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Cruise News and Information
November 12, 2007
Become a Part of History on a Luxury Liner Voyage
Longing for the era of fine travel and cruising? Perhaps Cunard's nearly completed Queen Victoria may be your cup of tea. The ship currently is in its final stages of construction in Italy. The inaugural cruises begin December 11, 2007 are most are sold out and the world cruise currently has limited availability. There is limited availability on the December 21st. voyage to the Canary Islands with pricing ranging from $4500.00 per person for an inside cabin to $26,000.00 per person for a suite.
Coming after the launch of the Queen Mary 2, the Queen Victoria is the second new build from Cunard in five years after many decades without an addition to the British fleet of luxury liners.
Designers of the Queen Victoria placed an emphasis on the traditional character of the legendary Cunard ships of yesteryear, but in a contemporary fashion. Highlights of the Queen Victoria include:
Grand Lobby – The three-level lobby features light mahogany woods, marbled floors and a large painting of the ship itself.
Todd English Restaurant – Overlooking the lobby from the second deck, this restaurant has garnered rave reviews on the QM2. The charge is $20 for lunch; $30 for dinner. On a recent transatlantic voyage QM2 we tested the chocolate souffle more than once and deem it to be perhaps the most heavenly desert we have experienced.
Two-Level Library – Cunard is known for its extensive library collections and the Queen Victoria will feature more than 6,000 books.
Chart Room – The nautically themed bar features murals painted by maritime artists and collections of unique shipping memorabilia and artifacts.
Three restaurants, depending on your cabin types:
For those in staying in Queens Grill Accommodations, (Suites) you will find this one of the most superb restaurants in the world. Caviar every night if that is your wish and the menu is totally unlimited.
For those staying in Princess Grill Accommodations (Junior Suites) the restaurant is very elegant with a little less stuffy.
Britannia Restaurant – this was the most alive of the dining rooms, you could feel the excitement and energy of the guests. The focal points of this grand restaurant include an oversized globe in the center, two winding staircases, a chandelier and a ceiling of gold leaf.
Queens Room – Themed after Osbourne House, Queen Victoria's retreat on the Isle of Wight, this two-deck ballroom features a 1,000 square-foot dance area.
Unique Photos and Art – Rare, black-and-white photos of celebrities who have traveled on Cunard liners in the past are found in the forward stairwell; the midships staircase features pictures of past Cunard liners; and the aft showcase will feature the work of contemporary British artists.
Royal Court Theatre – Guests can experience the elegance of theatre from a bygone era, including special private boxes overlooking the crowd and stage. These boxes come with plenty of special amenities and snob appeal.
Royal Arcade – This area functions as the Queen Victoria's second grand atrium and features a large Victorian Pillar Clock, similar to those found in town squares but never heard of on a cruise ship.
Outside Cabins – 87 percent of the staterooms are outsides; the smallest insides are 150 square feet.
To top it off, a prominent Italian painter donated his portrait of Queen Victoria as a young lady to Cunard and it is on prominent display, reminding everyone on board they are on not just a modern cruise ship – but a distinctly British one at that.
So, if you have not had the lovely experience of a Grand Voyage on a true luxury liner now is the time to consider one.
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