Cunard Line began its Transatlantic Crossing season on Thursday aboard their flagship Queen Mary 2, accompanied by a quintet from the Juilliard Jazz School. Cunard and Juilliard announced their partnership earlier this year, which includes performances and Cunard Insights enrichment programmes with jazz alumni, faculty and students on board Queen Mary 2 eastbound Crossings in 2010.

Pictured with Entertainment Director Ray Rouse (center) are this voyage’s featured performers (from left): saxophonist Tony Lustig, Artistic Director of Jazz Studies Carl Allen, trumpeter Brandon Lee, drummer Aaron Kimmel, Executive Director of Jazz Studies Dr. Laurie Carter, pianist Kris Bowers and bassist Phil Keuhn.

Queen Mary 2’s Transatlantic Crossings reflect the pinnacle of civility and refinement in ocean travel. The only company offering regularly scheduled Transatlantic liner service, Cunard is sailing 21 crossings in 2010, ranging from seven-day voyages between New York and Southampton, England, and eight- and nine-day Crossings offered to Cherbourg (France) and Hamburg (Germany).

Guests on Transatlantic Crossings enjoy time to explore the extensive onboard offerings, including stargazing in the only planetarium at sea – Illuminations; afternoon tea served in the Queens Room; nightly jazz in the Chart Room or a spin around the dance floor to a live orchestra during a Royal Nights themed ball; wellness and relaxation in the first Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea; and perusing the 8,000 volumes in the largest library at sea.