Cunard Line's New Queen Elizabeth Maiden Arrival in New York

• On January 13, 2011, the entire Cunard fleet was in New York.
  • The brand new Queen Elizabeth, embarking on her 2011 World Cruise,
  • The Queen Mary 2 embarking on her World Cruise and
  • The Queen Victoria sailing on a positioning voyage from the UK to the West Coast for a series of cruises to Hawaii.
  • The meeting of the three ships in NY was referred to as the Royal Rendezvous.
  • The 3 Queens departed simultaneous at 6 PM (the Queens Elizabeth and Victoria from Manhattan and the Queen Mary  from Brooklyn).
    • All three ships met near the World Financial Center for a fireworks send-off sponsored by Cunard Line.
  • In addition, The Empire State Building was illuminated in Cunard Red and January 13th was announced as "Cunard Day" by the City of New York.
  • During this unique gathering of ships, I had the pleasure of visiting the Queen Elizabeth and was given a tour of this brand new $634 Million dollar cruise ship. Here are my notes recapping my visit.

   

• The Queen Elizabeth has an air of sophistication. The ship's color scheme is primary warm, tan and brown hues featuring deep rich wood color reminiscent of ships from the 50's.  Inside the ship you will find numerous chandeliers, classic furnishings and high-end artwork.
• The ship has the feel of an English Manor.

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• At 90,400 tons and  carrying 2,092 passengers double occupancy , the  Queen Elizabeth is considered a large ship but not as large as some of the newer ship being introduced. The Fincantieri Shipyard in Italy, who constructed the vessel in 2010, have created a design which gives the large ship a very intimate feeling.

• The ship has two atriums.

   

  • The Main Atrium (Grand Lobby) features a Grand Staircase and a large mural of the Queen Elizabeth (the Ship).  Surrounding this Atrium is the:

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• Champagne/Wine Bar (Amidship Bar),
• Library, 
• Internet center,
• Cafe Carinthia,
• Card Room, 
• Reception desk
• Purser's desk.
• There is also a piano on the lower level of the atrium, where a pianist song was elegantly audible on all levels.
• The Main Atrium is three decks high.

• The rear atrium is two decks high and features a large clock surrounded by a curving dual staircases.

• The upper level  the atrium is surrounded by shops.
• The lower level -  on one side by the Casino (The Empire Casino) and the other by the English Pub (The Golden Lion).

• Located forward on the Queen Elizabeth, is the main show lounge - the Royal Court Theater. This three deck high showroom is identical to the showroom found on the Queen Victoria. The showroom features private balconies, and stadium type seating. The room is warm and welcoming.

• The Queen Elizabeth is a ship lover's dream. Featuring memorabilia from the past including artwork from the prior Cunard ships, large scale models of the current and past Cunard vessels, memorabilia from Cunard's history and even a book store featuring ship/cruise history which are not normally available in the United States. Most of the historical materials can be found at "Cunard Place" but artwork of past and present Cunard liners can be found throughout the ship and on many of the stair welds.

• Shops on board feature high end products such as jewelry, designer name fashions, Liquor as well as your normal souvenir shop featuring T-Shirts, Sundries and other daily use items.

• The  Deck Queen's Room is very elegant, with it's large dance floor, stage and balcony that over looks the lower level. This lounge is a flashback to the legendary days of cruising and the sophistication of yesteryear.

• The Commodore Club, is a lounge that provides expansive view of the sea looking forward over the bow of the ship. The lounge follows though on the elegance found throughout the ship providing, warm wood tones, floor to ceiling windows, spacious dance floor and beautiful chandelier. This venue is an ideal location for an after dinner drink or just relaxing with friends.

• The Yacht Club is a close sister to the Commodore Club and mimics the room in decor, style and elegance. The views from the Yacht club are not over the bow, but offers expansive views to either side of the ship.

• The Garden Lounge is inspired by the glass houses at Kew Gardens and is a conservatory with it's glass ceiling. The room is ideal for dining and dancing under the stars.

• Churchill's Cigar Lounge is an ideal location for an after dinner cigar or cigarette.

               OUTSIDE AREAS - Queen Elizabeth - Pavilion Pool - Cunard Line

• Located Mid ship is the Pavilion Pool. This conveniently located pool area, boast 2 whirlpools, Bar area and sufficient area to lounge around the pool.  The area is sheltered from the wind and is ideal for taking in the sun.

• The Lido area is located Aft and has a large pool with two whirlpools and an expansive area for sunbathing. The area is great for an outdoor drink, developing a tan, or becoming one with the outdoors. My only negative comment about this area is that the deck is covered with a battleship grey floor covering which is very stark when compared to the warm friendly tones found on the rest of the ship.

• Above the Commodore Club and Yacht Club, is the games deck. Here you can play tennis on the full size tennis court or play Bache and/or other lawn games. In addition, there is an oversized chess board with pieces to have a larger than life chess match.

• Elsewhere on the ship you can find:
  •  Shuffleboard courts,
  • A wrap around promenade deck idea for enjoying the seascape, after dinner walk,  power walking , or quiet area to relax.
  • Both the children's room and the teen's room have outdoor deck space associated with them.

• The Queen Elizabeth offers the standard array of staterooms found onboard a ship. From inside cabins, to luxury suites, the ship has something for everyone and all price ranges.

• 85% Queen Elizabeth’s Staterooms have an Ocean view and 71% of Staterooms feature a private balcony.
• The Queen Elizabeth has some very impressive suites, which range from one room staterooms to multiple rooms.
•  Below is a sampling of the Queen Elizabeth's accommodations.

• Princess Grill Suites are higher end accommodations. The Princess Suites are luxurious and spacious.

Amenities Include (Princess Suites)

• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Interactive TV with multi language film and music channels
• Direct-Dial telephone
• Refrigerator, safe and hair dryer
• Soft Terry Robes & slippers
• Nightly turndown service with pillow chocolate
• Daily shipboard newspaper
• 220V 3-pin and 110V 2-pin Sockets
• Priority embarkation and luggage delivery
• Bon Voyage bottle of sparkling wine and strawberries on embarkation
  Concierge service
• Personalized stationery, atlas and books
• Daily fresh fruit
• Complimentary bottled water
• Access to Queens Grill Lounge
• Single-seating dining in the Princess Grill
• In-suite dining
• Pillow concierge (a selection of pillows and duvets to suit your preference)
• Rooms Average bewteen 335-513  sq. ft. including Balcony.

• The  Balcony cabins  feature verandahs large enough for a small table and 2 chairs, a Queen/King bed (depending on the room selected) and sitting area. The cabins are decorated in white, gold and warn wood tones. Bathroom facilities tend to be compact but functional. There is adequate storage space for all of your travel needs.

• The Queen Elizabeth's 13,000 Square foot, Royal Spa offers an extensive Spa program. All type of treatments are available including message, aroma therapy and more.

• The dual level, Spa is decorated in  art deco style and includes two levels of treatment rooms. The area combines relaxation,  fitness and pool facilities.
• Like her sister ships, Queen Elizabeth’s spa offers a comprehensive health and wellness programs with a Hydrotherapy Pool and Thermal Suite. One new addition is the Royal Bath House which is the centerpiece for the ultimate spa experience. The Royal Bath house is Inspired by holistic, relaxing and stress-relieving treatments drawn from disciplines around the world. This covered space is a social relaxation area that includes both the Thermal Suite and Hydrotherapy Pool, all adjacent to the main outdoor pool on Deck 9. Plush robes, slippers and other amenities are provided. Day passes are available for those guests not booking a treatment.

• The Britannia Dining room is two levels and very elegant. Again furnished in warn wood tones, this spacious and elegant dining room definitely adds to the dining experience. Dinner menus usually include a beef, chicken or fish entrees. There are also options available for vegetarians.

• There are also two smaller more intimate restaurants on board (the Princess Grill and  Queens Grill), but those are reserved for passengers sailing in one of the Queen Elizabeth's many suites.

• Dishes range from traditional and tasty Mediterranean fare, to the most refined international recipes.

• For those looking for an alternative dining experience there is the Verandah Restaurant, which features white linens and white chairs, fine china and an intimate atmosphere.

• The Golden Lion Pub - offers a pub style menu for lunch and dinner dining as well as an ideal place to have a beer, wine or cider.

• The Lido Restaurant is ideal for an informal lunch on deck, buffet breakfast or informal dinner. The area is very large and has stations ranging from sandwiches, soups and salads to multiple main course entrees and deserts.

• Children can have a whale of a time in Queen Elizabeth’s Children's Program on deck 10, run by qualified nannies.  For younger guests, these facilities feature both inside and outside areas dedicated to children ages 1-12. Parents may drop off their children in our fun and exciting center to enjoy a host of activities from arts and crafts, to board games, sports and much more.

• Queen Elizabeth has a teen program as well with structured activities for teens including scavenger hunts, dances and more.

• The Queen Elizabeth has a outdoor children's and teen play area for younger cruisers.

• The number of children onboard can differ based on the itinerary and time of the year. Cunard traditionally attracts  older more seasoned travelers - usually sailing without children so the number of children on board may be less than other ships.  When children are in school - even fewer children will be sailing onboard,

• Queen Elizabeth offers live music in multiple venues for your dancing and listening pleasure.

• Entertainment includes:
  • Live Music
  • Piano Bar
  • Broadway style shows.
  • Movies
  • Orchestrated events - karaoke, Royal Night Themed balls, bingo, .....
  • Yacht Club Disco
  • Casino
  • and More.

• Enrichment Program: With Cunard's Insights program, travelers can explore a number of historical and contemporary issues presented by a wide range of speakers including explorers, academics, former ambassadors and politicians, historians and scientists, award wining novelists, biographers and acclaimed actors and film makers.

• Cunard's new Queen Elizabeth brings back some of the grandeur of days gone by.
• The extensive use of simulated wood and wood tones found on the original  Cunard ships, carry on the tradition of elegance and luxury on the Queen Elizabeth.
• The ship is designed for those looking for a more traditional cruising experience without the tacky glitz and wild nightlife.
• Sailing on the Queen Elizabeth is a refined experience.
• The Cunard product is not one that traditionally attracts a large number of children. Most traveler are older  and are able to spend a longer amount of time enjoying her worldwide itineraries and longer cruises.
• Service and staff seemed very attentive and willing to help.
• Although I was not able to sample the food on my visit, the food at the Lido Restaurant was nicely displayed and looked appetizing.