Cunard introduces new onboard enrichment program

To sail on the Queen Mary 2, you need to be rich financially. But, the educated, well-traveled folks who sail with Cunard also want to be rich intellectually. Given the success of past enrichment programs, the cruise line has created "Cunard Insights," a series of lectures and presentations by experts and famous people.

The new program will let Cunard guests interact and learn from prominent lecturers through talks, Q&As, debates, social gatherings, and workshops. Cunard expects to host more than 500 lecturers annually on topics such as history, world affairs, science, politics, literature, and the arts. Upcoming speakers include actor John Cleese, former astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman, sports commentator Frank DeFord, actress Victoria Tennant, and mountaineer David Hempleman-Adams.

If you're the kind of cruiser who thinks the only reasonable type of onboard enrichment is bar trivia after a long day of sunbathing and downing margaritas, stick to Carnival. But if you're excited about lazy days sailing across the Atlantic, learning from experts in their field and listening to people who have done amazing things with their lives, there may be a Cunard sailing with your name on it.