QE2: ROUGH SEAS FOR CUNARD - Ocean & Cruise News
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PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE WORLD OCEAN & CRUISE LINER SOCIETY
Vol. 36, Issue 9 - August 15, 2017 “Our 36th Year of Continuous Publication” Single issue price $3.00
QE2: ROUGH SEAS FOR CUNARD
By Tom Cassidy
The 50th anniversary of the much-loved QE2 fashioned company. The Liverpool headquarters
will be remembered next month as Cunard’s was a commercial place, dubbed the Kremlin by
current Queen Elizabeth sets sail from everyone in middle management. Top
Southampton on September 8th for a 17-night management was dictatorial. Thus, the Q3’s
voyage celebrating the 50th anniversary of its original concept was the wrong design – a rather
longest serving ocean liner the Queen Elizabeth 2 traditional ship in many ways. The British
affectionately known as the QE2. Celebrations executives wanted a two-class ship while the New
focus on five special theme days, each of which York office pushed for the traditional three class
will be accompanied by QE2 inspired menus, ship with the entire concept of that first ship soon
talks from special guests, historical snippets in the fortunately was scrapped.
daily program, past-passenger gatherings and
QE2 quizzes. Celebrations culminate on QE2 Day The Q3 design was eventually redone and
– September 20, 2017 - exactly 50 years since the became the Q4, which in turn evolved into the
ship was launched by Her Majesty Queen Queen Elizabeth 2. The British government, after
Elizabeth II. Interestingly, the legendary Queen much wooing by Cunard, provided a $60 million
Elizabeth 2 might have never happened as Cunard loan. After the final design was announced in
had to navigate through some very rough seas December of 1962 shipyards began to bid on the
during the planning and building of this great ship. construction. On December 30th, 1964 it was
announced ship builders John Brown on the Clyde
The idea of a replacement for the Queen Mary in Scotland had won the bid. There was some
and the Queen Elizabeth began in the early politics involved as John Brown had a long
1960’s. Cunard was still the largest company on association with Cunard and were the builders of
the Atlantic and the old Cunard motto “Getting the Lusitania, Aquitania and both Queen Mary
There is Half the Fun” was fast losing its appeal in and Queen Elizabeth, as well as several lesser
the jet age. Time was running out and running out Cunard ships.
quickly! Airlines, and their new jets were drawing
more and more passengers away from trans- Plans for the new Q4 were reworked and then
atlantic voyages and the great Cunard Line was reworked again and again. At the same time, there
losing over $5 million a year. Traditional were fresh management coming aboard at Cunard.
crossings were all but over and cruising would be A new team of more contemporary 40-year olds
the future. It was decided to retire the Queen Mary were now in place. Adding to the delays and
in 1967 and Cunard then thought that a new decisions was a devastating British maritime
Atlantic superliner should be built to run in strike in 1966 that lasted six weeks and cost
tandem with the aging but recently refitted Queen Cunard close to $15 million. During this time jet
Elizabeth. This new liner project, a creation of aircraft made deeper inroads into the trans-atlantic
early 60’s enthusiasm was dubbed the Q3 Project. routes and plans where changed yet again. It was
decided to retire the Queen Elizabeth which was
Cunard had their first meetings in October of sold off in 1967 thus ending Cunard’s dream of
1961 to plan the Q3, a replacement to the then 25- having two super-liners sailing in tandem on the
year-old Queen Mary. At the time Cunard was still North Atlantic.
a very conservative, a very British and a very old- (Continued on page 14)2
partner with The Greatest Generations
Foundation, a non-profit organization that
honors the sacrifices of veterans by returning
- PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY -
The World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society them to their former battlegrounds, cemeteries
P.O. Box 329 – Northport, NY 11768 and memorials to ensure that their legacies are
Phone (866) 631-0611
recorded and retold to future generations.
Founder Features Editor
George C. Devol William H. Miller
On our crossing, we had the opportunity to
Editor Art Director
attend lectures and interact with several WWII
Thomas E. Cassidy Dan J. Rico
veterans, hearing first-hand their experiences
Contributing Writers during the war. From the "Battle of the
Peter Knego Atlantic," to the conflicts in Normandy and Pearl
Kay Showker Harbor, to the war in the Pacific. Through
Pat Richardson discussion and Q&A’s, passengers shared a very
Shawn J. Dake
personal glimpse into the human elements of
Art Sbarsky
war. These sessions were so popular that the
Theodore W. Scull
Ben Lyons
QM2’s brilliant Illuminations showroom proved
Andy Hernandez to be too small and future sessions were moved
to the Royal Court Theatre.
Subscription by Membership
$36 Per Year in U.S. - $48 Canada & Overseas Hearing the wartime experiences of these
© Copyright 1980 by World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society. All rights reserved. men was both moving and motivating and gave
No material may be reproduced without permission. Material is obtained from sources
believed to be accurate and reliable, but the publisher is not responsible for errors or great insight to what America was like, before,
omission contained herein. Printed in the United States
during and immediately after World War II. You
could hear a pin drop in the massive showroom
when the veterans were talking and there was not
EDITORIAL a dry eye in the house, it became so emotional.
Cunard has always been known for the
Cunard Insights lecture and workshop offerings Many passengers commented this should
aboard their ships which is why the Cunard become a yearly event as it was so remarkable
Queens stand out in the Entertainment category and I totally agree. I have done many trips but
of our members surveys. Cunard Insights guest this one on the QM2 with The Greatest
lecturers include luminaries from the world of Generation Foundation will go down as one of
academia, television/film, literature and the the best. Congratulations to Cunard!
diplomatic corps, to name just a few. But on my
recent QM2 crossing, Cunard out did
themselves. Sincerely,
Cunard played a pivotal role in both World
Wars when their liners were converted to troops
ships. In World War II the Queen Mary and
Queen Elizabeth carried over 1.5 million troops CONTACT US
across the Atlantic to and from the battlefields. To contact us quickly and easily please email us at:
So, it was only natural that Cunard should membership@wocls.org3
LOOKING BACK
A look at what was making news in Ocean &
Cruise News, Five, Ten, Fifteen and Twenty years
The smash of a bottle of Maker's Mark
ago. bourbon signified the christening of American
Five Years Ago – August 2012....Princess Duchess, the newest river boat for the ever-
announces that the two new flagship vessels growing American Queen Steamboat Company.
coming to Princess in 2013 and 2014 will be The 166-passenger vessel marks the third for the
named the Royal Princess and the Regal line, which specializes in American river
Princess....The American Queen Steamboat cruises. It joins American Queen -- the world's
Company reported record-setting monthly largest steamboat -- on the Mississippi River,
bookings for July coinciding with the and American Empress, which sails in the
announcement of 2013 voyages....Carnival Cruise Pacific Northwest on the Snake and Columbia
Lines is testing a new all-inclusive beverage rivers.
program aboard the Carnival Victory that if
successful will go fleet wide....American Cruise Marissa Applegate, daughter of the cruise
Lines announces the christening of its newest line's company chairman John Waggoner, served
boat, the Queen of the Mississippi. as the ship's godmother. After the christening,
the first passengers boarded for a sailing that
Ten Years Ago – August 2007....The island of will traverse the Mississippi, from New Orleans
St. Maarten announces plans for a $97.5 million to Red Wing, Minnesota.
expansion of the island's existing cruise facilities.
...Carnival Splendor, under construction at the For additional information and reservations,
Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri, Italy, is 'floated out' kindly contact the American Queen Steamboat
from its drydock facility....Carnival Victory struck Company at 888-749-5280, or visit them at
a pier overhang while docking on the West Side of www.AmericanQueenSteamboatCompany.com
Manhattan, closing 12th Avenue near 56th Street or call a professional travel agent.
and causing backups on the Henry Hudson
Parkway.
Fifteen Years Ago – August 2002....The QE2
becomes the first ship in history to sail five Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading
million nautical miles the equivalent of sailing culinary- and destination- focused cruise line,
around the world 230 times....British actress unveiled their latest epicurean masterpiece, La
Dame Judy Dench presides over the naming Cuisine Bourgeoise, by Jacques Pépin. An
ceremony of Carnivals' newest ship, the 88,500- elegant seven-course affair, La Cuisine
ton Carnival Legend....Norwegian Cruise Line Bourgeoise, is rooted in fresh, seasonal
contracts Northrop Grumman to take over their ingredients, time-honored flavors and celebrates
construction project, which had been building two the rituals of the table and sharing a meal with
1,900-passenger vessels for American Classic friends, and family. The dining experience
Voyages....Radisson Seven Seas announces the features many classic dishes that the Oceania
maiden voyage of the 700-guest Seven Seas Cruises’ Executive Culinary Director, Master
Voyager for April l, 2003 which will be a 12-night Chef Jacques Pépin, has enjoyed over the years.
sailing from Monte Carlo to Venice.
The meal is expertly paired from start to
Twenty Years Ago – August 1997....Royal finish with wines that complement and echo the
Caribbean purchases Celebrity Cruises for $515 history of the dishes, while providing diners
million while assuming the $800 million debt of with a hint of the flavors, complexity, and
Celebrity… Cunard schedules a 48-day Circle nuances that one might have experienced during
South America Cruise onboard the Vistafjord. the mid-20th century. La Cuisine Bourgeoise is4
now available aboard Marina and Riviera. This
exclusive experience is limited to only 24 guests
and reservations are required.
For more information about Oceania Cruises,
call 855-OCEANIA (855-623-2642) or contact a Guests on the November 29, 2017, O, The
professional travel agent. Oprah Magazine Adventure of Your Life Cruise
aboard Holland America Line's ms Koningsdam
will be joined by SuperSoul 100 members and
thought leaders including clinical psychologist,
best-selling author and international speaker Dr.
Shefali Tsabary and author, speaker and life
coach Tim Storey. O, The Oprah Magazine books
editor Leigh Haber also will be on board the 11-
day Caribbean cruise leading O's Reading Room,
a book club discussing a book to be named in
advance of the sailing.
The Third Annual Samuel Cunard Prize for
Vision, Courage and Creativity was awarded to The November departure is the first of four
Former Prime Minister Paul Martin today on- special Adventure of Your Life cruises with
board Cunard’s flagship ocean liner Queen Mary Holland America Line and O, The Oprah
2. The ship was docked in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Magazine. The three additional sailings — which
home of the company’s founder, Sir Samuel will also feature to-be-announced SuperSoul 100
Cunard. The award was inaugurated in 2015 to members — depart March 3, 2018, seven-day
celebrate the company’s 175th Anniversary in Tropical Caribbean cruise aboard ms Nieuw
the ancestral home of its founder Sir Samuel Amsterdam; Aug. 11, 2018, seven-day Alaskan
Cunard. Created in partnership with the Explorer cruise aboard ms Eurodam; and Oct.
Canadian Maritime Heritage Foundation, the 28, 2018, seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and Cunard, aboard Nieuw Amsterdam.
the award acknowledges an extraordinary
individual who demonstrates the qualities Fares on the November 29 Adventure of Your
exemplified by Samuel Cunard throughout his Life Caribbean cruise start at $999 per person,
life. double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses
are additional.
To celebrate Canada’s 150th Anniversary,
Queen Mary 2 executed a rare sail away For more information consult a travel
spectacle for residents of Halifax by performing professional, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-
a counter clockwise turn in the harbor to 5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com
acknowledge the Maritime Museum of the
Atlantic while escorted by Theodore Tugboat,
The Spitfire, and HMCS Summerside. A naval
artillery salute took place shore side from the
wharf of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
with music provided by the Naval Reserve Band.
For more information on Cunard, or to book
a cruise, please call Cunard toll-free at 1-844-
341-6355, visit them online at www.cunard.com, Norwegian Cruise Line today revealed
or contact a travel professional. features and amenities for Norwegian Bliss, the
line’s sixteenth ship, which has been designed for
the ultimate cruising experience and will sail to5
Americas aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises®.
Alaska and the Caribbean with select voyages to
And on exclusive sailings, when you reserve
the Mexican Riviera beginning in June 2018.
your suite by August 31st enjoy up to $500 to
Custom-built for the spectacular, Norwegian
spend on board. From a transformational body
Bliss will boast many firsts at sea for the global
treatment in the Canyon Ranch SpaClub®, to
market including the largest competitive race
one of our specialized Regent Choice shore
track at sea and an open-air laser tag course. The
excursions that offer once-in-a-lifetime moments
ship’s exciting new features will join the brand’s
ashore in an intimate group, to reserving a
signature elements of freedom and flexibility
private car and driver, these lavish pleasures can
that Norwegian is known for across the globe
now be yours to experience through our limited
including a myriad of mouthwatering dining
time offer of BOOK NOW, TREAT YOURSELF
options and a vibrant onboard atmosphere fueled
LATER. Call 1.844.4REGENT (1.844.473.4368)
by dynamic intimate spaces and a multitude of
for additional details and to book today!
bars and lounges, award-winning youth
programs and more. Many of the ship’s
amenities were announced by Andy Stuart,
Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief
executive officer, at an exclusive event at
Virtuoso Travel Week at the Bellagio Hotel in
Las Vegas, where media and travel partners were
able to Imagine Bliss through interactive 3D
virtual reality experiences of the ship’s race
track, Observation Lounge, The Waterfront, pool
deck and a waterslide.
Seabourn has named Stig Betten as captain of
its newest vessel, Seabourn Ovation, and Helmut
At approximately 167,800 gross tons and
Huber as hotel director. Betten will oversee all
accommodating 4,000 guests, Norwegian Bliss is
operations of the line's newest vessel, which is
currently being constructed at Meyer Werft in
scheduled to launch in May 2018 in Italy. Huber
Papenburg, Germany and is scheduled for
will oversee the hotel department, which
delivery in Spring 2018. The ship’s itinerary will
includes suites, housekeeping, and food &
feature calls in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and
beverage services.
Victoria, British Columbia, along with scenic
glacier cruising. Norwegian Bliss will sail her
Seabourn Ovation will expand and build on
inaugural Winter season beginning in November
the line's award-winning and highly acclaimed
2018, sailing seven-day Eastern Caribbean
Odyssey-class ships, which revolutionized ultra-
cruises each Saturday from PortMiami, featuring
luxury cruising with enhanced accommodations
calls in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Tortola,
and innovative amenities when they were
British Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas. For
introduced between 2009 and 2011. Seabourn
more information on Norwegian Bliss, please
Ovation will maintain the line's high ratio of
visit bliss.ncl.com. To book a cruise aboard one
space per guest, enabling highly personalized
of Norwegian’s newest ships, contact a travel
service. A sister ship, Seabourn Encore, launched
professional or visit www.ncl.com.
to much acclaim in December 2016.
For more details about the award-winning
Seabourn fleet, or to explore the worldwide
selection of Seabourn cruising options, contact a
professional travel advisor, call Seabourn at 1-
800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.
Explore the romance of the Mediterranean,
the exotic lands of Asia or the history of the6
SHIP OF THE MONTH: OCEANIA CRUISES’ MARINA
by Tom Cassidy
When the beautiful Marina first entered THE LINE – Oceania Cruises was founded in
service in 2012 she redefined the upper-premium 2002 by luxury cruise industry veterans Joe
cruise ship market. She was a ship of firsts in the Watters and Frank Del Rio, the latter being the
variety and quality of her dining, luxurious former vice president of Renaissance Cruises.
cabins and stylish interiors. The founding management team included
industry veterans Bob Binder, Robin Lindsay,
Marina was a hit from the very beginning as James Rodriguez, and Howard Sherman. In
she was voted Ship of the Year for 2012 by October of 2002 the company chartered the
WOCLS members in only her first year in former Renaissance Cruises ship R-Two from
service. She, and her newer sister the Riviera, Cruiseinvest and renamed her Insignia. In April
remain very popular with our members. Both are of 2003 the Insignia was chartered to the French
typically in the top ten in our Ship of the Year travel agency TRM for three months during
voting since they entered service and the Riviera which time Oceania Cruises operated no vessels.
has twice won our prestigious Ship of the Year In June 2003 Oceania Cruises re-commenced
title. First in 2014 and again in 2016. service with two ships: the Insignia was renamed
Regatta and a new ship R-One, a sister ship of
Our first review of the Marina was when she the Insignia/Regatta, also chartered from
was new in 2012. With a few years under her Cruiseinvest, entered service as the new
belt, and a pricey refurbishment in 2016, it was Insignia.
time to re-visit this popular ship to see if she is
still maintaining her high standards along with In November 2005, a third R-class ship
her original warmth and intimacy. entered service for Oceania Cruises when the
Oceania Cruises’ Marina Photo Courtesy of Oceania Cruises7
company chartered the R-Five from Cruiseinvest cruises at 20 knots. However, since the Marina is
and renamed her Nautica. At the naming a mid-sized ship, it is easy to navigate her stylish
ceremony of the Nautica, Frank del Rio public spaces while she sails to many smaller,
announced Oceania’s plan of adding a fourth and more exotic, ports of call.
ship, Marina, to the Oceania Cruises fleet in July
2007. This however did not come to pass as The Marina underwent a cosmetic
originally planned. refurbishment in 2016 which saw most wear and
tear items such as carpeting, upholstery and a
In February 2007, the majority of Oceania refreshing of all cabins and public areas. The
Cruises' stock was sold to New York-based Marina is slated for a more extensive
Apollo Management. The following month drydocking in 2019 with Oceania officials
Oceania made a memorandum agreement with promising some exciting new changes.
Fincantieri shipyard in Italy to construct two
new 1,260-passenger ships. The contract was Deck 5 of the Marina contains the main level
finalized in June 2007, with delivery dates for a of her beautiful foyer which is the town square of
new Oceania Class of ships set for 2011(Marina) the ship. It contains the Lalique Grand Stairway
and 2012 (Riviera). The contract included an with crystal pillars and Lalique “Cactus table”
option for a third vessel, of the same type, that graced with an enormous vase constantly filled
would have been delivered in May 2012, but with fresh flowers. The ships reception and tour
Oceania declined this option. desks are in this foyer and the ships upscale
boutique gift shops are just aft. Also aft are two
The Marina entered service in February 2011 of the new restaurant venues; Jacques, the
followed by Riviera in April of 2012 With the eminent Jacques Pépin's first restaurant to bear
addition of Riviera the Insignia moved to his name on land or sea is handsomely decorated
Hapag-Lloyd cruise line to become the with rich fabrics, heirloom antiques, wood
Columbus 2. After being leased out for two years furnishings and art from Jacques' personal
to Hapag-Lloyd as the Columbus 2, the Insignia collection, it resembles a classic Parisian bistro;
returned to the Oceania fleet in 2014. and Red Ginger the ships Pan Asian restaurant
with décor mixing ebony woods, bronze and
In May 2014 Oceania announced that they hand-blown glass light fixtures and modern
were close to making a deal on two additional Asian artwork. Forward on Deck 5 is the Marina
Oceania Class ships, yet the order for these Lounge, the showroom of the Marina. It is rather
additional ships never came to pass. In understated compared to the other public spaces
September of the same year Norwegian Cruise on the Marina but it serves its purpose very well.
Line purchased Prestige Cruise Holdings, the
parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Deck 6 is the social hub of the Marina. Just
Seven Seas Cruises, for $3.025 billion. aft of the main foyer is Martinis Bar. A favorite
watering hole this intimate lounge has soft
On November 25, 2014, Norwegian Cruise lighting and comfortable seating and contains a
Line Holdings Ltd announced an agreement to custom-built Steinway piano made of ebony.
purchase the Ocean Princess from Princess This room is very popular for pre or post dinner
Cruises for Oceania Cruises. In March 2016 she drinks. Next is the Grand Bar which is a sort of
was delivered and began a 35-day, $40 million a long gallery that connects to the Grand Dining
refurbishment in Marseille, France to create an Room. This is the perfect spot to meet friends
Oceania ship which would be called the Sirena before entering the dining room, for great
conversation or simply to have a drink while you
THE SHIP – At 66,000-tons the Marina is wait for your table to be set in the dining room.
considered a mid-sized ship in today’s cruise The maitre’d will come and get you while one of
market. She can accommodate 1,258 passengers the bar staff will carry your drinks to your table.
distributed over 11 passenger decks, is 782 feet What could be better? Off the Grand Bar are the
long and 105 feet wide, has a draft of 24 feet and casino and the small Casino Bar which is also8
referred to as the "purple bar" because of its chic funnel is a combination of rooms which
purplish illumination. includes; the internet café, the library complete
with 2,000 books and comfortable cozy nooks
Big, bold and beautiful and gracing the stern with faux fireplaces and classic ship models, a
of Deck 6 is the Grand Dining Room. Featuring perfect spot to enjoy a good book and Baristas,
open seating with 270-degree views of the sea the coffee bar with floor to ceiling windows
from floor to ceiling picture windows and with a overlooking the pool area. Passing trough the
stunning crystal chandelier crowning the center foyer and aft overlooking the stern are three
of the room's soaring ceiling she is patterned more dining venues, Polo Grill, Toscana’s and
after Europe's 5-star restaurants. The dining area the exclusive Privee Dining Room.
is handsomely decorated in rich woods and with
soft hues of cream and gold. Tables are Deck 15 forward has the popular Horizon’s
beautifully set with European bone china, Observation Lounge, another favorite before and
sparkling crystal, gleaming silver and fine, after diner spot for drinks and dancing with floor
cotton linens. The perfect setting for the to ceiling windows overlooking the sea. Aft is
exceptional meals served in this room. As I said the fitness track and up on Deck 16 forward are
back in 2012 “This is truly one of the most the Activities Court with miniature golf putting
beautiful main dining rooms at sea.” green and Bocce Courts.
Decks 7 through 11 contain the Marina’s It should be noted that the art work
staterooms and suites. On Deck 12 forward are throughout the ship is an exceptional, museum
a few suites overlooking the ship’s bow. Then quality, collection personally picked by CEO
adjacent to the forward foyer are two of the Frank del Rio and President Bob Binder. You
Marina’s most innovate and popular features; will notice actual Picassos and I spotted an
the Bon Appétit Culinary Center which offers a original Jacobsen in the Concierge Lounge.
state-of-the-art culinary studio with work
stations each with their own oven so passengers THE CRUISE – The cruise itinerary was
can have hands-on cooking classes is on the port smartly named “Follow the Midnight Sun” and
side, while to starboard is the Artist Loft which featured ports in both Scotland and Norway. 12
offers a hands-on program for novice artists nights from July 21 to August 2, roundtrip from
where talented artists-in-residence offer step-by- Southampton, or London as Oceania likes to call
step instruction in their areas of expertise. Both it. Somewhat misleading.
venues are hugely popular.
Embarkation in Southampton went very
Continuing aft is the ships lovely pool area smoothly. The boarding process itself was
with the outdoor Waves Bar. Marina's teak-lined actually pleasant and I was aboard the ship, had
pool deck is one of the most stunning afloat with inspected my cabin and was enjoying the
a cross-shaped swimming pool flanked by twin welcome aboard buffet lunch in the Terrace
whirlpools. These are surrounded by Balinese Café, all within an hour. You can’t beat that!
day beds and plush lounge chairs. Beyond is
Waves Grill for light outdoor eating and on the We departed Southampton at 6pm and the
opposite side of the ship is the La Reserve next day was a full day at sea cruising up the east
Dining Room. Running the width of the ship aft coast of the UK to our first port Edinburg,
on deck 12 is the Terrace Café with both indoor Scotland. The first day at sea gives you the
and outdoor dining. perfect opportunity to explore and become
familiar with the ship. Then, in consecutive days,
Deck 14 forward has the well-known Canyon we visited Edinburg and Kirkwall in the Orkney
Ranch an oasis of serenity that includes a Islands. Mother nature was not at her finest and
secluded deck with cushioned sun beds and a we toured Edinburg on a rainy Sunday. Luckily,
pair of hot tubs. Aft is the sun deck which the weather improved some, not perfect, for
encircles the pool area below. At the base of the Kirkwall, a rather desolate yet in its own way9
CRUISE FACTS —OCEANIA CRUISES’ MARINA
Passenger Capacity: 1,250 Builder: Fincantieri, Sestri Ponente, Italy
Number of Crew: 800 Entered Service: 2011 (Refurbished 2016)
Tonnage: 66,084 Registry: Marshall Island
Length: 785 feet Maximum Speed: 20 Knots
Beam: 106 feet Propulsion: Twin-screw pitch props
Draft: 24 feet Passenger Decks: 15
Ocean & Cruise News Classification: High Deluxe, 5-Star +, Small Ships
Passenger Cabins
Owner Suites .....................................................3 Concierge Staterooms ..............................200
Vista Suites ........................................................8 Veranda Staterooms .................................244
Oceania Suites .................................................12 Oceanview Staterooms ..............................20
Penthouse Suites ............................................124 Inside Staterooms .......................................14
Services and Amenities: Marina Show Lounge, Martinis, Grand Bar, Waves Bar, Casino and Casino
Bar, Horizons, Bon Appétit Culinary Center, Artist Loft, Baristas, Internet Center, Library, Sanctuary,
Canyon Ranch Spa, pool area, 4 whirlpools, beauty salon, fitness center, golf putting green and
driving range and outdoor activates court.
Restaurants: Grand Dining Room, Jacques, Red Ginger, Toscana, Polo Grill, Terrace Café, Waves
Grill, La Reserve and Privee.
Grading System: A basic score of 2 indicates the ship being graded is performing to the general
standards of the classification. A score of 3 indicates it is performing above what is normally expected
for the classification. A score of 1 indicates it is performing below what is normally expected for the
classification. A + or – is used to indicate minor differences, but not enough to warrant a higher or lower
whole number.
Level of Activity...............................................2+ Quality of Food................................................3
Air/Sea Program ...............................................2+ Quality of Ports................................................3
Alternate Dining ...............................................3 Passenger Conveniences..................................3
Menu Selection .................................................3 Stateroom Comfort..........................................3
Food Presentation .............................................3 Overall.............................................................3
Food Preparation...............................................3
Suggested Tipping: A suggested gratuity of $16.00 per guest, per day, is automatically added to your
shipboard account. An 18% gratuity is automatically added to all beverage purchases. Guests
occupying a Suite will have an additional $7.00 gratuity per guest, per day.
Strong Points: Exceptional dining in the number of restaurant offered, quality and variety of food;
excellent service; understated décor and sense of intimacy and warmth; outstanding itineraries
Weak Points: Shore Excursions are well done but pricey. No wrap around promenade10
beautiful island steeped in Viking history. You can sign up for classes in the Bon Appétit
Culinary Center, on my trip offering classes in
We then had another full day at sea, crossing “Worldly Crepes” or “Pasta Master Class” and
the North Sea towards Norway. Our next five other culinary class offerings for just $69. Or
days were in Norwegian ports in succession check out the Artist Loft across the hall. On my
starting with beautiful Bergen, then Flaam, cruise the artist in residence was the talented
Geiranger, Alesund and Stavanger. Then a final Frank Hyder who was offering courses in
day at sea before returning to Southampton. We Watercolors, working with charcoal and painting
were able to dock in all ports with the exception in acrylics. All are very popular. Cooking
of Newhaven the port for Edinburgh. Our arrival sessions should be booked in advance.
in Southampton went smoothly and all were off
the ship by 10am. After your cooking workshop the sheltered
Sanctuary up on Deck 14 forward is a great spot
Oceania offers a wide range of shore to relax and read a book. Outdoor activities
excursions in each port and the tour desk is well include table and paddle tennis, shuffleboard,
run and very informative. They always offered putting green and more or just lounge in a
service with a smile. There are standard tours, Balinese day bed near the pool. Or escape to the
Oceania Exclusive Tours and Oceania Select famous Canyon Ranch spa forward on this deck.
tours. The Select tours offer unique, one of a kind
experiences while the Exclusive Tours are more Horizons Lounge high up on Deck 15 is busy
intimate, limited to 10 to 16 guests, and offer a day and night. Here you will find lively games of
more personal experience. One of my few bingo in the morning or trivia in the afternoon or
negatives with Oceania are the price of their tours enjoy pre-dinner cocktails with music at sunset or
which can be a bit pricey. On the other hand the dancing at night with the excellent Starbridge
quality and the variety of their offerings probably Band. The room is roomy, beautifully decorated
justify the prices. Naturally the more exclusive and well laid out for all functions. It also offers a
tours are the highest priced. One way to keep glassed off smoking area to the port side. A very
excursion costs down is to take advantage of classy High Tea is served here every afternoon.
Oceania’s tour packages offering discounts for Martinis on Deck 6 was also popular for classic
multiple tours and in one package an unlimited drinks and background piano music by Claude at
amount tours. A nice touch on all tours is that the piano or you can listen to the talented Ocean
bottled water is free on Oceania so take a cold String Quartet in the Grand Bar. The casino is
bottle or two when leaving on your tour. open for an exciting range of games including
blackjack, roulette, and more.
London is really Southampton and Edinburgh
is really Newhaven. This gives the impression Always check you daily program Currents. It
that you are docking in the more sophisticated is well laid out, easy to read and highlights the
major city with easy access to that city, when you day’s events. Special notice should be taken of the
are really docking in an industrial port often an 2-for-1 cocktails during Happy Hour, typically
hour of more from the named city. This practice is from 5 to 6pm daily in Martinis, the Grand Bar
not just done at Oceania but with many other and Horizons and again after the show in
cruise lines today. Rather misleading. Horizons from 10:30 to 11:30pm. And speaking
of Happy Hours I must make note of the Captains
PUBLIC ROOMS & ACTIVITIES – Oceania Cocktail Celebration which is held in all three of
typically has port intensive itineraries and with those venues from 5:45 to 8pm. No one hour
that, and its incredible selection of dining options, limited drinks here, a good 2-1/2 hour open bar
one would think there was little else to do on (or more as Oceania is not a clock watcher) for
Marina but you would be wrong. Marina has a most any drink you desire and an abundance of
varied selection of many other activities and hot and cold nibble. No other cruise line does this
experiences to enjoy. as well.11
I was a little disappointed in the shows in the tables of singles in all the dining venues, often
Marina Lounge on my last trip, their only hosted by ship officers or a staff member. A nice
entertainment flaw but boy have things changed. touch for the solo traveler.
With Oceania’s recent alliance with NCL the
entertainment is now top draw. The Marina STATEROOMS – The 1250-passenger Marina
Production Cast is extremely talented and the has 625 cabins and suites, with four different
production venue is first class. Whether cabin categories and four different suite
Broadway revue or a solo act it was all brilliant. A categories distributed throughout decks 6 through
big difference, Good job Oceania! With dining 12.
going on at all different hours in the evening it is
hard to schedule the show, it is typically at My cabin, a Concierge Category, was
9:30pm, one show per evening. Late for some but luxurious and spacious at 282 square feet and
early for those with late dinner reservations. very well laid out. Both Veranda- and Concierge-
level accommodations are designed with
It should be noted that most activities on traditional wood wall panels, desks, comfortable
Marina are geared to adults, and there's no day- sitting areas, spacious and elegant marble
care center, teen club or video arcade to keep bathrooms and a private teak balcony furnished
children occupied. Recommended onboard with a chaise lounge, armchair and occasional
clothing is resort or country club casual. For table. Other stateroom amenities include a flat-
evening dining, elegant casual resort wear is panel TV, lap-top computer with wireless access
suggested. Oceania Cruises requests that jeans, (in addition to the ship having a good Internet
shorts, t-shirts or tennis shoes not be worn at Lounge), refrigerated mini bar with unlimited soft
dinner. Plus, Marina has no shipboard drinks and bottled water, security safe, writing
photographers appearing at every turn, no soda or desk, plush terry robes, bed slippers, and marble
water charges, no waiter/salesmen pushing and granite bathroom. The bathrooms in these
drinks around the pool and no hawking of rooms have both a shower and full bathtub.
boutique wares in the corridors, this ship has However the shower enclosure was very small
Class with a capital “C”. considering the overall size of the bathroom and
shower head mounted so a person such as myself
A suggested gratuity of $16.00 per guest, per at 6’-3” had trouble just fitting in the shower none
day, will automatically be added to your the less showering up! But if you forget to pack
shipboard account. Gratuities are combined in a your umbrella, you'll find one waiting for you in
pool due to the fact that the ship offers multiple your stateroom.
open-seating venues and you will likely be served
by different staff members during the course of Suites range from the Owners Suite at 2,000+
your cruise. An 18% gratuity is automatically square feet; Vista Suites are from 1,200 to 1,500
added to all beverage purchases. Guests square feet and offer the same features as Oceania
occupying a Penthouse, Vista or Owner’s Suite Suites and the added benefit of floor-to-ceiling
will have an additional $7.00 gratuity per guest, windows affording sweeping views over the
per day. ship’s bow; Oceania Suites, a new category of
accommodations for Oceania Cruises, measure
Oceania typically attracts worldly, 1,030 square feet. The layout of these is
sophisticated well-traveled passengers. As comprised of a large living and dining area, media
Oceania says they offer a very relaxed country room and separate bedroom plus the large
club like atmosphere and they are right on. My veranda features a hot tub, and Penthouse Suites
cruise carried 1,110 passengers of which 55% measure 420 square feet with living/dining room
where in the 40 to 70 range. I want to mention that separate from the sleeping area, walk-in closet
on this trip I traveled solo and Oceania goes out of and bathrooms with a double vanity. Marina is the
its way to make single travelers feel welcome first ship to offer suites completely appointed
with solo cocktail parties, luncheons and if you from furniture and fabrics to lighting and bedding
tell the maitre’d ahead of time they put together using the acclaimed Ralph Lauren Home12
collection. As is the case with the other Oceania ships
the dining options onboard Marina are overseen
There are two dedicated Concierge Lounges by Jacques Pepin, the line's executive culinary
with many more touches, one for Suite director. Pepin has created his own idea of the
passengers and the other for Concierge Level perfect restaurant onboard. His namesake dining
passengers and both offer Priority Restaurant venue, Jacques, is a must-see and taste. It lacks
Reservations in Toscana, Polo Grill, Jacques and any of the fussiness you may expect of a French
Red Ginger which is a very nice perk as these restaurant. It provides a traditional French
restaurants are so popular. restaurant dining experience yet in a casually
elegant fashion. Service at Jacques is at a
Standard Ocean View cabins are a spacious leisurely pace, thus ensuring a relaxing dining
242 square feet and offer floor to ceiling experience. The meal starts with a bread basket
windows overlooking the seas while the filled with three different freshly baked French
standard inside cabin is 174-square-foot. Both baguettes, one of which is branded with Jacques'
offer an oversized bathroom, a refrigerated name. The five course menu at Jacques that
mini-bar, vanity desk, breakfast table and a follows is surprisingly large for a fine gourmet
choice of a queen-size or two twin beds. The restaurant, with several different hors d'oeuvres,
Ocean View also contains a sitting area. soups, salads, main courses, and desserts. A
Wheelchair-accessible accommodations are must try is the pumpkin soup, which your waiter
available in each category. will ladle out of a real pumpkin for you
SERVICE & CREW – Captain Leo Strazicic is As on her smaller sisters, Polo Grill a classic
from Dubronik and had previously worked for steakhouse, featuring grilled steaks, lamb,
Renaissance on their R-Ships before moving to seafood, and chicken and Toscana which serves
Oceania when they acquired the R-Ships. He, up Tuscan favorites with wine to match are here.
and Hotel Manager Dominique Nicolle, run a New to Oceania is another new dining
tight but happy ship. The service staff on experience Red Ginger, delivering Thai,
Oceania ships hail mostly from the Philippines Japanese and Vietnamese cuisine. Try a spicy
and Eastern Europe. They are hospitable and duck-and-watermelon salad and lobster Pad
have a polite can-do attitude. Thai. Located on deck 5, the red and black room
is very trendy and cosmopolitan in atmosphere.
Service throughout the ship whether at the
Reception or Destinations Desks, Room Service Our cruise was 12 nights which provided
or dining service in the restaurants was excellent plenty of evenings to sample all of these
and courteous. On my first cruise there was excellent restaurants aboard the Marina Some
some disparity in the levels of experience of the were some actually visited twice. On shorter
staff as there would be on any new ship but that cruises this might not be so easily done. A word
is gone today. Without question, the personal to the wise is book ahead from home. Do not
attention of the crew is a major ingredient that wait till you board the ship. I would hope that in
helps make this ship special. the future Oceania would consider offering
lunch in some to these excellent restaurants as
FOOD & DINING – While the Marina excels HAL does in their Pinnacle Grills.
in every area, Food and Dining is one area where
they shine brightest. Dining is the highlight of The Marina's Grand Dining Room is the
Oceania ships and the Marina, with a choice of ships largest dining venue, with 566 seats. The
9 dining venues, 7 of which incurred no extra room is decorated in rich woods and soft tones
charge including the 4 themed specialty of brown, cream, and gold. Tables are
restaurants Throw in the extra tariff La Reserve beautifully set with European bone china, Riedel
and Prive and you have more dining options crystal, silver, and fine, cotton linens. It is for
than many much larger ships. sure one of the most elegant yet casual dining
rooms afloat.13
The Grand Dining Room serves open seating CONCLUSION – There are some things in life
breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dinner features that just grow better with age; a loving
Continental cuisine or healthy fare from the companion, a bottle of scotch, your leather boots
Canyon Ranch. There are plenty of items to or shoes, a favorite pair of jeans are just a few.
choose from, with at least six appetizers, salads, The Marina is clearly one of these things. She is
and soups to compliment the nine entrees. Since better, today than when she entered service. Her
meals are cooked to order here too, dinner is a beautiful medium size when introduced is far
leisurely affair. The room has many tables for two more intimate today when surrounded by mega-
and a few that can accommodate larger groups of liners which grow larger every year. When you
10 or 12. board Marina, whether for the first time or the
tenth, it feels like you’re joining her inaugural
The Terrace Cafe is a wonderful restaurant voyage. She is immaculate! Her timeless stylish
and definitely not a cafeteria or Lido as on other decor provides guests with a comfortable, elegant
ships. It is a great place for breakfast and lunch interior which feels like a luxurious home. She
where you can dine outdoors or indoors. The was designed for well-traveled cruisers who
buffet is varied, providing many delicious enjoy excellent dining in a relaxed country club
choices while the views are marvelous from its atmosphere and she continues surpass every
deck 12 location. Dinner in the Terrace Cafe was expectation. If you want to travel the world in a
amazing with absolutely outstanding food, casual atmosphere where your every desire is
cooked to your exact specifications. Food here is quickly and quiety met, you should certainly
better than many ships serve in their main dining give Oceania Cruises and their Marina a try!!
rooms. You have choices of three steaks - fillet
mignon, rib-eye or sirloin at the grilling station as LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS
well as gigantic shrimp and lobster tails cooked NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC QUEST
to perfection. Also available are soups, salads, BEGINS SERVICE
carved meats, pasta and a staggering array of
fresh made desserts. I loved the Terrace for Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic
breakfast, lunch and dinner. Quest, the first new build in the history of the
company, set sail July 29th on her inaugural 8-
Adjacent is Waves the Marina's casual day Southeast Alaska voyage from Juneau.
outdoor grill, serving fruit, eggs, bread, and
meats for breakfast, and hot sandwiches, While delivery of the National Geographic
hamburgers, hot dogs, and casual food the rest of Quest was delayed almost a month due to
the day. launching problems, her inaugural voyage went
off without a hitch.
Then there are the two fee restaurants: A 7-
course gourmet wine-pairing dinner in La The 100-passenger Quest will operate in
Reserve is $165per person and the luxurious, Alaska through August 26 before finishing her
intimate - Privee where you can host your friends season with a Inside Passage departure on Sept. 2
(maximum 10 guests) for a gourmet feast. Check combining Alaska and British Columbia.
aboard for the Privee cost for your voyage.
The ship will remain in the Pacific Northwest
While not a dining venue you also have The for a series of voyages between Seattle and
Baristas coffee bar which serves specialty drinks Vancouver, with stops in the San Juan Islands,
like espresso and cappuccino, plus homemade Victoria, Alert Bay, and stops in British
biscotti and coffee cake throughout the day. Plus Columbia’s channels and fjords Beginning in
every afternoon at 4pm traditional High Tea is December 2017, she will operate expedition
served in Horizons. And of course there is also cruises in Costa Rica and Panama before kicking
24/7 room service and free soft drinks and bottled off a series of new voyages in Belize and
water throughout the cruise Guatemala starting in February, 2018.14
(Continued from page 1)
name in it was prepared to be given to the Queen
By the summer of 1967, with the Q4 well under to aid in the naming when she reached the podium
construction, Cunard grew quite desperate, they but she refused it and went on to the podium. She
were running out of money quickly and did not called the ship Queen Elizabeth the Second.
project they would have enough money to finish Which surprised and even shocked many at
the build. They literally had to beg the British Cunard, so they rather quickly decided on Queen
Government for more loans. On September 14th, Elizabeth 2 and almost immediately we had the
just six days before the actual launching, the famous acronym.
Board of Trade agreed. The formal naming by Her
Majesty the Queen would take place on The crowds made up of Cunard officials, ship
September 20th. All seemed well for the moment. yard workers and their families, and invited guests
cheered as the 963-foot vessel went down the
By 1967 Cunard wanted a new image to go ways. She cost almost 17 times more than
along with the new “mod” 1960’s vibe. originally projected back in 1961 and her build
Something away from the staid and dowdy era of was plagued by strikes, work stoppages and huge
the perceived tradition, stuffy Cunard Line. Now shrinkage (theft) problems. Sometimes more new
it was the “new” Britain, the age of Carnaby doors and furnishings and carpets were going out
Street, Twiggy, James Bond and formica. Cunard of the shipyard than being installed. And then
had to be like London and swing, it was a new there were mechanical problems.
age.
Her first scheduled sea trials in November of
Due to be launched on September 20th , the 1968 had to be cancelled because of an oil leak. A
ships actual name was still top secret. There were planned Christmas cruise from Southampton to
all sorts of rumors floating about; British Queen, the Canary Islands had to cancelled. Then there
Princess Anne, Britannia, and even Winston were electrical problems. Even though she
Churchill or John F. Kennedy. But secretly it had managed a very respectable 32.4 knot top speed
already been decided by Cunard’s top on her sea trials she had countless defects and
management that the new liner would be named deficiencies. She was sent on a shakedown cruise
Queen Elizabeth. A sealed envelope with the ships with Cunard guests only to the Canaries and there
QE2 A Painting by Stephen J. Card15
were further turbine problems. She limped into Santiago de Cuba.”
Las Palmas in disgrace and Cunard refused
acceptance of the ship. Cruises aboard the Pearl Mist will leave Fort
Lauderdale on November 10, 20, 30, and
This resulted in an embarrassing and costly December 12.
blow to Cunard’s marketing plans. QE2’s
schedule was already announced and a very
expensive advertising and marketing campaign AMERICAN CRUISE LINE ADDS
for her maiden season in 1969 was underway. AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Repairs and corrections took months. The maiden ITINERARY
voyage originally scheduled for January of 1969
was rescheduled several times until finally, in American Cruise Lines announced it will be
March of 1969, she had successful trials and her adding a new itinerary to its 2018 cruise schedule.
delivery was accepted by Cunard. The new 11-day American Revolution Cruise
itinerary, aboard the new American Constitution,
On May 1st, the Queen visited the ship in will visit the most historically significant ports
Southampton and Cunard management seemed along the Chesapeake Bay.
very pleased, proud and full of smiles concerning
their new liner. Her maiden voyage to New York The itinerary features several new ports:
City commenced on May 2 and was a huge Washington D.C., Chestertown, MD, and Mt.
success. But even after her very successful first Vernon, VA. In the nation’s capital, guests can
crossing and for a long time thereafter many enjoy a guided tour of the National Mall or private
considered her a sort of white elephant in the jet tours of any of the Smithsonian Museums. In
age. She earned $5 million in her first year and Chestertown, guests can visit the Schooner
continued to sail the seven seas, through good Sultana, a replica of the Royal Naval Frigate
time and bad for 39 years. At the time of her Sultana that served in the British Navy from 1768
retirement QE2 had sailed 5.6 million miles, to 1772. At Mt. Vernon the line’s experts guide
carried 2.5 million passengers and completed 806 visitors through George Washington’s Estate.
transatlantic crossings. Long live the Queen!
Guests will also travel to the last battlefield of
the Revolutionary War in Yorktown and the first
PEARL SEAS EXPANDS CUBA English settlement in Jamestown.
PROGRAM
In addition to the onshore enrichment,
Pearl Seas Cruises will run four Cuba cruises American’s onboard expert will be Dr. Harold
in November and December of this year and a full Cones, a distinguished Professor of Biology,
schedule is planned for 2018. Starting this fall, the Emeritus at Christopher Newport University in
cruise line will begin offering an 11-night Cuba Newport News, VA, where he worked for 40
cruise with an additional stop in Casilda, years. Overall, he is a broadly trained naturalist,
according to a press release. consultant, and nature writer that arranges and
conducts outdoor travel experiences while
The additional stop in Casilda will offer more developing, arranging and leading tours as a study
opportunities for cultural exchange with the leader for the Mariners' Museum in Newport
Cuban people. Pearl Seas is one of only a few News.
cruise lines approved by the United States and
Cuban governments to sail to Cuba. The new cruise will sail round-trip from
Baltimore for guests’ convenience. Cruises will
The company said it offers “the most begin in the spring of 2018 aboard the brand new
immersive Cuban itinerary with a American Constitution. Available dates are April
circumnavigation of the island, including stops in 28, May 8, October 29, and November 8, 2018
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, El Cobre, and and reservations are now being accepted.16
MONTHLY NOTES AND COMMENTS
For the first time in cruise industry history a Palooza Story Time and Parade and other Dr.
female seafarer will navigate the rich archipelago Seuss–inspired activities that are featured on
of the Galapagos as captain. A native of Ecuador, Carnival cruises.
Nathaly Albán will command the ultra-exclusive
Celebrity Xploration; as captain of the recently Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks
revitalized catamaran. and Resorts, announced plans at the D23 Expo in
Anaheim, Calif., to add a seventh ship to Disney
Holland America Line is reinventing the Cruise Line's fleet, giving families even more
traditional dessert buffet by introducing a opportunities to create magical memories at sea
Chocolate Surprise parade on the last gala and visit spectacular destinations around the
evening of every cruise. Rather than guests having globe. Last year, the leader in family cruising
to make their way to the buffet and wait in line for announced plans to build two new ships at the
a sweet treat, Chocolate Surprise brings bite-sized Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany with scheduled
confections to guests in the main public areas as completion dates of 2021 and 2023. The seventh
they enjoy the evening's entertainment. ship will be built at the same shipyard and is
scheduled to be completed in 2022.
Cunard announced this week that it has
welcomed its first booking by a same-sex couple It was down to the wire again for America's
following a recent Supreme Court ruling enabling fabled flagship, the SS United States, but an
same-sex marriages in Bermuda, where Cunard's eleventh-hour donation has given the vessel
fleet of ships is registered. The ruling means that another short reprieve. A $150,000 contribution to
Cunard, which has offered weddings on its ships the SS United States Conservancy's "We are the
for the past five years and has married over 250 United States" campaign on the eve of its
couples, is one of the first British cruise lines to be conclusion, has prompted a decision to extend the
able to conduct same-sex wedding ceremonies at national fundraising and outreach effort to save
sea. the iconic vessel.
Crystal AirCruises welcomed the newest Citing demand, Carnival Cruise Line has
member of its expanding fleet, Crystal Skye, added five more voyages featuring extended calls
during an official handover ceremony held at in Havana in 2018. The new voyages include
Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington. The three five-day cruises to Havana and Cozumel or
exquisitely outfitted Boeing 777-200LR was Key West departing Feb. 17, July 2 and Sept. 5,
delivered to Crystal's CEO and president, Edie 2018; a six-day sailing featuring Havana and
Rodriguez from Greenpoint Technologies. Grand Cayman departing Aug. 26, 2018; and an
Crystal Skye is the largest privately owned tour jet eight-day voyage with stops at Havana, Grand
in the world and is deployed for chartered service, Cayman and Cozumel departing Aug. 18, 2018,
accommodating some of the world's most the company said. All of the voyages include a
discriminating groups and travelers. Crystal Skye day-long call and overnight in Havana with the
will be christened in Las Vegas on August 12. eight-day cruise of Aug. 18, 2018, offering two
full days at the Cuban capital.
Carnival Cruise Line celebrated its
partnership with the Port of Mobile and greater The American Queen Steamboat Company’s
Mobile community today by hosting a Seuss-a- American Duchess was christened in New
Palooza event for kids attending the YMCA of Orleans. The 166-guest riverboat, the first all-
South Alabama Summer Camp program. The suite paddle-wheeler to ply America’s rivers,
event aboard Carnival Fantasy, which is officially joins the company’s riverboat fleet
homeported year-round in Mobile, was joining the beautiful American Queen and the
highlighted by a Green Eggs and Ham brunch American Empress, which is based in the Pacific
with The Cat in the Hat and Friends, a Seuss-a- Northwest.You can also read
