Cunard Names QE Suites After Knighted Commodores

Did you know that during Cunard's 170-year history, six of its senior officers have actually been knighted by the monarch of the United Kingdom? I didn't know that either!

It's considered an honor to become a Knight of the British Empire and invitations are generally reserved for individuals who have contributed to the good of the nation. Contenders include British actors, musicians and writers; doctors, nurses, and scientists; philanthropists; athletes; and business moguls. (You don't need to be British to be knighted, but the title "sir" or "dame" will not be conferred to you. You may, however, append "KBE" to your name.)

As I mentioned, six Cunard employees have been honored thusly in the past:

• Commodore Sir James Charles (1865–1928)
• Commodore Sir Arthur Rostron (1869–1940
• Commodore Sir Edgar Britten (1874–1936)
• Commodore Sir James Bisset (1883–1966)
• Commodore Sir Cyril Illingworth (1883–1958)
• Commodore Sir Ivan Thompson (1894–1970)

Now Cunard and the new Queen Elizabeth will honor these gentlemen once again. The six high-end suites aboard the QE will be named after these men.

Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard will lay the keel for this new ship in June and she'll make her inaugural voyage in October 2010.

For more information about Cunard and the new Queen Elizabeth, talk with your travel agent or visit Cunard's website.