Luxury Cruise and Land Industry News Blog

February 12, 2009 – Award-winning author and political satirist Christopher Buckley has joined the distinguished list of literary luminaries scheduled to sail aboard Cunard Line’s flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2. He will be aboard the November 5 Transatlantic Crossing from New York to Southampton. Hailed as “the quintessential political novelist of our time” by Fortune magazine, Buckley will be a featured guest of Cunard Insights, Cunard’s acclaimed onboard enrichment programme which, this year, will host notable authors such as E.L. Doctorow, Erica Jong and Amy Bloom. Like his literary contemporaries, Buckley will deliver a series of lectures, Q&A discussions, readings and book signings during his voyage aboard Queen Mary 2.

“Buckley’s political insight and ‘insider intelligence’ promise an engaging and entertaining experience for our guests,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. “His humourous take on Washington’s political life is always fresh and appealing and we know his unique brand of wit will resonate with our guests.”

A cum laude graduate of Yale University, Buckley has been awarded the Thurber Prize for Literary Excellence and the Thurber Prize for American Humor. He has written fourteen books, including God Is My Broker, The White House Mess, No Way to Treat a First Lady, Little Green Men, Florence of Arabia, Boomsday and Supreme Courtship, his newest work. His book, Thank You for Smoking, was made into a major motion picture starring Aaron Eckhart and Robert Duvall. Buckley is the founding editor of Forbes FYI (now ForbesLife) and is currently the magazine’s editor-at-large. A former managing editor of Esquire magazine (at the age of 24) and chief speechwriter to Vice President George H.W. Bush (at age 29), Buckley has written more than 60 comic essays for The New Yorker and writes regularly for the New York Times.

The November 5 Transatlantic Crossing is one of more than 20 classic six-day voyages between New York and Southampton offered by Cunard in 2009. In addition, Queen Mary 2 will sail two voyages between New York and Hamburg and two voyages between Boston and Southampton. Widely considered the definitive ocean travel experience, a Cunard Transatlantic Crossing offers guests myriad opportunities for intellectual interaction, leisurely pursuits, health and wellness activities and gourmet dining. Unique Cunard amenities found aboard Queen Mary 2 include the Canyon Ranch SpaClub®, the famed Princess and Queens Grill accommodations, restaurants and lounges and the first Todd English restaurant at sea.

Cunard has long been the line-of-choice for travelers with a passion for literature. Cunard was the first company to install a library aboard a passenger vessel and, today, Queen Mary 2 continues the tradition with the largest library at sea, a two-story space with two librarians and more than 8,000 books. Cunard also features an onboard Book Club.

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 authors and intellectuals who have achieved notable distinction in areas including history, world affairs, science, politics, arts and literature. The Insights programme underscores Cunard’s longstanding view that onboard entertainment should afford guests a provocative and rewarding cerebral experience.

Contact your Cunard Captain, Debbie at 281-351-9150 for more info.