Cunard Line Encourages Fans to Vote for Its Inaugural Float in The 2011 Tournament of Roses Parade Viewers’ Choice Awards

Cunard Line encourages its global fan base to vote for its inaugural float entry, “A Grand Celebration at Sea,” which is eligible for a Viewers’ Choice Award at the 122nd Rose Parade presented by Honda. For the third year in a row, the Viewers’ Choice Award will allow Rose Parade fans to choose their favorite float by voting online and, for the first time ever, via text message.

Viewers will be able to vote for the Viewers’ Choice Award by texting the keyword FLOAT followed by the float I.D. (50 for Cunard) to 50649, or by voting online at TournamentofRoses.com. Fans can vote up to five times for their favorite float. Voting will take place from 8:00 a.m. (PST) to 2:10pm (PST) on Jan 1, 2011 (message and data rates may apply*).

Just last month, Cunard announced its first-ever participation in the world-famous Rose Parade with an unveiling of its float, “A Grand Celebration at Sea,” created by Fiesta Parade Floats in collaboration with renowned artist and float designer Raul Rodriguez. The inaugural float 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, friendships and making memories, all on board a luxury cruise vacation with Cunard.

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 Jan 13, 2011 in New York Harbor. This rare maritime event will be only the second time in Cunard’s 170-year history that three regal Cunard Queens have docked together in New York.

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.

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

*There is no charge to vote, but message and data rates may apply. To cancel your participation, text the word STOP to 50649 at anytime. For help, text the word HELP to 50649. For more information contact rosepr@rosemail.org. Terms and conditions can be viewed at www.tournamentofroses.com.