Cunard Line's New Dress Codes Celebrate the Chance to Dress Up - and Relax

Cunard Line Embraces Formal Nights on Transatlantic Cruises

Cunard Line has renewed its commitment to the joy of dressing up on-board “The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World” with an update to its dress codes, while at the same time encouraging the loosening of ties on its less formal nights.

Research with existing passengers and luxury travelers generally has led Cunard to strengthen the Line’s commitment to special occasion dressing three times a week on its Transatlantic Crossings and twice each week on sailings to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and beyond.

However, also in response to growing travel trends, Cunard is adjusting its advice on dress codes for other nights.  The result:  along with two or three formal nights each week, there will be four or five “informal” evenings where jackets are required but ties will now become optional, heightening the sense of anticipation for formal nights even more.

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Cunard Line Renoun Guest Speakers On Select 2013 Cruises

Cunard Line to Welcome Cutting-Edge Speakers from
the Worlds of Books, Business and Biology in 2013

Renowned for its award-winning Cunard Insights on board enrichment programme, Cunard Line has announced that leading luminaries in their fields – author Bill Bryson, business guru Lord Digby Jones and eminent Professor of Science and Society Lord Robert Winston – are among the featured speakers aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth beginning this spring.

“The quality of our speaker programme on board our ships is something which sets Cunard apart,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.  “We are delighted to welcome three such pre-eminent and internationally respected figures to our line-up for 2013 who will add an extra dimension to our passengers’ experience on board.”

Delving into a variety of compelling and relevant topics, Cunard Insights introduces guests to accomplished experts and visionaries who reflect the Line's legacy of adventure and prestige while sailing a luxury cruise vacation.  Sail dates for these cutting-edge Cunard Insights speakers, as well as the voyage itineraries, are as follows:

• Lord Digby Jones, Queen Victoria, Adriatic Explorer, 15 May, 17 days:  Southampton; Palermo for Sicily; Korcula, Croatia; Venice; Dubrovnik; Corfu; Messina for Sicily; Valencia, Spain; Southampton.  Fares start from $3,074 per person (including government fees and taxes), plus save $500 per person off airfare when booked by 31 March 2013.
   
• Lord Robert Winston, Queen Elizabeth, Norwegian Fjords and North Cape Explorer, 26 May, 14 days: Southampton, Stavanger, Flaam, Alesund, Trondheim, Honningsvag for North Cape, Tromso, Geiranger, Bergen, Southampton.  Fares start from $2,616 per person (including government fees and taxes), plus save $500 per person off Airfare when booked by 31 March 2013.
   
• Bill Bryson, Queen Mary 2, Autumn Colours, 15 October, 12 days: New York; Newport, Rhode Island; Boston; Bar Harbor, Maine; St John, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Québéc (overnight stay); New York.  Fares start from $1,999 per person.

All fares quoted are per person, based on double occupancy.

Bryson, Lord Jones and Lord Winston complement the array of speakers lined up for Cunard’s current four-month World Voyages, who include:

• Queen Mary 2 – journalist and war correspondent Martin Bell; ex-Formula 1 driver Sir Jackie Stewart; former Chief of the General Staff General Dannatt; and “Human Planet” BBC documentary producer Dale Templar
• Queen Elizabeth – Roger McGuinn, lead singer of The Byrds; Royal commentator Jennie Bond; former ambassador and high commissioner Sir Alan Collins; and polar explorer Felicity Ashton
• Queen Victoria – former politician and broadcaster Edwina Currie; author and “queen of cakes” Jane Asher; and cartoonist Gerald Scarfe

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Queen Elizabeth 2 To Become a 500 Room Hotel and Attraction in Asia

Queen Elizabeth 2 to become a Hotel in Asia

QE2 Dubai, has the pleasure to announce that MS Queen Elizabeth 2 Known popularly as (QE2) will be moved today to Drydocks World Dubai for undertaking classification checks prior to her renovation as a luxury floating hotel.


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Cunard Unveils 2014 World Cruises Along With Testamonial Videos

Cunard Line 2014 World Cruise Brochure

With its 2014 World Voyage Season now on sale, Cunard Line today unveiled the first of a new video series highlighting some of their frequent World Voyage passengers.  In this first video, Michigan residents Richard and Pat Donahey (Belleville), Dr. Martin and Linda Weissman (Birmingham) and Maryland residents Peggy and Pamela Zirkle (Berwyn Heights) share some of their favorite World Voyage experiences and memories.

Highlights include guests sharing how they came to first sail on a Cunard World Voyage, and why they have frequently sailed since then; what they enjoy about life on board; and the many interesting people they’ve met over the years – from globally known personalities such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, to their many friendships that have developed with people from all over the world.

One guest speaks enthusiastically about her love for dressing up on formal nights and such events as Cunard’s Black & White Ball, and even gives viewers a peek into her “cruise closet,” replete with gowns reserved only for her Cunard voyages.

Coming in October, the second video will highlight the travel experiences of these guests, ranging from exploring India’s Taj Mahal and touring the Egyptian Pyramids, to walking on the Great Wall of China and climbing Australia’s famed Sydney Harbour Bridge.

“For nearly a century, Cunard has served the adventure-seeking traveller with unrivaled access to the world’s most storied regions since the advent of our World Voyage Program in 1922,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.  “These World Voyage guests provide a glimpse into this legendary experience and explain why Cunard compels so many guests to return to the World Voyage year after year.”

Cunard’s 2014 World Voyage Season will cover more than 116,000 nautical miles across six continents and visits to 85 unique ports of call in 40 countries.  The program features three World Voyages ranging from eight to 133 days aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, with embarkation points in Southampton (England), New York, Fort Lauderdale and San Francisco.

Guests sailing a luxury cruise vacation aboard Cunard Line delight in the experience of the voyage itself, not just the destination.  By day, guests enjoy voluminous libraries, world class spas, white-glove afternoon tea service and engaging award-winning Cunard Insights guest enrichment program; by night they are entertained by Royal Nights themed balls, West End-style theater productions and Veuve Clicquot champagne cocktails.

To view the complete 2014 World Voyage schedule, visit www.cunard.com/2014wv.

Cunard's Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria Meet In Flaam Norway

Cunard Logo - Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria Meet in Flaam Norway

Cunard's Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria meet in Flaam Norway. The these two great Cunarders meet and give locals a great view.

To read more on the Queen's rendezvous and see a photo please - chick here to go to our sister site -> Nick's Cruise Corner.

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Former President Geroge Bush Sails on Cunard's Queen Mary 2

President George H.W. Bush and Former First Lady Barbara Bush enjoy a moment out on
the deck of Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 during the flagship’s 27 April 2012 Transatlantic Crossing.

The 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, and former First Lady Barbara Bush, joined by their daughter, Dorothy, and granddaughter, Georgia, sailed their first Transatlantic Crossing aboard Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 this week.  The seven-day voyage originated in Southampton, England, on 27 April and arrived into New York this morning.

Upon embarking in Southampton, they received a White Star welcome in the ship’s Commodore Club by Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line; David Dingle, CEO, Carnival UK; Captain Kevin Oprey, master of Queen Mary 2; and John Duffy, the ship’s hotel manager.  During the greeting, President Bush was heard to say of their Queen Mary 2 voyage, “I've been looking forward to this for weeks!”  Barbara Bush agreed, “You've been talking about nothing else for months!”

“We are honored to have welcomed President Bush and his family as guests aboard Queen Mary 2,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.  “Throughout our history, countless dignitaries have enjoyed the height of leisure and luxury offered aboard Cunard’s Transatlantic Crossings, and we are pleased that the President now joins in that legacy.”

During the voyage, the President and First Lady enjoyed production shows in the Royal Court Theatre, experienced the world-class Canyon Ranch SpaClub® and attended one of Cunard’s new Apple iStudy enrichment classes.  By night, they could be seen dining with the captain, as well as in the Queens Grill Restaurant, La Piazza and Queen Mary 2’s specialty restaurant, Todd English.

"Barbara and I have always wanted to make a Crossing, and it gives us great joy to be able to do so aboard Queen Mary 2 with our family and close friends.  We have enjoyed the voyage from its beginning, and our experience has been made even better by the amazing crew and staff. We will always have fond memories of our Transatlantic Crossing,” said President Bush.

Cunard’s legendary Transatlantic Crossings reflect the pinnacle of adventure and civility in ocean travel.  Queen Mary 2 is the only liner offering regularly scheduled Transatlantic service, ranging from seven-day voyages between New York and Southampton, England, to eight- and nine-day Crossings offered to Hamburg, Germany. Travel aboard Queen Mary 2 offers the ultimate luxury cruise vacation, rich in classic British traditions, fine cuisine and stimulating on board enrichment.  This year’s season includes several new offerings, such as new theatrical productions, jazz music workshops, lecture programs, dining menus and spa treatments.

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Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 Adds More Hamburg Sailings in 2013.

Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 Adds More Hamburg Sailings in 2013.

Cunard Line is adding 65% more transatlantic cruises in 2013 which include Hamburg, Germany. These cruises will either leave New York or Hamburg, Germany and stop in Southampton England. The number of cruises departing or arriving from Hamburg in 2013 will increase to 10 from 6 in 2012.

The Queen Mary 2 will also sail a number of Round-Trip sailings from Hamburg to Northern Europe, including a 2 day cruise to Southampton England.

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Cunard Queen Mary 2 Comparisons and Interesting Facts

With the start of the 2012 Cunard Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic season scheduled to start in May 2012, Cunard is drumming up hype around the 2012 season.

Cunard Line released this interesting fact sheet on the Queen Mary 2 specifically focused on Transatlantic Voyages.


Click on the photo to see and enlarged (and readable) version.

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Cunard Announces 2013 Itineraries

Cunard Line today announced its 2013 Voyage Program, offering an extensive range of sailings across its three ships featuring 106 voyages visiting 99 ports in 35 countries. Highlights include several maiden calls and overnight stays, and multiple departures for its most popular itineraries, including the St. Petersburg & Baltic Explorer, Fjords & Waterfalls and Greek Isles & Mediterranean Treasures voyages.

Cunard brings over 170 years of maritime heritage to the youngest, luxury fleet at sea – flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth – acquainting guests with captivating destinations and the Line’s enduring grandeur, glamor and elegance. For those seeking to experience a luxury cruise vacation aboard Cunard, the Line’s classic traditions and legendary White Star Service coupled with contemporary and sophisticated on board offerings provide an unmatched ocean travel experience.

Queen Mary 2 will continue to offer her legendary Transatlantic Crossings between New York and Southampton, as well as to Hamburg, while Queen Victoria will spend her full 2013 season sailing Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Atlantic Isles, Iberia and Morocco, with a new 24-day voyage to the Black Sea and Turkey; and Queen Elizabeth will spend much of her season travelling from Southampton to Northern Europe and sailing the Mediterranean from Venice, Athens, Rome and Southampton.

“In addition to our superb White Star Service and glamorous on board experiences, Cunard is famed for its extensive itineraries with visits to the world’s most stunning ports of call,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “We’ve expanded next year’s program to include multiple departures for our most popular itineraries, plus new ports of call and overnight stays to satisfy customer demand for these favoured regions.”

Queen Mary 2

The grandest ocean liner at sea, Queen Mary 2, will sail a total of 17 Transatlantic Crossings between New York and Southampton from May 2013 to January 2014. In addition to the flagship’s popular seven-day Transatlantic voyages, Cunard introduces two eight-day Crossings, providing guests the most of Queen Mary 2’s exceptional travel experience and more time to enjoy the unique sense of timelessness that only a Transatlantic voyage can provide. Extended nine- and ten-day Crossings between New York and Hamburg will also be available.

These longer Crossings offer additional time to explore the ship’s extensive on board amenities and activities, including lectures through the award-winning Cunard Insights program; stargazing in the only planetarium at sea; white-gloved afternoon tea served in the Queens Room or a spin around the dance floor during a Royal Nights themed ball; taking in a performance or workshop by members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art; or perusing the 8,000 volumes in the largest library at sea.

Guests travelling select European itineraries also may opt to combine their voyage with Transatlantic Crossings on either side, creating a “Grand” voyage.

Queen Mary 2 will also continue ventures to Northern Europe, plus round-trip New York departures to New England and Canada – featuring an overnight stay in Quebec – and a visit to the Caribbean just in time for the holidays. Maiden calls for Queen Mary 2 include Andalsnes, Norway and Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda.

Fares for the following voyages start from:

• Seven-day Transatlantic Crossings: $1199
• Eight-day Transatlantic Crossings: $1499
• Seven-day Fjords & Waterfalls: $1699
• Five-day 4th of July Getaway: $1349
• 12-day Autumn Colors (New England/Canada): $2499
• 15-day Northern Highlights: $2999
• 21-day Grand Fjords & Waterfalls: $4399
  

Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria will sail a range of voyages from Southampton to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Isles, Iberia and Morocco, including the popular seven-day Fjords & Waterfalls itinerary (Norway) and the St. Petersburg & Baltic Explorer voyage, with an overnight stay in St. Petersburg.

Additionally, Queen Victoria will sail a series of Mediterranean voyages ranging from 12 to 17 days and, new for 2013, a 24-day voyage to the Black Sea and Turkey. Maiden ports include Agadir, Morocco; Isafjordur, Iceland; Palau–Costa Smeralda, Italy; Torshavn, Faroe Islands; and Warnemunde, Germany. Overnight stays include St. Petersburg, Istanbul and Madeira (two nights).

Fares for the following voyages start from:

• 10-day Iberia & Moroccan Highlights: $1499
• 14-day Mediterranean Medley: $3099
• 14-day St. Petersburg & Baltic Explorer: $2999
• 15-day Geysers & Glaciers: $3199
• 24-day Black Sea & Turkish Splendors: $5399

Guests sailing aboard Queen Victoria enjoy many distinctive features including the first private theater boxes at sea (Royal Court Theater); the classic art of fencing; Cunardia, a museum display of historic artifacts; and nods to HM Queen Victoria including original etchings drawn by The Queen and Prince Albert.

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth’s 2013 schedule will take her to Iceland, the Norwegian Fjords, the British Isles and the Baltic Sea. Later in the season, she will reposition to the Mediterranean and embark on eight voyages from Venice, Rome (Civitavecchia) and Athens (Piraeus). These popular itineraries again include the Greek Isles and Holy Land voyages, and maiden ports include Akureyri, Iceland; Goteborg, Sweden; Isafjordur, Iceland; Izmir, Turkey; Marseilles, France; Reykjavik, Iceland; Salerno, Italy; Split, Croatia; Valencia, Spain; and Warnemunde, Germany. Overnight calls include St. Petersburg, Istanbul, Copenhagen and Venice.

Fares for the following voyages start from:

• 7-day Fjords & Waterfalls: $1399
• 12-day Greek Isles & Holy Land Explorer: $1799
• 12-day Mediterranean Odyssey: $1799
• 12-day Adriatic & Black Sea Explorer: $2499
• 14-day St. Petersburg & Baltic Explorer: $2799

Queen Elizabeth’s grand art deco interiors and unique art works, which pay homage to both the original Queen Elizabeth and Great Britain’s Royal Family, continue to fascinate and delight guests who sail aboard the Line’s newest Cunarder. The ship’s Grand Lobby prominently displays the 18.5 ft. marquetry piece of the original Queen Elizabeth created by David Linley, only nephew of Her Majesty The Queen; and a specially commissioned portrait of The Queen, created by artist Isobel Peachey particularly for Queen Elizabeth’s 2010 debut.

All referenced fares are per person, based on double occupancy.

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Cunard's Queen Mary 2 and Endeavour Salute Each Other Off Australia

On March 4th, Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 was saluted by another historic vessel also currently circumnavigating Australia – the Endeavour – as the two vessels crossed paths off the coast of Victoria.

The encounter with the small ship, a replica of Captain James Cook’s HM Bark Endeavour, occurred between Cape Duquesne and Cape Nelson, just outside Portland, Victoria, as Queen Mary 2 sailed from Adelaide to Melbourne where she is making her maiden visit today. Carrying approximately 4,000 guests and crew, and rising 62 metres above the water, the 151,400-ton Queen Mary 2 dwarfed the 397-ton Endeavour, which is carrying 54 people and stretches 39 metres to the top of its mast.

While Queen Mary 2 will take 20 nights to circumnavigate Australia (Fremantle to Fremantle), the Endeavour is taking 13 months on its journey around the country.

“Queen Mary 2’s maiden voyage around Australia has been a fantastic experience for all on board and we have very much enjoyed being part of history," said Commodore Christopher Rynd, master of Cunard’s flagship ocean liner. “To sail by the Endeavour – a replica of Captain Cook’s ship – and to see her size really brought home how brave and adventurous explorers were just two centuries ago.”

Both circumnavigation voyages by Queen Mary 2 and the Endeavor take place more than 200 years after the first circumnavigation of Australia undertaken by Captain Matthew Flinders in 1801-03.

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Cunard Queen Mary 2 to Dock at Sydney Overseas Passenger Terminal

Cunard’s 151,400-ton liner Queen Mary 2 is set to make history again next week when she berths for the first time at the Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) at Sydney’s Circular Quay on Wednesday March 7 for an overnight stay which will mark the end of her Royal Circumnavigation of Australia.

Bringing Queen Mary 2 alongside at Circular Quay, instead of berthing at Garden Island Naval Base, has become possible following Sydney Ports Corporation’s installation of a new anchoring point, which can cater for larger ships at the OPT.

The largest ship ever to visit Australia, Queen Mary 2 will be a spectacular sight in Circular Quay, stretching 345 metres along the foreshore and rising 62 metres above the water line – just five metres below the highest sail of the adjacent Sydney Opera House.

Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which represents Cunard Line in Australia, said Queen Mary 2's use of Circular Quay confirmed that an upgraded OPT would be an important element in improving Sydney’s ability to handle cruise ship visits.

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Cunard's Queens to Rendezvous to Celebrate Queen's Jubilee

Cunard Line will celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a unique Cunard Royal Rendezvous on 5 June 2012, the final day of the Jubilee celebrations. Her Majesty has long been associated with Cunard, being the only person to have attended the naming of all three Cunard Elizabeths, beginning in 1938.

This will be the first time that the three ships of the Cunard fleet – the three largest Cunarders ever built – will have been seen arriving and departing together in formation at their home port of Southampton.

“Cunard is delighted to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in a way that will give everyone, especially our guests, a truly remarkable day that they will feel proud to talk about for years to come,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “We are thrilled to take part in such an historic occasion, marking the sixty glorious years of Her Majesty’s reign in a fitting, memorable and spectacular way,” Shanks continued.

Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 will approach the port soon after first light on Tuesday 5 June, sailing in single file up the Solent River, with a flotilla of small boats expected to welcome them in.

As Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria tie up at their berths, Queen Mary 2 will follow on, passing each ship in turn, with crew lining the foredeck of all three vessels, and the ships’ whistles sounding in salute of Her Majesty’s Jubilee.

Events will be happening throughout the day, to create both an outstanding guest experience and a fitting commemoration of Her Majesty’s reign. The celebrations will culminate in an evening spectacular where all three ships will be brought within close proximity of each other, and a fusillade of fireworks and special effects will light up the evening sky beyond them.

Queen Mary 2 will then lead Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria in single file down the Solent as all three ships set out on their celebratory Jubilee voyages.

Further details of the day’s events will be released in due course.

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Cunard Line Announces Feel Famous Sale on Cruises to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Legendary Trans-Atlantic Crossings

Those looking to experience a Cunard luxury cruise vacation exploring the historic wonders of the Mediterranean, Northern Europe’s uniquely dramatic landscapes, or the timeless adventure of the line’s signature trans-Atlantic cruise can now enjoy significant savings on select cruises with the 2012 Feel Famous Sale. With savings of up to $1,600 on balcony staterooms, experiencing these sought-after itineraries in distinctive Cunard style is even more accessible than ever.

Guests can save up to:

• $1,600 per balcony stateroom on Northern Europe cruises of 14 days or longer aboard Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth

• $1,100 per balcony stateroom aboard select 7-day trans-Atlantic Crossings aboard Queen Mary 2

• $1,000 per balcony stateroom on Northern Europe cruises shorter than 14 days aboard Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth

• $800 per balcony stateroom on 12-day Mediterranean cruises aboard Queen Elizabeth

The Mediterranean is a world of contrasts, beauty, culture and enduring fascination and its alluring destinations each hold unique appeal. From Kusadasi, for example, guests can explore inspiring Ephesus, with its ancient walls, bustling markets and the ageless temple of Artemis. Rhodes combines beautiful beaches and spectacular vistas, Santorini is the quintessential Greek isle, and Venice perhaps best captures Italy’s romantic splendour where music, art, its famed canals and exquisite cuisine captivate all who visit.

The awe-inspiring beauty of Scandinavia is highlighted by stunning fjords, plunging waterfalls and twisting mountains. Scenic Norway offers some of nature’s most breathtaking landscapes and the natural beauty of Stavanger features charming interlaced bridges and perfectly-preserved 18th century homes.

Cunard’s most iconic itinerary, the trans-Atlantic Crossing, is like no other ocean-going cruise - steeped in heritage, elegance and grandeur, and offering the luxury of time with seven to nine days at sea. On a Crossing, guests enjoy a myriad of interests from traditional, white-gloved afternoon tea, workshops with members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, daily planetarium shows, the largest library at sea and the first shipboard Canyon Ranch SpaClub.

All cruise prices are per person, and the sale runs through 29 February 2012.

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Cunard's Queen Mary 2 Emerges From A Major Refit.

Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 has returned to her homeport of Southampton after a major refurbishment that will prepare her to welcome guests for a luxury cruise vacation on her upcoming Transatlantic Crossings, Europe and World Voyages.

The refurbishment took place at the Blohm & Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, from November 24th to December 6th.

To Learn all about her new spaces and upgrades Click here ->; Queen Mary 2 Refit

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Cunard Line Reflags Ships To Bermuda and Malta Registry

After 171 years of registering its ships in the United Kingdom, Cunard Line announced that it is re-flagging its entire fleet -- Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth -- in Bermuda. Starting at the end of this October, Hamilton' (instead of ‘Southampton') will be emblazoned across the stern of each ship.

While there are various reasons for changing the fleet's registry, today's press statement highlighted only the positive -- the fact that Cunard will now be able to offer weddings at sea, fulfilling pent-up demand for couples to tie the knot at a captain-officiated ceremony in the middle of the Atlantic.

Ships flagged in the U.K. are not allowed to offer this service: Under U.K. law, couples can be married on a ship but only when it's in port and only by a minister or other notary. Cunard is at a competitive disadvantage in the lucrative romance market; its sister lines, P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises, as well as the ships of rival Celebrity Cruises are flagged in Bermuda or Malta, allowing them to offer wedding ceremonies at sea.

However, economic reasons most likely also played a part in Cunard's move. Britain's new Equality Act 2010 means that workers from EU countries employed on British-registered ships must be paid wages equal to those of British citizens. While many lines favour Filipino and Indian crew, Cunard employs a lot of dining room waiters and bartenders from Eastern Europe and its increased wage bill no doubt played a part in this decision.

Cunard's three Queens will still use Southampton as their home base, and because they're being registered in Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory, they'll still fly the Red Ensign. The ‘Weddings at Sea' program will kick in after the ships have completed their world cruises early in 2012 and will go on sale this December.

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Cunard Reveals Details of Queen Mary 2 Refit

Cunard Line has released details of the planned refit of the company’s flagship Queen Mary 2, in preparation for her eighth birthday in January 2012. With major refurbishments and redesigns of carpets, curtains, bedcovers and linens, and other enhancements, a luxury cruise vacation will be even more appealing aboard the grandest ocean liner at sea.

Taking place at Blohm + Voss Shipyards in Hamburg, Germany, from 24 November through 7 December, the major soft goods refurbishments will comprise all staterooms, Canyon Ranch SpaClub®, the Queens Grill and Princess Grill Restaurants, the Commodore Club, the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar, Sir Samuel’s, the Play Zone/Kids’ Zone, and a complete redesign of the Golden Lion Pub. To ensure that the latest changes will complement the ship’s signature elegance and glamour throughout, Cunard has again partnered with the noted Tillberg Design AB in Höganäs, Sweden, the company involved in Queen Mary 2’s original design.

“Queen Mary 2 is an iconic leader in the world of luxury ocean travel and continues to receive high ratings by guests and the cruise industry,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “A ship that still turns heads everywhere she goes, she is unquestionably the pride of our fleet. We are committed to maintaining that impeccable reputation, and this significant refurbishment is an important investment on behalf of our guests.”

The 14-day refit will require a team of thousands of workers replacing the equivalent of almost ten football pitches of carpet and manufacturing about 18 square miles of fabric into over 6,000 individual items. Specific plans include:

Staterooms – All 1,310 staterooms aboard Queen Mary 2 will receive a fresh look with new carpeting, curtains and beddings, and some will receive new furniture. The revised design will be in keeping with current designs but with an enhanced sense of luxurious comfort, as can be experienced in luxury hotels around the world.

Golden Lion Pub – With its increasingly popular traditional British pub lunch menus, busy bar, exciting sports events and nightly music offerings, the pub will benefit from a complete refurbishment and redesign to enhance its endearing appeal. The new design retains the British pub atmosphere and also evokes an American country club feel similar to the warm colours and plush seating in the same venues aboard sister ships Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. Upgraded television screens will also be installed.

Canyon Ranch SpaClub – An extensive refurbishment of the first Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea will include the teak surrounds of the hydrotherapy pool and adjacent wet areas, and a general upgrade of all the facilities. In addition, new exercise machines in the fitness centre and new and improved features in the Beauty Salon will be installed.

Queens Grill and Princess Grill Restaurants – A new, lighter carpet design for both of Queen Mary 2’s exclusive Grill restaurants will enhance the existing ambience, maintaining the reputation of these fine dining venues as among the best at sea or on land.






Commodore Club – One of the most visited public rooms aboard Queen Mary 2, this breathtaking lounge overlooking her bow will be refreshed with a new carpet design and additions to the white leather furnishings of chairs, sofas and bar stools.

Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar – A popular space especially on Transatlantic Crossings, this venue featuring the exquisite Veuve Clicquot brand of champagne will see a new carpet and soft furnishings design.

Sir Samuel’s – This busy venue which features specialty coffees during the day and an impressive menu of wines at night, will receive a new compliment of carpeting and furniture coverings.

The Play Zone/Kids’ Zone – Cunard’s first-rate facilities for younger guests will undergo a complete refurbishment, including new soft play areas, plus upgrades to the very latest in electronic gaming technology and entertainment.

Carpeting of public areas, central walkways and landings on Decks 2 and 3 will also be completed, which began with the ship’s last refit in 2008. In addition to the current major refit, when Queen Mary 2 returns to service on 8 December, she will introduce several new on board features, details of which will be disclosed soon.

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Cunard's Queen Victoria Offers Winter Panama Canal And Hawaii Cruises

Whether guests are celebrating a special occasion or searching for a relaxing adventure closer to home, Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria offers both as the ship reprises her Americas Season in late 2011 and early 2012, which includes updated itineraries through the Panama Canal and voyages to the tropical Hawaiian Islands. Fares start from $1,295 per person, based on double occupancy.

This season, guests aboard Queen Victoria will revel in the luxury of time both on and off the ship, with stops that highlight the natural beauty and tranquility of the Panama Canal, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Mexico. Depending on the voyage itinerary, guests will stop at exotic locales including Costa Rica, St. Thomas and Honolulu:


15-day Panama Canal Explorer (new) departs on 6 December 2011 and 30 January 2012 from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles, and sails from Los Angeles to Ft. Lauderdale on 4 January, with stops in Oranjestad (Aruba), Panama Canal transit, Puntarenas (Costa Rica), Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Huatulco (Mexico), Acapulco (Mexico) and Manzanillo (Mexico). Fares from $1,295 per person.

11-day Roundtrip Panama Canal departs from Fort Lauderdale on 19 January 2012, calling on Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas), St. John’s (Antigua), St. George’s (Grenada), Bonaire (Netherlands Antilles) and a partial transit of the Panama Canal. Fares from $1,295 per person.

17-day Panama Canal Treasures departs 28 February 2012 from Los Angeles, calling on Manzanillo (Mexico), Acapulco (Mexico), Huatulco (Mexico), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), Panama Canal transit, Oranjestad (Aruba), Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) and New York. Fares from $2,095 per person.

14-day Hawaiian Adventure departs roundtrip from Los Angeles on 21 December 2011 and 14 February 2012, calling on Hilo (Hawaii), Honolulu (Oahu), Nawiliwili (Kauai) and Lahaina (Maui), as well as a quick visit to Ensenada (Mexico). Fares from $1,695 per person.


All fares are based on double occupancy.

“We are pleased that Queen Victoria will winter in the Americas again, pairing the ship’s unique intimate elegance with some of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the world,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “From the Panama Canal, one of the world’s greatest engineering feats, to some of the most legendary islands, Queen Victroria’s Americas voyages are quickly becoming a new Cunard classic.”

The legacy of Cunard’s ocean liners lives on through Queen Victoria’s Americas Season, combining the brand’s legendary hallmarks with contemporary sophistication of the modern age to create a unique memorable voyage for each guest. Aboard Queen Victoria, guests can customize their itineraries according to their interests, with such activities as enjoying traditional afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters, attending a stimulating Cunard Insights lecture, rejuvenating body and mind at the spa, dressing up for Royal Nights themed balls, sipping cocktails in one of the ship’s sophisticated bars and lounges, or simply relaxing poolside with a good book.

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