This week we add to our collection of
articles and interviews about Queen Mary 2 of Cunard Line. (see
index of QM2 articles at
http://www.beyondships2.com/queen-mary-2-articles-interviews-reviews.html)
QM2 is one the most extensively-covered ships on Beyondships. I
have sailed on her more times than any other ship currently in
service. In part, this is due to the fact that she sails between
Europe and America and thus facilitates getting to and from the ships
based on either side of the Atlantic. But it is also because I like
the atmosphere onboard, particularly the enrichment program.
One aspect of the enrichment program
that I like is that it goes beyond what you normally find on ships.
QM2 has the normal sea-going activities such as trivia contests,
Bingo, and arts and crafts. Like several other cruise lines, she
also has a good lecture series. However, QM2 also has activities
such as: acting classes with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts; jazz
workshops with professors and/or students from Julliard; and a song
writing program in which guests are guided by professional musicians.
Some of these activities are regular features on QM2's daily
program, others are presented on some but not all voyages, while
still others may only occur once. However, the point is that QM2
consistently provides high quality programs that are beyond what you
would normally expect at sea.
QM2's astronomy program is an example
of this kind of programming. The ship was built with the only
planetarium at sea. In this facility guests journey through space
via programs developed in conjunction with the American Museum of
Natural History's Hayden Planetarium. This alone would be enough to
place the ship's astronomy program beyond the norm. However, Cunard
also has a relationship with the Royal Astronomical Society in which
noted astronomers not only give talks but interact with guests in
other ways. Our article about the astronomy program, including an
interview with Dr. Chris Crowe of the University of Cambridge, is at
http://www.beyondships2.com/queen-mary-2-astronomy.html
A question that is frequently posed by
guests is what happens to the leftover food, garbage and waste that
is generated during a cruise? In the old days, the solution was just
to toss it over the side. However, in these more environmentally
conscious days, we know that such an approach has adverse
consequences for the planet.
I asked Ariadna Mayoral, Environmental
Compliance Officer on Queen Mary 2, about what happens to the garbage
and waste on her ship. During the course of our conversation, I
learned that there are environmental considerations in nearly every
aspect of the ship's operation. The interview is posted at:
http://www.beyondships2.com/queen-mary-2-environmental.html
During the course of my travels, I
have met many frequent cruisers in North America who say that they
would like to visit Europe but that they do not want to fly. Flying
is no longer the glamorous means of transportation that it once was
and it is very understandable that people do not want to spoil their
vacation by flying.
However, this does not mean that you
have to miss out on the experience of going to Europe. While it is
more time-consuming than flying, many people sail both to and from
Europe. Queen Mary 2 sails both ways. In addition, it is possible
to sail at least one way on a cruise ship. In a new FAQ item, we
discuss how this is done and some of the considerations involved. It
is at http://www.beyondships2.com/faq-europe-without-flying.html
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