The third Cunard liner ever to be called Queen Elizabeth docked for the first time in Fort Lauderdale yesterday. It's not the biggest in the world or even the most costly to build but it sets a new standard for elegance and British-ness (even though it's owned by a US-based cruise line and was built in Italy). Launched last October, she's on her first around-the-world voyage.
How British? A class system with different levels of decks, menus, and pampering. Lawn-bowling, croquet, a Shakespearean theatre, paddle tennis, and glass conservatory like the one in Kew Gardens. A statue of the real Queen painted in 22-carat gold. There's even an emphasis on --- oh no, here's that phrase again --- Art Deco design and flourishes in the staircase, furniture, and artwork. This is NOT a cruise ship, there are no rock-climbing walls or ice skating rinks.
In a nostalgic coincidence, a sister ship (there are only 3 ships in the Cunard fleet) the Queen Victoria docked beside her for the 11-hour stay. Ship spotters can't get close any more due to security fears, but it's easy to spot the Cunards with their distinctive black hulls. Bon voyage, next stop Curacao.
I read about those ships. How cool that you were there to see them.
ReplyDelete