Oxford's voyage of discovery

By Justin Parkinson
BBC News Online education staff

Wealthy cruise-goers will have the chance to expand their horizons

Passengers on the biggest cruise liner ever built are to get the chance to do more than top up their tans and enjoy the cabaret.

Oxford University academics have been brought in to make sure transatlantic trips on the Queen Mary 2 - due to be launched next January - will also improve the mind.

Those prepared to pay thousands of pounds for a luxury holiday are to be offered a lecture series on the politics, culture and history of the UK.

The QM2 will set aside more than 20,000 sq ft for classes, including the world's first on-board planetarium.

Sociology on the high seas?

Academics, as well as experts from other educational institutions, will cover subjects including history, art, literature, medicine, business, politics, philosophy, film and sociology.

It is hoped this will deepen mutual cultural understanding between Europe and North America - at least while students are not side-tracked by five swimming pools, a ballroom, bars, restaurants and showbiz extravaganzas.

Dr Geoffrey Thomas, director of the Oxford University department for continuing education, said: "The University of Oxford is a world leader in education and lifelong learning, and programmes such as Oxford Discovery offer a unique and valuable learning experience, in a novel setting.

Queen Mary 2 facts and figures

The QM2 is 147 feet longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall, at 984 ft. This is the length of 36 London buses

Its 157,000-horsepower engine will give the 150,000-ton ship a top speed of around 35mph

Currently being built in France, her total cost is an estimated $800m (£483m)

"The University is committed to providing challenging and interesting programmes for its own full-time students and is delighted to extend opportunities to bring the best ideas to interested individuals wherever they can study."

Details of the programme are still under development, with passengers finding out at least 90 days before the first voyage - from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale, Florida - sets off.

Pamela Conover, president of the ship's owner, Cunard, said: "We are delighted to have agreed a partnership with the University of Oxford.

"This will provide our clients with an inspiring and informative range of educational activities from one of the world's top universities.

"Guests will have the opportunity to hear lectures from some of today's most distinguished academics and speakers, helping to make their voyage one to remember."