Travel Billions of Light-Years Away Aboard Queen Mary 2

John · 03-07-2007, 03:31 PM

Guests accustomed to extraordinary voyages aboard the world's most famous ocean liner won't believe where their next adventure will take them. Cunard's Queen Mary 2, in partnership with the American Museum of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium, introduces two breathtaking new space shows in the 150-seat Illuminations, the only planetarium at sea. Using real science and cutting edge technology, these virtual tours of space are widely considered the most immersive experiences anywhere. Illuminations presents a total of four space shows per day, including the Hayden Planetarium's ground-breaking new productions, Cosmic Collisions and Passport to the Universe.

"Queen Mary 2's Illuminations theatre was specifically designed to feature dynamic multi-media programmes like the unparalleled caliber produced by the American Museum of Natural History," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. "These shows are an ideal complement to the range of educational opportunities within our onboard guest enrichment programmes as they are both educational and entertaining."

"We are delighted to be a part of Cunard's enrichment mission," said Ray Salva, Assistant Director, Traveling Exhibitions and Planetarium Shows for the American Museum of Natural History. "AMNH's planetarium productions are very unique. Created in conjunction with NASA, each show highlights our dedication to presenting real science in our space shows. Our scientists and visualizers use only the most current scientific data, astrophysical simulations, state-of-the-art computer models, and vast supercomputing capacity to bring the wonders of modern astronomy to the public. Presentation of this content on Queen Mary 2 extends the mission of our museum, bringing the cutting-edge work being done at AMNH to new audiences in a venue like no other."

John · 03-07-2007, 03:31 PM

Shows playing on Queen Mary 2 include:

Cosmic Collisions - Narrated by Robert Redford, it launches passengers on a spine-tingling trip through space and time to explore the cosmic collisions and hypersonic impacts that drive the dynamic and continuing evolution of the universe.

Passport to the Universe - Narrated by Tom Hanks, this awe-inspiring show reveals the wonders of the universe in a way never seen before. This Hayden Planetarium show takes passengers on an exhilarating flight though the universe and into the Orion Nebula, deep into intergalactic space.

The Search for Life: Are We Alone? - Narrated by Harrison Ford, this space show, developed by the AMNH in collaboration with NASA, delves into the role of water as one of the necessities for life as we know it.

New AstroBulletins Broadcast Breaking News

Outside of the entrance to Illuminations, newly installed plasma screens present the American Museum of Natural History's pioneering AstroBulletins. Showcasing the latest developments in the ever-changing field of astrophysics, these high-resolution large-screen presentations tap the latest images from NASA satellites and other observatories.

AstroBulletin presentations, ranging from breaking news and date visualizations to in-depth feature stories, explore a wide range of topics, including space weather, the possibility of life on Mars and the cosmic microwave background.

The Hayden Planetarium shows are just one example of Cunard's wide range of ground-breaking onboard entertainment and enrichment programmes. Cunard also has a unique partnership with London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art aboard Queen Mary 2, and the company's onboard enrichment programmes introduce 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 will connect with personalities who have achieved notable distinction in areas including history, world affairs, science, politics, arts and literature.

The grandest ocean liner ever built, Queen Mary 2 brings together like-minded travelers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star ServiceSM, fine dining, sophisticated adventure and legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel. There are a wide variety of suites and staterooms available in degrees of style and comfort ranging from pampered elegance to almost unimaginable luxury in the ship's famed Grill-level accommodations.

(Cunard Press release)