If
travel is meant to be savoured, then crossing the oceans should
be a majestic experience, not merely a hop across the pond,
as some would have it. For travellers of this persuasion, only
one name evokes the pleasures of a golden era. That name is
Cunard Line.
Pick
your passion. The unique tradition of an ocean liner crossing,
or a majestic cruise to a fascinating locale. Our itineraries
blend the best of the past with a vision of the future. Retrace
the routes of the Cape Town liners. Worship the sun and gaze
at the stars on leisurely Southern Crossings. Discover the pleasures
of a more cultured experience - the hallmark of our cruises
in Europe and the Americas. Whether you explore the Mediterranean,
Scandinavia, the Caribbean or the Amazon, rest assured that
your days will conform to the rhythms of a gentler age.
THE
CUNARD FLEET
QUEEN
MARY 2
Queen
Mary 2 will be the world's largest, longest, tallest, grandest
Ocean Liner Ever! As she sets sail from Southampton on her maiden
voyage on January 12, 2004 excitement will surround her from
all over the world.
QUEEN
ELIZABETH 2
Imagine
a floating palace where the pleasures are unmatched. Where royalty,
millionaires and film stars have been known to stroll on gleaming
teak decks while savoring the earth's most dramatic panoramas.
Welcome aboard the one and only Queen Elizabeth 2. Thanks to
a refurbishment from bow to stern, she is uniquely prepared
to pamper you with the utmost contemporary comfort.
Still
the only ship offering regularly scheduled transatlantic service,
Queen Elizabeth 2 is also an honored guest in ports near and
far. Sailing the world's waters, she becomes your glamorous
refuge.
To
heighten this sense of occasion, QE2's 2003 season of transatlantic
crossings will be her last. In 2004, QM2 takes up the reins
while QE2 turns her attention to an exciting program of cruises
sailing roundtrip from Southampton
Sail
on QE2 and be part of the legend!
CARONIA
Following
an extravagant makeover, the former Vistafjord debuts as the
new Caronia, a regal liner perfectly suited to contemporary
travellers. Caronia's graceful lines, expansive decks and finishings
of teak, mahogany and brass epitomize the golden age of ocean
travel. Yet her elegant lifestyle is instantly familiar to the
21st century aficionado. Experience a grand exploration at sea
and ashore
QUEEN
VICTORIA
Cunard
Line has announced that its new 85,000-ton cruise ship, which
is scheduled to enter service in 2005, will be named Queen Victoria.
Dedicated to the British cruise market, Queen Victoria will
be the second largest Cunarder ever built. Together with the
current flagship, Queen Elizabeth 2, and Queen Mary 2, the biggest
passenger liner ever, the Cunard fleet will include three Queens
for the first time – truly the most famous ocean liners
in the world.
Queen
Victoria will enter service in the company’s 165th anniversary
and will operate cruises to and from Southampton to the Mediterranean,
the Canaries, Northern Europe and the Caribbean. The 1,968-passenger
vessel will feature a covered wraparound promenade deck, a forward-facing
observation lounge, a large Lido pool with a retractable magrodome,
and ten of the twelve passenger decks will be served by exterior
glass-walled lifts. Like QE2 and QM2, the liner will have a
Queens Grill, offering single-seating gourmet dining. Queen
Victoria will offer a wide range of accommodation, large standard
outside cabins (170 sq ft) and a high percentage of balcony
cabins (67%) -bringing new levels of luxury and choice to the
British passenger.
The
on-board menus, entertainment and lecture programme will be
geared to British tastes and the currency will be sterling.
Queen Victoria will fly the red ensign; she will have the name
of her home port, Southampton, on her stern and she will have
a British Captain and Officers.
In
design terms she will have an undeniably British feel with two
British design teams being responsible for her interiors.
Pamela
Conover, Cunard’s President and Chief Operating Officer,
says:
“Cunard
Line was founded just after Queen Victoria came to the throne,
and her reign saw the company develop hugely in every sense.
Throughout her reign Cunard built more and even better ships,
we embraced radical new technology and we carried more passengers
in greater comfort. Today, with more capacity than we have had
for 40 years, Cunard is entering a new phase of expansion commensurate
with that experienced under Queen Victoria, so it seems entirely
appropriate for the new ship to bear the name. It is also fitting
that the second largest Cunarder ever should also bear a Queen
name!”
Queen
Victoria will be built at Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard
near Venice with her keel scheduled to be laid in July this
year.
