Recommend August 2011 - (Page 50)

cunard’s queen elizabeth continued from page 48 “as a product, Cunard is both relaxed and elegant. this is something that agents should communicate effectively to their clients, as must we in our materials.” Robert howie, hotel Manager, Queen Elizabeth decks and sampling the charms of the sparkling vessel, replete with choice of time), and two-tier, art Deco-flourished britannia Restaurant rich appointments. Sister she may be to Queen Victoria, but a twin she (traditional seating, fixed times). is not. namesake of Cunard’s first Queen Elizabeth (the world’s largest the popular Princess Suite, for example, encompasses 367 sq. ft. liner when launched in 1938), the new ship reflects her predecessor in with two beds, living area, balcony, bath with tub/shower, walk-in closgrandeur and decor—but with enough contemporary tweaks to ensure et, two flat-screen tVs, fine bedding, robe/slippers, and refrigerator, all the comforts of modern cruising. plus one complimentary sparkling wine and one water. as always, the look is different from other current-day denizens, Open around the clock, the lido Restaurant on Deck 9 (much imstarting with her distinctive black and red livery, a Cunard calling card. proved by a re-design featuring stations that sidestep congestion) ofinside, look for dramatic double and triple height public rooms, eye- fers a buffet by day and table service focused on three regional cuisines catching art Deco accents, and an abundance of rich wood panelling, come evening ($10 pp). tasty snacks await in Cafe Carinthia and the mosaics, and marbles. homage to icons abounds. Memorabilia in the Golden lion Pub. not to be missed is the most impressive new dining adventure Midships bar tells the tale of the first Queen Elizabeth, while Yacht Club exhibits recall the retired-from-the-sea Queen Elizabeth 2 and Cunard’s aboard: the Verandah. While Queen Victoria unveiled the stylish todd enduring links to the Royal Family. english Restaurant, Queen Elizabeth chose to spotlight her own stars art is a nonstop show, from the new official portrait of the reigning of fine cuisine. “We have considerable talents of our own and our chefs monarch by young artist isobel Peachey placed adjacent to Cafe Carin- are celebrities in their own right,” howie says, pointing out that the thia, to the soaring Grand lobby’s stunning marquetry panel depicting alternative restaurant’s of-the-moment French menus were created by the original Queen Elizabeth by royal nephew David linley. Particularly noted chef Jean-Marie zimmermann, who leads Cunard’s multi-layered fun are the vintage black and white photos in Cunarders’ Gallery and culinary program. “What’s rare in the industry is that guests have the around the ship of famous faces from times past, the likes of Clark option of ordering either the full degustation dinner ($35 pp), or indiGable and a young elizabeth taylor, Cary Grant and Spencer tracy, vidual items from the menu, each priced per plate. Sometimes a guest might wish to order, say, an appetizer and dessert.” Jimmy Durante and abbott & Costello. Positioned on Deck 2 with ocean views, Verandah boasts a chic-butWell worth regular visits are the knockout library, 6,000 volumes strong; the shops of the Royal arcade, whose upscale offerings include cozy setting in beige-tan tones with mirrored columns, white leather treasures from Fortnum & Mason and harris tweed; the well-stocked chairs and whimsical murals. the experience: exquisite wining and dinbookstore; the Games Deck with its bowls, croquet, and paddle tennis; ing, with service to match. the internet Centre for staying in touch; and, if feeling lucky, the Casino. in 2012, Cunard will celebrate its 90th year of World Voyages with Few passengers fail to show up for the daily signature tea event be- a repeat performance by Queen Elizabeth (overnights in Sydney and neath the glittering chandeliers of the two-deck queen’s Room. Where hong Kong), this time joined by flagship Queen Mary 2 (overnights in else can you feast on warm scones with cream and jam, served by Cape town, hong Kong and Dubai). american passengers will have white-gloved waiters to the sounds of a classical quartet? the option of embarking on Queen Elizabeth’s 107-day journey from not surprisingly, Cunard similarly stamps its own brand on accom- new York, Fort lauderdale or San Francisco after the Panama Canal modations, a total of 1,046 staterooms, 85 percent of them outside transit. and 71 percent with balconies. the nine different types of suites include Fares for the full World Voyage start at $20,996 pp. Segments of 12 127 Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites, each paired with its own to 24 days are available with fares starting at $2,775 pp. n Grill Restaurant situated in restricted-access privacy on Deck 11 (single Archived related articles (available on recommend.com): seating, choice of time) along with the Courtyard for al fresco dining, Crystal Cruises’ Serenity (April 2011) and the Grills lounge with resident concierge. Steps away is the Grills terrace for secluded sunbathing. Other suite categories are also linked contact information to their own restaurant, such as the new britannia Club (single seating, Cunard Line: (800) 728-6273; cunard.com fast facts Passenger capacity: 2,068 Crew: 997 Guest decks: 12 Length: 964.5 Gross Tonnage: 90,900 Draft: 26.2 50 august 2011 recommend.com http://www.recommend.com http://agent.recommend.com/magazine-archive/february-2011/crystal-cruises-serenity/ http://www.cunard.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend August 2011

Editor"s Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk: Regent Hotels & Resorts
Tour Talk: The Wayfarers
Africa Travel Options Mix the Classic with the New
Thailand's Koh Samui
Jade Mountain, Saint Lucia
Escaping to San Juan's Condado
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Central America: Roads Less Traveled
In Search of Flanders' Holy Ale
Downtown L.A. in the Thick of Things
Scrumptious Savannah
Cunard's Queen Elizabeth

Recommend August 2011