The 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, and former First Lady Barbara Bush, joined by their daughter, Dorothy, and granddaughter, Georgia, sailed their first Transatlantic Crossingaboard Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2this week. The seven-day voyage originated in Southampton, England, on 27 April and arrived into New York this morning.
On embarking in Southampton, they received a White Star welcome in the ship's Commodore Club by Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line; David Dingle, CEO, Carnival UK; Captain Kevin Oprey, master of Queen Mary 2; and John Duffy, the ship's hotel manager. During the greeting, President Bush was heard to say of their Queen Mary 2 voyage, "I've been looking forward to this for weeks!" Barbara Bush agreed, "You've been talking about nothing else for months!"
"We are honored to have welcomed President Bush and his family as guests aboard Queen Mary 2," said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. "Throughout our history, countless dignitaries have enjoyed the height of leisure and luxury offered aboard Cunard's Transatlantic Crossings, and we are pleased that the President now joins in that legacy."
During the voyage, the President and First Lady enjoyed production shows in the Royal Court Theatre, experienced the world-class Canyon Ranch SpaClub® and attended one of Cunard's new Apple iStudy enrichment classes. By night, they could be seen dining with the captain, as well as in the Queens Grill Restaurant, La Piazza and Queen Mary 2's specialty restaurant, Todd English.
"Barbara and I have always wanted to make a Crossing, and it gives us great joy to be able to do so aboard Queen Mary 2 with our family and close friends. We have enjoyed the voyage from its beginning, and our experience has been made even better by the amazing crew and staff. We will always have fond memories of our Transatlantic Crossing," said President Bush.
Cunard's legendary Transatlantic Crossings reflect the pinnacle of adventure and civility in ocean travel. Queen Mary 2 is the only liner offering regularly scheduled Transatlantic service, ranging from seven-day voyages between New York and Southampton.
Among other celebrities that set sail on Cunard Cruise Lines are Terry Waite on QE2. Cliff Robertson, Kitty Carlisle Hart and a director of The Love Boat, Rod Stewart, Lenny Kravitz, Neil Armstrong, The writer Dick Francis, Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Richard Dreyfus.
For more information about Queen Mary 2 go to www.cunard.com
