#QueenElizabeth – Queen Elizabeth's maiden visit off Dun Laoghaire Harbour today presented a wonderful sight, not to mention her impressive and sumptuous art-deco style interiors which pay homage to the legendary 1930's Cunard Ocean Liner RMS Queen Elizabeth, writes Jehan Ashmore.
The 'Vista' class 90,901 tonnes cruiseship, is the newest of the Cunard Line fleet and she was commissioned in 2010 and named by Queen Elizabeth II in Southampton. A portrait of the monarch by Isobel Peachey hangs in the splendid foyer of the Grand Lobby.
Captain C. Wells has command of the vessel with 2,040 guests which is close to her capacity of 2,100 passengers and almost 1,000 crew members. On the cruise of British and Irish ports which set off from Southampton at the end of July, the majority of the guests are from the UK and United States in addition to around 150 Germans who boarded in Hamburg.
Her guests can expect high standards with the history and pedigree of Cunard Line and among the features on Queen Elizabeth are the Grand Lobby with its magnificent mural of her 1930's predecessor. There are eight restaurants, two theatres, three swimming pools and a games deck, together with a large spa and fitness centre, shopping arcade, libraries, bars, cafés, and a casino.
The library with 7,000 books is the second largest floating library in the world after Queen Mary 2 and there's also an art gallery with paintings by Irish artist Philip Gray. In addition to those who fancy a cigar one can decline to the intimate wood-panelled surroundings of Churchill's Lounge sited high above the seas.
The Queen's Room Photo: Jehan Ashmore
The Grand Lobby Photo: Jehan Ashmore
In essence the cruiseship exudes luxury that respects the golden day era of liners whilst also combining the many wonderful modern day comforts to which cruise-goers also demand.
Queen Elizabeth is due to weigh anchor 21.00hrs this evening and after a day spent at sea her next port of call is St. Peter Port, Guernsey before her return to Southampton
