On October 10th, a new Cunard cruise ship was officially christened the Queen Elizabeth by the Queen Mother herself in Southampton, England. The 92,000-ton luxury liner embarks on its maiden voyage from Southampton through the Mediterranean on October 25th.
This new Cunard ship is meant to evoke the line’s opulent and exciting early days. It is decorated in 1930′s and 1940′s decor more opulent than any ship out there. 141 chefs are on hand to prepare meals for up to 3,000 people a day. The ship boasts an elaborate ballroom, a luxurious spa, and a new version of the ever popular Britannia club, the private dining area dedicated to guests staying in top balcony rooms.
Cunard says of their new Queen, Queen Elizabeth will offer the very best of Cunard’s values and traditions, blended with every conceivable modern luxury that you, our guests, expect. Through her opulent public rooms and impeccable service, the new ship will reflect the grandeur which has been associated with Cunard ships since the introduction of the Mauretania in 1907; and from the outside, her black hull, gleaming white superstructure and distinctive red funnel will echo the classic characteristics of the company’s distinctive liner heritage.”
In early 2011, the cruiser will take an epic 103-day voyage that fully encricles the globe. It will depart from New York and travel through Brazil, South America, South Africa, Australia, Japan, China, and Europe. Prices for interior staterooms begin at $22,000 and go up to about $80,000 for more luxurious rooms.