Right now I am looking out our balcony door and it is raining. A fairly heavy rain. Chet notes the fresh water is washing the salt spray off our windows. We have been on this ship for 18 days and it has not rained, except once or twice at night (and I am not even sure about that). It is 5:30 p.m. and getting dark here in Malaysia and I feel cozy in my small suite that has been our home for so many lovely cruising days.

We spent the morning exploring the old section of Penang, Malaysia, which is known as George Town. Rather than take a tour, we decided to join Jim and Amy Telford (who pretty much always do ports on their own) to explore. Each couple hired a trishaw (a metal rickshaw propelled by a bicycle rider) and we spent an hour and a half seeing the local sights. These consist mostly of colonial buildings, temples (Buddhist and Hindu) and restored mansions.

It is easy to see why George Town is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Many buildings have been lovingly restored and more at being worked on at this time. The streets are clean. Many of the streets have lovely patterns of ceramic tile embedded in them. This part of the city is low-rise although we can see skyscrapers in the distance.

The streets in the old city are narrow and they hum with traffic…drivers on motorbikes, real bikes, cars and trishaws zip down them with little heed to the few traffic lights and even lesser heed to folks on foot. Crossing the street can be very, very tricky, as we soon learn.

We paid our trishaw drivers $20 for the two of us for 1-1/2 hours (always negotiate the price and time in advance). They dropped us off at the huge Prangin Mall, where the free shuttle bus from the ship drops passengers. Here we sent Chet back to the ship while Jim, Amy and I headed back out for some shopping.

We ended up walking through a muslim shopping area, then through Chinatown and then on to Little India where I finally was able to purchase punjabis for my granddaughters. We also picked up some other little items along the way…maybe there were knock-offs, maybe not. You are never sure in this part of the world…but I love the Dior sunglasses that I bought for 25 ringit (about $8).

At this point, we start to look for a taxi to return to the ship when Jim looks at the map and discovers we are only about four blocks from the pier. So we just walked on back. It was a nice morning and it was nice to see how accessible George Town is from the cruise port.

Tonight is our last formal night. Chet has just donned his tux for the fourth time and is pretty tired of it. While there are many who still love this tradition, it is dying a slow death, even on the luxury ships. There are many men on board in dark suits and Chet wishes he were one of them (even though I love him in a tux).

Tomorrow is our last stop…the dynamic city of Kuala Lumpur. We will be packing tomorrow afternoon as the next day we arrive in Singapore and we want to have some time to get out and explore the city. We leave on a flight in the middle of the night!

Capt. David Bathgate

“Where is yesterday’s blog?” the captain asked me this morning. We were privileged to have a private dinner with the new captain of the Seabourn Spirit, Capt. David Bathgate,  a couple of days ago and he has been reading our website since.

Argh! I was “caught out” (as the Brits and Aussies say). Yes, I am behind. It is hard to stay at the computer and write when there are so  many lovely things to do on this ship. So, I will catch up and thank the captain for keeping me on course.

On every warm weather Seabourn cruise, there is a marina day. This is the day that the lower the platform at the back of the ship and passengers are able to swim, snorkel, kayak, sail, water-ski and take banana boat rides. It is the most casual day of the cruise as most folks are running around in swimsuits and cover-ups. As this is a distinctly older crowd, it is nice to see so many participating.

The event is very well organized and passengers sign up for the various activities so the area does not become overcrowded. They also serve drinks and snacks.

Despite the fact that there were jellyfish in the area (and the crew did their best to keep them at bay), a good time was had by all.

I’m thinking it’s time for jingle bells

Only three days are left on this cruise and Christmas is only nine days away. It is peculiar that there are no Christmas decorations around the ship yet (presumably they will be put up for the holiday cruise departing Dec. 20), no Christmas music is being played and no one is wearing holiday clothing. Yet everyone is Christmas shopping! There seems to be a bit of a disconnect and I hope the ship starts celebrating the season soon!

On Dec. 15 we entered the multi-island country of Malaysia and spent the day on the northern island of Langkawi. The best way I can describe this pretty little island is to compare it to Cancun or Huatulco, Mexico…it is a manufactured resort. By that I mean that 20 years ago it was mostly rice fields. The government decided to develop it for tourism and declared it duty-free. So resorts and attractions were built.

We did a ship’s tour called “Langkawai Highlights” and we saw a small “geopark” which describes the history and process of growing rice (with a very nice museum), a new marina complex, a batik store and the Underwater World attraction in the town of Pantai Cenang. None of these was earth-shaking in itself, but we did get to drive around the entire western side of the island and thus were able to see many of the resorts and homes here.

It is a modest place that has been nicely developed for tourism. I really did not come all this way to go to an aquarium but Underwater World seems popular with visitors from elsewhere (approx. $10 US admission). The batik store did offer some higher quality goods than we had seen elsewhere so was a decent shopping stop.

Those who took the free ship’s shuttle into Langkawi were dropped off at Underwater World and were generally unhappy with the shops in the vicinity (it appears that there is better shopping elsewhere). However, one couple was smart enough to walk behind the attraction to take a very nice walk on the beach.

If I ever return, I think I would hire a cab over to Kuah Town which appears to have a bit  more to do and maybe better shops. There is at least one “shopping mall” in Kuah and the Westin Hotel is here as well.  I would recommend that in the future the ship’s shuttle drop off passengers both in Pantai Cenang and Kuah Town. They are not that far apart and would offer far more to do.

Last night we had the second on-deck barbeque of this cruise. They do these very well…they set up tables on decks 7 and 8 and put on a lavish spread under the stars. Champagne and wine are poured freely (remember, all alcohol is included) and there is great entertainment and dancing. Better yet, it is over fairly early and we are definitely an early-to-bed bunch of folks.

On Dec. 14, we were in Phuket, Thailand, for the afternoon and evening. Thailand is one of my favorite Asian countries and I wish we were spending more time here. As there have not been a lot of shopping opportunities on this cruise, many passengers were catching taxis into the town to getting their shopping fix or to eat genuine Thai food.

However, we opted to see one of the great sights of this part of the world … the islands of Phang Nga Bay. This was our most expensive short excursion of this trip ($139 each) but we felt the photo opps would make it worthwhile. We boarded a very fast speedboat for an hour’s ride to the bay…and there discovered some 40 gorgeous rock formations. If you have been to Halong Bay in Vietnam, the scenery is similar. I wish that the light had been better, but it was still worth seeing this beautiful place.

The rest of the trip was pretty unremarkable…a stop at a village built on stilts, another stop at the so-called James Bond Island where part of “Man with a Golden Gun” was filmed. This stop might have been better if about 200 honeymooning Koreans hadn’t landed at the same time.

Then we had another hour’s ride back to the harbor area where we had our last stop and it was pretty dreadful. They dropped us at a “swimming beach” at 5:30 p.m. The resort at the beach was closed so there was not even a bar open. The whole area was distinctly non-appealing and smelled very bad…it appears that the toilets here are pumped into the sea. While some of our group did snorkel and swim a bit, many were dismayed…this stop was definitely not a Seabourn experience and I recommend it be dropped from future itineraries.

There was a stunning sunset as we returned to the ship but unfortunately those of us cooped up inside could not get decent pictures of it. (Half our group was able to sit outside and the other half was inside…and no one switched!) All and all, a mixed report on this trip. I enjoyed see the rock formations but the rest of the trip was rather tiresome, particularly for those of us inside.

By Tim O’Keefe

Many of us seated in the fifth and last of the two-story passenger cars are acting like jacks-in-the-box as we continually pop up from our seats, photographing one stunning island view after another as our toy railroad chugs along at a maximum of just 8 mph.

On the right we have the coastline to shoot and, later, the islands of St. Eustatius and Saba in the distance. The left is dominated by seemingly endless fields of sugar cane with a dramatic backdrop of cloud-capped mountains, villages and old estates.

Whenever our energy starts to flag from all the activity, our waitress always seem at hand to provide a free rum punch, pina colada or Diet Coke. Or the gospel chorus may appear on our car and sing something uplifting to bolster our spiritual sides.

We’re riding the St. Kitts Sugar Train, a one-of-a-kind tour in the Caribbean that’s likely to remain that way. Unlike most other islands, St. Kitts never tore up its train tracks even after they went out of use back in 1970’s when sugar cane stopped being the island’s main economic mainstay, replaced by tourism.

Also called the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, this 90-minute tour uses a 500-hp diesel engine (made in Romania, of all places) to pull its five passenger cars along a 30-inch narrow gauge railroad bed built between 1912 and 1926 to transport sugar cane from the fields to the processing factory in the capital city of Basseterre.

The tracks still extend for about 30 miles but the Sugar Train uses only 18 of them, among the most scenic. The train departs Basseterre to travel northward where the tracks parallel and sometimes hug the Atlantic coastline. Chugging along at a maximum speed of just 8 mph, the train crosses three bridges up to 200 feet long over chasms as much as 90 feet deep.

When we board the train, almost everyone chooses the canopy-covered, open-air top deck of our car and its bench-style, cushioned seats extending along both sides. A few chose the lower level, which is enclosed and air conditioned. Seats there are in the form of rattan chairs clustered around a table located beside large vaulted, tinted windows.

We definitely get more of a feel for St. Kitts out in the open but the train also shakes, rattles and rolls up here quite a bit. People susceptible to motion sickness may find conditions more to their liking at the lower level. Ours is the last car, #5, and that allows us to notice how much #4 right in front keeps pitching and rolling from side to side. Not the steadiest photo platform whenever we shift to our “top” 8 mph speed.

It’s important to choose the correct side of the car when you board: right for the coastline, left for the inland region. I go right, Linda sits across on the left; that way we can quickly trade places if necessary. With large tour groups, there may not be any open seating (like today). And the lurching train makes it impossible to stand in the center and take photos on both sides.

We choose the last car since it allows us to lean out and photograph the entire train whenever it comes to a curve. Best morning sunlight starts out with the sun on the right side of the train but as we circle the northern end of St. Kitts the light shifts to the left.

Wherever you sit, everyone hears the live running commentary, not taped, which makes the experience much more spontaneous and entertaining. And this is how we learn of the amazing association with this Caribbean narrow gauge train ride with one in Skagway, Alaska: they were both started by the same person who chose locations where many miles of abandoned but still usable rail lines were available. (This trivia should be good info for making small wagers the next time you’re in Skagway or St. Kitts).

Ever since the Sugar Train began running in January, 2003, there has been a kind of waving contest between passengers and the locals, who are known as Kittians. We’re advised by our conductor that passengers always are supposed to wave first. Whenever we pass a school yard or a group of youngsters, they gallop toward the train with their arms waving in the air. Their unadulterated enthusiasm always exceeds our best waving attempt.

After our 18-mile trip from Basseterre, we arrive at a roundabout where the train stops in a circle. We will not return to the city by train but by buses, the same ones that took us from the cruise port to the train station. They arrive with another group of passengers who will retrace our route as the sun moves even higher in the sky, not as good for photography.

Depending on demand, the train may make another round trip later in the day. In summer, outside of the cruise ship season, the train may not even run every day. For more information, visit .

For a quick overview of the northern half of St. Kitts, no other tour offers such high vantage points, visits the same out-of-the-way places or does it with such style and fun.
If you’re not into photography, you may find the last 20 minutes of scenery a bit repetitious. If so, sip a rum punch and just relax to the rock and rolling of the Sugar Train. And see if any more of that sugar candy is left. That stuff is addictive!

By Linda O’Keefe

The clock goes off at 6am and after a few minutes I drag my groggy-eyed self out of bed. Before heading up to the Lido Restaurant for a quick breakfast, Tim checks the weather outside via the camera HAL has mounted on the bow connected to our stateroom’s TV. It looks fine and I’m anticipating a fun day of sightseeing and photography on beautiful St. Thomas.

As I step off the elevator and peer around the corner toward the window-lined dining area, all I see are gray clouds. Then as look more, I wonder, “Where in the world are we? It doesn’t look anything like the Charlotte Amalie I remember. ”

Crown Bay Cruise Terminal

Then I remember we docked at Crown Bay, which looks like an industrial park instead of a cruise terminal. With the threat of rain heavy in the air, Tim and I head toward the plain buildings and recognize the names of a few jewelry stores.

I notice good directional signs with arrows pointing to the locations of different stores, the bank and Wi-Fi hotspots, so we decide to forget Charlotte Amalie and get caught up on some computer time. But the signs lead to empty storefronts.

Iguanas fighting over bread                                       The winner!

As I’m returning to the ship for a computer power cord I notice several people standing around the edge of the walkway throwing pieces of bread at something. Turns out iguanas are enjoying the hospitality of some passengers passing time in this middle-of-nowhere- port. Cheap entertainment.  The best St. Thomas has at the Crown Bay port?

Tim spends several hours on the computer while I try to get my phone to work. By now my patience is wearing very thin; my phone won’t work. Only one computer can connect off the ship. This cruise ship terminal looks like a bad dream. I’m tired and hungry. Back on the ship finishing up lunch Tim says, “I’m going to take some pictures of the port this afternoon.”

The Lido Pool sign                                          My hat

I reply, “Not me, I’m on strike. The sun is finally out and I’m going to put on my bathing suit, sit by the pool and read my book.”

Bag and hairclip                                         Favorite Tevas

After changing and gathering my pool gear plus my camera, I go to the Lido deck for some fun in the sun. As I’m empty my bag an elderly gentlemen stops by and asks, “Like your book?” pointing at my Kindle, I tell him how much I love it and he proudly holds out a small notebook and says, “Got me one, too!”

Love my Kindle

Before I settle down in the chaise, I decide to take some pictures I can use this in our blog. After finishing my shots,  I pick up my things and glance around to realize everyone at the pool was watching—and probably wondering why—as I photographed everything I brought with me. I’m laughing as I put on my hat, settle back and start reading.

After a while, watching everyone walk by with ice cream,  gets to be too much. I bypass the pool bar and head for the Lido Restaurant for a pineapple sherbet waffle cone. By now, the ship is pulling out of St. Thomas.  I tote my bag containing my camera to the upper deck for pictures as we leave.

Lido Pool bar Friendly Lido Pool bar bartender

It’s a beautiful sail away and can’t help but think of Jimmy Buffet’s song “One Particular Harbor,” as we pass sunlit sail boats anchored in small coves with white sand beaches. After finding Tim, we watch the coastline of St. Thomas slip away as the Maasdam leaves Crown Bay, the worst port we’ve encountered on our cruise.

Sail away shots                         A beach and anchorage we pass

So what started out as a crummy sour day, finally turned into frosty lemonade thanks to the beautiful sunlit island we pass on our left, no part of St. Thomas.

Today is the final day at sea on this Seabourn Spirit cruise. This is our eighth day at sea on this 20-day cruise and everyone I talk to is regretting it. We have all come to love these sea days, maybe because it is on these days that we really get to know one another.

Our trivia team

For example, today our Trivia Team, “The Latecomers” finally gathered a full complement of 10 players…Peter, Jim, Chet, June, Tony, Jenny, June, Cindy, Paul and Monica. In the end, we ended up third of the five teams! A respectable showing, considering we just got together a few days ago. But now we all know one another and this has been great fun. Today’s stumper: Which island in the Canary Islands flies the flag of Scotland?

Right after Trivia we all headed down to Deck Three for a food extravaganza called the Galley Market Lunch. For the life of me, I cannot figure out why Seabourn is pulling out the “food stops” on this luncheon rather late in the cruise. This is the best food we have seen the entire trip and I gather that this lunch is done on all Seabourn cruises.

They served luscious raclette

You pass through line into the galley…you are first offered a chilled vodka (many varieties, cleverly chilled in real ice buckets) Then you move on to a very authentic Swiss raclette…the hot swiss cheese on bread with appropriate accompaniments: boiled potatoes, gherkins, pickled onions, proscuitto and sliced sausage. Yum! This may be the single best dish I have had on the cruise.

Then there is a big sushi spread…where has this been for the past 10 days? Then lots more salads and seafoods, a pasta bar, cold salmon, hot salmon, sliced prime rib, slice turkey, soup and all the accompaniments. Oh yes, there were fried soft shell crabs, chips (french fries) and many other goodies. All at once and all for lunch!

Fresh sushi captured many's fancy

Then, of course, the dessert table which included everything from Cherries Jubilee to Baked Alaska. Is this overkill? Yes, absolutely.

While most everyone loved it, we all agreed we would rather see it spread out a bit. On days at sea and many other days when we sail at 1 or 2 p.m., there is little to do around 5-6 p.m. One day on this cruise they had a fun caviar event on the Sea Deck. Wouldn’t it be fun to see a few more of these…perhaps a raclette one day, sushi another day, creative pizzas another day, a huge fresh-cooked salmon another day? It just seems we would be able to enjoy it so much more!

Dinner at the alternative restaurant “2”

The Tastings menu at Restaurant 2

It is all the rage these days for ships to offer alternative dining and Seabourn has followed that trend by offering special dinners in its Veranda Café in the evening, renamed “2.”  Each evening some 40 people are served very special meals. Most are themed…like Indian, Spanish, Thai, Trattoria and Asiate. Some evenings they offer special dinners called Tastings, where the whole menu is set and you are served small plates for all courses.

Being new to Seabourn, there was something that we did not realize right away: It is extremely hard to get a reservation for “2.” You have to be in line or call 48 hours in advance to get one of the cherished spot. Not only is the food good in “2,” but you are able to dine al fresco (outside) on the aft of the ship and it is a lovely evening experience. (Unfortunately, the main restaurant on this ship is located on Deck 3 and is dark in the evenings.)

Waitress Leigh, Jim Telford at "2"

But last night we lucked out and about 6:15 p.m. we received a call from “2” telling us they had a cancellation and did we want to come for the Tastings dinner? We grabbed the chance…Chet was eager to get out of his tuxedo (only a jacket is required in “2”)…and we joined Jim and Amy Telford for a lovely time. The whole experience was grand and we recommend it. There is no surcharge for this restaurant on Seabourn.

Today’s putting contest results

Today we joined a gang on deck for a golf putting contest. This is definitely a more-luck-than-skill endeavor but I am proud to announce that Chet won for the men today! I did not do so well.

Chet's prize in the putting contest

Tomorrow we reach Thailand and then have five days visiting Malaysia before we end in Singapore.

On this 20-day itinerary on the Seabourn Spirit, we will have had 10 days at sea. Today is No. 9 sea day. Tomorrow is our last sea day…sigh.

People often ask us what people do on sea days. How do they pass the time?

Spa ready for the Pamper Party

Chet and I discovered long ago that we both love sea days. We love the fact that there is absolutely nothing that we have to do (that IS the meaning of vacation, isn’t it?) We can get up late, read, nap, go to the spa or participate in the various on-board activities.

Today, I chose to partake in a spa special called the Pamper Party. Six of us participated in this two-hour event that was well worth the $89 charged. We each had a petite facial, a hair and scalp treatment and massage, a “tired feet” massage and a 10-minute back massage.

They provided drinks (wine, vodka and water) and fruit snacks. They provided a luscious exfoliating rub to use in the shower and extra face creams after our facials. It really was a morning of pampering and it was great to see all of the spa staff happily involved.

Enjoying a scalp treatment

After a quick shower, makeup and hair dry I managed to make it to the Team Trivia competition. This, too, goes on every day at sea but we just formed our team yesterday, appropriately named “The Latecomers.” We are Peter, Paul, June, June, Jim, Chet and Cindy. We may not be doing the best, but we do think we are having the best fun. Today’s stumper: What is a group of jellyfish called?

There are other regular events. Bridge is offered every morning and afternoon on sea days and there is a dedicated group playing there. While I really enjoyed Ann’s lessons, I discovered that I really did not want to play every morning and afternoon. They also have frequent putting contests and sometimes Baggo is offered (also known as cornhole).

Today there was a cooking lesson (curry and crème brulee, I am told) and there is usually one or two lectures by our on-board speakers. Today Glenmore Trenear-Harvey will speak on “The Spy in the Sky.” Being Sunday, there was also a non-denominational church service.

What you won’t find on Seabourn: Bingo, pool games, photographers, frequent loud-speaker announcements. Everything is very low key.

Tomorrow is our last day at sea and then six days in port…so we are going to cherish every precious moment of our quiet day tomorrow.

Answer: A “smack” of jellyfish. Who knew? (If you knew, you can be a trivia champ!)

Smithsonian Journeys, known for their luxury cruises aboard small ships, announces six new cruises to the Mediterranean for 2011. Each of these theme cruises feature on-board experts and small ships such as the all-suite Corinthian II, which accommodates just 114 passengers. Planned for the discerning traveler, these cruises provide the ultimate in a luxury experience but with an informal ambiance. Specialized itineraries, including music cruises with world-renowned musicians and a family cruise with special children’s activities are featured at http://www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/Cruises, along with engaging photo slide shows, profiles of top experts who accompany each cruise and prices.

Smithsonian guests will cruise the Mediterranean aboard the all-suite private yacht Corinthian II, <http://www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/Corinthian>, a small ship that carries no more than 114 passengers and provides top amenities, gracious service, and fine dining. Custom-designed itineraries provide a fascinating perspective into the destinations and behind-the-scenes access to many sites, as well as exclusive activities, top experts and a pleasant, leisurely pace with time at sea for relaxation.

Two new luxury cruises to the Mediterranean <http://SmithsonianJourneys.org/Music> feature world-renowned musicians such as flautist Sir James Galway and pianist Leon Fleisher. Mediterranean Music Cruise (May 3-16, 2011) will feature the incomparable music of Galway and other artists who perform private recitals. As the ship plies the sea from Seville to Venice, Smithsonian travelers will explore important World Heritage sites in Seville, Barcelona, Carthage and Dubrovnik in the company of a top historian, and stop at palaces and historic theaters to enjoy exclusive recitals by flautist Galway and other top musicians.

Smithsonian travelers can also cruise from Istanbul to Seville on Opus Mediterraneo (Aug. 15-30, 2011), which brings the allure of music and history together as legendary pianist Leon Fleisher performs special recitals with a stellar group of musicians, while top expert, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jared Diamond offers exclusive insight on the itinerary. Both of these unique luxury cruises take place aboard the small ship Corinthian II.

During The Venetian Empire and the Medieval World (April 22-May 4, 2011) Smithsonian travelers will cruise from Cyprus to Israel, Syria, Turkey, Greece and Croatia before arriving in Venice. Participants gain a better understanding of Venice as an ancient Mediterranean superpower from on-board experts prior to visiting such World Heritage sites as Palmyra, Corfu, Kotor and Dubrovnik. History lovers will thoroughly enjoy Smithsonian’s Journey of Odysseus cruise (June 18-29, 2011). This theme cruise follows the route of Homer’s hero in the Mediterranean, from Athens to Troy, the Greek Islands and various ports in Italy, while an on-board expert on The Odyssey provides insight. Both of these luxury cruises also take place aboard the all-suite Corinthian II, <http://www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/Cruises>.

Families interested in an exciting, fun summer vacation will be interested in Voyage to the Lands of Gods and Heroes (July 26-Aug. 6, 2011) aboard Corinthian II. During this special family cruise to the Mediterranean <http://www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/GodsHeroes>, adults and children will explore Italy, Greece and Turkey. While the entire family will enjoy visits to some of the most iconic ancient sites and important Greek Islands, experienced youth counselors will also lead specialized activities for children.

Some Smithsonian travelers may simply want a more leisurely luxury cruise to the Mediterranean. The Hidden Islands of Greece (July 1-11, 2011) <http://www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/HiddenIslands> will feature quiet idyllic islands and villages as well as important World Heritage sites of the Aegean, including the Nea Moni Monastery on Chios and the archaeological site at Vergina. This cruise takes place aboard the all-suite small ship Callisto, accommodating just 34 guests.

About Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys is the Smithsonian Institution’s travel program, with more than 40 years dedicated to life-enriching experiences worldwide. The Smithsonian is known for “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery,” which is central to Smithsonian Journeys and its more than 150 expert-led international and domestic tours featuring exclusive access and unforgettable experiences. For more information, call toll-free 1 (877) 338-8687 or visit http://www.SmithsonianJourneys.org.

On Thursday January 13, 2011, Cunard Line’s three luxury cruise ships – flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and the new Queen Elizabeth – will meet together in New York Harbour for a true grand celebration, a Cunard Royal Rendezvous.

The youngest fleet at sea is scheduled to depart at approximately 6:00 p.m. local time; Queen Mary 2 will depart from her home port, Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, while Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth will depart from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal – Pier 90 and Pier 88, respectively. All three Queens will rendezvous at the Statue of Liberty for a spectacular Gucci fireworks celebration at approximately 6:45 p.m.

“This is another historic occasion for Cunard and New York, marking the second time in our 171-year history that our entire fleet of Queens will meet there in such celebratory fashion, and marking Queen Elizabeth’s maiden call to our North America homeport,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “We look forward to bringing this next meeting of our Queens to the great city of New York and continuing the pageantry and grand celebration that is Cunard.”

Cunard’s first Royal Rendezvous in New York was in 2008 when its fleet – Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Victoria – met for the first and only time in New York as QE2 retired in November of that year, marking a historic moment in maritime history.

Thousands of travel and maritime enthusiasts will be joined by admirers to gather at ideal viewing locations to wish the magnificent fleet of Queens “Bon Voyage” and see the spectacular fireworks celebration. Viewing locations include:

– Battery Park: On the southern shoreline of Manhattan, www.thebattery.org

Map link: http://www.bpcparks.org/bpcp/map/map.php

– Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park: Overlooking the Hudson River with great views of the Statue of Liberty

Getting there: Just south of the Museum of Jewish Heritage. By subway: 4 or 5 to Bowling Green, or N or R to Whitehall.

– The Esplanade: Running the entire length of Battery Park City, along the Hudson River from Stuyvesant High School on the north end all the way south to Battery Park

– Hudson River Park: 550 acre park extends for five miles along the Manhattan shoreline from Battery Place to West 59th Street

Additionally, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park will be offering front row suites to the event, complete with telescopes for prime viewing. With the Cunard Royal Rendezvous package, guests will enjoy fireworks and breathtaking vistas over New York Harbour, the Statue of Liberty and the three ships passing through the night from a Statue of Liberty View Guestroom or Suite. They will also enjoy a seafood tasting tier for two delivered to their guest room or suite and full American breakfast in the hotel’s 2 West Restaurant. In addition, the first 50 guests to book the package will receive, compliments of Cunard, Queen Mary 2: Ocean Liner Cuisine – a coffee table-style cookbook penned by Cunard’s Executive Chef and Global Culinary Ambassador Jean-Marie Zimmermann, only available for sale on the fleet’s ships.

The Cunard Royal Rendezvous package at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park starts at $595 per couple. The package is subject to availability, requires a non-refundable three-day advance payment, and does not include taxes and gratuities. Visit www.ritzcarlton.com/batterypark for more information or call (212) 344-0800 or toll free at 1-800-542-8680.

For more ongoing information about the Royal Rendezvous, visit www.cunard.com/rendezvous. For more information about Cunard’s three Queens or to book a voyage, consult your travel professional, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.