Cunard Cruises Being Updated

The independent Cunard Cruises website; cunard-cruise-lines.com is currently being updated with certain internal pages being moved onto this website.

Internal pages that are being moved include the many ship pages for Queen Victoria, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth 2.

The Cunard Cruises website will be left as a news blog to update visitors on the latest news for the cruise line.

Farewell to QE2

Having sailed 5.6 million nautical miles and having served over 2.5 million guests the Queen Elizabeth 2 is finally making her final journey. The QE2 is cruising for the final time to Dubai.

She is cruising to Dubai to take up her new job as a hotel and entertainment centre. Before departing to Dubai she will do one final farewell lap around Great Britain visiting ports such as Southampton, Liverpool, Belfast and a few others.

Having served for 35 years at sea the QE2 has enjoyed a prolonged life on the sea and having made 25 world cruises she has been the flag ship of Cunard for all of those 35 years, she will be replaced by Queen Victoria a new superliner that Cunard are currently constructing.

Last Call To New York

Queen Elizabeth 2 made her last call to New York yesterday. A celebratory lunch was laid on onboard the ship to mark this historic day. It is the last time that QE2 will visit North America before starting her new life in Dubai.

Speeches and tributes were paid to the QE2 and as she bid farewell; both the QE2 and Queen Mary 2 sounded their whistles to each other.

For the full press release see The Cruise News.

100th Transatlantic Cruise

Cunard Cruise Lines Queen Mary 2 is to sail her 100th Transatlantic Crossing. She will depart from her home port of Southampton on Sunday 21st September 2008.

Queen Mary 2 will arrive in New York on 27th September 2008. By this time she will have covered 711,288 miles with 316,729 of these miles being on her Transatlantic voyages.

Queen Mary 2 annually travels on Transatlantic Itineraries, on top of this, 2009 will see her embark on her second World Cruise.

For the full press release see The Cruise News.

Duke of Edinburgh Farewell

Cunard Line has announced that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh is to make a farewell visit to Queen Elizabeth 2 in Southampton on 11th November 2008.

Later that day she will depart on her final voyage to Dubai where she will begin her new life as a floating hotel.

She was the flagship of the Cunard fleet and has been in service for more than forty years after being launched by Her Majesty The Queen in September 1967.

Throughout her years of service QE2 has traveled nearly 5.9 million miles carrying 2.5 million passengers, completely 25 world cruises and crossing the Atlantic an incredible 804 times.

The President and Managing Director of Cunard Line has said;

“We are delighted and honoured that His Royal Highness has agreed to visit QE2 on her last day in the UK. The Duke of Edinburgh has taken a close interest in the ship over the last forty years, and I am certain this will be a memorable occasion for all involved”.

For the full press release see The Cruise News.

 

Queen Mary 2 World Cruise 2010

Cunard Cruises Queen Mary 2 World Cruise 2010 has been announced by Cunard; starting on January 11th 2010 QM2 will spend 101 nights cruising the world waters before returning to Southampton on 22nd April 2010. In 2009 the Queen Mary 2 World Cruise was shared with Queen Victoria, this time around she will be doing it all by herself! The cost of the QM2 World Cruise starts from a cool £10,499. The itinerary is as follows: January 2010 11Mon Southampton, England Depart 5:00 pm Southampton England  Cunard’s home port, part of seafaring legend, is an ideal starting or ending point for a memorable cruise. No airport check ins. No baggage restrictions. No hassle! Simply start your holiday in style with a glass of champagne on deck aboard one of the most famous ocean liners in the world.   12Tue Cruising the Atlantic Ocean Cruising the Atlantic Ocean   13Wed Lisbon, Portugal 12:30 pm - 7:00 pm Lisbon Portugal  Portugal’s capital spreads its ancient sites on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River. Atop the highest hill, St. George’s Castle overlooks the city. Balconies ablaze with geraniums and wrought iron lamps light up the medieval Alfama quarter. Sorrowful fados ring out from cafés in the Alto. Shoppers browse in the affluent Chiado district. A short drive away, deposed royalty once lived out their days in the opulent palaces of Estoril and Sintra.   14Thu Cruising the Strait of Gibraltar Cruising the Strait of Gibraltar   15Fri Cruising the Mediterranean Sea Cruising the Mediterranean Sea   16Sat Rome (from Civitavecchia), Italy 7:30 am - 7:00 pm Rome (from Civitavecchia) Italy  From the port of Civitavecchia, it is but a short drive to Rome and the legends of the ages: the Vatican and Michelangelo’’s Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Catacombs. But no matter how many times you’ve been in Rome, you’ll still want to stroll down the Via Veneto or sip cappuccino in the Piazza di Spagna. Italy’’s “Eternal City” is eternally fascinating. And don’t forget to through a few coins in the Trevi Fountain!   17Sun Cruising the Mediterranean Sea Cruising the Mediterranean Sea   18Mon Cruising the Mediterranean Sea Cruising the Mediterranean Sea   19Tue Port Said, Egypt 6:00 am - 11:00 pm Port Said Egypt  Cruise lazily along the fabled Nile and encounter a feast fit for a pharaoh   20Wed Transiting the Suez Canal 12:00 am - 4:00 pm Transiting the Suez Canal   21Thu Safaga, Luxor, Egypt 7:00 am - 11:00 pm Safaga, Luxor Egypt  Safaga is our gateway to the magnificent antiquities of Luxor and Karnak, considered by many to be the grandest of all Pharoanic temples. Known as Thebes, Luxor has a rich history going back to 2,000 BC and reached its height of glory during the 18th and 19th dynasties. Marvel at the massive statues and structures. Stroll down the Avenue of the Sphinxes to the grand ceremonial gateway of the Temple of Amun-Ra. Cross the Nile to the Valley of the Kings, sacred burial ground of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs; it was here King Tut’s tomb was discovered.   22Fri Cruising the Red Sea Cruising the Red Sea   23Sat Cruising the Gulf of Aden Cruising the Gulf of Aden   24Sun Cruising the Arabian Sea Cruising the Arabian Sea   25Mon Cruising the Gulf of Oman Cruising the Gulf of Oman   26Tue Muscat, Oman 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Muscat Oman   The Sultanate of Oman’s enchanting capital city is home to the Sultan’s beautiful main palace. Three forts – Mutrah, Jalali and Mirani – stand guard at the entrance of Muscat. You can visit the magnificent aquarium – perhaps the grandest one in the Gulf – or learn about Oman’s 5,000-year history at the Oman Museum.   27Wed Dubai, United Arab Emirates 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Dubai United Arab Emirates  Dubai is a place of fascinating contrasts, a distinctive blend of East and West, of old and new. You can venture across vast, dunes, climb rugged mountains, play on sandy beaches, explore dusty villages and shop in an ultra-modern mall – all in the same day. Since earliest times, Dubai has been known as “the city of merchants”, welcoming traders from distant lands with a tradition of courtesy and hospitality that still lives on today.   28Thu Cruising the Gulf of Oman Cruising the Gulf of Oman   29Fri Cruising the Arabian Sea Cruising the Arabian Sea   30Sat Mumbai (Bombay), India 7:00 am - 5:00 pm Mumbai (Bombay) India  Sprawling between the Western Ghats and the Indian Ocean, Bombay is India’s largest city and major commercial centre. Here film, cotton and other industries have produced the highest per capita income in India, yet one out of every three Bombayites dwells in squalid chawls. Along the Victorian Gothic streets, hawkers vend their wares while worshippers of all faiths queue up to make their offerings. Lavish mansions overlook palm-fringed shores while modern skyscrapers overlook foothills of poverty – the contrasts are startling.   31Sun Cruising the Arabian Sea Cruising the Arabian Sea   February 2010 1Mon Cruising the Indian Ocean Cruising the Indian Ocean   2Tue Cruising the Indian Ocean Cruising the Indian Ocean   3Wed Phuket, Thailand 9:30 am - 6:00 pm Phuket Thailand  A hippy haven until the Seventies when it burst upon the pleasure-seekers’ scene, Phuket seems well able to handle its popularity as Asia’s premier resort. Diving is superb in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. Villages still maintain a semblance of ‘tradition’. Photographers can head for the striking seascapes of limestone pillars in Phang Nga Bay and most of all – the beaches are the best.   4Thu Penang, Malaysia 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Penang Malaysia  Penang is an alluring combination of golden beaches and cultural gems. Along the north coast, Penang’s most famous beach is lined with luxury Asian hotels while Malay kampongs sprinkle across a countryside scented with cloves and nutmeg. Admire the giant reclining Buddha and the 1,000 gilded statues of Kek Lok Si Temple. See the elaborate clan house of the Chinese Khoo Kongsi. Ride a tram to the superb vistas atop Penang Hill. Or set out for the Temple of the Azure Cloud, a.k.a. the “Snake Temple”, where sacred pit vipers, half-drugged by incense, writhe around the columns and statues.   5Fri Kuala Lumpur (from Port Kelang), Malaysia 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Kuala Lumpur (from Port Kelang) Malaysia  Port Kelang is the port for Malaysia’s modern and bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, with its fusion of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures. Explore the exceptional shopping and entertainment offered by the Golden Triangle. Or discover the tranquillity of Lake Gardens, where you can tour the Bird Park or Orchid Garden.   6Sat Singapore 7:00 am - 7:00 pm Singapore Modern Singapore is a fascinating mélange of cultures. Browse the shop-houses of Little India, perfumed with fragrant spices and flowers. Have tea in Chinatown where medicine shops and calligraphers line the narrow streets. Meander through the world’s largest collection of orchids in the Botanic Garden, and walk through Raffles Landing, the old colonial district with its restored British-style buildings.   7Sun Cruising the Gulf of Thailand Cruising the Gulf of Thailand   8Mon Bangkok (from Laem Chabang), Thailand 7:00 am - 7:00 pm Bangkok (from Laem Chabang) Thailand  Mysterious and magical, Thailand’s sprawling and dynamic capital offers more exotic sights than any other major Asian city. Ten million residents crowd together along the plains of the Chao Pharya River. Yet amid the congestion, you’ll discover the silent grandeur of over 400 wats that form one of Asia’s great spectacles. Visit the magnificent Grand Palace, sparkling residence of Siam’s royalty. Cruise Bangkok’s colourful klongs laden with produce of the floating markets. And enjoy the eclectic mix of the “City of Angels,” where elephants bring good luck, shoppers find good fortune and nightlife knows no bounds.   9Tue Cruising the Gulf of Thailand Cruising the Gulf of Thailand   10Wed Ho Chi Minh City (from Vung Tau), Vietnam 7:00 am - 7:00 pm Ho Chi Minh City (from Vung Tau) Vietnam   Still fondly known as Saigon, the city is a thrilling, chaotic whirl played out against a French colonial backdrop.   11Thu Cruising the South China Sea Cruising the South China Sea   12Fri Hong Kong, China Arrive 12:00 pm Hong Kong China  Hong Kong is a paradigm of contradictions. On the one hand the city vibrates with modern commerce, soaring skyscrapers and sophistication. But at the same time it is a land of ancient beliefs and intriguing local customs: small, gilded shrines glow with red lamps, joss sticks and fresh oranges; markets are heaped high with salted eggs, squid and every kind of medicinal root and herbal remedy imaginable; red-sailed junks and sampans ply the harbour. For shoppers, no city in the world can compare to this non-stop bazaar. And epicures will also find their nirvana. There are ethnic cuisines from all over China: Cantonese dim sum, crispy Peking duck and spicy Szechwan dishes.   13Sat Hong Kong, China Depart 6:00 pm Hong Kong China  Hong Kong is a paradigm of contradictions. On the one hand the city vibrates with modern commerce, soaring skyscrapers and sophistication. But at the same time it is a land of ancient beliefs and intriguing local customs: small, gilded shrines glow with red lamps, joss sticks and fresh oranges; markets are heaped high with salted eggs, squid and every kind of medicinal root and herbal remedy imaginable; red-sailed junks and sampans ply the harbour. For shoppers, no city in the world can compare to this non-stop bazaar. And epicures will also find their nirvana. There are ethnic cuisines from all over China: Cantonese dim sum, crispy Peking duck and spicy Szechwan dishes.   14Sun Cruising the South China Sea Cruising the South China Sea   15Mon Shanghai, China 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Shanghai China  From opium wars to junks and barges, images of Shanghai flood the senses. But, in fact, the real Shanghai is the sky-scrapered capital of commerce and industry for the People’s Republic of China. See remnants of earlier times in the 400 year-old Yu Gardens built in the Ming Dynasty. Admire the Long Hua Temple or take a boat ride down the Huang Pu River. From here you can join one of our optional multi-day excursions to such highlights as Beijing with its Forbidden City and Great Wall.   16Tue Cruising the East China Sea Cruising the East China Sea   17Wed Nagasaki, Japan 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Nagasaki Japan  Stop by Peace Park for a moment of serenity, or visit the Confucian Shrine to see the influence that the Chinese community has on Nagasaki. And for a truly spectacular view of the city, take the ropeway to the lookout tower atop Mount Isa.   18Thu Cruising the Philippine Sea Cruising the Philippine Sea   19Fri Tokyo (from Yokohama), Japan 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Tokyo (from Yokohama) Japan  The wide ocean, the harbour with its special atmosphere, the hill which stands in a row of steep slopes, a Chinatown which is full of exotic moods – there are so many “postcard scenes” in Yokohama. Not surprisingly, many movies have been made here. Visit Kamakura with its temples and 35-foot-high Great Buddha. Take a bullet train to see Mount Fiji, or pack an overnight bag and set out for the ancient cities of Japan: Kyoto and Hakone.   20Sat Cruising the Pacific Ocean Cruising the Pacific Ocean   21Sun Cruising the Pacific Ocean Cruising the Pacific Ocean   22Mon Apra, Guam, US 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Apra, Guam US   Hafa Adai! Greetings from Guam, America’s paradise island in the Pacific, blessed with a rich cultural legacy and spectacular natural beauty. Its name comes from the ancient Chamorro word “Guahan,” meaning “we have.” So put on your sunglasses and sunscreen, grab a cold drink and set out to explore this friendly island.   23Tue Cruising the Philippine Sea Cruising the Philippine Sea   24Wed Cruising the Pacific Ocean Cruising the Pacific Ocean   25Thu Rabaul, Papua New Guinea 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Rabaul Papua New Guinea   Papua New Guinea showcases extraordinary wildernesses, a land of tiny tree kangaroos and giant butterflies. Rabaul, with its dramatic backdrop of volcanoes, certainly epitomises this sense of nature untamed. with red lamps, joss sticks and fresh oranges; markets are heaped high with salted eggs, squid and every kind of medicinal root and herbal remedy imaginable; red-sailed junks and sampans ply the harbour.   26Fri Cruising the Coral Sea Cruising the Coral Sea   27Sat Cruising the Coral Sea Cruising the Coral Sea   28Sun Whitsunday Islands, Australia 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Whitsunday Islands Australia   This sprinkling of 74 verdant isles, fringed by white sands and turquoise skies present a vision of immense beauty beside the vast natural wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef.   March 2010 1Mon Cruising the Coral Sea Cruising the Coral Sea   2Tue Cruising the South Pacific Ocean Cruising the South Pacific Ocean   3Wed Cruising the South Pacific Ocean Cruising the South Pacific Ocean   4Thu Auckland, New Zealand 7:00 am - 8:00 pm Auckland New Zealand  In a nation where stunning scenery is taken for granted, this water wonderland sparkles like a freshly polished jewel. Over 48 extinct volcanoes cloaked in wild mountainous scenery encircle the “City of Sails”. An undulating succession of bays and inlets stretch along its endless shores. Even the downtown area with its expansive, farm-like parks exudes a sense of spacious beauty.   5Fri Russel, Bay of Islands, New Zealand 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Russel, Bay of Islands New Zealand   North of Auckland along the narrow Northland peninsula lies the shady “cathedral” created by some of the largest trees in the world: the giant kauri trees which can stand up to 170 feet tall and are over 1,200 years old. Here the captivating Bay of Islands shelters 150 islands, enchanting wetlands of birdlife, fish, seals, dolphins and even whales. It is internationally renowned for its big-game fishing and the waters are also excellent for diving. There’s a lot of history in the area, too. In 1769 Captain James Cook anchored the Endeavor, and in 1840 the English and Maori signed the Treaty of Waitangi joining them together as one nation.   6Sat Cruising the Tasman Sea Cruising the Tasman Sea   7Sun Sydney, Australia Arrive 6:30 pm Sydney Australia  Mark Twain called it “the wonder of the world”. James Michener wrote, “It is a thing of beauty, a fairy-tale body of water”. With an area that sprawls 670 square miles, Sydney is one of the largest cities in the world. But it’s the exquisite Sydney Harbour that draws world-wide acclaim – that, along with its magnificent Opera House. And with nearly three days, you’ll have plenty of time to go exploring.   8Mon Sydney, Australia Depart 11:59 pm Sydney Australia  Mark Twain called it “the wonder of the world”. James Michener wrote, “It is a thing of beauty, a fairy-tale body of water”. With an area that sprawls 670 square miles, Sydney is one of the largest cities in the world. But it’s the exquisite Sydney Harbour that draws world-wide acclaim – that, along with its magnificent Opera House. And with nearly three days, you’ll have plenty of time to go exploring.   9Tue Cruising the Tasman Sea Cruising the Tasman Sea   10Wed Cruising the Tasman Sea Cruising the Tasman Sea   11Thu Adelaide, Australia 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Adelaide Australia  Adelaide offers an abundance of colour, surrounded by the Mt. Lofty Ranges and the waters of the Gulf St. Vincent. Named after the wife of King William IV, this seaside port is a bustling city with historic charm. Tour the South Australian Museum with its exceptional collection of glassy-eyed critters and Aboriginal artefacts. Or head to Glenelg’s white sand beaches and old-style amusement park.   12Fri Cruising the Great Australian Bight Cruising the Great Australian Bight   13Sat Cruising the Great Australian Bight Cruising the Great Australian Bight   14Sun Freemantle, Australia 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Freemantle Australia   Perth’s bustling port, known as “Freo” to the locals, sits on the Indian Ocean and offers a romantic, artsy ambiance to residents and visitors alike. You could fill your day sitting in outdoor cafés or strolling through lively markets. Or head into the vibrant city of Perth for an outing to the Botanic Gardens or visit some of the best museums in Australia.   15Mon Cruising the Indian Ocean Cruising the Indian Ocean   16Tue Cruising the Indian Ocean Cruising the Indian Ocean   17Wed Cruising the Indian Ocean Cruising the Indian Ocean   18Thu Cruising the Indian Ocean Cruising the Indian Ocean   19Fri Cruising the Indian Ocean Cruising the Indian Ocean   20Sat Port Louis, Mauritius 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Port Louis Mauritius   You’ll find beauty, beaches and la bonne vie in this former French Colony. It’s encircled with picturesque villages, volcanic peaks, aquamarine lagoons and a spectacular coral reef. The capital of Port Louis offers shopping bargains at the old-fashioned central market. Take a Land Rover to see deer, monkeys and rare birds at the 3,000 acre Domaine Les Pailles. Go bird watching at Casela Bird Park. Or set out on a catamaran to admire the sun-drenched beauty of the island, landing on dazzling white beaches and snorkelling amongst shoals brimming with kaleidoscopic fish.   21Sun Cruising the Indian Ocean Cruising the Indian Ocean   22Mon Cruising the Indian Ocean Cruising the Indian Ocean   23Tue Durban, South Africa 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Durban South Africa   The summer resort of Transvaalers is your gateway to some of South Africa’s greatest attractions. Discover the breathtaking Valley of a Thousand Hills, the Kingdom of the Zulu. Or set out along The Garden Route, a region of high mountains, lush forests, sun drenched beaches and quaint little towns, an explorer’s dream and undoubtedly one of South Africa’s premier sights.   24Wed Cruising the Indian Ocean Cruising the Indian Ocean   25Thu Cape Town, South Africa Arrive 8:00 am Cape Town South Africa  The “Mother City” has welcomed sailors since Portuguese navigators first rounded the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Not only is it one of the most beautiful cities in the world – tucked into the arms of a broad bay, beneath Table Mountain – but it is also surrounded by wild beaches, rugged mountains and bucolic vineyards. On a fine day you can ride the cable car to the summit of massive, flat-topped Table Mountain, with majestic Cape Town at your feet and the Cape of Good Hope in the distance. Less than an hour away, you can go wine tasting at Stellenbosch, famous for its Cape Dutch architecture and fine estate wines.   26Fri Cape Town, South Africa Depart 6:00 pm Cape Town South Africa  The “Mother City” has welcomed sailors since Portuguese navigators first rounded the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Not only is it one of the most beautiful cities in the world – tucked into the arms of a broad bay, beneath Table Mountain – but it is also surrounded by wild beaches, rugged mountains and bucolic vineyards. On a fine day you can ride the cable car to the summit of massive, flat-topped Table Mountain, with majestic Cape Town at your feet and the Cape of Good Hope in the distance. Less than an hour away, you can go wine tasting at Stellenbosch, famous for its Cape Dutch architecture and fine estate wines.   27Sat Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean   28Sun Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean   29Mon Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean   30Tue Jamestown, St. Helena, UK 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Jamestown, St. Helena UK   Remote and rugged, this emerald jewel of the South Atlantic Ocean boasts a quaint single-street capital and is famed for Longwood House, where Napoleon lived his final years in exile.   31Wed Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean   April 2010 1Thu Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean   2Fri Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean   3Sat Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Rio de Janeiro Brazil  Rio will command your non-stop attention from the moment you set foot on its shores – or the golden sands of Copacabana or Ipanema for that matter. Climb Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car, then try out your salsa steps as night falls. Rio is an amazing experience – a city everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.   4Sun Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean   5Mon Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean   6Tue Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean   7Wed Cruising the Atlantic Ocean Cruising the Atlantic Ocean   8Thu Cruising the Atlantic Ocean Cruising the Atlantic Ocean   9Fri Bridgetown, Barbados 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Bridgetown Barbados  Enjoy Bridgetown’s unique combination of colonial tradition and Caribbean vibrancy. Explore a cane plantation and spend a warm balmy evening soaking up the vivid contrasts in the centre of town where immaculately-uniformed policemen mingle good humouredly with the warm and welcoming Bajan people.   10Sat Cruising the Caribbean Sea Cruising the Caribbean Sea   11Sun Cruising the Atlantic Ocean Cruising the Atlantic Ocean   12Mon Fort Lauderdale, Florida 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Fort Lauderdale Florida  Explore the “Venice of America”, with its lacework of over 165 miles of canals and yachts as huge as the mansions they’re moored at. Stroll along the tree-lined Las Olas, and wander into its upscale boutiques and wonderful restaurants. Enjoy the shops and cafés of Riverwalk, close to the Arts and Science District.   13Tue Cruising the Atlantic Ocean Cruising the Atlantic Ocean   14Wed Cruising the Atlantic Ocean Cruising the Atlantic Ocean   15Thu New York, USA 6:30 am - 6:00 pm New York USA  Brooklyn, New York Walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, this engineering milestone ranks among the world’s greatest suspension bridges. From there, head over to the promenade for an even better view of lower Manhattan and the harbor. Next, take a rollercoaster ride, see a dolphin show in Coney Island or explore one of the world’s best Egyptian collections at the Brooklyn Museum of Art. New York, New York See the bright lights of the Big Apple, international mecca and melting pot, with expensive brownstones, colourful neighbourhoods like Greenwich Village and the Upper West Side, and the legendary Central Park. Explore some of the world’s great museums - the Museum of Modern Art, (etc.) Some come just for the shopping: there’s Bloomingdale’s on Lex, Tiffany’s on Fifth, Barneys and the unique boutiques along Madison. Or head downtown and explore the trendy shops of SoHo.   16Fri Cruising the Atlantic Ocean Cruising the Atlantic Ocean   17Sat Cruising the Atlantic Ocean Cruising the Atlantic Ocean   18Sun Cruising the Atlantic Ocean Cruising the Atlantic Ocean   19Mon Cruising the Atlantic Ocean Cruising the Atlantic Ocean   20Tue Cruising the Atlantic Ocean Cruising the Atlantic Ocean   21Wed Cruising the Atlantic Ocean Cruising the Atlantic Ocean   22Thu Southampton, England Arrive 6:30 am Southampton England  Cunard’s home port, part of seafaring legend, is an ideal starting or ending point for a memorable cruise. No airport check ins. No baggage restrictions. No hassle! Simply start your holiday in style with a glass of champagne on deck aboard one of the most famous ocean liners in the world.    For all prices you could try visiting  Queen Mary 2 World Cruise CruiseVIP who specialise in Cheap Cruise Holidays…CHEAP!!

Queen Bids Farewell to QE2

Her Majesty the Queen has bid farewell to QE2 in Southampton. The Queen toured the vessel before attending a reception and lunch onboard. The QE2 entered service in 1969 and has been the flagship of the Cunard fleet for 35 years. QE2 has traveled a staggering 5.6million miles carrying over 2.5million guests in its time. Cunard will be losing the QE2 in November 2008 after completing 25 World cruises and crossing the Atlantic 803 times. From November the QE2 is to become a top class hotel and entertainment destination in Dubai. Cunard’s President and Managing Director, Carol Marlow, comments: “We are delighted and honoured that Her Majesty The Queen has chosen to visit QE2 to wish her farewell. Her Majesty has taken a close interest in the ship over the last forty years, having launched the ship, visited twice and reviewed the ship four times, including during the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of D Day. I am certain this final visit will be a memorable occasion for all involved”. Doug Morrison, Port Director, ABP Southampton, says: “It’s wonderful to welcome Her Majesty The Queen and Baroness Thatcher to bid farewell to QE2. This event, and the recent meeting of Cunard’s three Queens in April for the last time ever, have both highlighted the important role that the Port of Southampton has played historically, and will continue to play, as Cunard’s homeport.”

Cunard Line?s QE2 Bid Farewell by Her Majesty The Queen

Cunard Cruises have today confirmed the visit of Her Majesty The Queen to bid farewell to Queen Elizabeth 2 in Southampton on Monday 2nd June 2008. QE2 is due to leave the Cunard fleet in November before starting a new life in Dubai as a first class hotel and entertainment destination. The Queen will start her bid farewell with a tour of the ship as well as meeting many crew members before attending a reception and lunch onboard. To finish she will be presented with 55 red roses to mark 55 years to the day since The Queen’s Coronation. Cunard’s President and Managing Director, Carol Marlow, comments: “We are delighted and honoured that Her Majesty The Queen has chosen to visit QE2 to wish her farewell. Her Majesty has taken a close interest in the ship over the last forty years, having launched the ship, visited twice and reviewed the ship four times, including during the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of D Day. I am certain this final visit will be a memorable occasion for all involved”. Doug Morrison, Port Director, ABP Southampton, says: “It’s wonderful to welcome Her Majesty The Queen and Baroness Thatcher to bid farewell to QE2. This event, and the recent meeting of Cunard’s three Queens in April for the last time ever, have both highlighted the important role that the Port of Southampton has played historically, and will continue to play, as Cunard’s homeport.”

Queen Mary 2 to Call at Liverpool

Queen Mary 2 is to be calling at Liverpool as part of a special British Isles voyage marking her fifth anniversary of her introduction to service in January 2004. QE2 has already visited Liverpool eight and will make one final call to the port on Friday 3rd October 2008 before leaving the Cunard fleet in November. Carol Marlow, Cunard’s President and Managing Director, says: “We are delighted to be announcing this historic call at Liverpool. Cunard Line was founded in the city in May 1839 and our Head Office remained there until 1967, so our ties with the city are deep. 2009 marks the 170th anniversary of our founding and Queen Mary 2’s fifth anniversary so we felt there was no better time for our flagship to call at our birthplace for the first time. If previous visits by our beloved QE2 are anything to go by then Queen Mary 2 can expect an emotional, warm and historic welcome – in true Liverpool fashion”.

Queen Mary 2 to Call at Greenock

Queen Mary 2, the flagship of Cunard Cruises will make an historic stop at Greenock on Monday 19th October 2009. To mark the fifth anniversary of the introduction of Queen Mary 2 in January 2004 she is taking part in a special British Isles voyage including making a call at Greenock. QE2 has already visited Greenock seven times and will make one final call on Sunday 5th October before she leaves service in November. Carol Marlow, Cunard’s President and Managing Director, says: “We are delighted to be announcing this historic call at Greenock. Since it’s founding in May 1839 – the 170th anniversary of which we celebrate in 2009 – Cunard has owned over 220 ships. Of those 125 were built in Scotland, with the vast majority of those being built on the Clyde. They range from the tiny Unicorn, to the first superliner Lusitania, the palatial Aquitania and the famous Queens Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and QE2. We felt a visit by our flagship Queen Mary 2 to acknowledge our deep ties with the Clyde, Greenock and Glasgow was well overdue! If previous visits by our beloved QE2 are anything to go by then Queen Mary 2 can expect an emotional, warm and historic welcome”.

Next Page »