*Photos* Damon's trip aboard the Queen Mary 2
On Saturday the 6th of April, Cunard’s majestic Queen Mary 2 popped in to Durban: just one of the many stops on her 2013 World Voyage.
It was not only an unbelievable sight seeing this enormous Ocean-liner approaching our shores, but an equally special moment seeing so many locals lining the waterfront to welcome her, and then returning later on that evening to wave her goodbye.
Initially, I was invited on board for lunch and a tour…
Then, it became lunch and a tour for me and a listener and their partner… And then if that wasn’t enough, I was invited to travel from Durban to Cape Town on this magnificent Ocean-liner.
From sheer excitement, I’ve had minimal sleep over the past couple of weeks!
Being on the Queen Mary 2 has been a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Standing on dry land looking up at this towering beauty, you can only but feel totally overwhelmed. Queen Mary 2 is the epitome of sheer marvelousness.
Being on board is another story. Every sight and sound is a spectacle.
Sweeping staircases and glass elevators, live orchestras and champagne bars, steaming Jacuzzi’s, an art gallery, the superb Canyon Ranch Spa, bellboys and butlers, a planetarium, a theatre and on top of everything, a myriad of superb shops to browse in.
Then there’s the accommodation. Rooms that are spotlessly clean, beautifully decorated and super comfortable. Even entry-level cabins are spacious and boast all the luxuries any passenger could possibly want.
Fresh white sheets and chocolates on your pillow before you turn in for the night; this is 5 star service, with a capital S!
One of the highlights was a visit to the bridge to meet Captain Kevin Oprey.
A man who displays the quiet, understated confidence of someone who has been around ships all his life.
Fascinating to see what goes on behind the scenes.
Queen Mary 2 is not only incredibly environmentally friendly but also self-sustainable with all fresh water on board being produced from seawater by an onboard desalination process. All waste is either set aside for recycling or incinerated on board.
To try and explain all there is to see and do on board this magnificent Ocean-liner is virtually impossible.
Each morning a daily programme is delivered to your room listing a huge range of options to choose from.
Whether it’s a power walk on the deck, sipping on a refreshing cocktail whilst laying in the sun at any one of the ships sparkling pools, ballroom and Latin dancing, a darts competition or something less energetic, like having a coffee and just gazing out at the ocean to the background sounds of a string quartet – there’s something for everyone.
Movies, live shows, volleyball and board games. Wine tasting, lectures, art classes. The list just goes on and on…. and on.
When the weather’s not so great, you can take in a movie or just pop along to the largest library at sea and relax in one of the comfy couches.
When it comes to dining, guests have the opportunity to eat in a multitude of different restaurants.
The smart and elegant Queen’s or Princess Grill, The stunning Britania or the more casual Kings Court Buffet.
Todd English is also a must! A sophisticated yet unpretentious restaurant, which blew me away!
For a more informal choice, the Kings Court offers buffet style eating: burgers and sandwiches, pizzas and pastas, scones with jam and cream and even soft serve ice cream machines.
One thing I learned whilst being on board the Queen Mary 2 is that cruising IS actually VERY affordable. Yes, there are the passengers who’ve forked out top dollars for a world cruise, but there are also the passengers who do a short hop just to experience the magic of a Cunard Ocean-liner. The reality is that if you had to look at a nightly rate, you can do a cruise for about the same price you’d pay for overnight accommodation in a pretty standard hotel – and at least with cruising, you get your meals thrown in!
How do I say thank you to the few incredibly special people who gave me this opportunity of a lifetime…
Esther from Amalfi Travel and Tours who sent me the very first email inviting me for lunch and a tour on board.
Paul and Carol from Whitestar Cruise and Travel (Cunard’s agents in South Africa) in Johannesburg who took it to the next level by inviting me to join them on a cruise from Durban to Cape Town.
Two of the most unbelievably warm and sincere people I’ve ever met.
On Wednesday night as we said our goodbyes, Paul shook my hand and said “It’s not goodbye, you’re part of our family now” and it was at that very minute I realized that once you’ve been a passenger on a Cunard ship, you’re exactly that. Family. Each smile genuine, and each greeting sincere.
Peter Shanks (the President and Marketing Director of Cunard) and his team
Having the opportunity to have lunch with Peter was an incredible experience too. A super friendly, passionate man who lives the Cunard brand.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience the magic of Queen Mary 2.
The memories and photos of my 5 days on board will be with me forever.
CONTACTS
Esther (Amalfi Travel) [email protected]
Paul and Carol (Whitestar Cruise and Travel) 011 234 5811 or [email protected]
or visit the Cunard Website – www.cunard.com