Cruise lines explore new forms of on-board entertainment

(Cunard)

Cruise line Cunard has announced that it is to launch a lecture series on board its transatlantic crossings from April.

Guests on board the Queen Mary 2 will be invited to attend lectures by ambassadors, statesmen, politicians, journalists, academics and broadcasters on the "special relationship" between the US and the UK.

Speakers are to include Iwan Morgan, professor of U.S. Studies at the University of London, Kenneth T. Walsh, the chief White House correspondent for U.S. News & World Report, and Jeffrey Weinberg, legislative attorney to the Whitehouse Office of Management and Budget under the past seven Presidents.

"When Cunard began its Transatlantic liner service 170 years ago, it began a tradition of bridging the United Kingdom and the United States. With this programme, we will bring to life and explore the historical connection between these two countries with our guests, who have expressed great interest in the subject," said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.

Cruise lines are constantly innovating to keep guests entertained, particularly during long ocean-going voyages that do not involve port stops. On-board amenities such as theaters, cinemas, nightclubs and ballrooms are now commonplace on most cruise ships to supplement the on-board restaurants and bars.

Princess Cruises has also announced that it will feature lectures on board cruises departing next week - themed around Valentine's Day. The "Romance Summit" on board the Crown Princess is to feature US TV's The Bachelorette's Trista and Ryan Sutter, The Dating Diva Dee Frazier and Huffington Post contributor Anna Post.

http://www.princess.com
http://www.cunard.com