Additionally, guests had the opportunity to participate in a silent auction and bid on advanced copies of Archbishop Tutu’s new book, “Made for Goodness,” co-written by his daughter Mpho Andrea Tutu. Proceeds from the silent auction benefited his charity, the Zithulele Hospital based in Eastern Cape province.

“It was an honour to have Archbishop Tutu onboard Queen Mary 2 during this World Voyage, especially as the ship sailed into Cape Town for the first time,” said Peter Shanks. “Our guests were thrilled to have the opportunity to meet this living luminary, and I am delighted to say that he now holds a very special place in Cunard’s 170-year history."

Archbishop Tutu joins Cunard’s illustrious legacy of welcoming world-famous guests and politicians, including Sir Winston Churchill, President Nelson Mandela, Lady Margaret Thatcher, Elizabeth Taylor, James Taylor, Carly Simon, Rod Stewart and Buzz Aldrin.

Cunard Insights is the company’s onboard enrichment programme that introduces passengers to experts and accomplished visionaries who reflect the Line’s heritage of adventure and prestige. Through a series of lectures, Q&A’s, social gatherings and workshops, guests connect with personalities who have achieved notable distinction in areas including history, world affairs, science, arts and literature. The Insights programme underscores Cunard’s longstanding view that onboard entertainment should afford passengers a rewarding experience.

For more information about RMS Queen Mary 2 or to book a voyage,  call toll-free 1-800-961-5536

Photos by: Ian Shiffman

A Trans Pacific Freighter Trip

F. Laeisz provides service between California and the Far East. The complete voyage takes approximately 42 days and there are four vessels which means a sailing about every one or two weeks.

Itinerary – Long Beach, Oakland, Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Port Kelang, Singapore, Baria Vung Tau, Hong Kong, Tantian, Osaka, Tokyo and back to Long Beach.

Segments are sold subject to availability and cabotage restrictions.

Sample segment lengths (approximate):
Long Beach to Tokyo – 13 days
Long Beach to Hong Kong – 18 days
Oakland to Singapore – 20 days
Hong Kong (2) to Long Beach – 15 days
Tokyo to Oakland – 13 days
Singapore to Long Beach – 23 days

Ships feature Sports (exercise) Room, Swimming pool, sauna, recreation room (lounge), and elevators. Please note passengers must be mobile as elevators don’t work in rough seas or emergencies.
There are 2 double cabins with private facilities (shower and lavatory), TV, DVD player, and mini refrigerator.
Fares are Euro 80 per day based on double occupancy and Euro 85 per day single occupancy. In both cases, port charges/fees and deviation insurance are extra.

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