ADVERTORIAL • January 2019
Defining decadence on the high seas since 1840, Cunard’s iconic ships are the ultimate in luxury cruising - fizzing with five-star facilities and star-studded service. As a whole host of curated cruises gear up for the year ahead, Club writer Hannah Ralph looks at the cruise liner making dry land look dreary
Famed for its glittering guest list, relaxed flair and unbridled finesse, the excellence of Cunard’s three legendary ships is known and respected the world over. Every detail of the Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 provide a sense of discovery, as dazzling new worlds are met by the fleet’s iconic red and black funnels. On board, there’s the uncrowded glow of warm welcomes, dining delights, handsome soirées and eclectic entertainment (including decorated guest speakers). And just like your favourite all-inclusive resort, spa-seekers and fitness-buffs can unwind at the state-of-the-art spas and gyms, as foodies muse over dishes so delicious, they’ll want to take the chefs home with them when they leave.
Eager to drink in New York’s iconic cityscape from the heights of the Rockefeller? Or glide through the picturesque passages of Norway’s famous Fjords? Maybe you’re after some Mediterranean sun or to kick back under the palms in the Caribbean? Wherever’s made it onto your holiday hitlist, Cunard have the voyage for you. Durations span from whirlwind weeks to a lavishly long breaks, everything from seven-night Euro-escapes to fortnight forays into the wilds of north America - all with unrivalled sophistication. Or, for the all-out adventure, Cunard’s World Voyage - originated by Cunard back in 1922 - will take you right across the world on its months-long journeys, exploring far-off lands at unrushed speed in decadent Cunard style.
Delivered with Cunard’s signature White Star service (a style of service so discreet, you’ll barely even notice it), the Grills Suites Experience is a luxury package that encompasses accommodation in the ship’s largest and finest Suites, plus dining in the opulent Princess Grill or Queens Grill restaurants to relaxing in the Grills Lounge. Here, you can retreat into a gourmet world of afternoon teas, pre-dinner cocktails, specially created à la carte menus and unparalleled breakfast, lunch and dinner options. The Cunard touch? It’s all served by white-gloved waiting staff, and backed by the soothing compositions of a string quartet. Last but certainly not least, those in the Queens Grill will be personally attended by a private butler, on hand to help with any whims that may arise. This includes, but is not limited to, personalised stationery or a nine-pillow concierge menu for a blissful night at sea.
When every journey is an event in itself, it takes something extra special to turn a voyage into an ‘event voyage’. Luckily, Cunard are the experts in specialty experiences. Offering cruises not found anywhere else in the cruise liner scene, 2019 will see guests on the front row of Cunard’s Transatlantic Fashion Week (Queen Mary 2; 28 July 2019) discover the trendsetting pieces making waves back on shore. If you’d rather a dancefloor than a runway, the Dance the Atlantic cruise (Queen Mary 2; 11 August 2019) is the one for you, or there’s the National Symphony Orchestra (Queen Mary 2; 15 September 2019) cruise for seven nights of operatic indulgence. Later in the year, you’ll have the exclusive chance to engage with some of the finest literary and journalistic minds of the moment, as Cunard partner with the Cheltenham Literature Festivals and The Times/Sunday Times (Queen Mary 2: 10 November 2019) for some Literature at Sea.
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