Cunard Unveils New Queen Elizabeth

Tue Mar 17 2009, by Travel Trade Staff

Cunard Line has revealed the itinerary and design plans for its newest ocean liner, the Queen Elizabeth, scheduled to enter service on Oct. 12, 2010. Queen Elizabeth will be the third new ocean liner to be introduced by Cunard in six years and will be the second largest Cunard ship ever built.

Queen Elizabeth will feature the unique Cunard traditions that link it with sister ships Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, but will also debut some new features.

"Cunard holds the distinction of sailing the most famous ocean liners in the world," said Cunard president Carol Marlow in announcing the Queen Elizabeth. "For more than 70 years there has been an 'Elizabeth' in the fleet and this beautiful modern-day celebration of our past 'Elizabeths' will ensure this proud tradition continues far into this century."

The Queen Elizabeth is named after Cunard's first Queen Elizabeth, which launched in 1938 as the world's largest liner. The new ship references its predecessor in interior grandeur, décor and style, but adds some modern twists. Traditional elements will include double and triple height public rooms, intricately detailed interiors with rich wood paneling, mosaics, chandeliers and marble touches.

In addition to the extensive Cunard entertainment programs onboard, Queen Elizabeth will offer some unique programs harking back to the days of the original Queen Elizabeth, including country house parties, piano evenings and a variety of dancing from the 30s and 40s.

Queen Elizabeth's maiden 2010 season will consist of six voyages, calling on 32 distinct ports in 18 countries. The Maiden Voyage will depart from its homeport of Southampton on Oct. 12, 2010 en route to the Atlantic Isles. The 13-night voyage will call at Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Seville (Cadiz), Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma) and Madeira (Funchal).

The ship will then embark on five celebratory inaugural voyages.

Reservations for Queen Elizabeth's maiden voyages and inaugural season will be open for booking on April 2. Visit www.cunard.com.