Tag Archives: Queen Mary 2

Cunard ‘crowns’ new ship Queen Anne

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Cunard has revealed that its “iconic red and black funnel” has been installed on Queen Anne.

The work has been labelled a “significant construction milestone”, as the ship prepares for its maiden voyage in May 2024.

The red and black funnels have been on the line’s ships for more than 150 years and were designed by Robert Napier, the shipyard owner who built some of Cunard’s earliest ships.

Queen Anne will be the 249th vessel to sail under the Cunard flag and will operate alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

When it sets sail it will be the first time since 1999 that the operator will have four Queen ships at sea.

Cunard funnel an ‘iconic symbol of heritage’

Cunard senior vice-president Angus Struthers said: “We are thrilled to mark this important milestone in the construction of Queen Anne.

“The installation of the funnel is a significant step in the building process and brings the ship one step closer to joining our fleet.

“For Cunard, the distinctive red and black funnel is an iconic symbol of our heritage and will be one of Queen Anne’s most recognisable features.”

Queen Anne’s inaugural British Islands cruise from Southampton is due to depart on 24 May 2024.

Sir Bob Geldof Makes Appearance on Queen Mary 2

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Sir Bob Geldof made a guest appearance aboard the Queen Mary 2 while cruising from Fremantle, Australia to Cape Town, South Africa, treating guests to an exclusive question and answer session.

 Geldof spoke at the ship’s Royal Court Theatre on Wednesday, sharing stories with guests from his music career as well as his connection with Cunard.

Angus Struthers, senior vice president at Cunard, said: “As one of the world’s most iconic musicians and humanitarian figures, we were delighted to welcome Sir Bob aboard Queen Mary 2 for a unique Q&A.

 “It was an incredible opportunity for our guests to hear from a true trailblazer who has had a profound impact on music and the world at large. We were honoured to have him on board, and it was a truly unforgettable experience for our guests.”

Geldof’s father worked as a chef onboard the Cunard fleet, and Geldof revealed he treasures an original menu card as a memento. He embarked on the ship on April 3 in Durban and the Q&A was titled An Audience With Sir Bob Geldof.

 Sir Bob Geldof said: “It was a pleasure to join guests onboard Queen Mary 2 and share some interesting tales from my time in music and politics. I’ve a personal connection with Cunard, so it was wonderful to rekindle that family tie and experience the delights that make Cunard so unique.”

Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas Turns 20 Years Old

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The Navigator of the Seas completed its 20th year in service this month. Part of Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager Class, the 132,000-ton vessel departed on its maiden voyage on December 14, 2002.

At the time as the world’s largest cruise ship, the Navigator debuted in the Caribbean, offering week-long cruises departing from Miami.

Sailing to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean, the itineraries featured visits to popular destinations, including St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

The program also included regular calls to Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in Haiti.

After losing the title of the world’s biggest ship to the Queen Mary 2 in 2004, the Navigator continued to sail year-round cruises in the Caribbean through 2007 – when it debuted in Europe.

For its first season in the Old World, the ship offered a series of Northern and Western Europe itineraries departing from Southampton, England. After sailing in additional destinations over the years, the Navigator of the Seas marked the return of Royal Caribbean International to regular operations on the West Coast in 2021.

For the first time in the region, the 3,100-guest ship started a year-round program of cruises to the Mexican Riviera and Baja California sailing from the World Cruise Center in Los Angeles.

The deployment features a variety of short three-, four- and five-night cruises to Catalina Island and Ensenada, in addition to week-long itineraries to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and more.

Last drydocked in mid-2021, the Navigator underwent a large modernization in 2019. Part of the Royal Amplified program, the $115-million refit added new attractions to the ship, including a resort-style Caribbean pool deck, the three-level signature bar The Lime & Coconut and the first blow-dry bar at sea To Dry For.

One of the vessel’s most iconic features, the Royal Promenade was also reimagined with the creation of new restaurants, retail and nightlife.