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Cunard Line hosted the world premiere of “MR. OCEAN LINER,” a documentary about the life and times of maritime historian Bill Miller, aboard Queen Mary 2 while docked in New York for the day. At the standing-room-only event, the film was introduced by creator, producer and director Robert Neal Marshall. In attendance were Bill Miller and Peter Ising, who composed the music for the movie, as well as Captain Nicholas Bates, currently at the helm of Queen Mary 2. The official DVD release is scheduled for 9 August and advance DVD orders are now available at www.MrOceanLiner.com. In addition, the film will be available for sale on board both Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria.
“Bill Miller has been a longtime friend of Cunard and has gained a loyal following of fans as one of our most valued guest speakers aboard our fleet for many years,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “We’re pleased to have hosted the premiere of this wonderful film that captures the fascinating life of one of today’s greatest maritime authorities.”
“MR. OCEAN LINER” is a biographical salute that shares the story of Bill Miller’s life, in his own words, from early childhood days on the Hoboken waterfront, watching the great liners sail down the Hudson River, through his early writings and success as an author and lecturer, with an intimate look at his dual career as a school teacher for more than 35 years. Personal and touching, “MR. OCEAN LINER” is set against a backdrop of sensational ocean liner photographs and memorabilia from Miller’s personal collection, plus special vintage film contributed by Mark B. Perry, which includes live footage of Queen Mary, SS Independence, SS United States, SS America, SS Nieuw Amsterdam, SS Andrea Doria and more.
“What a tremendous pleasure it has been to work so closely with Bill Miller on this story of his life,” said Director Robert Neal Marshall. “As the film portrays, he is an amazing inspiration to so many, fueled by a passion that is his driving force. I am honored he has put his faith in me and that we have shared this year-long journey together,” he added.
The nearly 60-minute documentary features interviews and insight from family, friends and a star-studded list of guests, including Commodore Bernard Warner, master of Queen Mary 2; Captain Ian McNaught while he was aboard Queen Victoria (and final Captain of Queen Elizabeth 2); Theatrical Producer and former General Manager of Radio City Music Hall Steve Rivellino; Cunard Assistant Entertainment Director Amanda Reid (Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria); Chief Purser Jonathan Leavor (Queen Mary 2); Social Host Thomas Quinones, famous for his spectacular and dramatic heritage tours on Queen Elizabeth 2; plus a host of other maritime and ocean liner dignitaries.
About Bill Miller
Bill Miller is considered an international authority on the subject of the great ocean liners. He has written some 75 books on ocean liners and cruise ships, as well as more than 1,000 articles for newspapers, magazines and nautical journals and newsletters. Miller has made nearly 300 voyages to date and has been guest lecturer aboard more than 50 different ships. He received the National Maritime History Award and the Silver Riband Award, both in 2004.
About Queen Mary 2
The grandest ocean liner at sea, Queen Mary 2 offers legendary Transatlantic Crossings, with most voyages now seven days between New York and Southampton. Eight- and nine-day extended Crossings between New York and Hamburg also are available. In addition, “Grand” voyage options are available, roundtrip from New York, combining classic European itineraries with a Crossing on either side.
Guests on the Crossings enjoy exploring the extensive on-board offerings, including lectures through the award-winning Cunard Insights enrichment programme; stargazing in the only planetarium at sea; afternoon tea served in the Queens Room by white-gloved servers, or a spin around the dance floor during a Royal Nights themed ball; taking in a performance or workshop by members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art; and perusing the 8,000 volumes in the largest library at sea.
For more information and to book a voyage aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth, consult your Travel Agent, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD (1-800-728-6273) or go to www.cunard.com.
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