This week, Cunard have announced that in 2013 they are sending all three of their cruise ships on epic round the world voyages. It seems that despite some economies around the world still finding it tough at the moment, the cruise industry is not one of them, and Cunard’s announcement comes from the demand for longer cruises especially during the winter months.
Queen Victoria will sail from New York in January 2013 taking a 105 day trip around the world in one direction, while her sister ship Queen Mary 2 will sail a similar journey in the other direction from Southampton. The third Cunard ship Queen Elizabeth will also set sail from Southampton, but her journey will see her travelling to the south Pacific and back in a 91 day long journey.
Peter Shanks the President of Cunard Line is quoted as saying “In a time when some economies around the world are still finding it touch, we’re seeing an increase in interest for longer voyages in the winter.” He also went on to say that he believes vacationers today are seeing the value of longer cruises which on a per day basis end up being a reasonably affordable way to travel to see some of the far flung destinations around the world.
These epic journeys will take in many different ports in many countries, and will offer people the chance to visit a wide range of destinations. The Queen Victoria will stop at 34 ports in 23 countries while the Queen Mary 2’s cruise will include 34 stops in 18 countries as well as including as 12 day highlight circling the beautiful coasts of New Zealand. Among the countries visited by these two ships on their world tours are China, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Vietnam, and India. The Queen Elizabeth will take a somewhat different direction heading out from Southampton to the Americas and south Pacific with 22 ports of call in 11 countries including Honolulu, Somoa, French Polynesia, New Zealand and America.
If you’re looking to book passage on the Queen Victoria or the Queen Mary 2, fares start at $19,995 per person based on two people sharing, and early bookings (before 29th Feb 2012) can enjoy savings of up to 10%. Cunard World Club members will receive extra discounts too. Fares for the Queen Elizabeth start at $6,245 per person based on two people sharing for 36 days taking in just part of the journey, but customers can tack on extra segments of the journey to suit them including a 15 day Panama Canal section from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles, and an 18 day Los Angeles to New York section.
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