The
“Best Luxury Cruise Ship” awards signify the ocean liner’s
prevalence in providing the ultimate luxury
cruise for which Cunard is known. With more than
550 entries from around the world, the Magellan Award
winners represent the best in the travel industry and salute the
outstanding travel
professionals behind it all.
The
Travel Weekly Magellan Awards judges panel included:
• Peter
Greenberg, travel editor, CBS “The Early Show”
• Patricia
Schultz, author, “1,000 Places to See Before You Die”
• Johnny
Jet, travel blogger
• Rudy
Maxa, host, PBS “Rudy Maxa’s World”
• Lalia
Rach, professor and founding dean, NYU Tisch Center for Hospitality,
Tourism and Sports
Management
• Burt
Wolf, internationally syndicated TV journalist
“It
is most rewarding for our youngest Queen to receive such high
accolades from the industry’s most notable and respected experts,”
said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “The tribute is a
testament to our ongoing commitment to provide world-class
entertainment offerings, as well as our signature, grand public
spaces.”
Queen
Elizabeth, the newest and second largest Cunard ship ever built,
offers the very best of Cunard's heritage and traditions, along with
classic and modern day luxuries and entertainment. She relives, in
modern glamour, the high society culture of the 1930s and 40s.
Travellers can partake in intimate dancing at the Yacht
Club, engage in ballroom
dance lessons, attend an exclusive Royal Nights themed
ball, or see plays and musicals performed by the Queen Elizabeth
Theatre Company – the largest production company at sea. The ship's
variety of theatrical productions includes:
• “La
Danza” – a non-stop dance show highlighting emerging dance
cultures from the rockabilly jive and fiery paso doble, to authentic
Cuban beats
• “Hotel
Royale” – a Cinderalla-esque story featuring a declining city
hotel desperately in need of a makeover. With unusual guests and a
dysfunctional staff, will this hotel be able to
return to
its prime?
• “Vanity
Fair” – features popular music,
dance and cultures of a bygone era, with a touch of the Avant Garde
• “Jazz,
Blues & Rock’n’Roll” – accompanied by the Royal Court
Theatre Orchestra, this enchanting performance is a show not to be
missed!
Additionally,
a vast array of enrichment opportunities is available, including the
Cunard Book Club and award-winning Cunard Insights programme. Other
leisurely pursuits can be enjoyed on the Games Deck, featuring
croquet and lawn bowls greens. Guests may also rejuvenate at the spa,
or indulge in daily, white-gloved afternoon
tea.
Art
Deco features on board pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth and
reflect a more civilized era of travel. Centered in the ship’s
atrium, an 18.5 foot decorative marquetry panel portraying the
original Queen Elizabeth sits atop the Grand Lobby’s soaring
central arched space on the sweeping staircase leading up from the
main deck. Surrounded by lavish wall panels, balconies and an
elevated ceiling, the decorative wood inlay serves as the design
anchor for the atrium and reflects Queen Elizabeth’s predecessor in
interior extravagance, décor and style, with a modern twist. The
piece is prominently displayed to welcome guests with an everlasting
impression of Queen Elizabeth’s grandeur as they embark on each
voyage. Designer David Linley, the only nephew of HM Queen Elizabeth,
created the majestic centerpiece.
