Cunard Line hosted the international preview tour for the Bob Hope Estate Charity Auction which engaged standing-room-only audiences during a moving tribute to her father aboard Queen Mary 2’s Transatlantic Crossing, which departed New York on September 4 and arrived in Southampton, England today. Linda Hope, daughter of the world-famous entertainer, was onboard for the event.

Linda Hope presented an exclusive programme recounting the life and career of the comedy centurion from his start in vaudeville and radio to his countless roles on stage, in film and on television offering personal anecdotes about family life in Burbank, California. Guests, some clearly holding back tears, lined up after Linda’s talk to thank her for presenting such a poignant programme with so many heartfelt memories about her father.

Guests also had the opportunity to attend an exclusive onboard “auction preview” with Linda Hope, Julien’s Auctions President Darren Julien and Executive Director Martin Nolan highlighting the collector and museum-quality memorabilia showcased onboard. Sure to become a collector’s item itself, a full-color catalog featuring more than 675 lots was purchased by many guests. Following the standing-room-only presentation, guests lined up to meet Linda and have their catalogs signed.

“We are delighted that Queen Mary 2’s guests so warmly embraced Linda Hope and thoroughly enjoyed the very special tribute to her father and his legacy,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. “Our guests continue to be intrigued with Cunard’s rich history and such luminaries as Bob Hope who regularly sailed aboard Cunard Line. It’s exciting to bring this rich history alive through programmes and personal stories, and through the exclusive onboard auction preview presented by Linda Hope and Julien’s Auctions.”

Auction item highlights on the voyage included original deck plans with annotations by Mr. Hope for his passage in 1939 on the Queen Mary; a note signed by HRH Prince Philip on Buckingham Palace stationery regarding a boxed set of silverware and set of tea knives and forks Mr. Hope purchased at a charity event hosted by HRH Queen Elizabeth in 1952; a letter from President Ronald Reagan dated December 12, 1995, written on Presidential stationery; Mr. Hope’s small black leather address book; his desk plate reading “Bob Hope – Thanks for the Memories;” his well-traveled steamer trunk suitcase; a WWII sterling silver cigarette case; and a black leather attaché case imprinted “Bob Hope.”

The auction, to be conducted by Julien’s Auctions, will take place October 18 & 19 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.

Auction Network will conduct a live high-definition streaming video webcast of the Bob Hope Estate Charity Auction, providing fans around the world a front row seat to watch the action and excitement of the event and the ability to bid in real-time via the Internet. In addition to the broadcast, registered bidders can see the current bid status as well as the upcoming lots to prepare them to bid on their most-desired collectibles. Pre-show video highlights include rare interviews with Linda Hope and many friends of Bob and the Hope family.

The history between Cunard’s famed ocean liners and Bob Hope dates back many decades and includes a special performance that took place onboard the Queen Mary in 1939 when Mr. Hope performed “Thanks for the Memories” in the Queen’s Salon. Many of his fans knew him as a passionate golfer, and Cunard guests often observed him practicing golf drives from the upper decks of Queen Mary and QE2.

For more information on any Cunard Line cruise, I’m a Cunard Commodore agent and would be glad to assist you. Call me at 1-888-579-8706 or visit my website at www.avctravel.com/greggeppleman