Cruise Reviews, Ship Reviews by The Avid Cruiser

It’s time to begin thinking about 2009 world cruises.

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Cunard Line’s two classic ocean liners - Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2 - not only reflect a strong sense of British heritage but also serve as stately icons that symbolize a time of great glamour, elegance and tradition. For avid cruisers, the liners provide opportunities for modern-day travelers to relive bygone eras at sea.

Next week, Cunard launches a new liner, Queen Victoria. A quintessential Cunard vessel, Queen Victoria will feature not only the hallmark features associated with her sisters, but also private viewing boxes in the Royal Court Theater, alfresco dining for Grill guests, a floating museum display of Cunard memorabilia (Cunardia), and a two-story library with nearly 6,000 books - and much more.

I’ll be on board to cover the naming ceremony in Southampton, England, and to get a quick look at Cunard’s newest ship. Tune in right here for videos, photos, interviews and commentary.

Note: Cunard Line, which pioneered world cruising in 1922 with the first-ever world cruise aboard the Laconia, launches Queen Victoria from New York on a 106-day Pathway to the Explorers voyage around the world. The momentous occasion will take on even more fanfare when Queen Victoria sails into New York for the first time on January 13, meeting Queen Mary 2 and QE2, marking the first time three Cunard Queens will be in port together in the company’s 167-year history.

While it’s possible to do a segment of a world cruise, going all the way is a badge of honor for some. After all, completing a full world cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience (except for those like the Zimmermans, who have done multiple world cruises - you’ll hear from them in a moment.)

Cruise lines reward those who dole out the dollars for the industry’s highest-ticket item. Book a full world cruise and receive generous discounts and perks that can include private car transfers between home and the airport, exclusive shoreside events, complimentary wine and spirits, shipboard credits, all gratuities and more. Continue Reading »