Full Schedule - 2009 World Cruises on Cunard

2009 World Cruise Schedules

Queen Mary 2

Jan
13 Ft Lauderdale
16 Barbados
22 Rio de Janeiro
25 Montevideo
28 Cape Horn
31 Valparaiso (from Santiago)

Feb
3 Callao (from Lima)
7 Acapulco
10 Los Angeles
14 Honolulu
19 Pago Pago
21 International Date Line
23 Auckland
26 Sydney

Mar
6 Osaka
9 Hong Kong
12 Bangkok
14 Singapore
18 Goa
21 Dubai
23 Salalah
27 Suez Canal
28 Alexandria
30 Athens

Apr
1 Rome
2 Cannes
3 Barcelona
7 Paris (from Le Havre)
8 Southampton

Queen Victoria

Jan

2 Southampton
10 New York
13 Ft lauderdale
16 Curacao
18 Panama Canal
21 Puerto Quetzal
24 Puerto Vallarta
25 Cabo San Lucas
27 Los Angeles

Feb

1 Honolulu
6 Apia, W Samoa
7 International Date Line
9 Tonga
12 Auckland
14 Christchurch
17 Hobart
19 / 20 Sydney
23 Airlie Beach (Great Barrier Reef)
26 Papua, New Guinea

Mar

1 Saipan, Marianas
5 Nagasaki
6 Pusan
8 Shanghai
11 Hong Kong
13 Nha Trang, Vietnam
14 Ho Chi Minh City
16 Bangkok
19 Singapore
21 Phuket
25 Goa
26 Mumbai
29 Dubai

Apr

4 Aquaba
6 Suez Canal
7 Alexandria
9 Kusadasi, Turkey
10 Istanbul
11 Mykonos
12 Athens
14 Rome
16 Barcelona
20 Southampton

2009 World Cruises Announced from Cunard

Well the long wait is finally over, I have finally received information from Cunard regarding 2009 World Cruises.

QM2 departs Fort Lauderdale 13 Jan and arrives Southampton 8 April (85 nights). Major calls include Rio, Montivideo, LA, Honolulu, Auckland, Sydney, Osaka, HK, Bankok, Singapore, Goa, Dubai!!, Alexandria, Athens, Rome, Barcelona, Le Havre.

QV departs Southampton 2 Jan and returns 20 April (107 nights). Major calls include New York, LA, Honolulu, Samoa, Tonga, Auckland, Sydney, Saipan, Nagasaki, Pusan, Shanghai, HK, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Mumbai, Alexanndria, Istanbul, Athens, Rome, Barcelona

Bookings will begin on July 9, 2009 for full World Cruises. World Cruise segments will be opened at a later date TBA.

Decisions, decisions

July 1st 2007 and still no word....

Welcome to the long wait, it's July 1, 2007 and still not a word about world cruises from either Crystal or Cunard Cruise Lines. The only major annoucement recently is about the departure of QE2 from the Cunard family. The legendary ship has been sold and will become a hotel in Dubai at the exclusive island known as The Palm. While it is sad that I haven't had the chance to sail on Queen Elizabeth 2 before she enters into retirement, I do hope that my world cruise will include Dubai so perhaps I might be able to see her as a hotel.

And so my wait continues...stay tuned!

Tea Service on Cunard

As I was reading though various posts on Cruise Critic, I found an interesting thread about Tea Service on Cunard, specifically on Queen Mary 2. The poster asked if shorts were permitted for tea in the Queen's Room and, the answer was, surprisingly, yes. I'm a little surprised that such a British tradition is taken so casually but, it does make it easier to not have to change clothes to participate.

And, yes, I am extremely hopeful that my World Cruise in 2009 will take place on Queen Mary 2. Although I am not turning a blind eye to the possibility of Crystal Cruise Lines. Crystal is also a very upscale and elegant cruise line that never fails to deliver a quality trip. I just would prefer to leave and return from New York City if at all possible. (This would mean no flying for me and, with the amount of luggage I will be taking with me, this could prove to be a very good thing!) But, I digress...

I continue to wait for more information regarding 2009 cruises and will post the information as soon as I have anything to share.

Happy Fathers Day!

The wait continues for 2009 World Cruises

I was hoping that by now that I'd be able to enter the Cunard reservations site and, get a sneak preview of the 2009. Often times, Cunard has this information entered into the reservations system but, just not released to the general public, but, that isn't the case. And, I haven't found any "new" information on the cruise forums boards such as Cruise Critic... So the wait continues...

In the meantime, I've been busy shopping for clothes. Ok, I admit, I am also shopping for my Christmas/New Year's cruise this year, and, I've already found some outfits that I will use on both the holiday cruise and the world cruise in 2009. So I'm happy.

This hasn't been a great year for clothing, at least in my opinion, and, finding cute things that are appropriate for the cruise line atmosphere is proving to be a bit challenging. However, I found some great sandals at stores such as Talbots and other clothing items such as sundresses and formal wear at stores such as Macy's, Lord and Taylor, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales. And, I keep reminding myself that I still have NEXT summer to continue shopping and, I can take advantage of stores abroad such as Harrod's in London, England since I will be hopping the pond to take part of the maiden voyage of Carnival Splendor on July 13, 2008 for a 12 night Northern Europe/Baltics cruise.

Hopefully, I'll have something to report over the weekend or early next week regarding itineraries and ships...

Have a great weekend everyone!

Beginning to Clothes Shop 18 Months Prior To A World Cruise in 2009

What should you be doing 18 months prior to a world cruise? The first is oblivious, if you haven't done so already, now is the time to book. It's also time to start thinking about a wardrobe - most true world cruises range in the 90 to 100+ days range, therefore, it isn't practical to even believe you can pack a different outfit for each day. So, the challenge of shopping for a trip of such great lengths has begun.

Cunard is a cruise line that is much more formal than the mainstream cruise lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and even Princess and Celebrity, and, Cunard defines their requested attire as follows:

"The general atmosphere onboard is elegant, but relaxed. Although shorts and
swimsuits may not be worn in the ships’ main restaurants, casual attire
(including shorts) is welcome during the day at the Kings Court on QUEEN MARY 2
and at the Lido Café on QUEEN ELIZABETH 2. Swimsuits, brief shorts and exercise
clothing should be reserved for poolside lounging, deck activities and the spa.

For shore excursions, you will need to pack a range of summer or warmer clothes,
depending on your itinerary. Remember to respect the cultural dress norms of
your hosts when visiting shrines, temples and churches. A lightweight raincoat,
umbrella, walking shoes and a spare pair of glasses will always stand you in
good stead. Don’t worry if you forget something as our shops onboard carry a
wide range of leisurewear, formal clothing and

One of the great thrills of a Cunard voyage is the sheer glamour of the evenings. Evening attire for the ship’s main restaurants, effective from 1800hrs, will be specified in your ship’s Daily Programme and will be required to dine in the restaurants.

Formal: Tuxedo (or formal dark suit) for men. Evening gown or other formal attire for women. (A range of gentleman’s formal wear is available to hire or purchase onboard ship).

Elegant Casual: Slacks, sweater, shirt and a jacket for men. Skirt or slacks with a blouse for women. No jeans.

Informal: Jacket and tie for men. Cocktail dress, dressy trouser suit or similar for women. No jeans."

Therefore, I am beginning to shop for outfits such as St. Johns knits. Expensive? Yes, but, they last for years and years and always look great. For me, the two toughest things to shop for are shoes and formal wear. I am not one to sacrifice the comfort of my feet for the sake of fashion and, I like formal wear that looks good even after I've worn it more than twice. Therefore, I need to look beyond Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik for shoes.

Fortunately, for me, NYC is a shoppers dream come true, not to mention the upscale malls of Northern NJ such as The Mall at Short Hills which features upscale department stores such as Saks and Neiman Marcus. So, with summer sales now in progress at the clothing stores, I will begin shopping for my wardrobe for this trip of a lifetime.

The Plot Thickens - Rumors continue about 2009 World Cruises

Ok, I admit I am getting very anxious to book my 2009 world cruise, so, I've been checking all the major cruise boards such as Cruise critic, cruise line fans, and others for updates - and the rumors regarding Cunard are continuing...

Speculation now has it that Queen Mary 2 seems like it might be taking a South American route, and, if that is true then I have found my world cruise! Out of all the ports I haven't been to yet, South America holds some of the most interesting for my personal taste. Among the ports I hope this rumored itinerary is including is Rio de Janeiro. And, it would be too much to ask if QM2 is in port during Carnival which is scheduled for February 20 - 25, 2009... I can only hope!

In the meantime, I'm thrilled so many of you have found this blog already and, thank you for taking time out of your day to read it. I hope I can continue to keep your interest and, that you find this blog both helpful and enjoyable.

Welcome aboard!!

Rumor Has It - All Three Ships in San Francisco in Early 2009

Today's topic is that of rumor and remains unconfirmed. It seems that someone on one of the major cruise forum boards has posted that all three Cunard ships will be in San Francisco in early 2009. This has many speculating if all three Cunard ships: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth 2 will all be taking world cruises in 2009.

Should this rumor turn out to be actually true, then I am in for a hard decision. My first decision will be about the itinerary and then my second decision will be about the ship. It is my hope that Queen Mary 2 is offering a World Cruise in 2009 and, I am hoping that it has the most interesting itinerary. For me, personally speaking, that would mean a cruise that includes a lot of time in South America and Asia but, right now, all I can do is wait and see.

Stay tuned...

A World Cruise Podcast in 2009

Well, after receiving a suggestion that a podcast would be a welcome addition to this blog, I have looked into it and, have decided that I will indeed offer a World Cruise podcast. Now, I'm not one for public speaking, so, this will be a challenge and, I have much to learn about podcasting but, I am willing to give it a try.

I have signed up for a service and, the future podcast will be found at the following address:
http://worldcruise2009.podcastpeople.com/

Keep in mind that I've only blogged on there so far and haven't produced any shows but, as I learn more about podcasting, and, actually begin broadcasting then I will have links for anyone out there that might be interested.

If you have any suggestions for show topics or if you have an suggestions for blog topics relating to a world cruise feel free to let me know.

Stay tuned!

Waiting To Book..

I contacted Cunard Cruise Lines this week and, was informed that the World Cruises for 2009 would be open on or about June 20, 2007. That gives me a few more weeks to sit and wonder what the itinerary for 2009 World Cruises from Cunard will offer and, also keeping my fingers crossed that all three ships: Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Mary II and Queen Victoria will be offering the World Cruise itineraries as they are for 2008.

I've already decided that Cunard is the best "fit" for me personally. Very few cruise lines offer world cruises and they include: Holland America, Crystal Cruise Lines, Silversea Cruises, of course, Cunard, and, possibly one or two other lines that do not necessarily cater to the American passenger.

Why Cunard? They were the first to offer world cruises, they have a long history of tradition, year after year they offer the itineraries that interest me most, and, lastly (and this is strictly personal preference) they offer larger ships than the other companies mentioned. Additionally, each Cunard ship is built as an oceanliner opposed to being a cruise ship. Oceanliners can handle rough waters much better than a cruise ship, and, considering I'm committing myself to a three month journey upon the sea, a ship that was built for rough conditions simply makes the most sense when literally covering the world.

Admittedly the anticipation is beginning to grow and, I am now eagerly waiting to book my 2009 World Cruise....