August 27, 2007

Queen Victoria's Queen and Princess Grills Capture the Spirit and Sophistication of the Golden Age of Ocean Travel

This on travelvideo.tv about the new Queen Victoria:

"A butler to unpack luggage, champagne served in Waterford glasses, fresh orchids and personalized stationery - these are among the hallmarks of the Cunard Grills. An exclusive world virtually unknown to all but the most seasoned and sophisticated travelers, the Cunard Grills represent the pinnacle of seagoing service, luxurious accommodations and comfort.

Now, in the grand Cunard tradition, Queen Victoria is poised to put her own stamp on the Cunard Grills, affording travelers the opportunity to experience the storied Golden Age of Ocean Travel in the same memorable way that royalty, heads of state and celebrities have done for generations.

When she enters service in December 2007, Queen Victoria will usher in a new era of Cunard innovation while showcasing the distinctive features that make a Cunard vessel the world standard-bearer. Nowhere is this more evident than in the renowned Queens Grill and Princess Grill, the pair of exclusive dining rooms and their corresponding Grill-category accommodations.

Located on Deck 11, the Grills share the concierge-staffed private Grills Lounge, as well as the exquisite Grills Courtyard for al fresco dining and afternoon tea, and exclusive Grills Upper Terrace (on Deck 12), where White StarSM staff will provide cool towels, Evian spritzes, fresh fruit, sorbets and tea sandwiches to sun-seeking guests.

Among the Grills' most distinguishing features is its more private location. Access is by private elevator and the Grills themselves are enclosed by gently curving panoramic glass walls on the seaboard side and cantilevered above Deck 10 over the side of the ship.

"Aboard our newest ship, we are taking our historic Cunard Grills experience to the next level," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. "Whether a traveler seeks a once-in-a-lifetime adventure steeped in luxury or is a longtime guest who has become accustomed to our Cunard ways, the experience aboard Queen Victoria will 'wow' them with its range of services, amenities and anticipatory White StarSM Service.

"Distinguished Grill DiningWithin the Queens Grill and Princess Grill, guests enjoy plush ambiance and single-seating dining that rival the finest restaurants in the world. Cunard has long been regarded as a culinary leader and nowhere is its supremacy more apparent than in the Grills.

A combination of art deco and classic design distinguish the exclusive 132-seat Princess Grill and142-seat Queens Grill restaurants. With a color palette of cream, gold and blue in the Queens Grill and gold, green and coral in the Princess Grill, the overall Grills aesthetic is an exquisite balance of rich wood-paneled walls in muted shades of cream and brown, bronze mirrors, and pale cream-colored ceilings, accented with faux gold paneled moldings around backlit coves. During the day, the entire length of the dining rooms is illuminated with natural light emanating from floor-to-ceiling windows, creating spectacular views of the seas below. At night, the rooms take on a dramatic ethereal quality bathed with soft lighting from decorative glass up-lights creating a golden glow around the room. The finest Wedgwood bone china, Waterford crystal, sterling silverware and Fili d'Oro Italian premium linens complete the scene, creating an elegant and timeless atmosphere.

The Grills offer extensive menus dedicated to the day's diverse specialties and much loved a la carte favorites such as Lobster Thermidor, Dover sole, and Chateaubriand. In the Queens Grill, the menu functions merely as a guide because, in grand Cunard tradition, the staff takes pleasure in accommodating any request, on or off the menu, if available.

There is a special atmosphere every evening within the Grills, where nights begin in the exclusive of the Grills Lounge with pre-dinner cocktails and canapés striking just the right relaxing note. Overseeing everything from tableside flambé to the smooth operation of each Grill is a dedicated senior maitre d'hotel and sommelier who offers expertise and access to the ship's wine cellar.

Grill guests who prefer to dine in the fresh sea air may book a table in the Grills Courtyard, an intimate Tuscan-inspired space featuring seating for 40 on a first-come, first-served basis. The Courtyard also offers pre- and post-dinner cocktails and afternoon tea. In addition, Grill guests may arrange private cocktail parties and special occasion dinners for small groups in the Courtyard.

In the Grills Lounge, guests enjoy traditional afternoon tea, full bar service, pre- and post-dinner cocktails and drinks with petite after-dessert offerings accompanied by live entertainment.

Luxe Accommodations Blend Innovation and TraditionNothing at sea compares to Queens Grill accommodations. The ultimate in luxury, these Q1 - Q7 stateroom suites aboard Queen Victoria feature butler service with butlers who have been trained to the exacting standards of the International Guild of Professional Butlers. These ever-efficient butlers stand ready to assist with unpacking and packing (using tissue paper between folds to ensure a flawless finish), uncork the requisite bottle of French Champagne on departure and serve en-suite canapés every evening, among their myriad duties.

Beautifully decorated in light woods and neutral shades of beige accented by nautically-inspired artwork, the Queens Grill accommodations include Grand and Master Suites, Penthouses and Queens Suites. They range in size from 508- to 2,121-square feet and each features a sofa and a generously-sized balcony. In addition, Grand Suites include a large dining table.

Other singular services and amenities of Queens Grill suites include fresh flower arrangements, fruit baskets and bottled water replenished daily, personalized Cunard stationery, turndown service with Sweet Dreams chocolate surprise on formal nights, bath salts, a manicure kit, umbrella and binoculars. The grandest Queens Grill accommodations (Q1 - Q4) take luxury to the next level with in-room DVD players and library of films, and priority disembarkation.

Likewise, Princess Grill accommodations promise a peerless experience. The P1 - P4 stateroom suites aboard Queen Victoria range in size from 335- to 513-square feet and feature spacious private balconies, beautifully decorated living areas, two beds that can covert to a Queen bed and a bath with shower. Upon embarkation, Princess Grill guests enjoy a bon voyage bottle of sparkling wine and sugar-iced strawberries, as well as a fresh fruit basket and fresh orchid in stateroom.

Queens or Princess Grill accommodations provide a range of perks and privileges, including single-seating dining in their respective dining room or en-suite; access to the private Grills concierge and Queens Grill Lounge and Terrace; priority embarkation and luggage delivery with separate Grill check-in, Fili d'Oro fine linens, duvet and pillow concierge, flat screen TVs, whirlpool bathtubs, daily abridged newspaper, shoe shine service, terry cloth bathroom and slippers, and selection of fine bath amenities.

The 90,000-ton Queen Victoria will offer the very best of Cunard's heritage and traditions, along with all modern day luxuries including some exciting innovations. These will include the first private viewing boxes at sea in the Royal Court Theatre, the first Cunardia museum exhibit at sea, housing Cunard artifacts and memorabilia along with the first two-storey, library at sea featuring an elegant spiral staircase.

From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at the sophistication that differentiates a Cunard liner. This will be most evident in the ship's adherence to liner traditions of the past, with elegant public rooms, many on a grand scale, featuring rich wood paneling, intricate mosaics and gleaming chandeliers. There will also be a grand, colonial-style conservatory complete with a retractable glass roof.

As well as being the second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Victoria's arrival is particularly noteworthy as it will mark the first time that three Cunard Queens have been in service together in the company's 168-year history (she joins the world's grandest liner, Queen Mary 2 and the world's most famous liner, QE2).For more information and to reserve your Cunard Grills experience, consult your travel professional or call 1.800.7CUNARD. Learn more online at www.cunard.com"

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