Cunard Celebrates 185 Years at Sea with "Sea of Glamour" Exhibition Initiative

Celebrating 185 Years of Maritime Legacy

Cunard Line, a renowned luxury cruise brand, is ringing in its remarkable 185th anniversary by inviting the public to co-create an unforgettable exhibition titled "Sea of Glamour." This initiative aims to celebrate the rich history of ocean travel while bridging the generational gap created by the digital age's impact on memory preservation.

The Challenge of Digital Memories

According to a recent international study, an astounding estimated 265 billion photographs are captured annually in the UK and the US. However, the overwhelming majority of these images remain stored digitally, often unseen. The study shows that while 97% of pictures are taken on smartphones, a mere 3% of adults actually preserve their cherished moments in printed photo albums. Alarmingly, over 70% of respondents expressed concern that future generations might lose significant memories due to the lack of physical photos.

The digital world's complex layers are leading to unexpected consequences—a generational memory gap. As more individuals struggle with limited storage, many end up deleting precious pictures or losing them due to device failures. This dilemma poses a threat to our historical legacy and underscores the importance of remembering our past through tangible artifacts.

Invitation to Participate

In response to this pressing issue, Cunard is reaching out to guests, employees, and even celebrities to submit their favorite memories captured on board its cruise ships. These contributions will feature alongside historical images from Cunard’s archives, curated by the acclaimed British photographer Mary McCartney. The exhibition will make its debut at the iconic Liver Building in Liverpool in May 2025.

A Journey Through Time

The "Sea of Glamour" exhibition will showcase a fascinating array of photographs documenting iconic moments in Cunard's extensive 185-year history, including images of renowned Hollywood celebrities, musicians, political figures, and royalty. Attendees will be invited to immerse themselves in the magic of nearly two centuries of transatlantic travel and the elegant lifestyle associated with it. Mary McCartney will cap off the exhibition by taking a special portrait of Queen Anne's Icons, further enhancing the occasion's significance.

Siân Wilks, the Cunard Archivist at the University of Liverpool Library, expressed excitement about how this initiative will influence the Cunard archive's future. She highlighted that today's submitted stories will be crucial for connecting future generations with Cunard's legendary past.

Echoing this sentiment, Cunard President Katie McAlister emphasized the long-standing tradition of unforgettable experiences on board their ships, inviting everyone to share their cherished memories and help create a unique, dynamic exhibition for all to appreciate.

A Global Exhibition

The "Sea of Glamour" will not be confined to a single location; it will embark on an international journey aboard Cunard's fleet of ships, celebrating the brand's rich 185-year history across different continents. Cunard hopes this initiative galvanizes people to recognize the importance of preserving memories, especially in our increasingly digital world.

To contribute, individuals can visit www.cunard.com/seaofglamour and submit their favorite on-board memories to [email protected] by March 9, 2025. This call to action serves as an opportunity for all to ensure their special moments become part of Cunard’s legacy.

For additional details about Cunard or to book your next voyage, passengers can reach out to their Travel Advisors, call Cunard directly at 1-800-728-6273, or visit the Cunard website.

As Cunard embarks on this journey of memory preservation, the company continues to shine brightly as a pioneer in the cruise industry, setting the stage for many more decades of enchanting voyages ahead.