Queen Victoria 2008

[Emu]

Does anyone know when the 2008 cruise schedule will be released, or have any information on the likely sphere of operation.

 

It seems that QEII has the European area and QM2 the Carribean and TA.

 

Where will QV be targetting?

 

Any ideas welcome.

 

Thanks

[KenC]

If no one wants to run with this one??? No clues in the current introductory QV brochures but .......

 

What about Winters being initially based in the Caribbean with a few Panama canal transits (like P&O Arcadia) or jaunts down to Rio for the Carnival. Then expect annual complete or partial world cruises after the first few years (QE2 has to be phased out sometime).

 

Spring and Autumn transatlantic repositioning voyages, with a sprinkling of Canaries, Caribbean and Canadian trips from Southampton.

 

Summers in the Med or Baltic with fly cruises to the Med to enable more exotic ports of call compared to the standard fare increasingly offered on QE2 out of Southampton.

[LuvCelebrity]

I heard this weekend from a reliable source (my travel agent!) that the Queen Victoria will be doing the World Cruise with the QE2, departing January 13, 2008 from New York. The cruises go on sale the beginning of June. Also planned is a tandem transatlantic sailing of QV and QE2 departing from Southampton on January 6, 2008.

 

David

[Kindlychap]

I am hoping that they are going to try and base her more in Europe, taking over the mantle of the QE2 in due course.

 

It would be a shame if Cunard didn't run a dressy and a non dressy ship, a combination that works well now.

 

If Victoria is just a little Mary, then it will be nothing special.

[KenC]

I heard this weekend from a reliable source (my travel agent!) that the Queen Victoria will be doing the World Cruise with the QE2, departing January 13, 2008 from New York. The cruises go on sale the beginning of June. Also planned is a tandem transatlantic sailing of QV and QE2 departing from Southampton on January 6, 2008.

 

David

 

Mmmm??? QE2 is slated to arrive in Sydney on 24 Feb 2008 - but no sign of QV downunder. A January transatlantic to NYC doesn't sound like the sort of thing Cunard would do with QV - they didn't even do that with QM2 and she is designed for the route. But not long to wait until June to find out.

 

.... It would be a shame if Cunard didn't run a dressy and a non dressy ship, a combination that works well now.

 

If Victoria is just a little Mary, then it will be nothing special.

 

Kindlychap ... you really should give up on the QE2 is dressy and QM2 is not - especially as you haven't tried Mary yet. I think once there is another glamorous new 'Queen' for Cunard to promote and fill then demand for the comfortable old 'Queen' will disappear quicker than anticipated.

 

If Victoria is a smaller version of Mary then she will be a superb addition to Cunard.

 

Is this QE2's dressy code ??????

[LuvCelebrity]

I have a copy of the 2008 World Cruise itineraries for QV and QE2, that my travel agent sent me. It shows that both ships will be in Sydney on February 24, 2008. Maybe they haven't listed the QV yet as this was just scheduled. But, it is an official Cunard schedule that I've received.

[KenC]

I have a copy of the 2008 World Cruise itineraries for QV and QE2, that my travel agent sent me. It shows that both ships will be in Sydney on February 24, 2008. Maybe they haven't listed the QV yet as this was just scheduled. But, it is an official Cunard schedule that I've received.

 

Hi David - great news if this is correct. Can you give some idea of the QV itinerary - presumably via Panama Canal?. Will she be doing a different route to QE2? With QV only capable of 23.7 knots I would suspect more sea days than QE2. Still dubious about them filling two NYC transatlantics in January (though I guess it will push the rates right down) - would have been better to do a southern route to Florida via the Canaries.

 

Regards

 

Ken

[KenC]

I have a copy of the 2008 World Cruise itineraries for QV and QE2, that my travel agent sent me. It shows that both ships will be in Sydney on February 24, 2008. Maybe they haven't listed the QV yet as this was just scheduled. But, it is an official Cunard schedule that I've received.

 

Spot on David - exciting news just released courtesy of SeaTrade Insider News. Looks like QV is taking on the world cruise role already - not such good news for QE2 fans.

 

.......... QV will embark on a 106-night maiden World Cruise out of Southampton on the same day in January 2008 as QE2 leaves for a 103-night 'South America, Pacific and Orient Odyssey' voyage. Both ships will leave Southampton on January 6, 2008, but follow very different routes. The two will head for New York on the first-ever tandem westbound Transatlantic crossing. QE2, making her 804th Atlantic crossing, will escort QV, making her first, with both arriving in New York a week later. They then continue together, reaching Fort Lauderdale two days later. From there the ships will take different courses before a further 'Meeting of the Queens' in Sydney on February 24.

 

QV will circumnavigate the globe in a westbound direction and, after calling at New York, will transit the Panama Canal before making maiden calls at some of the world's most famous cities including Los Angeles, Auckland, Sydney, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Dubai, Athens and Barcelona. Queen Victoria will also transit the Suez Canal, before returning to her homeport of Southampton on April 22.

 

For the first time in over a decade, QE2 will concentrate on South America and the Pacific in a 103-night voyage in winter 2008 that will call at 30 places in 17 countries. After leaving New York QE2 will head around South America calling at Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, the Falkland Islands and Valparaiso. Cruising into the Pacific she will then circle the world's largest ocean before arriving at Los Angeles on 30 March. After transiting the Panama Canal QE2 will return home to Southampton on April 18.

 

The voyages go on sale from June 5, 2006 and savings of up to 50% (QE2) and up to 45% (QV) are available for bookings made by end January 2007, subject to availability. Some selected shorter liner sailings (from 35 nights to 64 nights) are available on both vessels' itineraries.......

 

Now I suppose we are going to get the debate about which will be the 'best' ship to cross the Atlantic!!!! In January - I think I'll give both a miss!!!

[guernseyguy]

QE2, making her 804th Atlantic crossing, will escort QV, making her first, with both arriving in New York a week later.

 

7 night Transatlantics.....that takes us back to - lets see - Guion line's ALASKA of 1883.....and Cunard's ETURIA made it across in 6 days 5 hours in August 1884.....well, that's progress for you! If the QE2 is going to pick up the QM2's 'South America' mantle....wonder what QM2 will be doing.......

 

Peter

[guernseyguy]

Has been released:

 

Cunard Line Announces Queen Victoria's Maiden World Cruise in 2008

 

 

Cunard's Newest Ocean Liner to Depart Simultaneously With QE2 on Epic World

Cruise Voyages

 

Full World Cruises and Liner Voyages Available for Sale on June 5, 2006

 

VALENCIA, Calif., May 15 /CNW/ -- Cunard Line, the company that

pioneered world cruising in 1922 with the first-ever world cruise aboard the

Laconia, will make further maritime history on January 13, 2008, as its newest

ocean liner, Queen Victoria, departs New York simultaneously with Cunard's

esteemed ocean liner, QE2, for their world cruise voyages. Sailing roundtrip

from New York, the concurrent world cruise departures mark the start of Queen

Victoria's 105-day Pathway to the Explorers maiden world cruise and QE2's

90-day South America, Pacific and Far East Odyssey, her first foray into South

America in more than a decade.

Following a full day of festivities to mark the historic occasion, both

ships will depart for Ft. Lauderdale, where similar celebrations are planned.

From there, the ships will part, each sailing different epic itineraries

before reuniting in Sydney on February 24.

"Continuing Cunard's legacy of noteworthy firsts in maritime history, we

are delighted to announce the simultaneous grand ocean voyages for our newest

liner Queen Victoria and our 'grand dame' QE2. Cunard's World Cruises are

widely considered the 'gold standard' in voyages around the world. QE2 has

undertaken more long voyages than any other ship afloat and we are delighted

that Queen Victoria will continue this fine tradition -- offering a 21st

century ocean liner experience as she makes her own circumnavigation of the

globe in renowned Cunard style," said Carol Marlow, Cunard Line's president

and managing director.

 

Queen Victoria's Pathway to the Explorers maiden world cruise to call on

36 cities

Cunard's third Queen will depart New York on January 13, 2008 on her

Pathway to the Explorers maiden world cruise, calling on 36 cities in 23

countries. Every call, with the exception of Lisbon, will be a maiden call

for Cunard's new Queen. She will circumnavigate the globe in a westbound

direction and, after her New York call, will transit the Panama Canal before

making maiden calls to some of the world's most famous cities, including Los

Angeles, Auckland, Sydney, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Dubai,

Athens and Barcelona. Queen Victoria will transit the other of the great

canals, the Suez, before arriving into Southampton on April 22. Guests

returning to New York will enjoy sailing aboard Cunard's flagship vessel,

Queen Mary 2, on one of her legendary six-day transatlantic crossings,

arriving into the city on April 28.

Early Booking Fares for Queen Victoria's 105-day Pathway to the Explorers

maiden world cruise start from $18,827 per person, double occupancy.

Shorter Liner Voyages are also available and include the 41-day New York

to Sydney voyage with Early Booking Fares starting from $7,810 per person,

double occupancy, and the 47-day Los Angeles to Singapore voyage with Early

Booking Fares starting from $9,146, per person, double occupancy.

 

QE2 Journeys to South America, the Pacific and the Orient

The most experienced world voyager afloat, QE2 will, for the first time in

more than a decade, tour South America and the Pacific in a 90-day odyssey

that will leave New York on January 13 and make stops in 17 countries -- a mix

of exciting cities and interesting ports. After departing New York, QE2 will

head around South America calling in Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, the Falkland

Islands and Valparaiso. Cruising into the Pacific, she will then circle the

world's largest ocean before arriving in Los Angeles on March 30. Port calls

will include Easter Island, Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Singapore,

Hong Kong, Shanghai and Honolulu. After transiting the Panama Canal, the ship

will return home to New York on April 12.

Early Booking Fares for QE2's 90-day South America, Pacific and Far East

Odyssey start from $13,355 per person, double occupancy.

Shorter Liner Voyages are also available and include the 42-day New York

to Sydney voyage with Early Booking Fares starting from $6,848, per person,

double occupancy, and the 35-day Sydney to Los Angeles voyage with Early

Booking Fares starting from $4,878, per person, double occupancy.

The voyages are on sale from June 5, 2006 and Early Booking Fares for

these voyages represent a 15 percent per person savings off brochure rates.

As an extra bonus, guests will save an additional 5 percent when bookings are

made by January 31, 2007. A special amenity package will be offered to guests

booking a Full World Cruise or Liner Voyage including complimentary shore

events for Grill guests.

For more information about Cunard or 2008 World Cruises on Queen Victoria

and QE2, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.

 

 

Peter

[guernseyguy]

which will be the 'best' ship to cross the Atlantic!!!! In January!

 

Depends on what you want - the Queen Vic for the view, and possibly a bumpier ride.....;)

 

Peter

[pepperrn]

I think once there is another glamorous new 'Queen' for Cunard to promote and fill then demand for the comfortable old 'Queen' will disappear quicker than anticipated.

 

If Victoria is a smaller version of Mary then she will be a superb addition to Cunard.

 

Ken C

 

Couldn't agree with you more.

 

"The shout goes up! The queen is dead, long live the queen!" (heard mid atlantic January 2008)

 

Anyone wanting to take a voyage on Queen Elizabeth 2 had better book soon, she's not got long I'd say. Tandem crossing with QM2 saw her give up the atlantic, tandem with Victoria sees her give up the world! My guess is 2008 will see a string of "farewell and last yoyages" around the United States and Europe, and then in 2009........

 

The beach or "Hotel Queen Elizabeth"?

[KenC]

7 night Transatlantics.....that takes us back to - lets see - Guion line's ALASKA of 1883.....and Cunard's ETURIA made it across in 6 days 5 hours in August 1884.....well, that's progress for you! If the QE2 is going to pick up the QM2's 'South America' mantle....wonder what QM2 will be doing.......

 

Peter

 

6 nights, 7 nights?? what's the hurry - this should suit the QE2 winter club they get to spend an extra night aboard (who knows maybe the last one????).

 

Guess the QM2 will be conveniently based in the Caribbean until April - so Cunard can get all three together as soon as possible while they still have 3 Queens. Shouldn't think they dare put QE2 in the Caribbean for a winter season - too much competition from 'more suitable' ships - so they've sent her on a long voyage to satisfy the world repeaters.

 

The 'Queen' may not be quite dead pepperrn, but she's got a damn bad cough!!!!

[guernseyguy]

Guess the QM2 will be conveniently based in the Caribbean until April - so Cunard can get all three together as soon as possible while they still have 3 Queens. Shouldn't think they dare put QE2 in the Caribbean for a winter season - too much competition from 'more suitable' ships

 

IIRC, the QM2's Caribbean sailings struggled to sell - too much competition from 'more suitable' ships? The fact that i) they are not repeating South America and ii) haven't announced her early 08 schedule suggests to me that outside Transatlantics they don't really know yet how best to deploy her.....

 

Peter

[pnhmrk]

Shouldn't think they dare put QE2 in the Caribbean for a winter season

 

Maybe not for an entire season, but they have for Christmas 2007/New Year 2008. A 21 night cruise - not bad if you can spare the time:)

[KenC]

IIRC, the QM2's Caribbean sailings struggled to sell - too much competition from 'more suitable' ships? The fact that i) they are not repeating South America and ii) haven't announced her early 08 schedule suggests to me that outside Transatlantics they don't really know yet how best to deploy her.....

 

Peter

 

Do we know QM2's Caribbean sailings struggled to sell?? Perhaps was due to resistance to fares being higher than the competition??

 

But wait a minute ... they haven't announced QM2's 2008 itinerary yet (perhaps because they don't want to draw attention away from the 'new girl') but isn't she repeating South America next year as part of her maiden world cruise?? If they don't know what to do with her itinerary-wise, then that will surely mean the writing is on the wall for QE2??

 

Maybe not for an entire season, but they have for Christmas 2007/New Year 2008. A 21 night cruise - not bad if you can spare the time

 

One or two longer cruises out of the UK market they can sell but I don't think the main US-based Caribbean market would go a bundle on a 40 year old cruiseship, even if it is the QE2.

 

Ken

[guernseyguy]

If they don't know what to do with her itinerary-wise, then that will surely mean the writing is on the wall for QE2??

 

Sorry Ken, the logic escapes me completely....they don't know what to do with the QM2....so that hastens the end of the QE2????

 

QM2 is spending 2 months in the Caribbean at the end of 07....doubt she'll spend another 3 there at the start of 08......so what is she doing ?

 

The QV is off around the world - via the Suez canal, being a bit of a slow coach, while the QE2 is off around the Pacific....

 

Peter

[KenC]

Sorry Ken, the logic escapes me completely....they don't know what to do with the QM2....so that hastens the end of the QE2????

 

QM2 is spending 2 months in the Caribbean at the end of 07....doubt she'll spend another 3 there at the start of 08......so what is she doing ?

 

The QV is off around the world - via the Suez canal, being a bit of a slow coach, while the QE2 is off around the Pacific....

 

Peter

 

I meant that if they are stumped with what to do with QM2 in winter then they are going to hand her some QE2 itineraries and scrap QE2...

 

I don't think QM2 should be doing months on end in the Caribbean because she's not particularly suited to it .... but, if we are patient, hopefully Cunard will come up with something imaginative when the hoo haa over QV taking the 2008 world cruise dies down???? Love the idea of line voyages to South Africa.

 

QV is no more of a slow coach than other cruise ships doing world cruises - and from what I've read that may be preferable to having your fillings shaken lose by the QE2 at full throttle. With oil prices at record levels I shouldn't think QE2 will be doing 30 knots again anytime soon???

 

Ken

[pepperrn]

 

The QV is off around the world - via the Suez canal, being a bit of a slow coach,

 

Peter

 

The portholes on the outside cabins deck 1 (QV) look perfect for oars to me...

[KenC]

Peter

 

what are your thoughts regarding deployment of the three queens and life expectancy of the 'grande dame'?????

 

Ken

[guernseyguy]

Peter what are your thoughts regarding deployment of the three queens and life expectancy of the 'grande dame'????? Ken

 

Ken,

 

I think in her first year QV will be easy to fill....after that people may play 'spot the difference' with - say - ARCADIA and reckon the only major difference is in the price - though of course having the (much) higher yield Grill cabins may help her economics a lot - we simply don't know.

 

I think the QE2 will continue to attract business driven by her 'iconic' status - there are still plenty who have not sailed on her and will wish to claim bragging rights - but she's a very old lady, so I would not be surprised at a sudden exit. As long as she makes money they will run her - and when she stops doing that, she should join the great majority and they should scrap her.

 

The QM2 may be the 'problem child' - I get the feeling that outside the summer Transatlantic season they are at a bit of a loss to know what to do with her. She's not the best ship for the Caribbean - but they are putting her back there at the end of 07. The idea of South Africa line voyages - which the QE2 did a few years back may be smart - after all, she hasn't been down there yet - and will miss it on her World Cruise, scurrying back through Suez, to get it done in 80 days (or 108 if you're the QV)....

 

What do you think?

 

Peter

[guernseyguy]

QV is no more of a slow coach than other cruise ships doing world cruises

 

She's slower than P&O's ORIANA and AURORA - which are P&O's world cruisers - there has been no slow-coach ARCADIA world cruise yet - and also slower than HAL's world cruiser AMSTERDAM......perhaps it won't matter.....but this is feeling like a braver and braver decision the more I think about it.....

 

Peter

[travel-to-go]

I'm surprised in all the HULL-abaloo, they didn't mention the QE2's wartime service in the Falklands. Reunion tour?

 

Karie,

Who has the Commodore's book right by her side

[guernseyguy]

I'm surprised in all the HULL-abaloo, they didn't mention the QE2's wartime service in the Falklands. Reunion tour?

 

When her time comes, the QE2 will have more 'positively final appearances' than Frank Sinatra ever did!

 

Peter

[guernseyguy]

In the upcoming 2007 World Cruises, the per diems are $2276 and $2288 for the highest priced suites:

 

http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2006/05/15/news/news07.txt

 

Not only is it amazing that a 38 year old ship can command similar per-diems to a 3 year old one - in fact the QE2's per-diem's are the higher ones. It will be interesting to see what the QV's per diems turn out to be - but the economics of these ships may be quite different from other cruise ships - and may help explain the QE2's longevity.

 

Peter