Cunard Liner Nominated for Luxist Award

Whilst much of the press and media focus may currently be on the impending debut sailing of Cunard Cruises' Queen Elizabeth, it has been revealed that another of their ships could be set to steal the limelight. Having already won the Luxist Awards Readers' Choice Award in January for the Best Caribbean Cruise Line, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 has now been nominated in the category of best summer cruises.

Named after the grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mary 2 has been chosen as a possible winner for the Luxist award with its twelve day Mediterranean trip. Offering cruises from Southampton , the liner first spends day three sea days before sailing around to the port of Barcelona. Taking in the sights of Spain for an entire day, the Queen Mary 2 moves on to Monte Carlo and sails from Rome to Naples, before heading back to the UK via both Lisbon and Gibraltar.

Highlighted as one of the best ways in which to explore the Mediterranean, Luxist has included the voyage amongst the nominee's for the best summer cruise partly due to the ship herself. Breaking the record for the largest ship built when she was finished in 2004, the Queen Mary 2 and her 1,132 feet were larger than even the Titanic. Cruising 5mph above most other ships at 30mph, ballrooms, theatres, lounges, bars and five swimming pools grace 14 beautiful decks, providing an enormous amount of entertainment for those aboard. And having already won the Readers Choice Award earlier this year, the Queen Mary 2 could be set to take acclaim once again.

P&O Cruises Benefit from Cruise Re-Fit

Carnival Australia, operator of P&O Cruises , has revealed that another of their cruise ships it receive a re-fit. Estimated to be worth £2m, the Pacific Pearl will be overhauled by contracting firm Mivan, providing passengers with a range of brand new services.

Completing the work on the cruise ship for Christmas, Mivan will carry out operations in Singapore, reconstructing the liners Connexions & Oasis Bars, Sunweaver Café, and Salt Grill & Waterfront restaurants. Following designers concepts for the Pacific Pearl's sister ships, Pacific Sun, Pacific Jewel and Pacific Dawn, she make her inaugural cruise on December 22 nd from Auckland. Becoming part of P&O Cruises Australia's fleet, the new re-fit will mean that those taking cruise holidays at the end of 2010 through to 2011 will be able to enjoy the upgraded restaurants and services onboard.

The news comes after Mivan successfully carried out a re-fit of the Pacific Dawn earlier this year. Like the work to be carried out aboard the Pacific Pearl, major reconstruction of the restaurant and dining facilities were made, ensuring that the four ships offer the best eateries for guests that they can. Speaking of the contract Business Development Director for Mivan, Stephen Mills explained “Mivan has maintained its strategy for the cruise ship sector, keeping dedicated Project Managers and outfitting teams focused on this market and client base.” He added that with a better working relationship with P&O all aspects of the project would move smoothly, offering an attractive new option for those looking at cruise deals.

Cruise Holidays Appeal Across the Ages

As recent reports have revealed that the number of British individuals taking to cruise holidays is increasing, an industry expert has revealed that there is no reason that such getaways shouldn't appeal to people of all ages. And whilst the traditional cruise passenger is often stereotypically characterised by their older age, new and modern boats are attempting to attract a younger crowd.

Explaining the changing phenomenon of the cruise industry, Cruise Critic's editor in chief, Carolyn Spencer Brown, revealed that cruises with unusual destinations or a wide range of onboard activities were rising in popularity. Meanwhile with cheap flights allowing for tourists to take opportunities of more adventuresome cruises further afield, younger passengers were beginning to take note. “Cruise lines have vastly improved the variety of activities on offer and updated classes to reflect the shifting demographic of those onboard,” Ms Spencer Brown explained.

In particular, cruise deals with unusual and unique activities have been shown to attract a wide range of people, with younger passengers taking interest in onboard cookery courses or digital photography classes. And with Marco Pierre White holding cooking demonstrations regularly on several liners, there are some big names to add to the mix. Meanwhile, with the upcoming autumn and winter season traditionally slow for the industry, younger passengers may just find an appealing and discounted cruise offer that provides a new and attractive getaway that they've never experienced before.

Cunard Reveals More Queen Elizabeth Details

In the run up to the launch of Cunard Cruises new Queen Elizabeth there has been a lot of talk surrounding new design and innovative features that will set the liner apart from previous models. With less than three months until the 90,400 ton ship makes its inaugural sail, construction is still heavily underway, but new details have emerged for Cunard's new liner.

Holding a total of 2,092 passengers the Queen Elizabeth structurally looks very much like her sister, the Queen Victoria. However, Cunard have taken great care to ensure that the décor stands apart, leaning towards the art deco period of the 1920's and 30's rather than the traditional classic interiors of the past. Meanwhile there have been some major changes to public spaces, providing an added attraction for many looking for cruise deals . Increasing the number of cabins on offer by 38 due to the Queen Elizabeth's structural differences, for the first time ever Cunard have introduced a separate dining area for guests staying in their top class Britannia cabins. Meanwhile, they have altered the Queen Victoria's Winter Garden to create a stunningly styled and Kew-like glasshouse on their latest liner. The Games Deck has also undergone a transformation, with chic styling providing a sense of country, croquet and bowls.

Currently still being built in Italy, the Queen Elizabeth is due for launch in 11 weeks. And with a high level of anticipation over Cunard's latest endeavour, passengers may be queuing up to get their first glance of this glorious new ship.

New Dining Options Revealed by Cunard

Popular cruise company Cunard Cruises has revealed that they are to offer a new dining option on their Queen Elizabeth cruise liner. Announcing that they were re-launching one of their previously most fashionable restaurants, Cunard explained that the Verandah Grill would be introduced with an a la carte menu.

Cunard's Verandah Grill was one of the company's most successful and fashionable restaurants with those on their cruise holidays . Previously established on the Queen Elizabeth's predecessors, the R.M.S Queen Mary and R.M.S Queen Elizabeth, the grill hosted movie stars, members of the royal family and top business officials. Paying a one-pound supplement in the 1940's and 1950's, such individuals enjoyed some of the finest cruise cuisine whilst aboard their transatlantic crossings.

Now revived by the company, the a la carte pricing at the Verandah Grill is the first time Cunard has used such a concept. Offering French cuisine in both contemporary and classic options, meals will be charged per plate. Moderate prices of about $7 for starters, $18 for mains, and $7 for desert, allows for passengers to sample the delights of the restaurant without breaking the bank whilst, with service included, tips will not be expected.

Despite introducing the a la carte pricing aboard the Queen Elizabeth, Cunard is not the first company to implement such menus. NCL's Norwegian Epic already prices per plate at their noodle bar, whilst MSC Cruises use the method in several of their onboard restaurants.