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2 majestic Cunard Queens meet in Long Beach, CA

Residents and visitors alike marveled at the majestic sight of 2 Cunard vessels docked next to each other at Long Beach Cruise Terminal.

The QUEEN ELIZABETH arrived on the 5th of February 5th, spending a complete day in Port to take advantage of the festivities arranged to celebrate the occasion which showcased spectacular fireworks as the ship set sail during the evening hours.

Guests on board the most recent edition to the Cunard til the opportunity to visit to the oldest Cunard liner in existence, the QUEEN MARY.

Literally thousands of Long Beach residents also attended to witness the unique event and take advantage of the complimentary admission to the QUEEN MARY, which was eclipsed by the unveiling of a major new exhibit.

Military Personnel Special Offer: Up to $250 On Board Credit‏

I received this from Cunard Lines and felt that it was a fabulous gesture for Cunard to reach out to our Military Personnel allowing them to get some much entitled rest and pampering. Giving On Board Credit is an extra bonus. Good on you Cunard!


6 days or less	$50
7–13 days	$100
14 days or longer	$250

On Board Credit can be combined with other promotions and used on any cruise, at any time of the year and to anywhere we sail. It can be used to purchase a wide variety of amenities and experiences including Spa treatments, dining in our speciality restaurants, on board boutiques and Cunard shore excursions.

QUEEN MARY 2^®, QUEEN ELIZABETH^® and QUEEN VICTORIA^® look forward to welcoming you aboard soon.

To request this benefit, please download and complete the request form here.To learn more, visit cunard.com/military.

*RESTRICTIONS

This offer is available to active, retired and disabled military veterans with proper identification in the following service divisions: United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard or Reserves, Canadian National Defense and the British Army, Royal Marines, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force or Reserves residing in the U.S. or Canada.

• This offer is good for the qualified military person only, and does not apply to third/fourth berth passengers.

• This offer is combinable with other On Board Credit offers.

• This offer is non-transferable.

• This offer cannot be used for casino credits/charges and gratuities.

• This offer is combinable with most cruise fares. Some restrictions apply.

• Applications to receive this benefit must be made no later than 14 days prior to the cruise departure date.

• For any questions regarding this offer contact 1-800-728-6273

Ships' Registry: Bermuda. ©CUNARD 2013. The CUNARD logo and logotype are registered trademarks of Carnival plc, an English company trading as Cunard Line. QUEEN MARY 2, QUEEN VICTORIA, QUEEN ELIZABETH, and The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World are trademarks owned by CUNARD. All rights reserved in the United States and other countries.

Queen Mary 2: In Flinders' wake

By Isobel Marriner of The New Zealand Herald

Isobel Marriner joins the Queen Mary 2 for the first royal circumnavigation of Australia, following the journey of a famous explorer - though in a rather more opulent style

More than 200 years ago, a young naval officer called Matthew Flinders set sail from England, intending to circumnavigate and map the coastline of what was then New Holland and New South Wales, but which he would later prefer to call Terra Australis, the great Southern Land.

Flinders was not of maritime stock; the son of a doctor, he had been bewitched by the sea after reading Robinson Crusoe. Just married, he had intended (against Admiralty regulations) to take his wife with him on his ship, the Investigator, a recommissioned naval sloop originally built as a collier. But before the ship left British waters it ran aground while he was below deck with Mrs Flinders, and in the ensuing furore he was forced to leave her behind.

Two centuries later, black, sleek and enormous, the Queen Mary 2 is berthed at the container port at the end of the Brisbane river and is visible for many kilometres around. She would have dwarfed the Investigator, which measured about a 10th of her size.

Continue article at: nzherald.co.nz

Queen Mary Set for 200th Crossing

Photo of Queen Mary 2 from Free HD Wallpapers

Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2 will mark a major milestone on her July 6 2013 voyage from New York to Southampton, achieving her 200th Transatlantic Crossing in her ninth season since entering service in 2004.

The milestone will be commemorated with various activities and special speakers and performers on board to add to the celebratory mood.

“Sailing a Transatlantic Crossing aboard our flagship Queen Mary 2 is a luxury travel experience like no other,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “And now with 200 Crossings under her belt, the grandest ocean liner in the world has proven to be the icon of the new golden age of ocean travel across the Atlantic.”

As part of the Cunard Insights on board enrichment programme, Stephen Payne OBE, who was largely responsible for the overall design of Queen Mary 2, will present a fascinating perspective on her construction.

Continue reading article at: cruiseindustrynews.com

Cunard's Queen Elizabeth Meets Queen Mary for Historic Royal Rendezvous

Picture from Cruise Industry News

Amidst fireworks and much fanfare yesterday, Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth met Queen Mary for an historic Cunard Royal Rendezvous. Cunarders and maritime enthusiasts alike gathered along the shores of Long Beach Harbour and more than two thousand people were aboard Queen Mary for a celebration that began with a series of whistle salutes between the two ships. Joining these maritime icons high above was the famed Goodyear blimp, the Spirit of America.

Spectators were treated to a commemorative fireworks show, which lit up the skies above the harbour during the first-time meeting between the two ships. In addition, a narrative of the ships’ histories was simulcast by Everette Hoard, commodore of Queen Mary, who was speaking from the Bridge of Queen Elizabeth and was also heard by guests on Queen Mary. Queen Elizabeth then departed on her 18-day Panama Canal Discovery voyage.

Continue reading at: cruiseindustrynews.com

Queen Mary in Long Beach Offers Free Admission for Ship Meeting

Photograph Queen Mary Wikipedia

The former Cunard liner Queen Mary, now permanently berthed in Long Beach, Calif., is offering free admission on March 12 when the Queen Elizabeth sails into the harbor. The Goodyear Blimp, Spirit of America will escort the Queen Elizabeth into the harbor and capture aerial coverage of what Cunard calls the “Royal Rendezvous.”

Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mary to Meet for the First Time in Cunard Royal Rendezvous in Long Beach, 12 March 2013

Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and
Queen Elizabeth meet in New York,
13 January 2011. PHOTO CREDIT:
(c) Jonathan Atkin 2011

Meeting of the Queens to feature whistle salutes and fireworks display

SOUTHAMPTON, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On 12 March 2013, Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth and the legendary Queen Mary will make history when they meet for the first time in a Cunard Royal Rendezvous in Long Beach Harbor. This rare evening encounter will be open to the public and will feature traditional whistle salutes between the ships and conclude with a fireworks display.

Adding to the significance of this event, the Royal Rendezvous will be Queen Mary’s first encounter with a Queen Elizabeth since 1967 when Queen Mary, during her final Transatlantic Crossing in Cunard service, passed by the original Queen Elizabeth on the morning of 25 September.

“The Queen Mary is a cornerstone in our nearly 175-year history, and we are very pleased to introduce our youngest Cunarder to this legendary ship in festive Royal Rendezvous fashion,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.

“What a fantastic time this fusion of voyages past and present will be for the Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and Cunard,” said Everette Hoard, commodore of the Queen Mary. “Those that witness this splendid day in history will undoubtedly carry the Queens in their hearts forever.”

The best public viewing location of the Royal Rendezvous is on the Promenade Deck of the Queen Mary, at the aft (back) of the ship. Free access to the ship will be offered from 4:00-9:00pm; parking will be $15.00. A DJ will be on deck providing musical entertainment while everyone eagerly awaits this historic meeting. Queen Elizabeth will sail into Long Beach Harbor at approximately 6:30pm, and the fireworks display will begin at 7:30pm.

Joining these maritime icons high above will be the famed Goodyear blimp, the Spirit of America. The presence of a Goodyear blimp overhead lends a special appeal at major sporting and red carpet events and will add to the historical significance of this Royal Rendezvous. For more information on Goodyear blimp, visit: http://www.goodyearblimp.com.

During Cunard Line’s legendary history, the iconic Queen Mary epitomized the Golden Age of Ocean Travel and served as a Cunard liner for more than 30 years. She also served as a British Royal Mail Ship (RMS) and as a troopship during World War II. Winston Churchill credited Cunard with ending the war one year early due to the troop transport that both theQueen Mary and the original Queen Elizabeth provided.

The Queen Mary’s influence lives on today, inspiring Cunard’s modern fleet; and she continues to be a popular tourist and maritime destination as a hotel and museum in Long Beach Harbor, located 40 kilometers south of Los Angeles.

The elegant Queen Elizabeth captured the world stage in 2010 when she was christened in a Royal Naming Ceremony by Her Majesty The Queen in Southampton, England, amongst more than 1,500 guests, celebrities and dignitaries. The youngest in Cunard Line’s fleet, Queen Elizabeth recalls the rich heritage of the first Cunarder to bear the name, and features many unique Cunard traditions linking her with her sister ships and their predecessors, together with all the modern day luxuries Cunard guests have come to expect. The ship’s adherence to liner traditions is most evident through art deco touches, elegant double- and triple-height public rooms on a grand scale, luxuriously endowed with rich wood paneling, intricate mosaics, hand-woven carpets, gleaming chandeliers and cool marbles. In addition, Queen Elizabeth reintroduced The Verandah Restaurant which was first conceived on theQueen Mary and pays homage to her predecessor with replicas of the legendary ship’s artwork.

Key features of Queen Elizabeth which are on display in the Grand Lobby include a specially commissioned portrait of Her Majesty The Queen, as well as an 18.5 ft. marquetry piece of the original Queen Elizabeth, expertly created by David Linley, the only nephew of Her Majesty.

Earlier in the day on 12 March, Queen Elizabeth will have returned from a 36-day roundtrip voyage from Los Angeles through New Zealand, and departs at 5:00pm that day, en route to New York via the Panama Canal.

For more information on the historic meeting of Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mary, visit: www.cunard.com/rendezvous.

For information about the Queen Mary, visit www.queenmary.com.

To book a Cunard voyage aboard Queen Elizabeth, flagship Queen Mary 2 or Queen Victoria, consult your Travel Agent, call (800) 728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

About the Queen Mary

Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. At the time of her maiden voyage in May of 1936, she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built. The Queen Mary’s signature restaurants include the award-winning Sir Winston’s and Chelsea Chowder House & Bar as well as a weekly Champagne Sunday Brunch served in the ship’s Grand Salon. History buffs enjoy the ship’s museum and Glory Days tour, guests of all ages love the Ghosts and Legends show, and the ship is currently featuring the renowned Diana: Legacy of a Princess exhibit and Tea Room. The Queen Mary features 80,000 square feet of event space in 17 remarkable Art Deco salons as well as a tri-level, 45,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall. The Queen Mary boasts 314 staterooms including nine full suites. For more information or for reservations, visit: www.queenmary.com or call (800) 437-2934. The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach, CA.

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WWII Photograph Presented to Cunard's Queen Victoria During SF Visit

Arriving from Acapulco, Mexico, Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria returned to San Francisco yesterday, continuing in the evening on her 105-day World Cruise with stops in Hawaii, Samoa, New Zealand and Sydney.

During the ship’s only visit to the city this year, special guests from the California Heritage Council presented the ship’s Master, Captain Inger Olsen, with an archival photograph of Cunard’s original Queen Elizabeth in San Francisco during World War II.

Taken on 31 March 1942, the dramatic photograph shows an aspect of the arrival of the iconic ship at that time in San Francisco.

The photograph is historically significant because it was the only time Queen Elizabeth ever entered a U.S. west coast port, doing so to pick up 8,000 American soldiers bound for Sydney, Australia, at the height of the most critical part of the Pacific campaign during the war.

Continue reading at: cruiseindustrynews.com

Ahoy there! Premier League to be shown live on luxury cruise ships

Daily Mail OnLine Charles Sale writes about the availability of watching your favorite sports teams while still enjoying your favorite past time of cruising. . . .

"Viewing live Premier League matches will be part of the luxury cruise experience around the globe next season.

IMG Media, who have the new three-year Premier League rights for coverage at sea and in the air, have negotiated for their Sport 24 channel, produced exclusively for boats and planes, to be broadcast on the three flagship Cunard liners and the seven boats in the P&O fleet.

This comes in addition to the previous agreements struck with Norwegian cruise liners and Lufthansa and Gulf Air planes." . . .

Continue reading at: dailymail.co.uk

Fans of Clyde-built QE2 fear liner may be sold to Chinese for scrap

Post Card from: QE2.org.uk

QE2 enthusiasts fear for the future of the Clyde-built luxury cruise liner amid concerns that a bid to bring her back to the UK may have been sunk.

Fans of the vessel, built at John Brown's yard in Clydebank, admitted they were worried by reports she is about to be sold to the Chinese, having been moored in Dubai since being sold in 2008.

In the summer, Istithmar World PJSC, an offshoot of Dubai World that bought the 963ft cruise ship for £64m, announced plans to convert the liner into a 300-room hotel. However, QE2 London presented Dubai with a £70m bid to bring the QE2 to London and convert it into a five-star hotel moored opposite the O2 Arena in the UK capital.

The group, which had the support of Chancellor George Osborne and London Mayor Boris Johnson, now says the ship is "almost certainly" being sold for scrap and will be taken to the Far East.

Read full article at source: heraldscotland.com

Cunard’s Queen Victoria Turns 5

Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria celebrates her fifth anniversary today, as five years ago she departed on her Maiden Voyage from her homeport of Southampton – a day after being named by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall with HRH The Prince of Wales in attendance. Since then she has sailed over half a million nautical miles, called at 196 ports in 63 countries and carried almost 250,000 guests, many of whom enjoyed the experience so much that they have travelled many times with the ship already. In all, 20,300 bottles of champagne – enough to fill six Olympic-size swimming pools – have been drunk and 9,125,000 cups of tea and 1,460,000 scones have been served since 11 December 2007!

To mark this special birthday, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall will make a return visit (her third in five years) to her ship on 13 December in Southampton and spend time meeting crew before unveiling a specially-commissioned portrait of herself and cutting a special birthday cake.

“We are very proud of Queen Victoria, her crew and her achievements since she entered service. To have a visit from Her Royal Highness will be a very special moment for the ship’s company. Queen Victoria is known as a happy ship and is certainly extremely popular with Cunard’s discerning guests.”

Queen Victoria is one of the most celebrated ships to be introduced in recent years and she quickly established herself as a popular member of the Cunard fleet continuing in style the line’s traditions established 172 years ago.

Now the third largest Cunard ship ever built (she was the second largest when she entered service but her sister Queen Elizabeth assumed that position when she joined the fleet in 2010) Queen Victoria has never been about size superlatives – she is about style. When the designers of Queen Victoria began to consider the ship’s interior public spaces, they drew on the well-recorded and rich history of previous Cunard ocean liners to set the tone.

From the ship’s double and triple-height spaces – a design feature of grand liners of the past – to rooms imbued with an elegant yet understated British charm, the overall effect is both contemporary and classically historic with some exciting innovations. These include the first traditional West End-style private viewing boxes at sea in the Royal Court Theatre, the first Cunardia exhibit display at sea, housing Cunard artefacts and memorabilia and the first two-storey library at sea featuring an elegant spiral staircase.

Queen Victoria made Cunard history when in December 2010 the company’s first-ever female Captain, Inger Olsen, took command.

Source: cunard.com

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall to Visit Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, accompanied by HRH The Prince of Wales along with Cunard Line senior of ...

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, accompanied
HRH The Prince of Wales along with Cunard Line
senior officers, waves to the crowd during the
Naming Ceremony of Queen Victoria in Southampton,
England, in December 2007. (Photo: Business Wire)

New portrait of The Duchess to be revealed as ship celebrates its fifth birthday

SOUTHAMPTON, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cunard is pleased to announce that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall will visit the Line’s Queen Victoria on Tuesday 13 December to mark the fifth birthday of the ship, which The Duchess named in December 2007.

“It is a great privilege to be able to step, for a brief time, into the lives of others”

This will be the third occasion Her Royal Highness will have visited the ship. She will be escorted aboard by Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line, and Captain Peter Philpott, master of Queen Victoria. The ship’s crew will line the three tiers of the Grand Lobby when The Duchess arrives, while embarking passengers will line the tiers for her departure.

While on board, The Duchess will witness the unveiling of a specially-commissioned portrait of her by noted Royal artist Richard Stone and will also meet 12 Prince’s Trust apprentices who will have participated in the Trust’s “Get into” work experience programme. The Prince's Trust was founded in 1976 by The Prince of Wales with the mission to change young lives by developing key workplace skills for disadvantaged youth in the United Kingdom.

“We were honoured that Her Royal Highness named this fine ship,” said Shanks, “and are delighted that she continues to display such an interest both in the ship and its crew as Queen Victoria celebrates its fifth birthday. The Duchess will always be warmly welcomed on board."

At a reception in support of the Prince’s Trust, The Duchess will present certificates to the 12 apprentices, who will have completed a period of customer service work at the offices of Cunard and its parent company in Southampton, England.

After a commemorative lunch on board, Her Royal Highness will cut a special cake to mark the ship’s fifth birthday before seeing the new portrait being unveiled and signing the ship’s Visitor’s Book for the third time.

In line with the company's tradition of commissioning artworks for display on board each ship named by a member of the Royal Family, Cunard has commissioned an official portrait of The Duchess for Queen Victoria.

The portrait was painted by Richard Stone, an acclaimed artist who, over three decades, has painted most members of the Royal Family.

"It is a great privilege to be able to step, for a brief time, into the lives of others," said Stone. "Everyone has the most remarkable story to tell. It's an honour to be in a situation where the sitter trusts me enough to allow me, through their portrait, to tell some of that story."

This new official portrait will be unveiled by Queen Victoria's "Madrina" or shipyard sponsor, Maureen Ryan, who officiated at the ship's float-out near Venice in January 2007.

"Richard's portrait of The Duchess of Cornwall is stunning and will be admired by guests on Queen Victoria for many years to come," commented Peter Shanks. "Cunard is delighted to have the painting on board."

Cunard has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with the Prince’s Trust since 2007 and as a Gold Patron, has to date raised nearly $1.3 million for its work to turn around young lives in the U.K. Furthering commitment to the Trust, Cunard and its parent company, Carnival UK, will be taking an active part in the Trust’s “Get into … Customer Service” work experience project.

The programme is designed to give 12 young people aged 16-23 a local opportunity in a placement that offers a mixture of practical training and experience to help them find employment within a customer service environment.

The programme will take place 3-14 December 2012 and the 12 apprentices will attend the event on board Queen Victoria on 13 December as a special highlight, having the opportunity to meet Her Royal Highness, as well as touring the ship.

For more information about the Prince's Trust, visit www.princes-trust.co.uk.

For more information about Queen Victoria or to book a voyage, consult your Travel Agent, call Cunard toll-free at

1-800-728-6273 or go to www.cunard.com.

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Richard Curtis with Formula 1 legends Damon Hill and Eddie Jordan

Cunard photography is always available online at www.cunardimages.com

Cunard Releases Second Online Video Series

View You Tube Video

With its 2014 World Voyage Season currently on sale, Cunard Line today released the second video in its new video series highlighting some of its most avid World Voyage passengers.

In this second video, Michigan residents Richard and Pat Donahey (Belleville) and Dr. Martin and Linda Weissman (Birmingham), and Maryland residents Peggy and Pamela Zirkle (Berwyn Heights) share some of their favourite World Voyage memories and unique souvenirs.

Throughout the video, guests highlight stories from various destinations and World Voyage excursions ranging from exploring King Tutankhamun’s Tomb and the Egyptian Pyramids, to golfing some of the world’s best courses, and the new friends made along the way. The passengers unanimously express their awe at the many diverse attractions they have visited.

Linda Weissman speaks enthusiastically about the daring adventures she and her husband, Dr. Martin Weissman, have taken part in while “living [their] bucket list,” including riding camels at the Egyptian Pyramids, elephants in Thailand and ATVs in Africa. Travellers Peggy and Pamela Zirkle share a glimpse of their exotic hat collection from each place they have traveled to, including Vietnam. Richard Donahey recounts his sheer amazement when he and Pat experienced The Great Wall of China.

“Since our first World Voyage in 1922, Cunard has combined legendary service with the world’s most sought-afterdestinations,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “These devoted World Voyage guests are 'living out their bucket lists' on board a Cunard liner. We welcome others to take part in this unique travel experience.”

Cunard’s 2014 World Voyage Season will cover more than 116,000 nautical miles across six continents, with visits to 85 unique ports of call in 40 countries. The programme 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 programmes; by night they are entertained by Royal Nights themed balls, West End-style productions and Veuve Clicquot champagne cocktails.

Source: cunard.com

It's Merry Christmas Cruising in Hamburg

A panoramic view of the Hamburg Skyline of the Binnenalster taken from Lombardsbrücke. Wikpeida

It’s ‘Merry Christmas Cruising’ in Hamburg This year will again see the visit of cruise ships over the Christmas period officially bring the 2012 Hamburg cruising season to an end. The line-up will include a maiden call by the P&O Cruises ship ‘Oriana’ on 12 December and a visit from Cunard’s ‘Queen Victoria’ on 18 December. A total of around 10,000 expected passengers can look forward to a variety of thematic Christmas markets in wintry Hamburg.

Hamburg. Before the 2013 cruising season officially gets underway with a visit by Cunard Line’s ‘Queen Victoria’ on 7 January, throughout the upcoming Christmas period Hamburg Cruise Center will welcome a total of 5 cruise ships scheduled to call at the Hanseatic city seven times between 30 November and 20 December.

This will be the fifth time in a row that the Hamburg cruising season will run into December. Registering just one single month (February) without any ships calling for the very first time, the rapid development to an all-year-round destination is clearly evident. Whereas in the past the cruising season for northern European ports only included the summer months to the total neglect of the cold time of year, it is the winter months in particular that have now developed into an independent ‘Christmas market cruising season’ for the industry. “Through the targeted marketing of theme cruises, perception has been sustainably altered. What was originally called off-season in the early days is now an independent product,” declared Nadine Palatz, marketing manager at Hamburg Cruise Center and manager of the Atlantic Alliance.

The Atlantic Alliance, an association of 15 ports between Hamburg and Lisbon, has been marketing cruise destinations along Europe’s Atlantic coast since 2008. This has included the creation of special theme cruises, for example, ‘Bright Lights - Christmas Markets in Europe’; see Atlanticalliance.eu for more information.

The Phoenix Reisen cruise ship 'Amadea' will open Hamburg’s ‘Christmas market cruising season’ on 30 November, when the vessel heads out on a 14-day Scandinavian cruise under the motto ‘Christmas markets and winter magic’, before returning to the Hanseatic city on the 14 December. Subsequently, the ship will then embark on a short ‘Nordic Christmas markets’ cruise from/to Hamburg before then setting sail from Hamburg to South America on 20 December.

7 December will again see the return of the Saga Cruises ship ‘Saga Ruby’ to Hamburg. Within the scope of its ‘Advent cruises’, the cruise ship will call for a full day at the Hanseatic city before moving on to Copenhagen via Kiel.

On 12 December, the Hamburg Cruise Center Altona will ceremoniously welcome the P&O Cruises ship ‘Oriana’ (1,828 passengers). Underway from Copenhagen/Oslo to Southampton, the ship will dock at Hamburg for the first time in the course of its ‘Christmas spirit’ theme cruise.

The early hours of 18 December will then see the Cunard Line’s ‘Queen Victoria’ entering the Port of Hamburg, shortly followed on the same evening by the ‘Balmoral, which is operated by the Fred. Olsen Cruise Line. The ‘Balmoral’ is on the ‘German Christmas markets’ tour between Copenhagen and Bremerhaven. Hamburg has a lot to offer within the scope of these Christmas cruises.

For the mostly British passengers who wish to swop tea-time for mulled wine and Spekulatius almond cookies, there are numerous thematic Christmas markets. The latest flyers from Hamburg Tourismus GmbH provide information on all of these markets. Cruise passengers will be handed an English version of the flyers at Hamburg Cruise Center’s Infopoint inside the terminal, where they will be met by a memorable and festive atmosphere with singing Santas and decorations. Detailed information on berths is available at www.hamburgcruisecenter.de

James Bond Theme Composer Takes a Licence to Sail on Queen Mary 2

Creator of the original Bond theme
tune Monty Norman and his wife Rita
at the Royal Albert Hall Skyfall premiere

Monty Norman, the composer of the thrilling theme tune for the first ever James Bond movie, Dr No, yesterday left New York onboard Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 for a voyage across the Atlantic to Southampton.

Mr Norman is bound to be greeted by that famous track during the seven-day crossing on the most commanding ocean liner in service.

To date, Mr Norman’s theme, which debuted in 1962, has been included on 25 Bond films.

Mr Norman, who also wrote the entire score for Dr No, recently attended the world premiere of the latest Bond film, Skyfall, at the Royal Albert Hall, coinciding with the 50th Bond anniversary year.

Skyfall goes on general release in cinemas in Australia next month.

Full story from: etravelblackboard.com

QE2: future hotel or retired trash?

QE2 could now end up in the junkyard
Photo from etravelblackboard.com

I was terribly saddened to read this news piece on the fate of the QE2. San Pedro, California was able to make a hotel out of the Queen Mary, what happened and why is it not possible for the QE2 to have the same type of resting place?! Fully quoted here from ETravelBlackboard is the newest information:

She was supposed to retire in style, reports suggesting the famed QE2 would be turned into a 200-room floating hotel off the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, but it now looks like the old girl will end in a junkyard.

Parked at Port Rashid in Dubai since its acquisition from The Cunard Line some four years ago, the new owners of the cruise liner said earlier this year they hoped to refurbish the ship to open as a floating hotel, Maritime Matters reported.

However, reports have circulated over the past month that the new owners are considering scrapping the project and may have even contacted ship brokers to organise the removal of the 300 meter ship.

Source: etravelblackboard.com

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Wins Awards

From Cruise Radio, we learn that Cunard's Queen Elizabeth wins best awards from Travel Weekly's Magellan Awards . . .

A panel of judges comprised of nationally renowned cruise industry experts named Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth “Best Luxury Cruise Ship for Entertainment” and “Best Luxury Cruise Ship for Atrium Design” for this year’s Travel Weekly Magellan Awards. The “Best Luxury Cruise Ship” awards signify the ocean liner’s prevalence in providing the ultimate luxury cruise for which Cunard is known. With more than 550 entries from around the world, the Magellan Award winners represent the best in the travel industry and salute the outstanding travel professionals behind it all.

“It is most rewarding for our youngest Queen to receive such high accolades from the industry’s most notable and respected experts,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “The tribute is a testament to our ongoing commitment to provide world-class entertainment offerings, as well as our signature, grand public spaces.”

More details at: cruiseradio.net

View Travel Weekly Magellan Awards at: travelweeklyawards.com

Cunard Announces Week Long Sale October 22-29 2012

Come aboard and share in Cunard's week long sale ...

Starting October 22, this week-long sale will offer a Reduced Deposit, On Board Credit of up to $300 per stateroom, and Complimentary Balcony Upgrades on 30 select voyages, including Cunard’s signature Transatlantic Crossings aboard flagship Queen Mary 2.

The Cunard Sale voyages aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth include:

Iberian Highlights, 19 April 2013 – 12 days aboard Queen Elizabeth; Balcony fares from $2,599
St. Petersburg & Baltic Explorer, 1 May 2013 – 14 days aboard Queen Elizabeth; Balcony fares from $3,599
Transatlantic Crossing (Westbound), 26 April 2013 – 7 days aboard Queen Mary 2; Balcony fares from $1,345
Fjords & Waterfalls, 19 May 2013 – 7 days aboard Queen Elizabeth; Balcony fares from $1,799 Mediterranean Delights, 7 July 2013 – 13 days aboard Queen Victoria; Balcony fares from $3,499 All fares and promotions are per person, based on double occupancy. The Cunard Sale runs through 29 October.

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-gloved afternoon tea service and engaging award-winning Cunard Insights guest enrichment programmes; and by night are entertained by Royal Nights themed balls, West End-style productions and Veuve Clicquot champagne cocktails.

Book Cunard at your local and favorite Travel Agency or view cruises at: cunard.com

Source: cruiseindustrynews.com

Cunard Line’s 2014 World Voyage Programme-Sales began 5 September

Photo from Business Wire

Cunard’s Three Queens to Sail across Six Continents and Visit 85 Destinations including South America, Australia and Japan

Guests Booking Full World Voyage or Liner Voyages before 28 February 2013 to Receive up to $3,000 On Board Credit

SOUTHAMPTON, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With visits to 85 unique ports of call in 40 countries, Cunard Line’s 2014 World Voyage Programme is sure to satisfy the most adventurous traveller with opportunities to explore South America, to circumnavigate Australia and to discover the excitement of Japan and Southeast Asia.

“Such an experience is heightened only by Cunard’s reputation in superior service and world-class amenities, and is why we see so many return guests year upon year.”

On sale 5 September, the programme will feature 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, depending on the voyage. Together, Cunard’s Queens will cover 116,808 nautical miles, taking in signature, must-see cities as well as less familiar, but equally compelling, destinations.

“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 Programme in 1922,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “Such an experience is heightened only by Cunard’s reputation in superior service and world-class amenities, and is why we see so many return guests year upon year.”

Queen Mary 2

Flagship Queen Mary 2 will celebrate her 10th anniversary season with an exciting 119-day World Voyage, commencing from Southampton and visiting 30 ports of call in 19 countries. Guests have the option to return to Southampton, or to New York via an iconic Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing.

Destination highlights will include Namibia and the spectacular sculpted dunes; Cape Town and beautiful Table Mountain; plus her second, full circumnavigation of Australia with calls in Cairns, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

On her return route home from Sydney, guests will be treated to an impressive range of exciting Asian sights and cultures before transiting the Suez Canal and cruising the Mediterranean.

Overnight calls will include Cape Town, Hong Kong and Dubai.

Segment voyages provide guests the opportunity to enjoy Cunard’s distinctive World Voyage experience in a shorter time frame, ranging from 18 to 23 days and will include:

18-day Southampton to Cape Town – includes an overnight in Cape Town
22-day Cape Town to Sydney
23-day Roundtrip Sydney
19-day Sydney to Hong Kong – includes an overnight in Hong Kong
19-day Hong Kong to Dubai – includes an overnight in Dubai
18-day Dubai to Southampton

Guests can also enjoy outstanding value by combining two or more consecutive segments to create adventurous Liner Voyages.

Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria’s epic 116-day World Voyage will sail roundtrip from Southampton and visit 40 ports in 19 countries, including an extended trip around South America and a much-anticipated overnight call in San Francisco.

Guests can begin their journey in Southampton or Fort Lauderdale and experience everything from joyful samba displays in Rio and silent turquoise glaciers in Chile, to the mystery and legend of remote Pacific isles. Cape Horn, Amalia Glacier, Pio X Glacier, Easter Island, Pitcairn Island and breathtaking Milford Sound are just some of the voyage’s iconic and dazzling destinations. Other highlights will include seven calls in New Zealand and visits to American Samoa, Tonga and Hawaii.

Queen Victoria will make 10 maiden calls during this World Voyage: Fortaleza (Brazil), Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo (Uruguay), Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn (Chile), Ushuaia (Argentina), Punta Arenas (Costa Rica), Puerto Montt (Chile), Moorea (French Polynesia) and Suva (Fiji).

Segment voyages range from 10 to 28 days and will include:

10-day Southampton to Fort Lauderdale
16-day Fort Lauderdale to Buenos Aires
12-day Buenos Aires to Valparaiso
23-day Valparaiso to Sydney
28-day Sydney to San Francisco – includes an overnight in San Francisco
15-day San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale
12-day Fort Lauderdale to Southampton

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth will return to the World Voyage with an enthralling 118-day circumnavigation of the globe featuring embarkation points in Southampton, New York, Fort Lauderdale or San Francisco. The ship will visit 41 ports in 24 countries and feature a first-ever visit to Japan where she will make four maiden calls: Kochi, Yokohama, Kobe and Nagasaki. Additional highlights include a dramatic passage of the Panama Canal, the beauty of Hawaii and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Overnight calls will include San Francisco, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai. Additional maiden calls will include Busan (South Korea), Shanghai, Xiamen (China) and Abu Dhabi.

Segment voyages range from 8 to 23 days and will include:

8-day Southampton to New York
19-day New York to San Francisco – includes an overnight in San Francisco
23-day San Francisco to Sydney – includes an overnight in Sydney
15-day Sydney to Yokohama
19-day Yokohama to Singapore – includes overnights in Hong Kong and Singapore
14-day Singapore to Dubai – includes an overnight in Dubai
20-day Dubai to Southampton

Enhanced Benefits Programme

Guests who book their 2014 World Voyage adventure before 28 February 2013 will receive an On Board Credit of up to $3,000 per stateroom – on Full World and Liner Voyages.

Guests who book a Full World Voyage will receive complimentary Hotel & Dining Charges (gratuities).

In addition to On Board Credit, World Club members will receive additional savings of up to $2000 per person. These World Club savings will combine with most other offers that are available to past guests, giving them peace of mind that booking early is advantageous.

Land Tours

New for 2014, guests may opt to increase overnight stays by three or four days in Santiago (Chile), Cape Town and Sydney, when booked in conjunction with select voyages. Featured land tours include:

Queen Mary 2

Cape Town & Winelands (3 nights) – includes a fascinating visit to a penguin colony in Boulder’s Beach at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, as well as a stop at the house of J.C. Le Roux and the nearby university town of Stellenbosch. Adventurous guests may also climb Cape Town’s most celebrated landmark, Table Mountain, before embarking on a tour through the city.

This tour can be booked for Queen Mary 2’s arrival in Cape Town as a post-voyage tour from Southampton or can be enjoyed before departing Cape Town for Sydney or Brisbane.

Queen Victoria:

Chilean Gastronomic Delights (3 nights) – offers an introductory tour around Chile’s capital, Santiago, as well as excursions to Concha y Toro Winery and Casablanca Valley Vineyard & Valparaíso.

Andes & Viña Del Mar (3 nights) – a scenic drive from the Central Valley of Santiago to the Andes (at 9,421 feet above sea level) is followed by a tour through the Casablanca Valley to the fashionable seaside resort of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso.

These tours can be booked for Queen Victoria’s arrival in Valparaiso as a post-voyage tour from Southampton or can be enjoyed before departing Valparaiso for Brisbane or Sydney.

Queen Elizabeth

Sydney: Blue Mountains & Hunter Valley (4 nights) – begins with a morning tour of Sydney highlights, including the historic Rocks area, Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, Kings Cross and Bondi Beach, in addition to the world famous Sydney Opera House; next on the tour is a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park, the township of Katoomba in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, and a 700-foot ride down the world's steepest funicular railway; the tour ends with a wine tasting in the beautiful Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s oldest and renowned wine regions.

This tour can be booked for Queen Elizabeth’s arrival in Sydney as a pre-voyage tour before departing for Yokohama, Hong Kong, Singapore or Southampton.

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

For more information and to book a 2014 Cunard World Voyage aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth, call toll-free

(800) 528-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

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