Old World Tradition
THE VIBE: Steeped in 165 years of history and with a slew of royals calling their ships home at various times, Cunard, more than any other cruise line, harks back to the golden age of ocean liners. It continues to deliver old-world tradition with regular transatlantic crossings, high tea served by white-gloved waiters, and dining rooms determined according to cabin class.
EMBARK ON: The Queen Elizabeth 2, built in the mid-1960s, will mark its last season at sea in 2008 before it becomes a floating hotel in Dubai. Be among the last to don black-tie and gowns for the formal evenings in the first-class dining room, the Queenís Grill.
ULTIMATE ITINERARY: Experience her final six-night transatlantic crossing, sailing from New York City to Southampton, England, on October 16, 2008 (a rare tandem sailing with the newer Queen Mary 2), for fares starting at just $1,065/person.
NOTA BENE: The QE2 has logged more nautical miles (5.5 million) than any other ship. Thatís the equivalent of 13 trips to the moon and back!
ALTERNATIVE: Built in East Germany in 1965, Orient Lines' Marco Polo is one of the last true ocean liners still in service and, coincidentally, only until March 2008. Excellent onboard lecturers such as Paul Kidd (aide to Queen Elizabeth) and Steven Bauer (a former White House social host) add intrigue to the eclectic itineraries, which include Antarctica. From $100/day; cruise lengths from 12 to 52 days
