Cunard Royal Postboxes

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Iconic Royal Mail Postboxes Aboard

Cunard Ocean Liners

Photo Courtesy of Cunard Line

Symbolize the Celebrated Line's Place in Maritime History

The traditional Royal Mail postboxes aboard Queen Elizabeth 2 and RMS Queen Mary 2 are more than a convenient place for the ships' guest to post their letters. They are a significant reminder of Cunard's unique place in history as the first provider of transatlantic mail service between England and America. The postboxes recall Samuel Cunard's successful bid on the rights to the first transatlantic mail shipping contract. Winning the bid entitled his company, the British and North American Royal Mail Steam Packet Company (later known as Cunard Line) to use RMS, or Royal Mail Ship, as a prefix to the ships' names and garnered the Line an early and decidedly competitive advantage.

On Queen Mary 2, the newly installed postbox is conveniently located outside the Golden Lion Pub, one of the ship's most popular dining venues, serving what some guests describe as the best fish-and-chips at sea along with other pub favorites. Stamps, including an exclusive QM2 stamp available only onboard, can be purchased at the Pursers Desk. Stamp collectors, in particular, will appreciate the ship's unique cancellation mark which appears on every piece of mail dropped into the Royal Mail postbox.

The traditional bright red postboxes resonate with Cunard's passengers who enjoy the British sensibility captured in all manner of the ship's amenities and services. From formal afternoon tea served by white-gloved wait staff to the experienced British nannies who care and comfort the youngest guests, Cunard ships are a bastion of British style.

"Cunard guests tend to be passionate historians and many feel a personal connection to the line's history. The presence of these authentic Royal Mail postboxes is just another example of how Cunard seamlessly integrates the company's rich history amid 21st century appointments and facilities," said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard Line.

Aboard Queen Elizabeth 2, the Royal Mail postbox is located just outside the library on Quarter Deck. When Queen Victoria debuts in late 2007, she will continue Cunard's legendary British heritage with a Royal Mail postbox onboard.

Queen Mary 2 is the grandest ocean liner ever built. There are a wide variety of suites and staterooms available in degrees of style and comfort ranging from pampered elegance to almost unimaginable luxury in the ship's famed Grill accommodations. Queen Mary 2 brings together like-minded travelers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service^SM, fine dining, sophisticated adventure and a legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel.

Cunard Line has operated the most famous ocean liners in the world since 1840. Cunard vessels have a classic British heritage and include the legendary Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2. Queen Victoria joins the fleet in 2007.

For additional information on Cunard Line, please visit their website at Cunard.com