Cunard Begins Construction of Queen Elizabeth in Italy
Construction of Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth began in Italy last week, as the keel was laid at the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste, Italy.
The second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Elizabeth’s keel is the third Cunard has lain in the space of seven years. It is expected to enter service in October 2010.
The keel laying involves the placement in the dry dock of the first section of the ship’s hull. This section consists of six pre-manufactured blocks, weighs 364 tons and is fitted with 104 tons of pipes, cables, insulation and other equipment. Fifty-three sections will be used in the construction of the ship, and it will take to the water for the first time its float-out in December.
The Queen Elizabeth will reflect its predecessor in interior décor and style, but with a modern twist. The ship will adhere to liner traditions, with double- and triple-height public rooms with wood paneling, mosaics, chandeliers and marble.
Art Deco features will pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth. In addition to the Cunard entertainment program onboard, the Queen Elizabeth will offer some options inspired by the era of the first Queen Elizabeth, such as country house parties at sea, evening piano sing-a-longs and period dancing, including traditional ballroom, the jitterbug and the jive.
As successor to the Queen Elizabeth 2, the ship will also reflect that liner through artwork and memorabilia and its Yacht Club. The Queen Elizabeth will also pay homage to the links that Cunard has enjoyed with royalty and the maritime world over the years with photography, memorabilia and exhibits.
The Queen Elizabeth will depart on its Maiden Voyage Oct. 12, 2010. The 13-night cruise will depart Southampton and will call at Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Seville (Cadiz), Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, an overnight call), La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma) and Madeira (Funchal).
The maiden season will run through January 2011 and include voyages to the Western and Central Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Fares start at $1,195 per person, double, for the five-night Gallic Debut voyage, departing Nov. 26.
