The veteran trio joins Captain Paul Wright, whose appointment as Master of Queen Victoria was announced in October 2006. Together, they boast more than 85 years of seagoing experience, gleaned most recently aboard Queen Victoria's majestic sister ships, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2.
Hotel Manager, Robbie Howie
Robert Howie brings more than 21 years of experience – on land and at sea – to his new post on Queen Victoria. Robbie held the position of Food & Beverage Manager aboard Cunard’s flagship and the world’s largest ocean liner Queen Mary 2 during her inaugural year and was then promoted to the prestigious position of Hotel Manager on board in 2005.
In charge of all onboard operations covering housekeeping, food and beverage, entertainment and personnel, Robbie was at the helm during some of the ship’s most iconic voyages including her 2006 inaugural South America voyages, the first World Cruise earlier this year (including the ship’s phenomenally successful meeting with QE2 in Sydney and maiden call into San Francisco), as well as Carly Simon’s DVD concert special filmed on board in 2005. Prior to joining Cunard, Robbie served in senior managerial Food & Beverage positions and new build projects for Princess Cruises – both shoreside and onboard – since 1990.
Chief Engineer, Willy Robinson
With Cunard for nearly 20 years, William Robinson currently serves as Chief Engineer aboard Queen Elizabeth 2. Joining Queen Victoria in the same position, he will be responsible for all aspects of the operation and maintenance of the ship’s technical equipment, which is considered among the most advanced in the industry. William joined QE2 as a Junior Engineer and quickly earned his Combined 1st Class Certificate, working his way up the engineering ranks. His first seafaring experience, over 30 years ago, was sailing oil tankers and gas carriers for Shell.
William is a graduate of Sutherland University in Sunderland, England, where he earned his Bachelor of Education degree in Technology. Following graduation, he taught Craft Design and Technology for three years.
After hearing of his appointment, William said:
“Accepting the post as Chief Engineer aboard Queen Victoria is the realisation of a lifelong ambition to bring one of Cunard’s great liners into service”.
Entertainment Director, Alastair Greener
Alastair combines his love of stage and sea, characteristics that will serve him well as he prepares to join Queen Victoria as Entertainment Director. He has served on both Queen Mary 2 and QE2, and in addition to being a vivacious host for the onboard production shows, he is an enthusiastic thespian himself, having been a presenter for training videos for Cunard’s famous White Star Service. He was also asked to represent CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) as a media tour spokesperson. Alastair is a member of the British Actors Union and has appeared in a wide range of film, theatre and television productions, including the BBC’s ‘House of Cards’ and Warner Brothers’ ‘Black Beauty’.
Prior to Cunard, Alastair joined Princess Cruises in 1997 and has served on eight ships within the fleet.
Queen Victoria
The 90,000-ton Queen Victoria will offer the very best of Cunard's heritage and traditions, along with all modern day luxuries including some exciting innovations. These will include the first traditional West End-style private viewing boxes at sea in the Royal Court Theatre, the first Cunardia museum exhibit at sea, housing Cunard artefacts and memorabilia and the first two-storey library at sea featuring an elegant spiral staircase. The ship will also feature the line's celebrated Queens Grill and Princess Grill accommodations and dining, further enhanced on Queen Victoria with an exclusive deck terrace and al fresco dining in The Courtyard.
From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at the sophistication that differentiates a Cunard liner. This will be most evident in the ship's adherence to liner traditions of the past, with elegant public rooms, many on a grand scale, featuring rich wood panelling, intricate mosaics and gleaming chandeliers. There will also be a grand, colonial-style conservatory complete with a retractable glass roof.
As well as being the second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Victoria's arrival is particularly noteworthy as it will mark the first time that three Cunard Queens have been in service together in the company's 168-year history (she joins the world's grandest liner, Queen Mary 2 and the world's most famous and best-loved liner, QE2).
- Ends -
For Further PRESS Information
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