When Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 commences its 2002 schedule of transatlantic crossings it will offer travellers the chance to travel in one direction via British Airways’ supersonic Concorde. Passengers can purchase the upgrade to Concorde service for an additional $1,995, a savings of more than $4,000 per person.
A six-day QE2 transatlantic crossing between New York and Southampton is priced from $1,349 per person, double occupancy, including all meals, entertainment, port charges and Economy Class air (either to or from the ship). Business Class air is included for upper-level staterooms. Under Cunard’s new Concorde deal, every passenger can upgrade to a supersonic
air journey for just $1,995 per person.
As a special bonus, passengers can schedule their Concorde flight on any day they choose, subject to space availability. In other words, guests can fly from New York to London, spend a few days sightseeing, shopping or both, then cruise back to New York aboard QE2. Or, board the ship in New York, sail to Southampton, tour the countryside or spend time in London, and then fly back to New York.
Cunard in previous years successfully marketed a package in connection with the Concorde. According to Deborah L. Natansohn, senior vice president, worldwide sales and marketing for Cunard Line, “We are delighted to again offer travellers the opportunity to combine QE2 and Concorde – two of the world’s greatest travel experiences. What could be better than cruising to Europe at a leisurely pace in one direction and then returning by supersonic jet.”
Under Cunard’s new Spotlight Series, every transatlantic crossing offers special-interest workshops, special events and autograph signings with noted authorities. During the voyage, in-cabin video programming also will be related to the theme. Depending on individual artists, a popular “Meet the Stars” reception allows passengers to chat with the celebrity informally.
Additionally, the line’s Illuminations enrichment programme features guest luminaries from the fields of journalism, literature, academia, the military and the diplomatic corps. Cultural arts and entertainment complement their on-board presentations
The 2002 line up is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
QE2 passengers. For example, in the field of music, artists will be featured from the following genres: Classical, Big Band, Swing, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Barbershop. Other crossings will showcase great films, sports heroes, best-selling authors, fine arts, and heroic men and women, among other topics.
The 1,791-passenger QE2 has often been called a “City at Sea.” There are six dining venues; several elegant bars and lounges; a European-style spa, featuring his and hers dry sauna, a co-ed steam chamber and a co-ed thallasotherapy pool;
a modern computer learning center with both Internet and e-mail access; and the largest library afloat, manned by licensed librarians. Other shipboard facilities include a gymnasium, aerobics studio, cinema and proscenium theatre, casino, hot tubs, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, video arcade, golf driving range and putting area, formal wear shop (rentals available) and duty-free boutiques – including the only Harrods at sea.