Elite Traveler. July/August 2004 Ships of Dreams Wendy O'Dea Never before have luxury cruisers had so many opulent options. In addition to a multitude of exceptional vessels already sailing the high seas, the past year saw the debut of three new ships you'll want to know above deck and below. QUEEN MARY 2 Cunard's Line Queen Mary 2, the biggest and most expensive oceanliner ever built, salied its maiden voyage in January to great fanfare. It can ferry up to 2,060 passengers across the Atlantic - a select few in high-style duplex apartments. The Balmoral, Windsor, Holyrod, Buckingham and Sandringham Suites overlook the stern through a two-story outer wall. Each apartment includes a private exercise area, two marble bathrooms, fully stocked bar and butler service. These suites can also adjoin to create a living area of more than 9,000 square feet. Naturally, the world's biggest liner has a spectacular array of diversions on board: A Canyon Ranch Spa, H. Stern and Hermès shopping, even an on board planetarium. The ship is already attracting stars like American Idol's Rubben Studdard and Dame Shirley Bassey. The $800 million QM2 will sail trans-Atlantic crossings in July before moving on to the Mediterranean. A six-night crossing in the top suites costs $27,499 per person. CRYSTAL SERENITY It's been one year since Crystal Cruises introduced its third ship, the aptly named Serenity. If you enjoy Crystal's first two vessels, you'll love this one- Serenity boasts twice as many Penthouse accomodations, and it's four 1,345-square-foot Crystal Penthouse Suites are more than a third larger than those in the existing fleet. You'll be able to enjoy plasma-screen TV's, DVD and CD players, binoculars, a private workout room, sauna and steam room and private dining area. Of course you will also have butler service. Big name restaurateurs Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Salvaggio deliver top-caliber eateries. Other attractions: The Crystal Spa (much larger then other Crystal spas) is designed according to feng-shui; Caesar's Palace at Sea keeps gaming's glamour factor high; the Vintage Room combines the practicality of a classic boardroom with the indulgence of a wine cellar; and The Studio is equipped with Yamaha keyboards. Dame Julie Andrews is among the celebrities who have sampled the serene scene on Crystal Serenity. For sailings this July and August in the Mediterranean, Crystal Penthouse Suite fares start at $15,780 per person based on double occupancy. RADISSON SEVEN SEAS VOYAGER This all-suite, all-balcony ship debuted in early 2003 to rave reviews. The 46,000-ton Voyager is the most intimate of the new ships, accommodating a mere 700 passengers (plus one crewmember for every 1.5 guests). The ship's best feature is its level of accommodations. Book either the expansive Voyager, Grand, or Master Suites, which range from 554 to 1,335 square feet. The Grand Suite, at 876 square feet, includes a glass-enclosed hot tub with full ocean views. Among the fine dining spots on board, the Latitudes Restaurant is a standout that allows its 70 guests to dine in art deco luxury. Le Cordon Bleu chefs reign over the galley at the Signatures restaurant. Step into the spa for some pampering by Carita of Paris. News anchor Hugh Downs and famed soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa have sampled Voyager's style of luxury cruising. The ship sails through the Baltic this summer and moves to the Mediterranean in September. Fares in a top suite this season start at $22,675 per person, double occupancy. OCEAN PROS In the fast-flowing world of cruising, an experienced travel consultant who regularly inspects the ships can be the key to booking the luxury cruise that is right for you. THE CRUISE PROFESSIONALS Contact: President and CEO Mary Jean Tully Phone: (800)265-3838; Fax: (905)275-3838 Email: sales@cruiseprofessionals.com Website: www.cruiseprofessionals.com   Back         Top of Page

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