For those who love the grandeur of ocean travel, Cunard ships have no rival. Beautiful ballrooms, sumptuous salons and luxurious staterooms have always been hallmarks of the iconic line and its royal vessels. Now, with the newly launched Queen Elizabeth, travels can recreate the golden age of cruising in a classic, yet thoroughly modern ocean liner.
Destined to become a legend the moment she sails off into the horizon on her Maiden World Voyage, Queen Elizabeth reflects the best-loved features of her sister ships, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, while introducing exciting new touches all her own. Quite simply, Queen Elizabeth follows Cunard Lines signature tradition of treating travelers to the best of life at sea.
From the moment you enter the soaring Grand Lobby, you know you are someplace special. Gracefully curved staircases ensure a grand entrance; rich wood paneling and gleaming crystal chandeliers impart a formal elegance; and cozy window-seating arrangements inspire quiet conversations.
Whether sip afternoon tea and nibbling on finger sandwiches or sconces in the white-gloved setting of the Queen’s Room, getting pampered in the sumptuous Royal Spa, lounging with a good book in the Queens arcade, or trying a little croquet or paddle tennis on the Game Deck, you’ll find many pleasant ways to spend your time. Meet new friends for fish n’ chips at the Golden Lion pub, where plasma-screen TVs broadcast up-to-the-minute sporting events from around the world. Or learn new skill – wine tasting, ballroom dancing, painting or computer lessons in Cunard Line lauded onboard Enrichment Program.
Indeed there are not enough hours in the day to enjoy all that this sophisticated ship has in store for you, including book clubs, classic film screenings, an impressively stocked two-story library, and museum-quality art and photography galleries. Those traveling with children will be delighted with the ship’s indoor-outdoor Play Zone, staffed by trained British nannies.
When the sun sets, you again have ample choices. Meet friends for cocktails in the nautically themed yacht Club, or you may be in the mood for dancing under the starts in the romantic supper club setting of the Garden Lounge, with its soaring vaulted ceiling. You may choose to “go out on the town,” and be dazzled by Queen Elizabeth’s Theatre Company’s West End style productions in the Royal Court Theatre, complete with private boxes. On mellow evenings, make you way to the Midships Bar, an intimate, yet sophisticated piano-lounge. And of course, you look forward to dressing your finest to make your appearance in the magnificent Queens Room ballroom.
When you are ready to call it a night, retire to some of the most stylish and comfortable cabins and suites at sea. The Queens Grill & Princess Grill suites offer the ultimate five-star luxury accommodations, with butler service, resident concierge, priority privileges, exclusive dining options, private verandahs and exclusive decks, patios and lounges. The top deck Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants offer superb views from curved panoramic glass walls.After returning from her Maiden World Voyage, Queen Elizabeth embarks on celebratory maiden voyages to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Caribbean. In January 2011, both Queen Elizabeth and Cunard Lines flagship Queen Mary 2 each embark on globe-spanning voyages, visiting 57 ports in 34 countries, with coveted overnight stays in Sydney, Hong Kong, Cape Town and Dubai. Travelers may conveniently board the ship and join the journey from New York, Fort Lauderdale or Los Angeles.
