This on thejc.com about the fate of the synagouge on the QE2 once in Dubai..
"THE fate of the only synagogue aboard an ocean liner hung in the balance this week.
The QE2 was launched by the Queen in 1967. The state-of-the-art fittings included a synagogue, designed by Sir Misha Black, which over the years has witnessed High Holy Day services and floating barmitzvahs.
In June this year, the Cunard flagship liner, owned by Israeli-American family, the Arisons, was sold to Dubai-based Istithmar for £50 million.
Istithmar will permanently anchor the QE2 off one of its holiday islands.But this week the company failed to confirm that the synagogue would remain amid fears that it would be lost.
“We still need to put together a planning team, so we can’t say what will happen yet,” an Istithmar spokeswoman said.
Although the liner — which can carry as many as 1,778 passengers and more than 1,000 crew — has been renovated several times, the synagogue was the only public space on board which had never been restructured.
It contains sifrei Torah and prayer books suitable for both Reform and Orthodox congregations.In 1967, another Cunard Line ship containing a synagogue was sold to the municipality of Long Beach, California, for £1.8 million.
It was turned into a hotel and conference centre and the synagogue became a storage room. "
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"
"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"
Ore dump delay sinks PE South Africa bid to berth QE2
This about how South Africa was beaten to getting the QE2 by Dubai on theherald.co.za
"AN ambitious project to bring one of the world‘s most famous ocean liners to anchor permanently in the Port Elizabeth harbour has been torpedoed by a delay in the relocation of the manganese ore dump to Coega.
Negotiations to buy the Queen Elizabeth 2, which has been decommissioned after 50 years‘ service, were at an advanced stage between Port Elizabeth businessmen and the liner‘s owner, Cunard, when the R742-million deal was scuppered by the National Ports Authority (NPA).
Despite the bid having the support of the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, the Mandela Bay Development Agency and Nelson Mandela Tourism, the NPA said no confirmation could be given that the ore berth would be available for the QE2 and that they were in fact considering increasing the capacity of the ore site and extending the lease to 2015.
The permanent availability of the ore berth in the harbour was key to making the project work and, when this could not be verified, the owners signed off on another offer from Dubai.
Project initiator Andre Jensen said a strategy to raise the required R742-million to buy the Queen Elizabeth 2 through a listing on the stock exchange, had been warmly received.
He also said the value of the project as a second-to-none attraction and empowerment vehicle had been widely supported by senior Port Elizabeth authorities.
The difficulty in finding a permanent berth for a ship this size at any existing harbour in the world was one of the selling points for the project.
The co-incidence of the end of the sea life of the ship and the planned conversion of the Port Elizabeth harbour to tourism and conference facilities, “provided a wonderful opportunity for the marriage of the Elizabeths,” he said.
A charted accountant by training and now involved in the transport business, Jensen said he had got the idea for the project when he went on a cruise on the QE2 in mid-2005 and heard that she was probably soon going to be decommissioned after 50 years of service.
“I then approached the owners, Cunard, who confirmed the liner was going up for sale.
Sensing an extraordinary opportunity, Jensen established a partnership with former PE Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Alfred da Costa and launched the company QE2PE, aimed at bring the royal liner to the Friendly City.
The plan was that delegates attending meetings at Port Elizabeth‘s proposed Kings Beach international conference centre would be accommodated on board the QE2, enhancing the viability of the centre a hundred-fold.
The news from NPA that the project was not possible had been delivered to them by Port Elizabeth port manager Esther Goosen, Jensen said.
Before hearing the news from Goosen, Jensen said he and Da Costa had had good support from then Portnet business unit manager Siya Mhlaluka. Contacted by The Herald, Mhlaluka referred all comment to the NPA.
Jensen said the project had also had the thumbs-up from municipal manager Graham Richards and Mandela Bay Tourism chief executive officer Fezekile Tshiwula, “but none were able to do anything other than to offer moral support”. Mandela Bay Development Agency director Pierre Voges confirmed he had known about the project and had fully supported it.
Jensen said a measure of QE2‘s value and the magnitude of the opportunity lost for Port Elizabeth was signalled in how fast tickets had sold for her last voyage – 36 minutes after the voyage was announced, it was fully booked.
“Obviously the opportunity still exists of eventually acquiring another cruise liner to moor at the ore berth as a floating hotel, but that will not be an icon vessel like the QE2.”
"AN ambitious project to bring one of the world‘s most famous ocean liners to anchor permanently in the Port Elizabeth harbour has been torpedoed by a delay in the relocation of the manganese ore dump to Coega.
Negotiations to buy the Queen Elizabeth 2, which has been decommissioned after 50 years‘ service, were at an advanced stage between Port Elizabeth businessmen and the liner‘s owner, Cunard, when the R742-million deal was scuppered by the National Ports Authority (NPA).
Despite the bid having the support of the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, the Mandela Bay Development Agency and Nelson Mandela Tourism, the NPA said no confirmation could be given that the ore berth would be available for the QE2 and that they were in fact considering increasing the capacity of the ore site and extending the lease to 2015.
The permanent availability of the ore berth in the harbour was key to making the project work and, when this could not be verified, the owners signed off on another offer from Dubai.
Project initiator Andre Jensen said a strategy to raise the required R742-million to buy the Queen Elizabeth 2 through a listing on the stock exchange, had been warmly received.
He also said the value of the project as a second-to-none attraction and empowerment vehicle had been widely supported by senior Port Elizabeth authorities.
The difficulty in finding a permanent berth for a ship this size at any existing harbour in the world was one of the selling points for the project.
The co-incidence of the end of the sea life of the ship and the planned conversion of the Port Elizabeth harbour to tourism and conference facilities, “provided a wonderful opportunity for the marriage of the Elizabeths,” he said.
A charted accountant by training and now involved in the transport business, Jensen said he had got the idea for the project when he went on a cruise on the QE2 in mid-2005 and heard that she was probably soon going to be decommissioned after 50 years of service.
“I then approached the owners, Cunard, who confirmed the liner was going up for sale.
Sensing an extraordinary opportunity, Jensen established a partnership with former PE Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Alfred da Costa and launched the company QE2PE, aimed at bring the royal liner to the Friendly City.
The plan was that delegates attending meetings at Port Elizabeth‘s proposed Kings Beach international conference centre would be accommodated on board the QE2, enhancing the viability of the centre a hundred-fold.
The news from NPA that the project was not possible had been delivered to them by Port Elizabeth port manager Esther Goosen, Jensen said.
Before hearing the news from Goosen, Jensen said he and Da Costa had had good support from then Portnet business unit manager Siya Mhlaluka. Contacted by The Herald, Mhlaluka referred all comment to the NPA.
Jensen said the project had also had the thumbs-up from municipal manager Graham Richards and Mandela Bay Tourism chief executive officer Fezekile Tshiwula, “but none were able to do anything other than to offer moral support”. Mandela Bay Development Agency director Pierre Voges confirmed he had known about the project and had fully supported it.
Jensen said a measure of QE2‘s value and the magnitude of the opportunity lost for Port Elizabeth was signalled in how fast tickets had sold for her last voyage – 36 minutes after the voyage was announced, it was fully booked.
“Obviously the opportunity still exists of eventually acquiring another cruise liner to moor at the ore berth as a floating hotel, but that will not be an icon vessel like the QE2.”
August 17, 2007
California investors get rights to Queen Mary for $43 million
This from iht.com about the on-goign saga of the bankrupt QM in long beach:
"An investors' group will pay $43 million (€31.64 million) for the right to operate the Queen Mary and develop its waterfront after the only other qualified developer refused to outbid it at a federal bankruptcy auction.
A group called Save the Queen won Tuesday's auction to pick up a 66-year lease. The city of Long Beach, which owns the historic ocean liner, will receive $8.3 million (€6.11 million) from the sale that will pay legal fees and back rent.
"I think this is a really positive result for the city," said City Attorney Robert Shannon. "Now, the real work is ahead of us."
Save the Queen must still negotiate specific terms of the lease with the city and buy out a nonprofit group that subleases operation of the Queen Mary itself.
The 1934 vessel has been docked at a tourist attraction and hotel for nearly 40 years. Save the Queen has said it plans to develop a theme entertainment area that will include additional hotels, shops and restaurants.
The previous leaseholder, Queen's Seaport Development Inc., filed for bankruptcy protection two years ago.
The only other suitor for the Queen's lease was O&S Holdings in Santa Monica, which indicated it would bid $41 million (€30 million). At the U.S. Bankruptcy Court proceedings, however, bidding opened with the $43 million (€31.6 million) from Save the Queen. O&S refused to submit a counteroffer.
O&S contended that Save the Queen's initial bid had technical violations of the bidding procedures and should be disqualified. The offer was later revised, and a federal bankruptcy judge refused to disqualify the group.
"We are obviously disappointed with the result of today's proceedings," O&S co-founder Gary Safely said. "We were the first and, technically, only qualified bidder."
"An investors' group will pay $43 million (€31.64 million) for the right to operate the Queen Mary and develop its waterfront after the only other qualified developer refused to outbid it at a federal bankruptcy auction.
A group called Save the Queen won Tuesday's auction to pick up a 66-year lease. The city of Long Beach, which owns the historic ocean liner, will receive $8.3 million (€6.11 million) from the sale that will pay legal fees and back rent.
"I think this is a really positive result for the city," said City Attorney Robert Shannon. "Now, the real work is ahead of us."
Save the Queen must still negotiate specific terms of the lease with the city and buy out a nonprofit group that subleases operation of the Queen Mary itself.
The 1934 vessel has been docked at a tourist attraction and hotel for nearly 40 years. Save the Queen has said it plans to develop a theme entertainment area that will include additional hotels, shops and restaurants.
The previous leaseholder, Queen's Seaport Development Inc., filed for bankruptcy protection two years ago.
The only other suitor for the Queen's lease was O&S Holdings in Santa Monica, which indicated it would bid $41 million (€30 million). At the U.S. Bankruptcy Court proceedings, however, bidding opened with the $43 million (€31.6 million) from Save the Queen. O&S refused to submit a counteroffer.
O&S contended that Save the Queen's initial bid had technical violations of the bidding procedures and should be disqualified. The offer was later revised, and a federal bankruptcy judge refused to disqualify the group.
"We are obviously disappointed with the result of today's proceedings," O&S co-founder Gary Safely said. "We were the first and, technically, only qualified bidder."
Take your seat for a unique QE2 concert
This from icliverpool.com:
"FIFTY 08 Card-holders and their guests are to be given exclusive access to a concert to celebrate the arrival of the QE2 in Liverpool.
The Cunard QE2 40th Anniversary Concert will feature the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir and will take place at Liverpool Cathedral on September 21.
The concert, which is set to be one of the highlights of the year, is a joint celebration to honour the 40th birthday of the QE2 and mark the official opening of the City of Liverpool Cruise Terminal.
It is being staged by Liverpool council in collaboration with Cunard.
Acclaimed soprano Lesley Garrett will perform along with lay clerks and choristers from Liverpool Cathedral and the drummers of the Royal Scots Guard.
Fifty 08 Card-holders are to be given the chance to win a pair of tickets each for the event through a simple competition.
To register for an 08 Card, or to be in with a chance of winning a ticket to the Cunard Concert, log on to www.08card.co.uk
Already, more than 45,000 people have signed up to the free card, which entitles people to benefits including free travel, special offers on theatre tickets and free children's entry to attractions.
The card was launched by a partnership involving Liverpool Culture Company, transport authority Merseytravel and Liverpool lifestyle smartcard specialist Livesmart.
Cards are available at Tourist Information Centres and Merseytravel Centres or via the 08card. co.uk website."
"FIFTY 08 Card-holders and their guests are to be given exclusive access to a concert to celebrate the arrival of the QE2 in Liverpool.
The Cunard QE2 40th Anniversary Concert will feature the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir and will take place at Liverpool Cathedral on September 21.
The concert, which is set to be one of the highlights of the year, is a joint celebration to honour the 40th birthday of the QE2 and mark the official opening of the City of Liverpool Cruise Terminal.
It is being staged by Liverpool council in collaboration with Cunard.
Acclaimed soprano Lesley Garrett will perform along with lay clerks and choristers from Liverpool Cathedral and the drummers of the Royal Scots Guard.
Fifty 08 Card-holders are to be given the chance to win a pair of tickets each for the event through a simple competition.
To register for an 08 Card, or to be in with a chance of winning a ticket to the Cunard Concert, log on to www.08card.co.uk
Already, more than 45,000 people have signed up to the free card, which entitles people to benefits including free travel, special offers on theatre tickets and free children's entry to attractions.
The card was launched by a partnership involving Liverpool Culture Company, transport authority Merseytravel and Liverpool lifestyle smartcard specialist Livesmart.
Cards are available at Tourist Information Centres and Merseytravel Centres or via the 08card. co.uk website."
August 14, 2007
Book on Cunard receives award
This from thechronicleherald.ca
"
Steam Lion: A Biography of Samuel Cunard (Nimbus) by John Langley was given an honorary mention by the Keith Matthews Award.
Administered by the Canadian Nautical Research Society, the award is given each year to the best nautical book. The jury may also give an honorary mention. The prize was awarded to A Race for Real Sailors: The Bluenose and the International Fishermen’s Cup, 1920-1938 by Keith McLaren.
The awards were announced on Aug. 5 during the society’s annual conference.
Langley also received the Margaret and John Savage First Book Award. Steam Lion, which was first published in October 2006, will be available in paperback this fall.
"Steam Lion engagingly introduces readers to perhaps the most famous name in the shipping business. In this long-overdue, readable biography of Samuel Cunard, a visionary Halifax entrepreneur, Langley, a noted authority on Cunard’s life, demonstrates the magnitude of Cunard’s achievements," writes the awards committee. "Steam Lion also makes useful contributions to the history of 19th-century trade, immigration, Maritime shipbuilding, and the Cunard family."
Langley established the Cunard Steamship Society in 1998 after retiring from a career in law. Since then, he has devoted much of his time to research and writing about Cunard history. He lives in Halifax.
"
Steam Lion: A Biography of Samuel Cunard (Nimbus) by John Langley was given an honorary mention by the Keith Matthews Award.
Administered by the Canadian Nautical Research Society, the award is given each year to the best nautical book. The jury may also give an honorary mention. The prize was awarded to A Race for Real Sailors: The Bluenose and the International Fishermen’s Cup, 1920-1938 by Keith McLaren.
The awards were announced on Aug. 5 during the society’s annual conference.
Langley also received the Margaret and John Savage First Book Award. Steam Lion, which was first published in October 2006, will be available in paperback this fall.
"Steam Lion engagingly introduces readers to perhaps the most famous name in the shipping business. In this long-overdue, readable biography of Samuel Cunard, a visionary Halifax entrepreneur, Langley, a noted authority on Cunard’s life, demonstrates the magnitude of Cunard’s achievements," writes the awards committee. "Steam Lion also makes useful contributions to the history of 19th-century trade, immigration, Maritime shipbuilding, and the Cunard family."
Langley established the Cunard Steamship Society in 1998 after retiring from a career in law. Since then, he has devoted much of his time to research and writing about Cunard history. He lives in Halifax.
Cunard Line to feature visionaries in history, world affairs, science, politics and the arts
This from BYMnews.com
"From thought provoking conversation to the opportunity to sail with like minded guests, Cunard has long been the preferred line of travellers seeking to broaden their intellectual horizons. Now, with the introduction of Cunard Insights, the line's newly revisioned enrichment programme, guests enjoy an even broader range of meaningful, rare opportunities to interact with acclaimed experts and prominent luminaries.
Delving deeply into a variety of compelling and relevant topics, Cunard Insights introduces guests to stimulating experts and accomplished visionaries who reflect the line's heritage of adventure and prestige. Through a series of lectures, Q&A's, debates, social gatherings, and workshops, guests connect with personalities who have achieved notable distinction in areas including history, world affairs, science, politics, arts and literature.
The new Insights programme underscores Cunard's longstanding view that enrichment at sea should transcend mere entertainment to afford guests a provocative and rewarding cerebral experience.
"For generations, Cunard has set the standard for onboard enrichment. As our guests eagerly anticipate and enjoy this aspect of our voyages, we feel a passionate responsibility to ensure that our programmes are the most dynamic in the industry and that the experts and lecturers chosen are accomplished, engaging and approachable," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line.
These informal talks grew in popularity and, today, they comprise an important part of the daytime activity onboard. Since the launch of Queen Mary 2 in January 2004, more than 250,000 guests have attended presentations, interviews and lectures.
This experiential offering is so important to Cunard that a dedicated manager has been assigned to oversee the selection of more than 500 Cunard Insights presenters annually. Caroline Mathieson is responsible for identifying and booking compelling and fascinating speakers from around the globe to sail aboard Queen Mary 2. "Cunard Insights is the next-generation enrichment programme," said Mathieson. "Essentially, we've taken a great programme and expanded the offering, making it broader and brighter. Now, there really is something for everyone."
Looking for "passion, expertise and personality," Mathieson seeks to introduce Cunard travelers to numerous Insights speakers on every voyage through stimulating Q&A's, debates and workshops. Upcoming notable personalities slated to lecture aboard Queen Mary 2 include:
Victoria Tennant -- British actress sailing on the August 9 westbound Transatlantic Crossing.
David Hempleman-Adams -- Polar explorer, mountaineer and author sailing on the August 23 and September 4 Transatlantic Crossings.
John Cleese -- Award-winning British actor/comedian/writer on the September 4 eastbound Transatlantic Crossing.
Dr. Eric Paul Roorda -- Director of the Frank C. Munson Institute of American Maritime Studies at Mystic Seaport, the Museum of America and the Sea, in Mystic, Connecticut; a Professor of History and Political Science at Bellarmine University, where he has taught since 1996. Sailing on the August 31 four-day Getaway voyage from New York to Halifax.
Jeffrey Hoffman -- former NASA astronaut and currently co-director of the Massachusetts Space Grant Consortium at MIT's Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, sailing on the September 22 westbound Transatlantic Crossing.
Dr. Jean-Pierre Isbouts -- Professor of Culture and Media Studies at Fielding Graduate University, also an award-winning film-maker and the author of numerous publications on the art, architecture and music of the Near East, the Renaissance and the 19th century era. Sailing on the September 22 westbound Transatlantic Crossing.
Frank DeFord -- Emmy(R) Award winning sports commentator sailing on the eastbound October 7 Transatlantic Crossing.
Dr. Susan Humphris -- Senior Scientist and Chair in the Geology and Geophysics Department at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, she studies the nature and distribution of sea-floor hot springs and has authored or co-authored more than 60 scientific papers. She is also the co-creator of the highly successful Dive and Discover web site that brings oceanographic expeditions in near real-time to students and the general public. Sailing on the October 25 westbound Transatlantic Crossing.
Dr. Bradley James Rowe -- Holds a PhD in Applied Eco-Psychology and Integrated Ecology. Jim lectures on a wide variety of subjects ranging from coral reef ecology and SCUBA diving theory to human physiology, the history of Costa Rica, Panama and the Panama Canal, Caribbean Cultural history, Central American history, national psyche of Latin American countries, ocean rescue, river guide training, swift water rescue, wilderness first responder training and other subjects. Sailing on the October 25 westbound Transatlantic Crossing.
Lynn Truss -- Bestselling Author ("Eats, Shoots and Leaves") sailing on the October 25 westbound Transatlantic Crossing.
Dr. Jerry Labriola -- Practiced medicine for 35 years and was an Assistant Professor at the University of Connecticut Medical School. A Yale graduate and former Chief of Staff at a major teaching hospital, he also served as state senator; ran for Lt. Governor and Governor of Connecticut; and for the United States Senate. Dr. Labriola is the author of seven mystery novels and co-author with renowned forensic scientist, Dr. Henry Lee, of three books: Famous Crimes Revisited, Dr. Henry Lee's Forensic Files, and The Budapest Connection. Sailing on the October 31 Connoisseur's Caribbean voyage.
Professor Anthony Grayling -- Fellow of the World Economic Forum, a teacher at Birkbeck College, University of London, the author of many books on philosophy and a frequent broadcaster on the BBC. He is also a frequent contributor to the press in the UK, writing a column for the Guardian newspaper and The Times, and appearing often in the review and editorial pages of the Independent, the Observer, the New Statesman, the Financial Times, and the Literary Review. Voyage date to be confirmed.
According to Marlow, offering enrichment onboard ocean liner voyages came about organically. "Traditionally, Cunard has attracted the world's most well-educated and intrepid passengers. Dating back to the days of the original Queen Mary, several guests, including distinguished notables such as Winston Churchill or Cole Porter, engaged in informal talks to their fellow travelers as a way of entertaining themselves," said Marlow. "Just as the crew would organize deck games, lessons on etiquette and talent shows, guests enjoyed sharing their knowledge and experiences with one another."
Former lecturers and luminaries have included Film Critic Leonard Maltin, Academy Award(R) winning Actor Richard Dreyfuss, Bestselling Author ("The Diana Chronicles") Tina Brown and her husband, literary notable Sir Harold Evans, Helen Gurley Brown, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Afghan Ambassador to the US, Said Jawad, Academy Award(R) winning Composer Bill Conti, Art Linkletter and such acclaimed authors as PD James, Alexander McCall Smith, Frank McCourt and Dick Francis"
"From thought provoking conversation to the opportunity to sail with like minded guests, Cunard has long been the preferred line of travellers seeking to broaden their intellectual horizons. Now, with the introduction of Cunard Insights, the line's newly revisioned enrichment programme, guests enjoy an even broader range of meaningful, rare opportunities to interact with acclaimed experts and prominent luminaries.
Delving deeply into a variety of compelling and relevant topics, Cunard Insights introduces guests to stimulating experts and accomplished visionaries who reflect the line's heritage of adventure and prestige. Through a series of lectures, Q&A's, debates, social gatherings, and workshops, guests connect with personalities who have achieved notable distinction in areas including history, world affairs, science, politics, arts and literature.
The new Insights programme underscores Cunard's longstanding view that enrichment at sea should transcend mere entertainment to afford guests a provocative and rewarding cerebral experience.
"For generations, Cunard has set the standard for onboard enrichment. As our guests eagerly anticipate and enjoy this aspect of our voyages, we feel a passionate responsibility to ensure that our programmes are the most dynamic in the industry and that the experts and lecturers chosen are accomplished, engaging and approachable," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line.
These informal talks grew in popularity and, today, they comprise an important part of the daytime activity onboard. Since the launch of Queen Mary 2 in January 2004, more than 250,000 guests have attended presentations, interviews and lectures.
This experiential offering is so important to Cunard that a dedicated manager has been assigned to oversee the selection of more than 500 Cunard Insights presenters annually. Caroline Mathieson is responsible for identifying and booking compelling and fascinating speakers from around the globe to sail aboard Queen Mary 2. "Cunard Insights is the next-generation enrichment programme," said Mathieson. "Essentially, we've taken a great programme and expanded the offering, making it broader and brighter. Now, there really is something for everyone."
Looking for "passion, expertise and personality," Mathieson seeks to introduce Cunard travelers to numerous Insights speakers on every voyage through stimulating Q&A's, debates and workshops. Upcoming notable personalities slated to lecture aboard Queen Mary 2 include:
Victoria Tennant -- British actress sailing on the August 9 westbound Transatlantic Crossing.
David Hempleman-Adams -- Polar explorer, mountaineer and author sailing on the August 23 and September 4 Transatlantic Crossings.
John Cleese -- Award-winning British actor/comedian/writer on the September 4 eastbound Transatlantic Crossing.
Dr. Eric Paul Roorda -- Director of the Frank C. Munson Institute of American Maritime Studies at Mystic Seaport, the Museum of America and the Sea, in Mystic, Connecticut; a Professor of History and Political Science at Bellarmine University, where he has taught since 1996. Sailing on the August 31 four-day Getaway voyage from New York to Halifax.
Jeffrey Hoffman -- former NASA astronaut and currently co-director of the Massachusetts Space Grant Consortium at MIT's Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, sailing on the September 22 westbound Transatlantic Crossing.
Dr. Jean-Pierre Isbouts -- Professor of Culture and Media Studies at Fielding Graduate University, also an award-winning film-maker and the author of numerous publications on the art, architecture and music of the Near East, the Renaissance and the 19th century era. Sailing on the September 22 westbound Transatlantic Crossing.
Frank DeFord -- Emmy(R) Award winning sports commentator sailing on the eastbound October 7 Transatlantic Crossing.
Dr. Susan Humphris -- Senior Scientist and Chair in the Geology and Geophysics Department at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, she studies the nature and distribution of sea-floor hot springs and has authored or co-authored more than 60 scientific papers. She is also the co-creator of the highly successful Dive and Discover web site that brings oceanographic expeditions in near real-time to students and the general public. Sailing on the October 25 westbound Transatlantic Crossing.
Dr. Bradley James Rowe -- Holds a PhD in Applied Eco-Psychology and Integrated Ecology. Jim lectures on a wide variety of subjects ranging from coral reef ecology and SCUBA diving theory to human physiology, the history of Costa Rica, Panama and the Panama Canal, Caribbean Cultural history, Central American history, national psyche of Latin American countries, ocean rescue, river guide training, swift water rescue, wilderness first responder training and other subjects. Sailing on the October 25 westbound Transatlantic Crossing.
Lynn Truss -- Bestselling Author ("Eats, Shoots and Leaves") sailing on the October 25 westbound Transatlantic Crossing.
Dr. Jerry Labriola -- Practiced medicine for 35 years and was an Assistant Professor at the University of Connecticut Medical School. A Yale graduate and former Chief of Staff at a major teaching hospital, he also served as state senator; ran for Lt. Governor and Governor of Connecticut; and for the United States Senate. Dr. Labriola is the author of seven mystery novels and co-author with renowned forensic scientist, Dr. Henry Lee, of three books: Famous Crimes Revisited, Dr. Henry Lee's Forensic Files, and The Budapest Connection. Sailing on the October 31 Connoisseur's Caribbean voyage.
Professor Anthony Grayling -- Fellow of the World Economic Forum, a teacher at Birkbeck College, University of London, the author of many books on philosophy and a frequent broadcaster on the BBC. He is also a frequent contributor to the press in the UK, writing a column for the Guardian newspaper and The Times, and appearing often in the review and editorial pages of the Independent, the Observer, the New Statesman, the Financial Times, and the Literary Review. Voyage date to be confirmed.
According to Marlow, offering enrichment onboard ocean liner voyages came about organically. "Traditionally, Cunard has attracted the world's most well-educated and intrepid passengers. Dating back to the days of the original Queen Mary, several guests, including distinguished notables such as Winston Churchill or Cole Porter, engaged in informal talks to their fellow travelers as a way of entertaining themselves," said Marlow. "Just as the crew would organize deck games, lessons on etiquette and talent shows, guests enjoyed sharing their knowledge and experiences with one another."
Former lecturers and luminaries have included Film Critic Leonard Maltin, Academy Award(R) winning Actor Richard Dreyfuss, Bestselling Author ("The Diana Chronicles") Tina Brown and her husband, literary notable Sir Harold Evans, Helen Gurley Brown, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Afghan Ambassador to the US, Said Jawad, Academy Award(R) winning Composer Bill Conti, Art Linkletter and such acclaimed authors as PD James, Alexander McCall Smith, Frank McCourt and Dick Francis"
Cruising to Nova Scotia aboard the QM2
This from northjersey.com
"Cruising to Nova Scotia aboard the QM2
After seeing a Labor Day cruise to Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the Queen Mary 2 advertised in the Travel section, we quickly made our reservations. Tom and Carla Walsh (left in the photo) and my husband, Jim, and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversaries in 2006. The cruise was a wonderful way to celebrate love and friendship.
The Queen Mary 2 was a lovely ship. Tropical Storm Ernesto made it a "little" choppy, but after all it was the Queen Mary 2, and the storm was hardly felt.
Tip: Since the weather along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia is unpredictable, pack a sweater, raincoat and umbrella. As for the Queen Mary 2, bring comfortable shoes for walking the deck and your dancing shoes for the evening.
Pat Keegan
Northvale
"Cruising to Nova Scotia aboard the QM2
After seeing a Labor Day cruise to Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the Queen Mary 2 advertised in the Travel section, we quickly made our reservations. Tom and Carla Walsh (left in the photo) and my husband, Jim, and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversaries in 2006. The cruise was a wonderful way to celebrate love and friendship.
The Queen Mary 2 was a lovely ship. Tropical Storm Ernesto made it a "little" choppy, but after all it was the Queen Mary 2, and the storm was hardly felt.
Tip: Since the weather along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia is unpredictable, pack a sweater, raincoat and umbrella. As for the Queen Mary 2, bring comfortable shoes for walking the deck and your dancing shoes for the evening.
Pat Keegan
Northvale
August 12, 2007
Cunard introduces new onboard enrichment program
This from smartertravel.com
"To sail on the Queen Mary 2, you need to be rich financially. But, the educated, well-traveled folks who sail with Cunard also want to be rich intellectually. Given the success of past enrichment programs, the cruise line has created "Cunard Insights," a series of lectures and presentations by experts and famous people.
The new program will let Cunard guests interact and learn from prominent lecturers through talks, Q&As, debates, social gatherings, and workshops. Cunard expects to host more than 500 lecturers annually on topics such as history, world affairs, science, politics, literature, and the arts. Upcoming speakers include actor John Cleese, former astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman, sports commentator Frank DeFord, actress Victoria Tennant, and mountaineer David Hempleman-Adams.
If you're the kind of cruiser who thinks the only reasonable type of onboard enrichment is bar trivia after a long day of sunbathing and downing margaritas, stick to Carnival. But if you're excited about lazy days sailing across the Atlantic, learning from experts in their field and listening to people who have done amazing things with their lives, there may be a Cunard sailing with your name on it."
"To sail on the Queen Mary 2, you need to be rich financially. But, the educated, well-traveled folks who sail with Cunard also want to be rich intellectually. Given the success of past enrichment programs, the cruise line has created "Cunard Insights," a series of lectures and presentations by experts and famous people.
The new program will let Cunard guests interact and learn from prominent lecturers through talks, Q&As, debates, social gatherings, and workshops. Cunard expects to host more than 500 lecturers annually on topics such as history, world affairs, science, politics, literature, and the arts. Upcoming speakers include actor John Cleese, former astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman, sports commentator Frank DeFord, actress Victoria Tennant, and mountaineer David Hempleman-Adams.
If you're the kind of cruiser who thinks the only reasonable type of onboard enrichment is bar trivia after a long day of sunbathing and downing margaritas, stick to Carnival. But if you're excited about lazy days sailing across the Atlantic, learning from experts in their field and listening to people who have done amazing things with their lives, there may be a Cunard sailing with your name on it."
World Cruises: Exploration In Style And Comfort For The 21st Century
This from travelvideo.yv about world cruising which talks about Cunard's world cruises:
"The history of civilization is the story of exploration - extraordinary journeys into the unknown, lasting months if not years. Each had its own purpose - conquest, treasure, knowledge - and each ended with fabulous stories of new worlds for a fascinated public back home.
Luckily, today's explorers and adventurers do not have to suffer the hardships endured by the Vikings, Columbus, Captain Cook or Darwin; they have a much more comfortable, even luxurious way to roam the globe: the world cruise.
Seven members of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) cater to that growing population of travelers struck with extreme wanderlust, those adventurous vacationers determined to explore every continent and exotic new destination and eager to bring their own fabulous stories home again. As reflected in their innovative and ambitious itineraries, all six companies, some with more than 50 years experience circling the globe in style, report that demand for world cruises is greater than ever before.
From west to east, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, world cruises represent the perfect opportunity, for those who have the time, to visit destinations well out of the mainstream, such as Myanmar (formerly Burma), Oman, Vietnam, Iwo Jima and new ports of call in Africa and the Pacific. They also visit many of the world's major cultural and historical sites and capital cities in Asia, Europe and the Americas.
World cruises, lasting approximately 100 days or more, typically follow good weather, ensuring that passengers, wherever they are in the world, can do their exploring in comfort. Most travel westward, departing in January, but there are exceptions, notably a rare opportunity to sail north to south, from one pole to the other.
CLIA member ships offering world cruises range in size, carrying as few as 400 or over 1,000 passengers. In 2008 they include the newest ocean liner in service as well as several of the highest rated and most popular luxury vessels. All have been designed to navigate with ease the open oceans they will travel through. Although cruise segments of a few weeks or more are always offered - enabling passengers to fly to embarkation points around the world - cruise lines report that traditionally more than half the passengers sign up for the entire voyage.
Here is a summary of CLIA member world cruises for 2008, and one which departs in September, 2007:
CRYSTAL CRUISES
Crystal Serenity, voted "World's Best Cruise Ship" in 2006 by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, will depart Los Angeles on January 19 for a 108-day odyssey through Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, India, Northern Africa and the Mediterranean. Overnight stays will be offered in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar, India, Egypt and Monaco. Visiting 45 ports in 22 countries, it will be Crystal's 13th annual world cruise.
CUNARD LINE
Two of Cunard Line's three "queens" will offer world cruises in 2008, continuing a tradition of global voyages that the company began in 1922.On January 13, Cunard's newest ship, Queen Victoria, and the legendary Queen Elizabeth 2, beginning her last year of venerable service to the company, will sail from New York to Fort Lauderdale where they will then part ways. Queen Victoria will continue on a 105-day Pathway to the Explorers maiden world cruise, visiting 36 cities in 23 countries, and Queen Elizabeth 2 will make her 90-day South America, Pacific and Far East Odyssey, visiting 17 countries.
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first world cruise, Holland America in 2008 will offer four "Grand Voyages" on two ships. ms Amsterdam sails westward from Fort Lauderdale on January 4 for a 114-day world cruise visiting 40 ports in 26 countries on six continents. ms Prinsendam will make a 68-day cruise to South America and the Antarctic starting January 3, followed by a 73-day journey to the exotic ports of Africa, for a combined 141-day world cruise. And, departing September 19, ms Amsterdam will explore Asia and Australia on a 65-day voyage to 20 ports in 13 countries.
NORWEGIAN COASTAL VOYAGE
MS Fram, Norwegian Coastal Voyage's newest ship, will make the first "longitudinal" world cruise this fall when it sets sail from Reykjavik, Iceland on September 18, 2007 for a 67-day trip from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Visiting 44 ports in 17 countries on four continents, the voyage will include stops in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, the eastern US, the western Caribbean, the Panama Canal, the west coast of South America and the fjords of Chile and the land of penguins - Antarctica. For those unable to plan for 2007, a similar world cruise is anticipated for the same time in 2008.
PRINCESS CRUISES
Princess returns to world cruising in 2008 with a 102-day adventure aboard the Pacific Princess. Departing on January 10 from Fort Lauderdale, the 670-passenger ships first round the world voyage will take in 42 destinations in South America, the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, the Middle East and Europe before concluding in Southampton, England. Individual highlights include visits to the Machu Picchu, the Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat and the Pyramids of Egypt. Then, in 2009, Princess plans to offer two world cruises - 107-day voyages from Fort Lauderdale on the Tahitian Princess and the Royal Princess.
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
San Francisco is the port of embarkation on January 6 for Seven Seas Voyager's 115-night world cruise to the Pacific, Asia, India, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, North Africa, Bermuda and Florida. Featuring 11 overnight stays for in-depth exploration - in Tahiti, Sydney, Osaka, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Mumbai and Dubai - the voyage to51 ports in 26 countries is also highlighted by visits to New Zealand, Singapore, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Oman and the Red Sea.
SILVERSEA CRUISES
Departing from Fort Lauderdale on January 16, Silver Shadow will sail on a "Rhythms of the World" cruise, covering 25 countries and over 50 ports in 110-days. After sailing through the Panama Canal, the ship will journey through Hawaii and the South Pacific, including Iwo Jima and Guam, much of Asia, including Vietnam, Egypt and the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Highlights of the voyage include high profile partnerships and special events with such brands as Ferragamo and Men's Vogue as well as celebrity chef Cat Cora and film critic Rex Reed.
The best way to learn more about world cruises is to seek the counsel of a CLIA travel professional, considered the consumer's very best resource when planning a cruise vacation. To locate an agency near you, use the travel agent locator on CLIA's Web site at http://www.cruising.org/
# # #About CLIAThe nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America's largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 24 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations and counts as members 16,500 travel agencies. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit http://www.cruising.org/
"The history of civilization is the story of exploration - extraordinary journeys into the unknown, lasting months if not years. Each had its own purpose - conquest, treasure, knowledge - and each ended with fabulous stories of new worlds for a fascinated public back home.
Luckily, today's explorers and adventurers do not have to suffer the hardships endured by the Vikings, Columbus, Captain Cook or Darwin; they have a much more comfortable, even luxurious way to roam the globe: the world cruise.
Seven members of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) cater to that growing population of travelers struck with extreme wanderlust, those adventurous vacationers determined to explore every continent and exotic new destination and eager to bring their own fabulous stories home again. As reflected in their innovative and ambitious itineraries, all six companies, some with more than 50 years experience circling the globe in style, report that demand for world cruises is greater than ever before.
From west to east, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, world cruises represent the perfect opportunity, for those who have the time, to visit destinations well out of the mainstream, such as Myanmar (formerly Burma), Oman, Vietnam, Iwo Jima and new ports of call in Africa and the Pacific. They also visit many of the world's major cultural and historical sites and capital cities in Asia, Europe and the Americas.
World cruises, lasting approximately 100 days or more, typically follow good weather, ensuring that passengers, wherever they are in the world, can do their exploring in comfort. Most travel westward, departing in January, but there are exceptions, notably a rare opportunity to sail north to south, from one pole to the other.
CLIA member ships offering world cruises range in size, carrying as few as 400 or over 1,000 passengers. In 2008 they include the newest ocean liner in service as well as several of the highest rated and most popular luxury vessels. All have been designed to navigate with ease the open oceans they will travel through. Although cruise segments of a few weeks or more are always offered - enabling passengers to fly to embarkation points around the world - cruise lines report that traditionally more than half the passengers sign up for the entire voyage.
Here is a summary of CLIA member world cruises for 2008, and one which departs in September, 2007:
CRYSTAL CRUISES
Crystal Serenity, voted "World's Best Cruise Ship" in 2006 by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, will depart Los Angeles on January 19 for a 108-day odyssey through Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, India, Northern Africa and the Mediterranean. Overnight stays will be offered in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar, India, Egypt and Monaco. Visiting 45 ports in 22 countries, it will be Crystal's 13th annual world cruise.
CUNARD LINE
Two of Cunard Line's three "queens" will offer world cruises in 2008, continuing a tradition of global voyages that the company began in 1922.On January 13, Cunard's newest ship, Queen Victoria, and the legendary Queen Elizabeth 2, beginning her last year of venerable service to the company, will sail from New York to Fort Lauderdale where they will then part ways. Queen Victoria will continue on a 105-day Pathway to the Explorers maiden world cruise, visiting 36 cities in 23 countries, and Queen Elizabeth 2 will make her 90-day South America, Pacific and Far East Odyssey, visiting 17 countries.
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first world cruise, Holland America in 2008 will offer four "Grand Voyages" on two ships. ms Amsterdam sails westward from Fort Lauderdale on January 4 for a 114-day world cruise visiting 40 ports in 26 countries on six continents. ms Prinsendam will make a 68-day cruise to South America and the Antarctic starting January 3, followed by a 73-day journey to the exotic ports of Africa, for a combined 141-day world cruise. And, departing September 19, ms Amsterdam will explore Asia and Australia on a 65-day voyage to 20 ports in 13 countries.
NORWEGIAN COASTAL VOYAGE
MS Fram, Norwegian Coastal Voyage's newest ship, will make the first "longitudinal" world cruise this fall when it sets sail from Reykjavik, Iceland on September 18, 2007 for a 67-day trip from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Visiting 44 ports in 17 countries on four continents, the voyage will include stops in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, the eastern US, the western Caribbean, the Panama Canal, the west coast of South America and the fjords of Chile and the land of penguins - Antarctica. For those unable to plan for 2007, a similar world cruise is anticipated for the same time in 2008.
PRINCESS CRUISES
Princess returns to world cruising in 2008 with a 102-day adventure aboard the Pacific Princess. Departing on January 10 from Fort Lauderdale, the 670-passenger ships first round the world voyage will take in 42 destinations in South America, the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, the Middle East and Europe before concluding in Southampton, England. Individual highlights include visits to the Machu Picchu, the Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat and the Pyramids of Egypt. Then, in 2009, Princess plans to offer two world cruises - 107-day voyages from Fort Lauderdale on the Tahitian Princess and the Royal Princess.
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
San Francisco is the port of embarkation on January 6 for Seven Seas Voyager's 115-night world cruise to the Pacific, Asia, India, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, North Africa, Bermuda and Florida. Featuring 11 overnight stays for in-depth exploration - in Tahiti, Sydney, Osaka, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Mumbai and Dubai - the voyage to51 ports in 26 countries is also highlighted by visits to New Zealand, Singapore, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Oman and the Red Sea.
SILVERSEA CRUISES
Departing from Fort Lauderdale on January 16, Silver Shadow will sail on a "Rhythms of the World" cruise, covering 25 countries and over 50 ports in 110-days. After sailing through the Panama Canal, the ship will journey through Hawaii and the South Pacific, including Iwo Jima and Guam, much of Asia, including Vietnam, Egypt and the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Highlights of the voyage include high profile partnerships and special events with such brands as Ferragamo and Men's Vogue as well as celebrity chef Cat Cora and film critic Rex Reed.
The best way to learn more about world cruises is to seek the counsel of a CLIA travel professional, considered the consumer's very best resource when planning a cruise vacation. To locate an agency near you, use the travel agent locator on CLIA's Web site at http://www.cruising.org/
# # #About CLIAThe nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America's largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 24 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations and counts as members 16,500 travel agencies. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit http://www.cruising.org/
LIverpool's Race against time to be ready for QE2 visit
This from icliverpool about the forthcoming visit to the city:
"LIVERPOOL faces a race against time to have its multi-million cruise liner terminal ready for its official launch event with the QE2.
In what could be a new body blow following the Mathew Street Festival fiasco, the cruise liner landing stage – which had been due to receive its first visitor last month – has been towed to Wirral’s Cammell Laird shipyard for checks and any urgent last- minute work. There is now a battle to ensure the work is completed and the £19m stage in place for the start of September, when a procession of cruise liners are due to visit Liverpool.
But the biggest date is September 21 when the QE2 is to visit the Mersey for the official launch of the new stage as part of the famous vessel’s farewell tour.
It was unclear last night whether the stage would be completed and fully tested by then or by September 2, when the cruise liner Prinsendam is due to tie up alongside.
Last night, contractors Balfour Beatty, who built the terminal, said they were confident of meeting their contractual obligations.
Maritime sources in the city said last night that any problems with what is being billed as a showpiece event for Liverpool would be as catastrophic as the Mathew Street cancellation.
Liverpool City Council said last night it did not see any problems with the September 21 visit by the famous Cunarder, celebrating its 40th anniversary with a round-Britain tour.
The council said it was expected that the 1,000-ft long stage would be towed into place this weekend, but poor weather is already being predicted for Sunday, while Balfour Beatty predict an installation on Monday.
It will then have to be attached to a line of piles sunk into the river bed, and then the roadways linking the stage with the quayside will have to be lifted into place.
Trials and tests are expected to take several weeks, leaving little breathing space before the arrival of the first vessels.
One maritime organisation has posted a collection of photographs of the landing stage being towed from Liverpool’s Canada Dock to Cammell Laird in Birkenhead.
It is believed the stage was towed to Wirral in two phases during the weekend.
A spokeswoman for Balfour Beatty said: “The underwater surveys carried out afloat have proven inconclusive, due to visibility.
“Therefore, the pontoons have been transported to a local dry dock to enable these surveys to be carried out. While afloat in the dock and in the dry dock, construction works, including fitting out of the accommodation buildings and the works on and within the pontoons have and will continue apace.”
The spokeswoman said “last minute snagging” on major projects was normal, and was part of the contractual programme. The contract gives Balfour Beatty until September 4 to complete the project and last night the company said it was “on target” to meet that deadline."
"LIVERPOOL faces a race against time to have its multi-million cruise liner terminal ready for its official launch event with the QE2.
In what could be a new body blow following the Mathew Street Festival fiasco, the cruise liner landing stage – which had been due to receive its first visitor last month – has been towed to Wirral’s Cammell Laird shipyard for checks and any urgent last- minute work. There is now a battle to ensure the work is completed and the £19m stage in place for the start of September, when a procession of cruise liners are due to visit Liverpool.
But the biggest date is September 21 when the QE2 is to visit the Mersey for the official launch of the new stage as part of the famous vessel’s farewell tour.
It was unclear last night whether the stage would be completed and fully tested by then or by September 2, when the cruise liner Prinsendam is due to tie up alongside.
Last night, contractors Balfour Beatty, who built the terminal, said they were confident of meeting their contractual obligations.
Maritime sources in the city said last night that any problems with what is being billed as a showpiece event for Liverpool would be as catastrophic as the Mathew Street cancellation.
Liverpool City Council said last night it did not see any problems with the September 21 visit by the famous Cunarder, celebrating its 40th anniversary with a round-Britain tour.
The council said it was expected that the 1,000-ft long stage would be towed into place this weekend, but poor weather is already being predicted for Sunday, while Balfour Beatty predict an installation on Monday.
It will then have to be attached to a line of piles sunk into the river bed, and then the roadways linking the stage with the quayside will have to be lifted into place.
Trials and tests are expected to take several weeks, leaving little breathing space before the arrival of the first vessels.
One maritime organisation has posted a collection of photographs of the landing stage being towed from Liverpool’s Canada Dock to Cammell Laird in Birkenhead.
It is believed the stage was towed to Wirral in two phases during the weekend.
A spokeswoman for Balfour Beatty said: “The underwater surveys carried out afloat have proven inconclusive, due to visibility.
“Therefore, the pontoons have been transported to a local dry dock to enable these surveys to be carried out. While afloat in the dock and in the dry dock, construction works, including fitting out of the accommodation buildings and the works on and within the pontoons have and will continue apace.”
The spokeswoman said “last minute snagging” on major projects was normal, and was part of the contractual programme. The contract gives Balfour Beatty until September 4 to complete the project and last night the company said it was “on target” to meet that deadline."
August 6, 2007
Submarine replica found near Queen Mary ship in Brooklyn
This on the newsday.com site
"It was September 1776 when a crude submarine known as the "Turtle" failed in its attempt to blow up a British ship in New York Harbor during the Revolutionary War.
Friday, a homemade replica of the Turtle caused its own commotion near the passenger ship Queen Mary 2 anchored off Brooklyn, triggering a massive security alert and landing a controversial New York artist in some trouble.
Police harbor units leapt into action Friday morning after an NYPD detective saw two unauthorized vessels approaching a security zone around the Queen Mary, docked in Red Hook, officials said. One vessel, a pear-shaped wooden submersible with a total height of about eight feet, was being towed by an inflatable raft, and the aquatic entourage pulled to within 25 yards of the cruise ship.
They appear to have put the sub in the water at Red Hook to see if it would float," said state Deputy Public Safety Secretary Michael Balboni, who happened to be flying over the harbor in a helicopter to examine port security.
"It looked like a big sea buoy bobbing in the water," said Balboni. "It was about 25 yards from the stern of the Queen Mary."
A spokesman for the U.S. Coast Guard in New York said the submersible, also dubbed the "Turtle," had only a peddle system for propulsion and had no other means of power or steering mechanism. One man was in the submersible craft while two others were on the inflatable craft, a group of people police Commissioner Ray Kelly described as "three adventuresome individuals" involved in some "marine mischief."
Kelly was also quick to note that an ongoing investigation yielded no security threat or link to terrorism.
The nautical adventure appears to have been the idea of Duke Riley, a 35-year-old Brooklyn native described by a friend as an artist with a penchant for the odd "guerrilla sort of project." Police identified his two cohorts on the raft as being Michael Cushing,41, and Jesse Bushnell, 18, both of Rhode Island. A law enforcement source said Bushnell claimed to be a relative of the original submarine designer, David Bushnell.
In the 1776 incident the original Turtle got close to a British warship but couldn't attach an explosive device, which detonated later in the harbor waters, according to historical accounts.
"He doesn't mean any harm, but he straddles the line of the law with his projects," said Emily Miranda, 34, a friend of Riley. The three men could not be reached for comment.
Officials said Riley was issued a citation for violating the security zone around the Queen Mary 2. Cushing and Bushnell weren't given citations, officials said.
While the stunt may have been part of artistic expression, officials said that they weren't taking any chances.
"In a situation like this with the Queen Mary being a sensitive vessel, we would approach tactically," said Lt. John Snerina of the police harbor unit, explaining the large law enforcement turnout.
"We have never seen anything [like this] in the harbor before."
Staff writers Carol Eisenberg, Rocco Parascandola and Laura Albanese contributed to this story.
"It was September 1776 when a crude submarine known as the "Turtle" failed in its attempt to blow up a British ship in New York Harbor during the Revolutionary War.
Friday, a homemade replica of the Turtle caused its own commotion near the passenger ship Queen Mary 2 anchored off Brooklyn, triggering a massive security alert and landing a controversial New York artist in some trouble.
Police harbor units leapt into action Friday morning after an NYPD detective saw two unauthorized vessels approaching a security zone around the Queen Mary, docked in Red Hook, officials said. One vessel, a pear-shaped wooden submersible with a total height of about eight feet, was being towed by an inflatable raft, and the aquatic entourage pulled to within 25 yards of the cruise ship.
They appear to have put the sub in the water at Red Hook to see if it would float," said state Deputy Public Safety Secretary Michael Balboni, who happened to be flying over the harbor in a helicopter to examine port security.
"It looked like a big sea buoy bobbing in the water," said Balboni. "It was about 25 yards from the stern of the Queen Mary."
A spokesman for the U.S. Coast Guard in New York said the submersible, also dubbed the "Turtle," had only a peddle system for propulsion and had no other means of power or steering mechanism. One man was in the submersible craft while two others were on the inflatable craft, a group of people police Commissioner Ray Kelly described as "three adventuresome individuals" involved in some "marine mischief."
Kelly was also quick to note that an ongoing investigation yielded no security threat or link to terrorism.
The nautical adventure appears to have been the idea of Duke Riley, a 35-year-old Brooklyn native described by a friend as an artist with a penchant for the odd "guerrilla sort of project." Police identified his two cohorts on the raft as being Michael Cushing,41, and Jesse Bushnell, 18, both of Rhode Island. A law enforcement source said Bushnell claimed to be a relative of the original submarine designer, David Bushnell.
In the 1776 incident the original Turtle got close to a British warship but couldn't attach an explosive device, which detonated later in the harbor waters, according to historical accounts.
"He doesn't mean any harm, but he straddles the line of the law with his projects," said Emily Miranda, 34, a friend of Riley. The three men could not be reached for comment.
Officials said Riley was issued a citation for violating the security zone around the Queen Mary 2. Cushing and Bushnell weren't given citations, officials said.
While the stunt may have been part of artistic expression, officials said that they weren't taking any chances.
"In a situation like this with the Queen Mary being a sensitive vessel, we would approach tactically," said Lt. John Snerina of the police harbor unit, explaining the large law enforcement turnout.
"We have never seen anything [like this] in the harbor before."
Staff writers Carol Eisenberg, Rocco Parascandola and Laura Albanese contributed to this story.
4 will bid for Queen Mary
This on the presstelegram site about the long running QUEEN MARY saga...
"LONG BEACH - Just hours before Friday's 5 p.m. deadline to submit bids for the Queen Mary's lease, two developers and an off-beat artist emerged as potential buyers - paving the way for a bidding war over the historic ship and its surrounding acreage.
An auction is set for Aug. 14 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, where the ship's current lessee, Queen's Seaport Development Inc., sought Chapter 11 protection two years ago following a years-long rent dispute with its landlord, the city of Long Beach.
A stalking-horse bid of $41 million already has been received by O&S Holdings in Santa Monica. But, after Friday, the current high bidder is KUD International, a subsidiary of Kajima USA, which has submitted a bid of $44 million.
The other two bids, both of them for $43 million, are Save The Queen LLC - a creation of Hix Rubenstein developer Jeffrey Klein - and sculptor Brett-Livingstone Strong of Strong Monuments.
All three new bids were submitted between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Friday, along with cashier's checks or wire transfers of nearly $1.3 million apiece, deposits ensuring that each is a committed bidder, said bankruptcy trustee Howard Ehrenberg. The deposit is returned to bidders who aren't chosen.
The last-minute nature of the bidding was strategic, Ehrenberg said.
"Sophisticated buyers in an auction-type setting don't want to reveal themselves any sooner than they have to," he said. "It gives the perception of an advantage to others if they make themselves known any sooner."
Ehrenberg said he was encouraged by the number of bidders, but cautioned that only O&S so far has been labeled financially qualified to take part in the auction.
He said he would meet today with city officials to discuss which of the bidders should be allowed to move forward. If there is a dispute, the matter will be brought before U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Vincent Zurzolo before the auction begins Aug. 14, he said.
A closed session is scheduled for Tuesday to brief the City Council.
"While I'm, of course, very pleased to have received three bids," he said, "they each do need to qualify."
Save the Queen LLC and KUD International LLC are the most likely bidders to stay in the race, sources have said.
KUD International, headed by Marvin Suomi, stands to capitalize on Kajima's longtime relationship with the city of Long Beach, having built the Aquarium of the Pacific and the World Trade Center downtown.
For the Queen Mary project, KUD has teamed with Christopher Damon, a Pacific Palisades developer who has been heavily involved in the acquisition of entertainment real estate - including live-performance venues, theaters and restaurants. Recently, he has partnered with CineSpace Supper Club & Lounge in Hollywood and Surfparks, a surf-based theme park set to open next year in Orlando, Florida.
Save the Queen consists of Newport Beach developer Jeffrey Klein and Hix Rubenstein, a developer of high-end golf resorts.
Previously, Klein and Hix Rubenstein had been linked to the Caryle Group, but that is no longer the case, Ehrenberg said. Although he declined to specify the names of Klein's new backers, he said they appeared to be "equally strong institutional financing sources."
The third, and most unlikely bidder, is an artist named Brett-Livingstone Strong, whose vision for the Queen Mary site includes building a statue of the late Princess Diana of Wales on a scale similar to the Statue of Liberty.
Deputy City Attorney Charles Parkin said the city had received a package with a few details of Strong's plan. He said the artist planned to renovate the ship and build a "Statue of Freedom" monument - a bronze statue of an angel with a 20-foot tall face modeled after Princess Diana. There would also be a portrait of the Virgin Mary, he said, modelled after Michelangelo's Pieta in the Vatican, and other tourist attractions.
Developers have been reluctant to share their visions for the Queen Mary and the surrounding 50 acres, but most appear to center on mixed-use projects - retail, restaurants and entertainment - as well as resorts and marinas. Any development must go through the usual city process of approval, which could take years."
"LONG BEACH - Just hours before Friday's 5 p.m. deadline to submit bids for the Queen Mary's lease, two developers and an off-beat artist emerged as potential buyers - paving the way for a bidding war over the historic ship and its surrounding acreage.
An auction is set for Aug. 14 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, where the ship's current lessee, Queen's Seaport Development Inc., sought Chapter 11 protection two years ago following a years-long rent dispute with its landlord, the city of Long Beach.
A stalking-horse bid of $41 million already has been received by O&S Holdings in Santa Monica. But, after Friday, the current high bidder is KUD International, a subsidiary of Kajima USA, which has submitted a bid of $44 million.
The other two bids, both of them for $43 million, are Save The Queen LLC - a creation of Hix Rubenstein developer Jeffrey Klein - and sculptor Brett-Livingstone Strong of Strong Monuments.
All three new bids were submitted between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Friday, along with cashier's checks or wire transfers of nearly $1.3 million apiece, deposits ensuring that each is a committed bidder, said bankruptcy trustee Howard Ehrenberg. The deposit is returned to bidders who aren't chosen.
The last-minute nature of the bidding was strategic, Ehrenberg said.
"Sophisticated buyers in an auction-type setting don't want to reveal themselves any sooner than they have to," he said. "It gives the perception of an advantage to others if they make themselves known any sooner."
Ehrenberg said he was encouraged by the number of bidders, but cautioned that only O&S so far has been labeled financially qualified to take part in the auction.
He said he would meet today with city officials to discuss which of the bidders should be allowed to move forward. If there is a dispute, the matter will be brought before U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Vincent Zurzolo before the auction begins Aug. 14, he said.
A closed session is scheduled for Tuesday to brief the City Council.
"While I'm, of course, very pleased to have received three bids," he said, "they each do need to qualify."
Save the Queen LLC and KUD International LLC are the most likely bidders to stay in the race, sources have said.
KUD International, headed by Marvin Suomi, stands to capitalize on Kajima's longtime relationship with the city of Long Beach, having built the Aquarium of the Pacific and the World Trade Center downtown.
For the Queen Mary project, KUD has teamed with Christopher Damon, a Pacific Palisades developer who has been heavily involved in the acquisition of entertainment real estate - including live-performance venues, theaters and restaurants. Recently, he has partnered with CineSpace Supper Club & Lounge in Hollywood and Surfparks, a surf-based theme park set to open next year in Orlando, Florida.
Save the Queen consists of Newport Beach developer Jeffrey Klein and Hix Rubenstein, a developer of high-end golf resorts.
Previously, Klein and Hix Rubenstein had been linked to the Caryle Group, but that is no longer the case, Ehrenberg said. Although he declined to specify the names of Klein's new backers, he said they appeared to be "equally strong institutional financing sources."
The third, and most unlikely bidder, is an artist named Brett-Livingstone Strong, whose vision for the Queen Mary site includes building a statue of the late Princess Diana of Wales on a scale similar to the Statue of Liberty.
Deputy City Attorney Charles Parkin said the city had received a package with a few details of Strong's plan. He said the artist planned to renovate the ship and build a "Statue of Freedom" monument - a bronze statue of an angel with a 20-foot tall face modeled after Princess Diana. There would also be a portrait of the Virgin Mary, he said, modelled after Michelangelo's Pieta in the Vatican, and other tourist attractions.
Developers have been reluctant to share their visions for the Queen Mary and the surrounding 50 acres, but most appear to center on mixed-use projects - retail, restaurants and entertainment - as well as resorts and marinas. Any development must go through the usual city process of approval, which could take years."
August 4, 2007
NYC Police stop mini-submarine floating near Queen Mary 2
This on news.bbc.co.uk
"
Police in New York City have stopped an egg-shaped, mini-submarine found floating in the harbour near the moored ocean liner Queen Mary II.
The vessel was designed for "underwater navigation", police said, and seemed to be a replica of the Turtle submarine from the American War of Independence.
Three men have been charged with breaching harbour regulations but terrorism is not suspected.
The mini-sub had a hatch on top and was propelled by a pedal-operated paddle.
One man was in the vessel and two other men were in an inflatable boat towing the sub.
'Marine mischief'
New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said the mini-sub "is the creative craft of three adventuresome individuals".
"It does not pose any terrorist threat... We can best summarise today's incident as marine mischief."
Police spotted the handmade wooden vessel floating some 60 metres (197 feet) from the Queen Mary II - inside the liner's security zone.
"Basically, the vessel was not safe to sail," said Coast Guard officer Angelia Rorison.
"It had no lights, no flares. It was not registered," she said.
"Instead of safety violations, this could have turned into a search and rescue."
"
Police in New York City have stopped an egg-shaped, mini-submarine found floating in the harbour near the moored ocean liner Queen Mary II.
The vessel was designed for "underwater navigation", police said, and seemed to be a replica of the Turtle submarine from the American War of Independence.
Three men have been charged with breaching harbour regulations but terrorism is not suspected.
The mini-sub had a hatch on top and was propelled by a pedal-operated paddle.
One man was in the vessel and two other men were in an inflatable boat towing the sub.
'Marine mischief'
New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said the mini-sub "is the creative craft of three adventuresome individuals".
"It does not pose any terrorist threat... We can best summarise today's incident as marine mischief."
Police spotted the handmade wooden vessel floating some 60 metres (197 feet) from the Queen Mary II - inside the liner's security zone.
"Basically, the vessel was not safe to sail," said Coast Guard officer Angelia Rorison.
"It had no lights, no flares. It was not registered," she said.
"Instead of safety violations, this could have turned into a search and rescue."
August 3, 2007
QE2 'too young' to be saved says UK Government
This on Southampton's dailyecho.com
"A DESPERATE last-ditch attempt to keep Southampton's most famous liner in her home port has failed because the ship is 'too young'.
Behind-the-scenes moves to try and scupper the £50m deal to send the Queen Elizabeth 2 to the oil-rich state of Dubai have been sunk after an attempt to brand the ship "an object of culture interest" failed.
Cunard's parent company, the Miami-based Carnival Corporation, has struck a deal with developers in Dubai who will transform the liner into a floating holiday resort, hotel and conference centre. She is due to leave Southampton for the last time in November 2008.
The Southampton-based QE2 Consortium had hoped the Government would stop the sale under an act of parliament which controls the export of "objects of cultural interest". It would have meant the Government would have needed to issue an official export licence before the ship could be permanently removed from British waters.
But the Department of Culture, Media and Sport announced that an object had to be at least 50 years old before the Government could step in and insist on an export licence.
"As the QE2 is less than 50 it is not governed by legislation on the export of cultural goods and does not require an export licence," said a Government spokesman.
Ironically, this development comes as QE2 prepares for a series of celebrations next month marking the 40th anniversary of her entery into service.
Cunard would not be drawn on the consortium's attempt to keep QE2 in Southampton and a spokesman would only say: "We have no comment to make at this time."
Terry Yarwood from the QE2 Consortium, initiated the plea for an export licence in a letter to Southampton Itchen MP John Denham. Mr Yarwood claimed the chairman of Carnival Corporation had not realised how important the QE2 was to Britain's national heritage.
He said: "It is totally unacceptable that an American autocrat has made a decision about the future of the most famous ship in the world without any consideration whatsoever for the British people and the possibility of the liner being permanently berthed in Southampton."
Mr Yarwood said: "This would have been a golden opportunity for the Government to prove that they care about our British heritage."
"A DESPERATE last-ditch attempt to keep Southampton's most famous liner in her home port has failed because the ship is 'too young'.
Behind-the-scenes moves to try and scupper the £50m deal to send the Queen Elizabeth 2 to the oil-rich state of Dubai have been sunk after an attempt to brand the ship "an object of culture interest" failed.
Cunard's parent company, the Miami-based Carnival Corporation, has struck a deal with developers in Dubai who will transform the liner into a floating holiday resort, hotel and conference centre. She is due to leave Southampton for the last time in November 2008.
The Southampton-based QE2 Consortium had hoped the Government would stop the sale under an act of parliament which controls the export of "objects of cultural interest". It would have meant the Government would have needed to issue an official export licence before the ship could be permanently removed from British waters.
But the Department of Culture, Media and Sport announced that an object had to be at least 50 years old before the Government could step in and insist on an export licence.
"As the QE2 is less than 50 it is not governed by legislation on the export of cultural goods and does not require an export licence," said a Government spokesman.
Ironically, this development comes as QE2 prepares for a series of celebrations next month marking the 40th anniversary of her entery into service.
Cunard would not be drawn on the consortium's attempt to keep QE2 in Southampton and a spokesman would only say: "We have no comment to make at this time."
Terry Yarwood from the QE2 Consortium, initiated the plea for an export licence in a letter to Southampton Itchen MP John Denham. Mr Yarwood claimed the chairman of Carnival Corporation had not realised how important the QE2 was to Britain's national heritage.
He said: "It is totally unacceptable that an American autocrat has made a decision about the future of the most famous ship in the world without any consideration whatsoever for the British people and the possibility of the liner being permanently berthed in Southampton."
Mr Yarwood said: "This would have been a golden opportunity for the Government to prove that they care about our British heritage."
Cigarette haul on QE2 loaded in Gibraltar leads to man being found guilty in UK
This on a GIbraltar news site:
"A crew member of the QE2 luxury liner has been convicted of smuggling cigarettes after purchasing the tobacco while the ship was in Gibraltar last year.
Stephen Madden, the ship's provisions manger, was found guilty in a Southampton court.
A spectacular haul of 765,000 cigarettes had been found hidden onboard the QE2 luxury liner on return to Britain from a Mediterranean cruise. He had also smuggled further consignments of cigarettes on previous occasions, making a total of 1.8 million.
DUTY EVADED AT GIBRALTAR
PANORAMA carried a detailed report when the news first broke last year. HM Customs in Britain told us that the cigarettes had been loaded in Gibraltar and duty had been evaded.
Customs officers working in Southampton Cruise Terminal seized the 765,000 cigarettes that were not properly declared to them on the QE2 after the liner arrived. "The officers discovered that the cigarettes had been loaded in Gibraltar and had not been placed in the ship’s bonded stores but had been hidden in a locked loading bay," PANORAMA was told.
As a result of the discovery, Customs Officers questioned a 41 year-old crew member “and established that the cigarettes had not been ordered and paid for by the ship but had been paid for in cash at a cost of over £31,000.”
A spokesperson added that the revenue evaded on the cigarettes was approximately £150,000.
“Customs are well aware of the risk of smuggling by crew members on board cruise liners and carry out regular checks on arriving vessels. It is clear that there were a number of serious irregularities in the way this large quantity of cigarettes were ordered, paid for and stored on the ship and we will continue with our enquiries. Cigarette smuggling is not a harmless tax fiddle. It costs £2.2 billion per year in lost revenue – money that would otherwise be funding schools, hospitals and other important public services,” a spokeman said at the time.
The crew member has now been found guilty of fraudulently evading duty and bailed until September for sentencing.
He had £31,000 in a brown paper bag when he paid for the haul at Gibraltar and hid them on the liner.The cigarettes were ordered by email before the ship arrived at Gibraltar.
There is concern about large quantities of cigarettes being smuggled from Gibraltar in cruise ships!"
"A crew member of the QE2 luxury liner has been convicted of smuggling cigarettes after purchasing the tobacco while the ship was in Gibraltar last year.
Stephen Madden, the ship's provisions manger, was found guilty in a Southampton court.
A spectacular haul of 765,000 cigarettes had been found hidden onboard the QE2 luxury liner on return to Britain from a Mediterranean cruise. He had also smuggled further consignments of cigarettes on previous occasions, making a total of 1.8 million.
DUTY EVADED AT GIBRALTAR
PANORAMA carried a detailed report when the news first broke last year. HM Customs in Britain told us that the cigarettes had been loaded in Gibraltar and duty had been evaded.
Customs officers working in Southampton Cruise Terminal seized the 765,000 cigarettes that were not properly declared to them on the QE2 after the liner arrived. "The officers discovered that the cigarettes had been loaded in Gibraltar and had not been placed in the ship’s bonded stores but had been hidden in a locked loading bay," PANORAMA was told.
As a result of the discovery, Customs Officers questioned a 41 year-old crew member “and established that the cigarettes had not been ordered and paid for by the ship but had been paid for in cash at a cost of over £31,000.”
A spokesperson added that the revenue evaded on the cigarettes was approximately £150,000.
“Customs are well aware of the risk of smuggling by crew members on board cruise liners and carry out regular checks on arriving vessels. It is clear that there were a number of serious irregularities in the way this large quantity of cigarettes were ordered, paid for and stored on the ship and we will continue with our enquiries. Cigarette smuggling is not a harmless tax fiddle. It costs £2.2 billion per year in lost revenue – money that would otherwise be funding schools, hospitals and other important public services,” a spokeman said at the time.
The crew member has now been found guilty of fraudulently evading duty and bailed until September for sentencing.
He had £31,000 in a brown paper bag when he paid for the haul at Gibraltar and hid them on the liner.The cigarettes were ordered by email before the ship arrived at Gibraltar.
There is concern about large quantities of cigarettes being smuggled from Gibraltar in cruise ships!"
Calmac joins in celebrations of return of QE2 to the Clyde
This from shippingtimes.co.uk
"Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne is to mark the nostalgic return to the Clyde of one of the world’s finest liners, the QE2, with a special cruise from Gourock.
On 20 September 1967, the QE2, was launched from John Brown’s Shipyard and on her 40th birthday, 20 September 2007, she will again be sailing the Clyde.
CalMac is hosting a special viewing cruise on MV Saturn, which will join the flotilla escorting the QE2 as she leaves the Clyde on the evening of September 20, following a schedule detailed below. MV Saturn will depart from Gourock and go to Dunoon to pick up ticket holders there before heading for Greenock via Helensburgh and then accompany the QE2 to Rothesay.
Tickets, priced £15 for adults and £10 for concession card holders and children go on sale from CalMac’s Gourock and Dunoon offices from today (Wednesday, August 1) and will be received on a first-come, first-served basis. A special family ticket for two adults and two accompanying children is available at £40.
Lawrie Sinclair, CalMac’s Managing Director, said: “This is a wonderful occasion and a big event in terms of the Clyde and all the connections with the history of ocean-going liners. We are able to offer this cruise on a one-off basis and are delighted that we can offer people the chance to be on the river along with one of our generation’s greatest ships. It promises to be a wonderful occasion and we are delighted to be able to be part of it.”
Refreshments will be available for sale on board MV Saturn.
MV Saturn Departures:
1700 ex Gourock Return approx 2000
1730 ex Dunoon Return approx 1925
Tickets:
Adult £15.00; Concession and children £10.00
Family (2 adults & 2 children) £40.00
Tickets are available from the following offices only (or by telephone):
Gourock Office Tel: 01475 650 226 (Option 2)
Dunoon Office Tel: 01369 706 491
Other operators will be marking the event too, with cruises from mv BALMORAL operated by Waverley Excursions and trips on passenger vessels by Clyde Marine Cruises of Greenock."
"Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne is to mark the nostalgic return to the Clyde of one of the world’s finest liners, the QE2, with a special cruise from Gourock.
On 20 September 1967, the QE2, was launched from John Brown’s Shipyard and on her 40th birthday, 20 September 2007, she will again be sailing the Clyde.
CalMac is hosting a special viewing cruise on MV Saturn, which will join the flotilla escorting the QE2 as she leaves the Clyde on the evening of September 20, following a schedule detailed below. MV Saturn will depart from Gourock and go to Dunoon to pick up ticket holders there before heading for Greenock via Helensburgh and then accompany the QE2 to Rothesay.
Tickets, priced £15 for adults and £10 for concession card holders and children go on sale from CalMac’s Gourock and Dunoon offices from today (Wednesday, August 1) and will be received on a first-come, first-served basis. A special family ticket for two adults and two accompanying children is available at £40.
Lawrie Sinclair, CalMac’s Managing Director, said: “This is a wonderful occasion and a big event in terms of the Clyde and all the connections with the history of ocean-going liners. We are able to offer this cruise on a one-off basis and are delighted that we can offer people the chance to be on the river along with one of our generation’s greatest ships. It promises to be a wonderful occasion and we are delighted to be able to be part of it.”
Refreshments will be available for sale on board MV Saturn.
MV Saturn Departures:
1700 ex Gourock Return approx 2000
1730 ex Dunoon Return approx 1925
Tickets:
Adult £15.00; Concession and children £10.00
Family (2 adults & 2 children) £40.00
Tickets are available from the following offices only (or by telephone):
Gourock Office Tel: 01475 650 226 (Option 2)
Dunoon Office Tel: 01369 706 491
Other operators will be marking the event too, with cruises from mv BALMORAL operated by Waverley Excursions and trips on passenger vessels by Clyde Marine Cruises of Greenock."
August 1, 2007
Carnival wins rights to QE2 Web site in court
This appeared on CNN
"GENEVA, Switzerland (Reuters) -- Carnival, the world's largest cruise operator, on Tuesday won exclusive rights to "qe2.com" after the firm that registered the Internet site was found to have no link to its most famous ocean liner.
Prime Choice, a web design and site hosting company based in the U.S. state of Virginia, did not contest the complaint filed against it at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a United Nations agency in Geneva.
A WIPO panel agreed with Carnival's claim that Prime Choice "lacks rights or legitimate interests in respect to the domain name" which it registered in August 2000 but did not develop.
Its ruling found it "highly unlikely" that the U.S. company was unfamiliar with the QE2 trademark, which is an abbreviation of the "Queen Elizabeth 2" ocean liner launched by Carnival's Cunard Line in 1969.
"It is difficult to conceive of any plausible actual or contemplated actual use of the domain name by the respondent (Prime Choice) that would not be illegitimate or an infringement of the complainant's trademark rights," it said.
WIPO has handled some 10,500 such cases of "cybersquatting," where outsiders register domain names to which they have no genuine claim in order to divert browsers to their own sites or to sell the rights to the site to interested parties.
Past cybersquatting cases have involved commercial brands including oil firms and hotel chains, prominent film stars and actors, writers, and internationally-known sports clubs. Last week the News Corp. unit Twentieth Century Fox won the right to "thesimpsonsmovie.com" site run by a U.S. podcaster. E-mail to a friend"
"GENEVA, Switzerland (Reuters) -- Carnival, the world's largest cruise operator, on Tuesday won exclusive rights to "qe2.com" after the firm that registered the Internet site was found to have no link to its most famous ocean liner.
Prime Choice, a web design and site hosting company based in the U.S. state of Virginia, did not contest the complaint filed against it at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a United Nations agency in Geneva.
A WIPO panel agreed with Carnival's claim that Prime Choice "lacks rights or legitimate interests in respect to the domain name" which it registered in August 2000 but did not develop.
Its ruling found it "highly unlikely" that the U.S. company was unfamiliar with the QE2 trademark, which is an abbreviation of the "Queen Elizabeth 2" ocean liner launched by Carnival's Cunard Line in 1969.
"It is difficult to conceive of any plausible actual or contemplated actual use of the domain name by the respondent (Prime Choice) that would not be illegitimate or an infringement of the complainant's trademark rights," it said.
WIPO has handled some 10,500 such cases of "cybersquatting," where outsiders register domain names to which they have no genuine claim in order to divert browsers to their own sites or to sell the rights to the site to interested parties.
Past cybersquatting cases have involved commercial brands including oil firms and hotel chains, prominent film stars and actors, writers, and internationally-known sports clubs. Last week the News Corp. unit Twentieth Century Fox won the right to "thesimpsonsmovie.com" site run by a U.S. podcaster. E-mail to a friend"
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