The cruise line said that the society will pay homage to Cunard’s heritage as 'the first to bring electric lights to the launch of an ocean liner.’
Remarked Tom Mahoney, Cunard’s UK sales director, ‘We were thrilled to give our travel agent partners a sneak peek of our newest entertainment venue, Bright Lights Society, at the CLIA conference. We are hugely excited to welcome guests aboard Queen Anne when she sets sail on her maiden voyage in May next year and beyond, and it was really important for us to allow agents to sample a taste of the guest experience, ensuring they have all the tools and knowledge to sell their customers the best possible Cunard voyage.’
Bright Lights Society venue
The intimate entertainment space has been designed to transport passengers back to the glitz and glamour of the 1920s. It will feature live music, signature cocktails and dance performances, all set within an Art Deco interior. No two nights will be the same, with passengers feeling they are at the centre of the entertainment.
To help agents picture the venue, Cunard’s trade team offered them the chance to sample its selection of beers, Laurent-Perrier, and signature macaroons. As well as learning about what Bright Lights Society will offer passengers, agents were also given copies of the cruise line's latest EmbarQ magazine as well as other selected goodies, including a Shine Rewards Club scratch card (to win Shine points) and a Cunard wellness hamper.
Prizes were also given away at Cunard’s stand, including tickets to a selection of brand partner events, such as the English National Ballet’s Cinderella in-the-round at the Royal Albert Hall, the Crown to Couture exhibition at Kensington Palace in partnership with the Royal Historic Palace, the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society, and tickets to a Royal Shakespeare Company performance.
Cunard entertainment shown during the conference
With Cunard as one of the conference’s entertainment sponsors, Mahoney introduced Saturday night’s evening performances, with a trio of acts offering a teaser of the entertainment that can be expected in Queen Anne’s Bright Lights Society.
The first performance was from Opera Up Close, a national touring opera company based in Southampton bringing bold interpretations to established material, who performed pieces from Carmen.
They were followed by Company Chameleon, a leading contemporary dance company in Manchester that creates opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in dance. They performed an extract from their work Push.
To finish, attendees were joined by Olivier award-nominated actor and singer Amy Lennox, who most recently starred as Sally Bowles in the West End hit, Cabaret, accompanied by musical director Caitlin Morgan, who is currently working on SIX the Musical.
Cunard additionally gave away three balcony staterooms – for any voyage on sale of seven nights or less – over the course of the conference.
