Cunard Fun Facts about the Queen Mary 2

Did you know?

• At 1,130 feet, Queen Mary 2 is five times longer than Cunard’s first ship, Britannia (230 feet), and 113 feet longer than the original Queen Mary (1,019 feet).
• She features 17 decks and towers 200 feet above the waterline, equal to the height of a 23-story building.
• Queen Mary 2 is more than twice as long as the Washington Monument is tall (550 feet), 147 feet longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall (984 feet), more than 3 ½ times as long as Big Ben (Westminster Tower) is high (310 feet), as long as 36 double-decker London buses (31½ feet each), more than three times as long as St. Paul’s Cathedral (366 feet), and only 117 feet shorter than the height of the Empire State Building (1248 feet).
• Queen Mary 2 will stretch nearly four football fields in length.
• There are several dining venues, all featuring ocean views, including Cunard’s traditional Grill Rooms for the higher stateroom categories and an elegant restaurant for the deluxe and standard categories. Recalling the classic dining salons of grand liners of the past, the magnificent three-deck-high main dining room will span the full width of the ship with a sweeping central staircase creating a dramatic showcase for those wishing to make the ultimate grand entrance.
• Another classic feature is the 360-degree Promenade Deck, recreating an environment, which historically served as an important social venue aboard transatlantic liners. The spacious deck, whose total circumference exceeds one-third of a mile, is lined with traditional steamer chairs while leaving expansive room for guests to stroll. Interior promenades circling several decks provide attractive walking venues, as well.
• The ship has a large indoor swimming pool in the spa as well as four outside pools, one of which has a retractable glass roof.
• A planetarium on board - the first at sea - offers a variety of constellation shows, as well as other presentations.
• One of the ship’s whistle is an original from Queen Mary so that her famous predecessor’s voice will once more be heard on the ocean. It is audible for 10 miles.

For the construction of Queen Mary 2…

• …some 300,000 pieces of steel were cut and welded into blocks in specialised workshops. Queen Mary 2’s hull is made up of 94 steel blocks (made from 580 panels), some of which weigh more than 600 tons, involving some 1,500 kilometres of welding. Her hull weighs 50,000 tons (more than a school of 330 blue whales) – not to be confused with her gross tonnage, which is 151,400.

Food & Beverage…

• The annual sugar consumption would make eight million scones
• Queen Mary 2 uses almost 7,000 boxes of strawberries each year
• The annual tea consumption would fill an Olympic size swimming pool
• Queen Mary 2 serves 1.5 million drinks per year, not including wine sales
• The annual beef consumption would supply a city the size of Southampton each year
• The onboard baking requires the use of nearly 8,000 industrial size flour bags Stacking them would make a pile five times higher than the Eiffel Tower
• The weight of pineapples used per year match the weight of 50 SUVs, almost 90 metric tons

Queen Mary 2 has…

• 2,500 kilometres of electric cable
• 310 miles (500 kilometres) of ducts, mains and pipes
• 2,000 bathrooms
• 80,000 lighting points
• 280,000 square yards (250,000 square metres) of fitted carpets
• 144,000 square yards (120,000 square metres) of insulating material
• 3,800 square yards (3,200 square metres) of galleys
• 3,000 telephones
• 8,800 loudspeakers
• 5,000 stairs
• 5,000 fire detectors
• 1,100 fire doors
• 8,350 automatic extinguishers

First ship emerges from $50 million fleet upgrade Oceania Cruises welcomes home Insignia

Oceania Cruises has welcomed Insignia back to the fleet following a two-year charter and an extensive dry dock.  Insignia is the first of three sister ships from Oceania Cruises to undergo a massive $50 million refurbishment.  Nautica and Regatta are scheduled to enter dry dock and receive similar enhancements over the next four weeks.  Renovating three ships from bow to stern in a six-week time period marks the largest refurbishment programme in Oceania Cruises' history.

The multimillion dollar makeover brings many of the interior design elements from the award-winning Marina and Riviera ships to Insignia, Nautica and Regatta while maintaining the warmth, intimacy and charm Oceania Cruises' guests cherish in the 684-passenger ships.  In addition to elegant new furnishings and décor for all public rooms, suites and staterooms, Insignia added several new guest experiences, including the ever-popular Baristas coffee bar, a cook-to-order grill at Terrace Café and new outdoor recreation on the Sports Deck.

In preparation for two special 180-day voyages, a version of the Artist Loft enrichment centre was added exclusively to Insignia during the dry dock.  The "Around the World in 180 Days" cruise departs from Miami on 10th January 2015, and the "180 Day World Odyssey" sails from Miami on 8th July 2015.

"This is a milestone moment for Oceania Cruises.  Not only did we welcome home a family member with Insignia re-joining the fleet today, but she comes out of dry dock essentially a new ship, reflecting an even higher level of elegance and design," said Kunal S. Kamlani, president of Oceania Cruises.  "By adding features our guests adore from Marina and Riviera to Insignia, Nautica and Regatta, it further enhances the upscale cruise experience and exceptional value for which Oceania Cruises is known throughout the industry."

Notable Enhancements Include:

• Suites & Staterooms:  There are significant updates to the Owner's and Vista Suites with an all-new bathroom design that is elegant, yet contemporary in nature.  The bathroom features wall-to-wall marble with a decorative inlay centrepiece, along with an expansive granite vanity that sits opposite an inviting oversized shower.  The Penthouse Suites have new furnishings, rich upholstery and a vibrant, yet calming palette that reflects the sea, sun and sky.  All staterooms were appointed with new décor elements featuring a refreshing sense of style and elegance.
•  Terrace Café:  The main casual dining option on board the ship is brand new from top to bottom.  A resplendent collection of new furnishings, floorings, fixtures and lighting accompanies the stunning floor-to-ceiling window views.  The pièce de résistance is the cook-to-order grill featuring delicacies such as steaks, chops and lobster tail.
• Baristas:  The popular coffee bar where master baristas prepare complimentary illy brand espressos and cappuccinos throughout the day now makes its debut on Insignia.  Baristas is the perfect location to relax with a beverage in one of the comfortable lounge chairs or sofas and is centrally located on deck 5, near the Grand Dining Room.
• Upper Decks:  The Sports Deck, located atop the ship, received a new miniature golf course and shuffleboard courts, along with other deck games.  The main pool area, ringed with luxurious sun beds, shimmers with blue and white mosaics, beautifully contrasted with rich teak decking.
• Relaxation & Enrichment:  The Canyon Ranch SpaClub exudes a sense of tranquillity with new décor elements including a flowing mosaic display.  Inside the spa, guests will enjoy peaceful steam rooms with beautiful new tile mosaics, along with renovated changing areas.  The all-new Artist Loft is tucked inside Horizons Bar, providing a variety of enrichment programs for guests to enjoy. 
• Lounges:  All of the ship's main lounges are refreshed and refurbished.  Horizons bar features a new colour palette of soothing sea blues, cocoa brown and mint, complemented by new sofa, chair and table furnishings.  Martinis maintains its classic ambiance with all-new furnishings.  The Insignia Lounge was completely refurbished with new carpeting and chairs, along with luxurious new fabrics and upholsteries. The transformed Insignia set sail on 8th May for a 7-day "Jewels of Europe" cruise.  Similar enhancements will be added to Nautica and Regatta during their upcoming dry docks, with Nautica scheduled to debut on 16th May 2014, for a 10-day "Cliffs & Coves" cruise and Regatta on 7th June 2014, for a 10-day "Majesty of Alaska" cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Line Launches Online Shopping Site

Norwegian today announced the launch of its online shopping portal at www.nclgiftshop.com with branded merchandise ranging from men's, women's and children's apparel to travel and promotional items, including special Norwegian Epic paraphernalia. Guests can purchase swag pre or post-cruise to build excitement for their upcoming sailing or check the site for items they may have forgot to purchase while on board.


The expansive product line features stylish gear for the resort-casual savvy cruiser including rhinestone-studded shirts for women and embroidered polo shirts for men, a leather passport and luggage tag set for the avid traveler and even the newest addition to the family can be well-equipped for Freestyle Cruising with a selection of baby bibs, onesies and t-shirts for toddlers.


The online store also offers travel partners a simple way to view and order an array of promotional items for their agencies, as well as giveaways for special events. Travel partners will receive 10 percent off their purchases when entering the promotion code PARTNER at checkout on a variety of items including embossed pens, wine sets, notebooks, beach balls, tote bags and more.


Norwegian's Latitudes members (past guests) will also receive 10 percent off purchases using promotion code LAT10, and to celebrate the online store's opening, the first 200 customers will receive a complimentary Norwegian drawstring backpack.


Fans of the line on Facebook should also stay tuned to the fan page at www.ncl.com/facebook for a special promotion code redeemable for an exclusive fan-only t-shirt. The first 200 Facebook fans that place an order on www.nclgiftshop.com will receive the t-shirt.


To purchase Norwegian merchandise, please visit www.nclgiftshop.com.

Royal Caribbean Offers 50 Percent Off for Second Guest

Royal Caribbean is offering travelers the chance to save 50 percent off a second guest on 2015-2016 sailings.

With the line's “Buy One, Get One 50 Percent Off” promotion, from May 1 through May 31, U.S. and Canadian vacationers will receive 50 percent savings off of the cruise fare for the second guest, booked in the same stateroom with a full-fare guest. The offer applies to new individual and named group bookings in all stateroom categories and sailings departing between January 1, 2015 and April 30, 2016, and excludes Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, as well as third and additional guests.

Celebrity Cruises Launches "Suite Club" Travel Agent Incentive Program

In conjunction with the recent launch of its "Suite Class" experience, Celebrity Cruises has announced a new "Celebrity Suite Club" travel agent incentive program.

Beginning April 2015, Suite Class will introduce new offerings, including an exclusive restaurant, a VIP lounge, and complimentary ‘all-in’ benefits such as premium beverages, dining at any specialty restaurant and unlimited internet access.

To inaugurate the Suite Club, Celebrity invited the 50 travel agents who hold the most Celebrity Cruises suite bookings that sailed in 2013. With rewards ranging from a $100 gift card for every suite booking to a modern luxury vacation in an upscale suite, Suite Club’s annual membership include:

• $100 gift card for each new booking in a Celebrity Cruises suite made from May 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015, with the exception of charters and groups 
• VIP experience when sailing with Celebrity Cruises 
• The chance to win a cruise vacation in Bermuda, the Caribbean, Europe or Asia, complete with suite accommodations 
• Select members will be featured in Celebrity’s 2015 Travel Agent Guide 
• Personalized quarterly newsletter from the desk of Dondra Ritzenthaler, SVP Sales, Celebrity Cruises; and more

Experience the world’s most exhilarating motorcycle race on Fred. Olsen’s ‘Superbikes and Scenic Hikes’ cruise in 2015

 

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering guests the chance to experience one of the most exhilarating and challenging motorcycle races in the world - the famous Isle of Man TT - on Balmoral’s nine-night ‘Superbikes & Scenic Hikes’ cruise (L1505) around the UK and Ireland, which departs from Southampton on 31st May 2015.

Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
"This ‘experiential’ cruise highlights Fred. Olsen’s commitment to offering guests so much more than just a conventional holiday.

"The Isle of Man TT Races' gruelling track comprises 37 miles of seemingly never-ending bends, bumps, jumps, stone walls, manhole covers and telegraph poles; and for the first time, Fred. Olsen’s guests can be involved in this thrilling event as part of a cruise holiday.”

Julie Colquitt, Business Development Manager for the Isle of Man Government, said:
“We are thrilled that Fred Olsen Cruise Lines have chosen to feature this iconic racing event within this action packed cruise itinerary. The TT races is one of the world's most exciting spectator sports with bikes racing at speeds of up to 200mph on public roads. Guests can choose from a series of spectacular vantage points to catch the action around the course. For those not wishing to take part in the racing event, the Isle of Man offers a variety of excursions for guests to enjoy our historic and unique Island.”

In addition, guests who book on to one of Fred. Olsen’s new 2015 cruises before 7th May 2014 will be able to benefit from the cruise line’s ‘The more you buy, the more you save’ campaign, whereby guests who book two cruises will save 20%, and if they book three cruises or more, this rises to a 30% saving*.

Cruise guests will arrive first in picturesque St. Peter Port, on the island of Guernsey. Here, they can choose to visit Hautville House, once home to the French writer Victor Hugo, or enjoy a shopping trip in one of the many unique boutiques, before relaxing with a coffee along the pretty harbour.

Next stop is colourful Tobermory, a quaint Scottish town on the Isle of Mull. This picture-postcard destination offers guests the chance to spot some fantastic wildlife, such as the rare and unusual Golden and White-tailed Eagles, Otters, Corncrake and an abundance of other birds and mammals.
Balmoral will then set sail onwards to Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands. With an eclectic heritage of Christian, Nordic and Celtic influences - which can be seen in the sculpted churches and local buildings - Kirkwall also has two impressive museums: Tankerness House, a beautifully-preserved 16th Century town house; and the Orkney Wireless Museum, which has unique displays on the history of radio.

Guests will then stop in Douglas, on the Isle of Man. Fondly referred to as the ‘Rock’ by residents, the Isle of Man is approximately the same size as Ibiza and Singapore, although with a lot fewer people. As well as being the home of motorcycle road-racing, it has many other interesting attractions, including the 1890s Manx Electric Railway, the Great Laxey Wheel - the largest working water wheel in the world - the Nautical Museum and Peel Castle.

Balmoral will then dock in the vibrant city of Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland, for her final port of call. Famous for its Guinness and lively ‘Temple Bar’ area, guests can wander through the elegant square gardens of Trinity College, take a river cruise along the Liffey, enjoy excellent shopping or experience the city’s renowned Irish hospitality, or 'craic'.

Prices for this unique ‘Superbikes & Scenic Hikes’ cruise start from just £1,099 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin, ‘Inside’ cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port dues.

Fred. Olsen is proud to be the only UK travel company to receive a coveted ‘Gold Award’ from leading consumer review website Feefo, having achieved a 95% service rating of 'Excellent' or 'Good' in over 5,600 genuine, independent guest reviews in 2013.

Fred. Olsen was also delighted to be voted ‘Best Affordable Cruise Line’ and runner-up ‘Best Cruise Line’ in the ‘Cruise International Awards 2013’, and ‘Best Value for Money’ in the Cruise Critic ‘Editors’ Picks UK Awards 2013’.

*See the website www.fredolsencruises.com for full Terms and Conditions.

Phoenix Reisen: All Inclusive Anniversary Cruise

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Phoenix Reisen is marking the occasion with an all inclusive “Great Mediterranean Cruise” aboard the Albatros sailing 21 days from Nov. 9 to Nov. 20.

The Albatros sails from Venice to Genoa, calling at Palermo, Tunis, Zarzis, Valletta, Heraklion, Piraeus, Istanbul, Rhodes, Alanya, Limassol, Port Said, Alexandria, Naples and Civitavecchia. Rates start at 2,199 euro per person, double occupancy.