Cunard’s 2011 Rose Parade Float Design

Following the revelry of Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Naming Ceremony last month, Cunard Line continues A Grand Celebration by announcing its inaugural participation in the 122nd Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade® presented by Honda – the globally televised event considered “America’s New Year’s Parade.” Today, Cunard reveals a rendering of its float, themed “A Grand Celebration at Sea,” created by award-winning Fiesta Parade Floats in collaboration with renowned artist and float designer Raul Rodriguez.

Marking the first time Cunard has participated in the world-famous parade, “A Grand Celebration at Sea” will illustrate the Cunard fleet of Queens – flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and the new Queen Elizabeth – and depict the ultimate sense of occasion, including ballroom dancing, a big band orchestra, champagne toasts, and multigenerational families celebrating their dreams and friendships while building memories, all on board a luxury cruise vacation with Cunard.

“We are delighted to be part of such a celebrated event like the Rose Parade,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “This year’s Rose Parade theme of building dreams, friendships and memories, ties perfectly with our legacy and heritage. For more than 170 years sailing the seven seas, the Cunard name has been synonymous with fulfilling aspirations, fostering life-long friendships, and creating memorable experiences for all of our guests.”

From bow to stern, Cunard’s float will be decorated in floral grandeur, reflecting the line’s classic ocean travel experience. The float will also depict signature hallmarks found on a Cunard liner, including the Grand Lobby staircase and the Queens Room Ballroom. Additionally, an oversized floralgraph of Cunard’s three Queens takes center stage at the top of the float’s ascending staircases, a fitting reference to the modern fleet and also to the upcoming Cunard Royal Rendezvous taking place on 13 January 2011 in New York Harbour. This rare maritime event will be only the second time in Cunard’s history that three regal Queens have docked together in New York Harbour.

Featuring an eloquent fusion of floral and architectural detail in Cunard’s rich tradition of elegance and grandeur, the float stands at 24 feet high, 18 feet wide and 55 feet in length. It will include a big band orchestra and ballroom dancers to bring to life the Line’s famed Royal Nights Themed Balls, along with theatrical smoke rising from Cunard’s signature black and red funnel.

Thousands of red Black Magic roses, purple phalaenopsis orchid sprays, green cymbidium orchids and hypericum, and white Casablanca lilies will border the length of the float, along with more than 45,000 red Opium roses that will carpet the steps and floors. Layers of black onion seed and crisp white sweet rice will be used to adorn the distinctive shape of Cunard’s elongated bow, while shimmering deep brown flax seed will replicate the rich texture of hand-polished mahogany woods throughout the architectural features. Water waves showcased by white roses, dendrobium orchids and phalaenopsis orchids will sweep over oceans of light and dark blue iris, delphinium and hydrangea blossoms.

Fiesta Parade Floats based in Irwindale, California, is the leading, award-winning float-builder in the Tournament of Roses Parade, having designed and built 17 consecutive Sweepstakes Trophy winners. Fiesta is also considered the leader in both floral technology and floral application throughout the float and floral industries – led by Jim Hynd, vice president and floral director – surpassing all other builders in the field of computerized and hydraulic animation.

Raul Rodriguez, a third generation native of Los Angeles, is an artist and conceptual designer of international acclaim. He is considered the premier designer for the Rose Parade and has won more awards than any other designer in the history of the parade.

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that annually hosts the Rose Parade taking place Saturday, 1 January 2011, at 8 a.m. (PST) featuring majestic floral floats, high-stepping equestrian units and spirited marching bands.

In the coming weeks, the building and decorating progress of Cunard’s “Grand Celebration at Sea” Rose Parade float can be followed on the Line’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/cunard.

Visit www.cunard.com/rendezvous to see planned festivities and viewing locations for the Cunard Royal Rendezvous celebration.

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