Cunard Line Partners with The Royal Astronomical Society

Star Studies” and “Star Parties” Bring the Universe and New Adventures to the High Seas
Cunard Line is proud to announce a new partnership with The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) onboard its trio of famed luxury ocean liners, Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and QE2. Poised to become a highlight of Cunard Insights, the Line’s award-winning enrichment programme, the RAS partnership begins this summer with RAS Fellows joining 15 voyages on such popular itineraries as Queen Mary 2’s Transatlantic Crossings and Caribbean voyages and Queen Victoria’s Mediterranean sailings. RAS will offer custom night sky displays of constellations and star navigation instruction, and highlight astronomical points of interest using the SkyScan software in the only planetarium at sea onboard Queen Mary 2. Nighttime “Star Parties” on deck, informal discussion groups and formal lectures with leading astronomers, will also be distinguishing features of this first-at-sea programme.”At Cunard, we are committed to offering our guests a dynamic and diverse range of enrichment opportunities,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. “Our new partnership with The Royal Astronomical Society brings another new and innovative learning experience to our guests, allowing unprecedented access to one of the U.K.’s most renowned and historic scientific institutions.”"The RAS is delighted to be working with Cunard as part of our ongoing programme to promote astronomy and geophysics to the wider public,” said RAS spokesman Dr. Robert Massey. He added, “Our Fellows include leading scientitis, educators, writers and journalists, many of whom are experts at communicating cutting-edge science to a lay audience.”

RAS Fellows scheduled to sail in upcoming months include:

Queen Mary 2:
Eastbound Transatlantic Crossing to Germany (July 22)
Westbound Transatlantic Crossing from Germany (July 30)
Westbound Transatlantic Crossing (Aug. 13)
Westbound Transatlantic Crossing (Nov. 15)
Caribbean Adventure (Nov. 21)
Southern Caribbean Calypso (Nov. 29)
Southern Caribbean Calypso (Dec. 9)
Caribbean Celebration (Dec. 19)

Queen Victoria:
Legends of the Mediterranean (Aug. 25)
Connoisseur’s Mediterranean (Nov. 29)

QE2:
Land of the Midnight Sun (June 2)
Mediterranean Mosaic (July 20)
Taste of Mediterranean (Aug 12)
Mediterranean Sojourn (Aug. 27)

Cunard has long been synonymous with providing engaging onboard enrichment programmes. Delving deeply into a variety of compelling and relevant topics, Cunard Insights introduces guests to stimulating experts and accomplished visionaries who reflect the line’s heritage of adventure and prestige. Through a series of lectures, Q&A’s, debates, social gatherings, and workshops, guests connect with personalities who have achieved notable distinction in areas including history, world affairs, science, politics, arts and literature. The Insights programmes underscore Cunard’s longstanding view that onboard entertainment should afford guests a provocative and rewarding cerebral experience.

For information about a Cunard voyage and to make reservations contact your travel professional, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or browse www.cunard.com.

About The Royal Astronomical Society
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), founded in 1820, encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar-system science, geophysics and closely realted branches of science. The RAS organizes scientific meetings in Burlington House, its London headquarters, and throughout the country; publishes international research and review journals; recognizes outstanding achievements by the award of medals and prizes; maintains an extensive library; supports education through grants and outreach activities; and represents UK astronomy nationally and internationally. Its more than 3,000 members (Fellows), a third based overseas, include scientific reserachers in universities, observatories and laboratories as well as historians of astronomy and others.