Hi Everyone,
I received this press release from Cunard and thought it would be of
interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are
available on my web site.
Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com
Queen Victoria's Queen and Princess Grills Capture
the Spirit and Sophistication of the Golden Age of Ocean Travel
The Grills' More Secluded Location and Updated Luxuries Afford
More Privacy and Privilege aboard Queen Victoria
Valencia, CA - August 21, 2007 - 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 Dining
Within 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 Tradition
Nothing 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.
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