The world`s grandest luxury liner – Queen Mary 2 – has recently been recognized by the Robb Report, London`s Observer newspaper and ShipPax Information…
The world`s grandest luxury liner – Queen Mary 2 – has recently been recognized by the Robb Report, London`s Observer newspaper and ShipPax Information, a leading trade publication. The new flagship of Cunard Line is the largest (151,400 tons), longest (1,132 feet), tallest (236 feet), widest (135 feet) and most expensive ($800 million) passenger ship ever built. Queen Mary 2 (QM2) is also the first transatlantic liner to have been built since the line`s famous Queen Elizabeth 2 entered service in May 1969.
In its 16th annual `Best of the Best` – which provides an expert`s view of the luxury world`s most exceptional products and services – the Robb Report named QM2 as The Best of the Best Ocean Liners and Cruise Ships.
According to the magazine QM2 takes top honours, triumphantly carrying the tradition of the ocean liner into the 21st century. Lauded are the liner`s seemingly endless list of comforts and activities… with five pools, 10 restaurants, a casino, theater, library and nightclub, the QM2 leaves no room for boredom. The survey features six primary departments covering 47 separate categories judged by Robb Report editorial staff and a team of seasoned contributing writers.
Winning these accolades from such respected organizations is a terrific endorsement of our product, said Deborah Natansohn, Cunard Line`s senior vice president of sales and marketing. It proves that traditional elegance, high service standards and a host of modern comforts and amenities are a formula for success.
Last week in London, Cunard Line was recognized Best Cruise Line at the annual Observer and Guardian travel awards gala. The respected UK newspaper claims their awards are the best measure of attitudes to the travel industry because they are a direct result of the experiences of thousands of well-informed consumers. In a year when cruising occasionally hit the headlines for the wrong reasons, our winner Cunard has maintained their score and taken top spot.
Two additional awards were bestowed by the Sweden-based ShipPax Information, publishers of Cruise & Ferry Info
magazine, which annually acknowledges trendsetters in the passenger shipping industry. ShipPax`s award for Outstanding Cruise Concept of 2003 went to Cunard Line for the development of a modern ocean-liner-themed product… retaining many traditional and legendary liner features… though rendered in an entirely contemporary fashion to support a commercially viable modern cruise lifestyle experience.
ShipPax`s award for Outstanding Cruise Lounges of 2003 was awarded to Queen Mary 2 for the Illuminations Theatre, created as the world`s first-ever planetarium, with a retractable hemispheric projection dome, the capability to also show other special virtual reality and iMax-type productions, whose versatility extends equally to its alternative uses as a full-production cinema, broadcasting studio, recital and lecture hall. Albeit added as a `pursuit of wow` feature, Illuminations adds real value to the on-board experience.
QM2 officially entered service on January 12 with her Maiden Voyage from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale, FL, followed by a series of Caribbean cruises and a voyage to Rio de Janeiro and back, timed for Carnival. In her inaugural year, she will sail 13 crossings between England and New York. In between offering April to October transatlantic crossings, the ship will operate five European itineraries; two fall foliage cruises to ports of call in New England and Canada, and serve as the flagship of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
Among her impressive facilities are 10 dining venues, including a Mediterranean speciality restaurant operated by celebrity chef Todd English. QM2 also has the only spa at sea operated by Canyon Ranch, the world`s first planetarium at sea, the largest ballroom at sea, the largest library at sea, and the largest wine collection at sea, as well as a Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar, a two-story theatre, a casino, five indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, boutiques and children`s facilities complete with British nannies.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
