Cunard’s flagship and most extravagant ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2 is the first major ocean liner built since the well-known Queen Elizabeth 2 back in 1969.
Here’s a little background info I found on Wikipedia:
The new ship was named Queen Mary 2 by Queen Elizabeth II in 2004 after the first RMS Queen Mary, completed in 1936. Queen Mary was in turn named after Mary of Teck, consort of King George V. With the retirement of Queen Elizabeth 2 in 2008, Queen Mary 2 is the only transatlantic ocean liner in line service between Southampton and New York, which operates for part of each year. The ship is also used for cruising, including an annual world cruise.
Now recently, I was incredibly honoured to get a tour of this magnificent lady (including a decadent lunch onboard) – an experience which has definitely sparked an all new desire to do some ocean cruising of my own.
The Queen Mary 2 is something unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Firstly it’s literally the size of small city block (a length of 1130 feet to be exact), and inside you’re transported to a world resembling that of the 1997 film, Titanic. I won’t lie, I was kinda hoping to see Jack & Rose running around, still madly in love…
To me the Queen Mary 2 really feels like a true, timeless beauty. Elegant decor, beautiful detailing, glamorous bars & restaurants, and so many opportunities to really dress to the nines – this is a homage to what ocean voyages were like way back in the day.
The Queen Mary 2 can carry a whopping 2600 passengers, although after seeing how big she actually is, that number seems quite small. With the many open spaces & little corners there’s lots of space for you to relax, hide out, read, play cards, have a drink… whatever tickles your fancy really.
Onboard you’ll find a luxury spa, fitness facilities, 2 full-scale theatres, a cinema & planetarium (a 1st of its kind out at sea), a casino, a shopping arcade, a library, a bookshop, a nightclub with extra-large dance floor, an outdoor pool & terrace, a few bars & pubs, various dining options, and around 5000 commissioned works of art. It truly is something incredible…
We were of course not allowed into the rooms (because they were all full), but from what I understand, the rooms situated higher up also have private balconies from where you can safely watch the waves. I don’t know about you guys, but that definitely sounds like pure bliss to me.
But enough talking for now. Let me show you around:
Sadly, the Queen Mary 2 will not be back in Cape Town again in 2015 or even 2016, BUT for the first time Cunard Line will have both Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria visiting us here in the Mother City.
To capitalise on this opportunity the folks at Imagine Cruising – leaders in creating fabulous cruise holidays – have created the following deal:
- 22 April 2016 – 18 Nights Full Board on Queen Victoria sailing from Cape Town to Southampton, 2 Nights in London and a flight home – all from just R39,999 pp
Or for those who’d actually like to get away a bit sooner, they recommend a Luxury Mediterranean Voyage with departures from June to October:
- 7 Nights Full Board on Queen Victoria sailing from Rome, Istanbul, Venice or Istanbul, 2 Nights to experience the city, flights included from R21,999 pp
Visit their website or call them on 0861 001 244 for more info.
If I had a spare stash lying around, I’d be on one of these cruises in a heartbeat… But for now, my search for a rich husband continues. 😉 On a serious note however, it really does seem to make sense as an affordable holiday alternative, especially because most of these packages are all-inclusive. #ThinkAboutIt
I have to say a BIG thank you to the lovely team at Imagine Cruising for inviting me along for this tour. You’ve made a (hopefully) soon-to-be ocean cruiser out of me for sure.
xxx
4 comments
Wow, luxury is not the word! Can i come along next time for a tour please?
I was tempted to try my luck as a stowaway 😉
Been wanting to try a cruise nyana, hopefully I will experience QM2 some time, love the’Titanic-cky’ vibe about it.
It’s gorgeous isn’t it. Yeah I definitely think if you’re gonna do a cruise, then this one is the one to save up for…