Ready to take a cruise in a world�s giant cruise ship? But hang on as it hasn�t yet hit the seas. Called the �Project Genesis� cruise liner, Royal Caribbean is engaged in raising this 1,180 feet long water gargantuan.
Weighing 220,000 tones and valued at $1.24 billion, the ship claims to be the world�s priciest ship as well. But if besides the �est� factor, figures do make a difference to you then read further.
Alleged to be 43% wider than Queen Elizabeth II, it can house 5,400 sea lovers and sponge 6,400 under Sardine circumstances. It sports a Central Park, an AquaTheater along with seven different �neighborhoods� offering lodging to people.
This move can be witnessed as another milestone by Royal Caribbean International, courtesy Genesis fall of 2009.
The Queen Mary 2 will be the largest, longest, tallest, widest, and most expensive ocean vessel ever built until the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas launches in 2006. The Queen Mary 2 is probably the last of the classic ocean liners. Let's take a look at this marvelous cruise ship.
Overview of the Queen Mary 2 (QM2)
With a passenger capacity of 2,620, QM2's size allows a great variety of passenger amenities. Almost everything you could want on a cruise ship can be found on the QM2. For those who want to be pampered and rejuvenated, the ship features the Canyon Ranch SpaClub�. Athletes can play basketball or virtual reality golf, and a state-of-the-art gym includes a separate weight room. The Cunard ConneXionsSM is almost like a college at sea, taking into account, of course, that you're on vacation. The QM2 even has some features new to cruising such as a planetarium and a look at marine history in the Maritime Quest Exhibit. QM2 even lets you bring your dog along and board him in an onboard kennel.
Nighttime on the QM2 is elegant, and the ship plays host to formal gatherings in the evenings. After dinner entertainment includes dancing in the largest ballroom at sea, jazz in the Commodore Club, a casino, caberet singing in the Chart Room, and West End-caliber shows in the Royal Court Theatre.
Some of the traditional Cunard hallmarks are found throughout the Queen Mary 2 -- sweeping staircases, soaring public rooms, a grand ballroom, and a 360� promenade deck. A space ratio of 57.25 makes her one of the roomiest vessels anywhere, and the ship has 14 decks of sports facilities, shops, bars, lounges, 5 pools and no fewer than 10 restaurants. With one staff member per couple, a very high level of service can be expected. For those who love verandas as I do, three-quarters of the QM2 staterooms have balconies. Some of the lavish two-story duplexes even have their own private exercise equipment. Let's take a look at the details of some of the QM2 features.
First Class Stateroom on the Queen Mary
Let's take a look at the details of some of the QM2 features.
Queen Mary 2 Canyon Ranch SpaClub�
It is not surprising that one of the most luxurious ocean vessels ever built features a Canyon Ranch spa. This highly acclaimed health resort company has elevated the spa experience to an entirely new plane with life-changing programs from stress-relief classes to workshops on diet, healthy aging and disease prevention. Fifty-one Canyon Ranch health and wellness experts work in QM2's 20,000 square foot facility which includes 24 treatment rooms, a thalassotherapy pool with deluge waterfall, a whirlpool, thermal suite with both herbal and Finnish saunas, reflexology basins and an aromatic steam room.
QM2 Planetarium - Illuminations
Take a virtual ride into outer space, view the stars and other visual spectacles or take a course on celestial navigation in Illuminations, QM2's full-scale planetarium. It also functions as a grand cinema, a 500-seat lecture hall and even a broadcasting studio.
Queen Mary 2 - Cunard ConneXions
SMQM2's cultural enrichment program includes seven classrooms and a 500-seat auditorium where you can attend workshops, seminars and lectures presenting a fusion of perspectives from the world's premier cultural hotspots: New York and London. Classes range from fashion to foreign languages, watercolor techniques to period furniture. Try film making. Join a discussion of British comedy, or compare MoMA and the Tate.
QM2 History & Art
Renowned international artists were commissioned to produce over 300 original works of art valued at over $5 million. For history buffs, the museum-quality Maritime Quest exhibit is a fascinating tour that takes you back to the golden era of transatlantic cruising.
Queen Mary 2 - Personal Butler and Concierge Service
Concierges attend to guests in all of the Grill Accommodations, while the Queens Grill categories also feature private butler service.
QM2 Interactive TV
You can receive or send e-mails, choose from dozens of movies, review a seminar you might have missed or sign up for shore excursions - right from the comfort of your stateroom.
Internet on the QM2
Guests can surf the web, check e-mail or even transmit a video postcard to friends and family back home. They can take classes in the Computer Centre, or bring their own laptop; every stateroom has direct Internet access.
QM2 Play Zone/The Zone
QM2 was designed to accommodate all the ages. For guests who wish to take their children or grandchildren along, The Play Zone is like a well-run camp for children 2 - 7 years old. A separate facility, The Zone, provides hours of supervised entertainment and activities for children 8- 12 years old. The area includes the Minnows splash pool and real English nannies for the toddlers. And it's equipped with an array of toys and activities from board games to computer terminals with all kinds of learning adventures, so that while kids are doing their thing, adults have some quality time alone
Queens Grill Restaurant
Dining has always been a memorable event on any Cunard voyage, a celebration where culinary creations are served by waiters trained in the fine art of Cunard service. Lavish dining is one of the centerpieces of the QM2 experience, as well - with vastly expanded menus and venues.
There are 10 restaurants in all and the celebrated Mediterranean and TV culinary luminary Todd English. As with the custom of ocean liners in the past, each QM2 stateroom is matched with a reserved table at a sea-view restaurant, complemented by the largest wine selection afloat. Of course, you can always make reservations at one of the many optional dining alternatives. Or don't dine out - dine in! Room service is available 24 hours a day.
Britannia Restaurant - Main Dining Room
The stunning 3-story Britannia Restaurant has a grand sweeping staircase that creates a dramatic showcase for those wishing to make the ultimate entrance. This opulent dining room fits the QM2 well.
Princess & Queens Grill Restaurant
The QM2 continues the Cunard tradition of special dining rooms for those in the higher class suites. Passengers in one of the Q categories can savor the delicious creations of the Queens Grill, and the Princess Grill is reserved for P category guests. Cunard's Grill restaurants have been long acclaimed by food critics as the finest dining experience at sea.
Other Dining Alternatives for All Passengers
Todd English
Passengers can make reservations at the Todd English restaurant and enjoy delectable Mediterranean cuisine -- al fresco if they choose. Owner of the internationally famous Olives of Boston among others, Todd English, is one of America's leading chefs. He has been named both "Rising Star Chef" and "Best Chef: Northeast" by the James Beard Foundation, received the Robert Mondavi Award for Culinary Excellence and was named one of the "Top 50 Tastemakers" by Nation's Restaurant News. Chef English has appeared in numerous television shows including his own TV series Cooking in with Todd English. And he's more than a great chef. In 2001, English was named one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People."
Kings Court
Kings Court is a good choice for a casual breakfast or lunch. At night it is transformed into four intimate dining venues: an Asian restaurant, an Italian trattoria, the Carvery, and the Chef's Galley, where guests experience one of the most unique epicurean adventures anywhere. Here in a festive atmosphere, diners enjoy an interactive experience as the chef reveals his culinary secrets before their very eyes.
Golden Lion Pub
Fine lagers, ales and pub snacks are served in this charming British pub where you can enjoy a pint and watch televised sporting events.
Boardwalk Caf�
This casual eatery near the pool is good for lunch, and you can eat in your swim suit!
Winter Garden
A proper British afternoon tea can be taken in the Winter Garden or Queens Grill Lounge. Naturally it's served freshly brewed (no tea bags here), complete with scones, clotted cream, fresh pastries, finger sandwiches and white glove service.
Passengers will find rich, traditional furnishings and premium amenities such as a fluffy bathrobe and slippers in their accommodations aboard QM2. They can receive and send e-mails, choose from dozens of movies, review a seminar they might have missed or sign up for shore excursions - right from the comfort of their stateroom through the interactive television. Nearly 80% of staterooms have ocean views and over 94% of these feature spacious balconies.
All staterooms include standard amenities such as interactive TV with multi-language film and music channels, data port outlet, refrigerator, hair dryer, bathrobe and slippers, a safe and 110/220-volt outlets.
Let's look at the cabins on the QM2.
Queens Grill Accommodations on the Queen Mary 2(Q Categories)
QM2's most lavish Grill accommodations are among the finest at sea. Here the concierge and a personal butler anticipate passenger needs and comply with the utmost speed and efficiency. Lavish amenities include marble baths with whirlpool tubs, walk-in closets, en-suite bars stocked with selected spirits or wine and soft drinks, fresh flowers and pre-dinner canap�s.
The enormous Grand Duplexes include large living quarters and an expansive balcony downstairs, a luxurious master bedroom upstairs, two marble baths with seprate whirlpool tub and shower, a guest bathroom with shower, and private exercise equipment. The three Duplex Apartments feature the same amenities with smaller balconies. Choose the Queen Mary or Queen Elizabeth Suites located all the way forward and enjoy commanding ocean views, two full baths and even your own private elevator access. And for those in need of even more room, combine these two suites with the adjacent Royal Suites to create magnificent living quarters totaling nearly 3,800 square feet.
Queens Grill Balmoral Suite
Queens Grill Penthouse
Guests in Queens Grill accommodations dine in the renowned Queens Grill. The elegant Queens Grill Lounge and a private sun terrace are also reserved exclusively for their use. The Queen's Grill (Q Categories) include the following:
Balmoral and Sandringham Duplex (Q1) - 2,249 sq. ft.
Holyrood Duplex (Q2) - 1,566 sq. ft.
Windsor and Buckingham Suite (Q2) - 1,471 sq. ft.
Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth Suites (Q2) - 1,194 sq. ft.
Royal Suites (Q3) - 796 sq. ft.
Penthouse (Q4) - 758 sq. ft.
Suites (Q5 - Q6) - 506 sq. ft.
Princess Grill Accommodations on the QM2
The QM2 Princess Grill accommodations are all located on Deck 10. These spacious Junior Suites feature a large balcony, bath with tub and shower, sitting area with a full-size sofa, interactive TV, walk-in closet and a concierge in addition to your cabin steward to help ensure flawless service.
Guests in the QM2 Junior Suites enjoy single-seating dining in the elegant Princess Grill. The Junior Suites (P1 - P2) each have 381 sq. ft.
Gracious Accommodations in the Standard Staterooms on the QM2 (B, C, and D Categories)
Standard staterooms are anything but ordinary. They're spacious and gracious. The smallest measuring almost 200 square feet is more like a "deluxe" guestroom on ordinary ships. And they're beautifully decorated with fine prints on the walls, soft colors on the sofas and coverlets and turndown service when it's time to retire.
Art Gallery
Guests in these accommodations have a reserved table in the Britannia Restaurant or they can choose one of the many alternative dining venues.
The standard staterooms include:
Deluxe and Premium Balcony Staterooms (B1 - B7) - 248 sq. ft. with balcony
Oceanview Staterooms (C1 - C4) - 194 sq. ft.
Inside Staterooms with Atrium view (D1) - 194 sq. ft.
Inside Staterooms (D2 - D6) - 194 sq. ft.
Standard amenities include interactive TV with multi-language film and music channels, data port outlet, refrigerator, hair dryer, bathrobe and slippers, a safe and 110/220-volt outlets.
Here are some facts and comparisons about the Queen Mary 2 from the Cunard Web Site.
Length: 1,132 feet
Beam: 135 feet
Beam at Bridge Wings: 147.5 feet
Draft: 32 feet 10 inches
Height (Keel to Funnel): 236.2 feet
Gross Tonnage: Approximately 150,000 gross tons
Passengers: 2,620
Crew: 1,253
Top Speed: Approximately 30 knots (34.5 mph)
Power: 157,000 horsepower, environmentally friendly, gas turbine/diesel electric plant
Propulsion: Four pods of 21.5 MW each; 2 fixed and 2 azimuthing
Strength: Extra thick steel hull for strength and stability for Atlantic crossings
Stabilizers: Two sets
Cost: Estimated $800 million dollars
Since it is often difficult to picture the size of such a large vessel, here are some comparisons:
QM2 is five times longer than Cunard's first ship, Britannia (230 ft.)
QM2 is 113 feet longer than the original Queen Mary
QM2 is more than twice as long as the Washington Monument is tall (550 ft.)
QM2 is 147 feet longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall (984 ft.)
QM2 is more than 3 � times as long as Westminster Tower (Big Ben) is high (310 ft.)
QM2 is only 117 feet shorter than the Empire State Building is tall (1248 ft.)
QM2 is more than three times as long as St. Paul's Cathedral is tall (366 ft.)
QM2 is as long as 41 double-decker London buses (31 � ft. each)
If you are ever fortunate enough enjoy the joys and delights of a cruise then quite literally you will be participating in the penultimate of holiday experiences . This is an sector of travel that first became popular at the begining of the 20th century. in those early days however it was only ever available to the extremely rich and famous. Today with the most competitive prices the cruise industry has ever known these sensational vacations of a lifetime are now within the grasp of us all. Gone are the days of the segregated floors [ I bet we�ve all seen titanic film] now anyone is welcome aboard these emporers of oceanic wonder.
A tribute to modern technology and a triumph for maritime technology these awe inspiring goliaths are the toast of all who have travelled in them. Some of the biggest cruise liners in the world can carry well over three thousand passengers and are capable of running on a fully self sufficient basis for an amazing span of up to two weeks at a time. This being the case it turns out that the 2 main points of worry for the majority of potential cruise ship passengers are these, If I am on board for such an amount of time would I get bored? what happens if a health issue should occur? Well quite simply there is no need to worry in the slightest.
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A tribute to modern technology and a triumph for maritime technology these awe inspiring goliaths are the toast of all who have travelled in them. Some of the biggest cruise liners in the world can carry well over three thousand passengers and are capable of running on a fully self sufficient basis for an amazing span of up to two weeks at a time. This being the case it turns out that the 2 main points of worry for the majority of potential cruise ship passengers are these, If I am on board for such an amount of time would I get bored? what happens if a health issue should occur? Well quite simply there is no need to worry in the slightest.
Shows, Theatres and numerous other means of entertainment are all part of the package and included in all of today�s modern cruise vacation offers. When it comes to your health and well being the majority of vessels would give any competent medical team a real run for their money. Equipped with the best state of the art medical facilities and manned by top notch medical personnel it is thought by many that should a medical emergency happen then you would be better taken care of at sea than in many of today�s local health clinics. So you see although you might find yourself in the middle of the ocean and 1000�s of miles from civilisation you can be assured that both your physical and recreational needs would be fully taken care of on a level that would be hard to surpase.
Probably one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a sea vacation is this. No other single holiday would give you the opportunity to enjoy and visit such a huge and varied number of resorts. destinations and nationalities. Portugal one day and Italy the next, the world really is your oyster when you embark on a cruise and whats even better, All this can be achieved in the greatest of comfort and in the lap of sheer unadulterated splendour.
Go on give it a try, You might even get to sit at the captains table.
Cary O'Reily is the webmaster of the well known cruise benefits website http://rapidcruises.com
Alleged to be 43% wider than Queen Elizabeth II, it can house 5,400 sea lovers and sponge 6,400 under Sardine circumstances. It sports a Central Park, an AquaTheater along with seven different �neighborhoods� offering lodging to people.
