Cunard Line, the company that pioneered world cruising in 1922 with the
first-ever world cruise aboard the Laconia, will make further maritime
history on January 13, 2008, as its newest ocean liner, Queen Victoria,
departs New York simultaneously with Cunard's esteemed ocean liner,
QE2, for their world cruise voyages. Sailing roundtrip from New York, the
concurrent world cruise departures mark the start of Queen Victoria's
105-day Pathway to the Explorers maiden world cruise and QE2's 90-day
South America, Pacific and Far East Odyssey, her first foray into South
America in more than a decade.
Following a full day of festivities to mark the historic occasion, both
ships will depart for Ft. Lauderdale, where similar celebrations are
planned. From there, the ships will part, each sailing different epic
itineraries before reuniting in Sydney on February 24.
"Continuing Cunard's legacy of noteworthy firsts in maritime history,
we are delighted to announce the simultaneous grand ocean voyages for
our newest liner Queen Victoria and our 'grand dame' QE2. Cunard's World
Cruises are widely considered the 'gold standard' in voyages around the
world. QE2 has undertaken more long voyages than any other ship afloat
and we are delighted that Queen Victoria will continue this fine
tradition -- offering a 21st century ocean liner experience as she makes her
own circumnavigation of the globe in renowned Cunard style," said Carol
Marlow, Cunard Line's president and managing director.
Cunard's third Queen will depart New York on January 13, 2008 on her
Pathway to the Explorers maiden world cruise, calling on 36 cities in 23
countries. Every call, with the exception of Lisbon, will be a maiden
call for Cunard's new Queen. She will circumnavigate the globe in a
westbound direction and, after her New York call, will transit the Panama
Canal before making maiden calls to some of the world's most famous
cities, including Los Angeles, Auckland, Sydney, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala
Lumpur, Mumbai, Dubai, Athens and Barcelona. Queen Victoria will
transit the other of the great canals, the Suez, before arriving into
Southampton on April 22. Guests returning to New York will enjoy sailing
aboard Cunard's flagship vessel, Queen Mary 2, on one of her legendary
six-day transatlantic crossings, arriving into the city on April 28.
Early Booking Fares for Queen Victoria's 105-day Pathway to the
Explorers maiden world cruise start from $18,827 per person, double occupancy.
Shorter Liner Voyages are also available and include the 41-day New
York to Sydney voyage with Early Booking Fares starting from $7,810 per
person, double occupancy, and the 47-day Los Angeles to Singapore voyage
with Early Booking Fares starting from $9,146, per person, double
occupancy.
The most experienced world voyager afloat, QE2 will, for the first time
in more than a decade, tour South America and the Pacific in a 90-day
odyssey that will leave New York on January 13 and make stops in 17
countries -- a mix of exciting cities and interesting ports. After
departing New York, QE2 will head around South America calling in Rio de
Janeiro, Montevideo, the Falkland Islands and Valparaiso. Cruising into the
Pacific, she will then circle the world's largest ocean before arriving
in Los Angeles on March 30. Port calls will include Easter Island,
Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and
Honolulu. After transiting the Panama Canal, the ship will return home
to New York on April 12.
Early Booking Fares for QE2's 90-day South America, Pacific and Far
East Odyssey start from $13,355 per person, double occupancy.
Shorter Liner Voyages are also available and include the 42-day New
York to Sydney voyage with Early Booking Fares starting from $6,848, per
person, double occupancy, and the 35-day Sydney to Los Angeles voyage
with Early Booking Fares starting from $4,878, per person, double
occupancy.
The voyages are on sale from June 5, 2006 and Early Booking Fares for
these voyages represent a 15 percent per person savings off brochure
rates. As an extra bonus, guests will save an additional 5 percent when
bookings are made by January 31, 2007. A special amenity package will be
offered to guests booking a Full World Cruise or Liner Voyage including
complimentary shore events for Grill guests.
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