QM2 Selected For 2004 Olympics

Cunard Line and Athens 2004, the organizing committee for the 2004 Olympic Games, today signed a memorandum of understanding to position Cunard's $800-million Queen Mary 2 in the Greek port of Piraeus to serve as a floating hotel during the Games. The 1,310-cabin luxury liner will arrive in Piraeus on August 12, 2004, and remain docked through August 30. "Cunard Line is delighted to be a part of this historic event in Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games," said Deborah Natansohn, the line's senior vice president, sales and marketing. "Being selected by the Athens organising committee is a great honour and the first step in a very exciting process." According to Spyros Capralos, executive director, Athens Organizing Committee (ATHOC), "Queen Mary 2 will be the centrepiece in an 11-ship flotilla that will host up to 13,280 visitors. We're delighted that the newest and grandest luxury liner in the world will be the flagship for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens." Scheduled to debut in January 2004, the 150,000-ton Queen Mary 2 will feature sweeping staircases, expansive promenades, luxurious staterooms and among the most lavish suites at sea; nearly three-quarters of her accommodations will have private balconies. Facilities include 10 dining venues; several elegant bars and show lounges; a theatre; a health spa operated by the world famous Canyon Ranch; the world's first planetarium at sea; a children's facility, complete with British nannies; indoor and outdoor swimming pools; hot tubs and boutiques.