Cunard's Queen Mary 2 hosting 'The Greatest Showman' premiere

Cunard Line will host the first debut of a major motion picture on a cruise ship when 20th Century-Fox presents the world premiere of "The Greatest Showman" on Queen Mary 2 in December.

The movie is a musical that tells the story of P.T. Barnum, the legendary circus impresario. Stars include Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, and Zac Efron. It is scheduled to hit theaters on land on Christmas Day.

Barnum sailed several times on Cunard, including an 1850 voyage from England to New York where 40,000 people were waiting to greet the ship.

Scenes from the movie were shot in the original U.S. headquarters of Cunard at 25 Broadway in lower Manhattan. Other scenes were shot in Brooklyn, Queen Mary 2's U.S. homeport.

"We are thrilled to host the first major motion picture premiere on a Cunard ship," said Josh Leibowitz, senior vice president, Cunard North America.

Cunard will sponsor a sweepstake in which a winner and their guest will attend the premiere.