Interlachen Travelers Enjoy Cunard’s Newest Ocean Liner’s First Caribbean and South American Voyage

What is as tall as a 15-story building, twice as long as the Washington Monument, and cruises the blue oceans as the world’s grandest luxury liner today? Why the Queen Mary 2 of course. In January it made its Maiden Voyage from Southampton, England, to the United States. The QM2 (as the Queen Mary 2 is known) is the largest, longest, tallest, widest, and most expensive passenger vessel ever built.

Interlachen travelers Jennifer and Thor Anderson were among the first passengers to board this newest ocean liner in the Cunard fleet of elegant ships as it cruised the Caribbean and South America. Though Jennifer had traveled to Europe onboard the Queen Elizabeth in 1965—traveling by ocean liner was cheaper than flying for the then college student—Thor couldn’t resist experiencing travel on the world’s most elite of ships.

In February, they boarded the spectacular QM2 in Ft. Lauderdale headed for such destinations as St. Thomas, Salvador de Bahia in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Martinique, and Barbados. The Cunard Line is associated with service and elegance in travel and the QM2 accommodates 2,620 passengers and requires a crew of 1,253.

Comparing her first experience in 1965 on a Cunard ocean liner, Jennifer noted the differences between the Queen Elizabeth and the QM2. “The Queen Elizabeth was dark—dark wood and a dark interior—it felt closed in. My stateroom was very small, with bunk beds for four people, and a bathroom down the hall. Needless to say, I spent most of my time away from my room.” And the QM2? “It was very inviting, open, bright, and cheerful with an Art Deco theme. Our inside stateroom on the sixth deck was roomy with a queen-sized bed, bathroom, a desk and Internet access.”

The QM2 is a magnificent ship. Everything you could possibly want is onboard. Jennifer called it “a city on the water” for its many lovely shops, beautiful library and sitting room, planetarium, hospital, theatre, casino, sports facilities, lounges, spa, pools, cafeterias, and dining rooms.

By day, the QM2 offers many activities. The Promenade Deck, at 1/3 of a mile, is a great walking track; three to four pools are available (one was enclosed); and outdoor golfing is even onboard. The library and sitting room are lovely. The Canyon Ranch Spa has a facility onboard; Jennifer enjoyed a hot rock massage, the therapeutic aqua pool, and a pedicure. A Maritime museum displays the golden era of ocean cruising. An art gallery exhibits an art collection worth more than $5 million and daily art auctions are held with bidding for original works by such artists as Chagall, Dali, Picasso, and Renoir. Passengers can chose from three to four lectures each day from notable Oxford University professors and well-known celebrities—actress Patricia Neal was on board. There are also special activities for children so parents can explore the more serious options on board. And High Tea is served each day from 3:30 to 4:30 pm.

By night, the QM2 offers exquisite, formal dining sometimes requiring black tie and evening gowns. Waiters wearing white gloves served passengers five-course meals. These “formal nights” were held eight times on the Andersons’ trip. “The food was incredible, whether we were eating in the dining room or in one of the cafeterias,” said Jennifer. As is customary on ocean liners, each QM2 stateroom is matched with a reserved table at a sea-view restaurant dining room. After dining, passengers danced, played roulette in the casino, or took in the Las Vegas show performed every night in the theater.

The travelers onboard the QM2 with Jennifer and Thor were from around the world. Jennifer estimated that about one-third were from America, one-third were from the United Kingdom and Australia, and the other one-third from South America, Asia, and Europe. The Andersons met wonderful people and became friends with a couple from Scotland, whom they plan to visit next year.

What did the Andersons like most about traveling on the QM2? “The excellent service, amenities and the traditional formality for which the Cunard Line is known. The QM2 blended past ocean- liner travel with today’s health conscious travelers very nicely. We enjoyed the ‘formal nights’ and being treated with such style and elegance,” said Jennifer. “We would encourage everyone to take an ocean liner trip at least once in their lifetime. Such a trip doesn’t have to be expensive—it averaged about $275 per day and that included our accommodations, food and travel to exotic destinations. Of course, excursions and shopping were extra.”

According to Interlachen Travel Agent Ann Gray CTC, who has sailed on 25 cruises and toured many more, “The cost of accommodations are based on the size and location, whether it is a suite, or an ocean view or an inside cabin, and how far in advance it is booked. Cruise lines vary in price per the length of cruise, the itinerary, what is included (some include wine or liquor), the age and size of the ship, and the overall quality. Different ships offer different activities: some are geared to families with children; others appeal to intellectual pursuit; and others have livelier entertainment.” Interlachen Travel will help clients choose the right one to meet their needs.

Jennifer and Thor are already planning their next ocean liner cruise, this time around the world. Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 tours the world in 103 days. The Andersons plan to be on that ship once they retire and have the leisure time to spend. Jennifer said, “Of course we will book our next cruise through Interlachen Travel. Ann Gray and her staff at Interlachen Travel are so helpful and make the planning of any trip easy and effortless. They make sure all of the important details are covered (i.e. Visas and passports etc) and take all of the worry out of the process!”

Cruises vary in price depending on many components: the length of the cruise, the itinerary, the age and size of the ship, what amenities are included, and the overall quality of the cruise line. Accommodation costs are based on the size and location; whether it is a suite, has an ocean view, or is an inside cabin. The various cruise lines each have their own personality. Some are best for families with children. There are those which focus on intellectual pursuit. Some are known for their food. Some stand out because of their elegant accommodations. And others are recognized for their outstanding entertainment.

Interlachen Travel offers discounted cabins on 23 QM2 sailings in 2004 and 2005. We also offer a complimentary special shore excursion in St. Maarten on three dates in January and February. Of special note…by planning now, travelers can save money on a QM2 cruise leaving from Ft. Lauderdale on February 12, 2005, which visits San Juan, St.Thomas and St.Maarten. Interlachen Travel has reserved exclusive space available at discounted rates beginning at $1,421 per person—perfect for a Valentine special treat.