 The legacy of Cunard...
It was a more civilized era, the golden age of sea travel. Crossing the ocean was a grand event unto itself, the very embodiment of sophistication and privilege. And traveling Cunard was what one naturally chose for such a voyage. Cunard's glorious ocean liners were floating palaces of art deco splendor and Edwardian excess, surrounding guests with every comfort and luxury. They attracted the greatest personalities of the day, from world leaders to
movie stars, who sipped champagne at festive black-tie soirees and strolled along graceful promenades attired in their finest apparel. It was the quintessence of luxury travel, and getting there was truly half the fun.
Cunard continues this celebration of style with Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2 - proving once again, with Cunard, the journey may be even more magnificent that the destination.
| The Industrial Revolution had progressed far enough by the 1830's to make the idea of transatlantic communication by means of a fleet of steamships plausible. The desire for dependable delivery of the mails on which imperial communication and commerce depended prompted the government of Her Majesty Queen Victoria to invite interested parties to bid for a contract to provide
this service. Samuel Cunard of Halifax, Nova Scotia, was the successful contender. His contract to deliver the mail across the Atlantic from Great Britain to North America was signed on May 4, 1839, and originally involved a commitment to provide three steamships of 800 tons and 300 horsepower. Samuel Cunard was a highly successful and enterprising Canadian businessman and one of a group of 12 individuals who directed the
affairs of Nova Scotia. Cunard had the reputation for being not only a very astute businessman but also an individual with exceptional diplomatic ability. |
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In order to successfully carry out his contract, Cunard solicited the assistance of Robert Napier, an engineering genius who was responsible for creating the engines of some of the best new ships of his day. Cunard also needed financial backing and received it from three accomplished businessmen: James Donaldson, George Burns and David Maclver.
These five men founded the British and North American Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, later known as "Cunard Line".
- Cunard was the first company to take passengers on regularly scheduled transatlantic departures (Britannia, 1840).
- Cunard introduced the first passenger ship to be lit by electricity (Servia, 1881).
- Cunard introduced the first twin-screw ocean liner (Campania, 1893).
- Cunard introduced the first steam turbine engines in a passenger liner (Carmania, 1905).
- Cunard introduced the first gymnasium and health center aboard a ship (Franconia, 1911).
- Cunard introduced the first indoor swimming pool on a ship (Aquitania, 1914).
- Cunard held the record from 1940-1996 for the largest passenger ship ever built (Queen Elizabeth, 1940). With of Queen Mary 2 at 150,000 gross tons, Cunard will once again hold the record.
- Cunard is the only cruise company to sail regularly scheduled transatlantic service year-round (Queen Mary 2).
- Cunard was the first cruise line ever to offer three different around-the-world cruises at the same time (QE2, Royal Viking Sun, Sagafjord, winter/spring 1996).
Sir Samuel died April 28th, 1865. In 1981, Sir Samuel Cunard was inducted in ASTA's Travel Hall of Fame in honor of his contribution to developing transatlantic travel. |
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If travel is meant to be savored, then crossing the oceans should be a majestic experience, not merely a hop across the pond. For travelers of this persuasion, only one name evokes the pleasures of a golden era: Cunard Line. Proudly continuing the tradition of luxury cruising that
began in 1840, Queen Mary 2 debuted in 2004 as the new flagship of The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World. As the tallest, longest, largest and most expensive cruise ship ever built, QM2 provides her guests with unprecedented amenities and accommodations at every turn. Maintaining the tradition of her Cunard and White Star Line predecessors, QM2 is the only ship offering regularly scheduled transatlantic service.
Queen Elizabeth 2 continues to set the standard of British elegance with superb White Star Service and gourmet cuisine. Sailing a definitive World Cruise and round-trip Southampton voyages, QE2 endures as one of the greatest liners of her time. The two Queens are joined by another classic liner, Caronia, which also delivers an elegant Old World cruising experience in the UK market. Queen Victoria joins the fleet in 2007.
In 1998, Cunard was purchased by the wealthy Carnival Corporation, and made a part of its Seabourn Cruise Line division. Seabourn breathed life back into Cunard by scheduling much needed face lifts to some ships and selling off others. Both QE2 and Caronia underwent a major refurbishment outside and in - they have matching black hulls with the trademark red funnel. In 2004 Carnival Corporation ended the merger with Seabourn and
combined Cunard's operations with those of Princess Cruises in North America and with Carnival's other British cruise lines in Europe.
In May 2002, Caronia was transferred to her new homeport of Southampton for cruises focused on British passengers. The onboard currency was changed from dollar to sterling with entertainment and cuisine geared to U.K. tastes. (Caronia is scheduled to leave the Cunard fleet at the end of 2004.)
Those who think that Titanic was the last truly glamorous transatlantic vessel are in for a surprise: Cunard has built a new flagship, the Queen Mary 2, which was christened by Queen Elizabeth 2 and entered service in January 2004. Built at a cost of $800 million, she is the most expensive vessel ever constructed, and at 150,000 tons, certainly the largest liner ever to cross the oceans. At 1,132 feet long she is also the longest passenger ship ever built.
Despite her size, QM 2 carries only 2,620 passengers and a crew of 1,300. Cunard has delivered on its promise of luxury, including large accommodations (194 - 5,000 square feet), with some 75% of all outside staterooms boasting private balconies. Click here for more info on Queen Mary 2
The decor is everyone's fantasy of a great liner -- sweeping staircases, domed public rooms, a grand ballroom, the largest at sea, the first planetarium at sea, lots of Cunard memorabilia, five indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a full 360-degree Promenade Deck. There are many elegant bars and showrooms, a two-story theatre, a casino, boutiques, the only Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea, a pet kennel, and a children’s facility, complete with British nannies.
Restaurants include 10 dining venues, including the only shipboard restaurant by celebrity chef Todd English. Can you miss experiencing this ship?
Parent company Carnival Corporation has also ordered a new vessel to be named Queen Victoria to join the Cunard fleet in January 2007. The 1,850-passenger vessel will be built by Fincantieri Cantieri Navali Italiani SpA, at its Marghera (Italy) shipyard, and is expected to have an all-in cost of approximately EUR 390 million. The ship will feature a Queens Grill and Princess Grill, a two-story Aquitania Restaurant, as well as alternative dining options,
including a Todd English restaurant. Other Cunard hallmark facilities will include a grand ballroom, an authentic British pub, and a classic library. (This ship replaces the previously announced Queen Victoria which was to have joined Cunard in 2005. That vessel will now go to the P&O Cruises fleet.)
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The Cunard Experience:
Aboard Cunard's liners you'll find a style or travel reminiscent of the past. The new QM2 has been designed primarily for transatlantic crossings for a new era of luxury aboard the largest ship afloat. As the first ship designed for both cruising and traditional transatlantic travel, the older QE2 boasts an appealing, surprisingly intimate atmosphere. Aboard QM2 and QE2 those in higher categories and Penthouse suites dine in separate restaurants to those in
lower categories. The menu and quality of the food is virtually the same for all the restaurants, although the Grills usually offer an additional entree. Caronia, on the other hand, is one of the original small luxury ships with tip-top levels of food and service, although as is the case on elderly vessels, cabins can be minuscule in lower categories. Still, food and service aboard this ship are stellar.
Fellow Passengers:
During April through December crossings between New York and Southampton, England, QM 2's passengers range from students, families and couples to very wealthy Americans and Europeans. During QE2's annual world cruise, cruisers are aged 65+. Caronia attracts a mix of wealthy Europeans (especially Germans) and Americans, generally in the 60+ age group.
Shore Excursions:
During World Cruises and occasional Mediterranean voyages, the ship's shore excursions cover the major attractions and are moderately priced.
Past Passenger Program:
Cunard's "World Club" has points accrued depending on the number of voyages taken. Club benefits include onboard credits and social events for repeaters; 25% savings off brochure rates.
Taking The Kids:
Children's Programs: QE2 and QM2 boast a full nursery with British nannies, children's activities with counselors and baby sitting services.
Cunard ConneXions:
The "Oxford Discovery" series will offer a variety of entertaining and expert guest speakers, classes and workshops as part of Cunard ConneXions, an innovative, new cultural enrichment and entertainment program that will be featured on transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton, England. Authors, historians, artists, scientists and celebrities will offer courses on a variety of topics such as British and American music and culture of the 1960s,
Shakespeare on Film, Modern Art from the Tate to the Met, and the Internet Explosion. Also onboard Queen Mary 2 for the enrichment program, will be distinguished actors from London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
Cunard Line, one of the world's most recognized brand names with a classic British heritage, is operated by Miami-based Cunard Line Limited. Cunard Line Limited is a unit of Carnival Corporation (NYSE:CCL). Cunard Line Limited is a member of the exclusive World's Leading alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Windstar Cruises
and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together they offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.
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