Ah, the lap of luxury (Cunard Line)

Member Name: HeavenlyTwin

Product:	Cunard Line
Date:	22/07/01 (709 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Definitely how the other half used to live. absolutely wonderful., Formal dining nights, it's like stepping back into the history of seventy -plus years ago, dowager duchesses, and morning coats., Wonderful crew, lots of activities, superb food, too mush to mention.

Disadvantages: that I can't do it more often!

Sailing the seven seas has been left beind as the foremost mode of transport, as air travel has swelled to take its place. Me - I don't fly, so I always sail and when I do, it's the QE2. It is an experience that will stay in my memory for ever. Each time has been perfectly unique ... and oddly enough, she has been re-fitted inbetween each of my sailing odysseys.

On my wall is a framed certificate which congratulates me for being a Star of the
Passenger Talent Show; it is my prized souvenir of my most recent transatlantic crossing on this magnificent ship, in September of 2000. Seven whole days, and a stopover in Amsterdam, too. Prior to that, there had been a 6 day cruise from New York to Southampton in May of 1998, and a Southampton to New York 5 day crossing way back in July of 1990. So what is it that takes me back to this great liner, time and again? What exactly is it's pull?

Well, for starters, could it have anything to do with the band on the dockside, playing as you sail out of Southampton, like something out of an old Hollywood movie? That wonderful remembrance of times past, of how it used to be for those rich enough to afford it, in the heyday of the transatlantic liners. Or maybe it's the fact that on formal dining occasions, one can walk the stairways or ride the elevators, and it's as if you've been transported half a century or more before. I'm a people watcher, and I could have stood and watched for hours. It's like something out of Titanic, when only the rich could sail and enjoy it. The clothes, the jewellery, everything oozes class. It is a truly breathtaking sight.

Yet by day, it's just about everything anybody could want it to be. There are lectures and appearances by talented people from all walks of life - famous actors of film and television, authors, photographers and artists, musicians and singers from the fifties to the present. Something for everybody. Fee
ling like being pampered? Steiner's will take care of you. Want to work out? There's a gym and pools for your pleasure. Just wanna have sun? Grab a lounger and lay up on deck. Want to curl up with a good book? The library has something for all tastes, and the Book Store opposite has Cunard History books, postcards and posters for sale.

For true shopaholics, there is a mini -mall - including Harrod's-At-Sea, a perfumerie and jewellery store, clothes stores, souvenir shops and a candy store. What more could you desire?

I will say, there is a downside to all of this - you should definitely not sail on the QE2 if you're trying to diet. The Lido hosts buffets from breakfast to midnight - sumptuous arrays of salads, fruits, breads and desserts, with a cafeteria-style hot bar of meats, entrees and vegetables. Oh, and there's afternoon tea too - neat little sandwiches, and pastries, served by white gloved stewards of both sexes, whose motto nust be that my wish is their command. So attentive, you need only tell them your name once and it was remembered.

Night life is abundant, from the casino to the Yacht Club playing dance music; first run movies in the movie theatre; stage shows, musicians from singers to big band style, comedians. They go out of their way to make sure there is something for everyone.

I'm a cheapie, so had one of the smallest single cabin, but even these are cosy without being too cramped. En-suite bathroom with shower, wardrobe space (and plenty of room UNDER the bed for suitcases!), dresser, tv and phone - what more could one want?

Prices vary depending on time of the year, single or sharing, and cabin/suite size but start at around £1100, which includes free air travel one way. Checking out the cunard site at www.cunard.com will help you check out on bargains, as in 2000 there were some travellers sailing for around £500. They'd snapped up some excellent offers. B
ear in mind, that this is all inclusive - cabin, food and entertainment, although drinks to your cabin, and at the bar are NOT INCLUDED. Also, you need about $10 a day for tipping (added to your on-board tab daily) and of course, any money that you want to spend on shopping for souvenirs or to play the machines in the casino.

I've always had a brilliant time, have met interesting people and brought memories back with me that will last a lifetime. I'd recommend this to anyone. I keep saying - if I ever win the lottery, I'll take all my grandkids on the QE2 ...

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