<>  The Legendary Cunard White Star Service<>
  

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Cunard White Star Service
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuvCZL-qxnM

Back in 1840 when Samuel Cunard set out to deliver the mail across the Atlantic. Little did he realise that he was taking the first step towards a new standard in luxury travel. Since then, Cunard has become a byword for comfort, style, and the ultimate travel experience as defined by successive eras. Today Cunard Line continues to celebrate their golden heritage while exceeding expectations with the legendary Cunard Experience. Thus its famous hospitality is celebrated every day.

Cunard's White Star Service derives its name from White Star Line which Cunard took over in the 1930s. White Star Line was the great rival to Cunard Line on the transatlantic route for many years but was hit hard by the Titanic disaster. In 1934 due to financial difficulties Cunard Line took over White Star Line to become Cunard White Star. In 1949 it completed the full take over of White Star Line and ceased to be called Cunard White Star and instead reverted to Cunard Line. From the time of the 1934 merger, the house flags of both lines had been flown on all its ships, with each ship flying the flag of its original owner above the other; after 1950, only Georgic and Britannic, the last surviving White Star liners, continued to fly the White Star burgee on a regular basis, and even they flew the Cunard house flag above White Star's burgee. All other ships flew the Cunard flag over the White Star flag until 1968. Today Cunard's White Star Service is a lasting reminder of this shipping line's historical connection to White Star Line.


Impeccable service defines and differenciates the Cunard experience most eloquently. From award winning Grill dining to a tasty gourmet snack or that mint chocolate on the pillow, every little detail sets us apart. Nothing is too much trouble. The White Star Service welcomes you from the moment you step aboard and makes you feel welcome and special.

The on board Cunard staff are specially trained to the highest standards in Cunard's White Star Academy. As another reminder of White Star Line, the White Star flag is raised on board Cunard ships every April 15th, in memory of the Titanic disaster.


Also the White Star Service includes Cunard's White Star DHL Luggage Service in partnership with DHL to deliver your baggage from your home to the ship.
With this service guests can now arrange to have their luggage transported directly to and from the ship. Cunard’s White Star DHL Luggage Service is the perfect alternative to transporting your own luggage through airport congestion and customs. It’s also a wonderful option for those who choose to extend their travels pre or post voyage. Shipment is provided by DHL Worldwide Express and is available exclusively for Cunard guests. Reservations for this service must be secured at least 35 days prior to your sailing date. Domestic and international shipping is available.

Cunard's famous White Star Service with its irresistable white glove afternoon teas, the whole experience orchestrated by their highly trained officers and professional friendly crew. Morning, noon and night the honoured guest continues to seamlessly experience the legendary Cunard White Star Service. Thus the best traditions of the sea define Cunard's culture, distinguish their service and enriches the passengers' experience of the world. Cunard Line enables you to relieve ocean travel's finest hour, enjoy the very best in hospitality and take your place in history.

Catering to the preferences and palates of its well-heeled passengers, Cunard introduced the Wedgwood Tea Service aboard its flagship Queen Mary 2 and legendary Queen Elizabeth 2 in December 2006 further enhancing its legendary white glove afternoon teas. The selection of 23 premium teas includes traditional varieties such as Darjeeling and Orange Pekoe, as well as new flavors specially developed by Wedgwood to suit the tastes of Cunard guests. With the introduction of the new teas and a new tea menu, Cunard's quintessentially British onboard experience is further enhanced and perfectly paired with the Line's renowned White Star Service. The Wedgwood Tea selection includes Assam, Ceylon, Darjeeling Pure teas, Earl Grey, English Afternoon, English Breakfast, Japanese Green Tea, Jasmine, Lapsang Souchong, Queen Ann, Orange Pekoe, Wedgwood Original, Camomile, Forrest Berries, Lemon Grass and Peppermint among many others. A new Wedgwood tea menu provides detailed descriptions on the flavors and origins of each variety and traces tea's history in China, Japan, Europe, America, Russia and India. The new Wedgwood tea menu stylishly brings together Cunard's elegant service and classic luxury with Wedgwood's finely crafted china and carefully selected premium teas. The venture truly epitomizes the essence of England in an unforgettable onboard setting.

The full line of Wedgwood teas is available aboard Queen Mary 2 in the daily tea service offered in the Queens Grill Lounge featuring finger sandwiches, sweet pastries and warm scones served with jam and fresh cream. The teas are also available in the Queens Grill and Princess Grill accommodations and restaurants, the Grills Concierge Lounge as well as in other cocktail lounges upon request. Guests will also be able to enjoy the new teas in the ship's new Britannia Club restaurant, debuting in spring 2007.

Aboard QE2, the teas are available in Queens, Princess and Britannia Grill accommodations and restaurants. Additionally, guests can enjoy the teas in the Queens Grill Lounge and in cocktail lounges upon request.

For almost two and a half centuries, Wedgwood has manufactured exquisite ceramics combining sophisticated classical contemporary design with highly skilled craftsmanship and the highest standards of quality. It has a tradition of innovation, quality and craftsmanship and its designs are widely acknowledged as timeless, elegant, classic and understated. Thus Cunard's legendary white glove afternoon tea continues to delight and reaches ever greater heights of luxury.




The Cunard White Star Service even extends to pet dogs and cats with their "Pets on Deck" programme which was enhanced in February 2006.
Long accustomed to cosseting travelers in the lap of luxury, Cunard is now extending its expertise to the four-legged friends of its Queen Mary 2 passengers. Recognizing the growing trend toward traveling with pets, the cruise line has made noteworthy enhancements to its “Pets on Deck” programme, including adding a range of pet-friendly services and amenities such as fresh-baked biscuits at turn-down; a choice of beds and blankets; and even a QM2-logoed coat.

Queen Mary 2’s kennel programme is overseen by a full-time Kennel Master who takes care of daily pet care responsibilities such as feeding, walking and cleaning the ship’s 12 spacious kennels.

As part of the enhanced programme, travelling dogs and cats also receive a complimentary gift pack featuring a QM2-logoed coat, Frisbee, name tag, food dish and scoop; a complimentary portrait with pet owners; a crossing certificate and personalized cruise card. Other pet perks include:

  • extra comfortable pet beds in two sizes
  • healthy gourmet cookies for dogs and cats baked fresh daily and offered at bedtime
  • fleece blankets
  • assortment of dog and cat toys
  • cat posts and scratchers
  • selection of premium pet foods from top brands.

For some Cunard passengers, transporting their pets safely and comfortably is a top priority, and having them cross the Atlantic onboard QM2 is far more desirable than flying them between continents, and now passengers’ pets can truly travel in real style.The kennels and adjacent indoor and outdoor walking areas are open throughout the day, enabling passengers to spend significant time with their pet. Reservations for the kennels may be made at time of booking, and are based on space availability. The kennel fee ranges from $300 to $500.

Taking good care of its passengers’ beloved pets is a long and illustrious Cunard tradition. The line’s friendly pet policy dates back to the maiden voyage of the Britannia in 1840, when three cats were on board. Since then, circus elephants, canaries, a monkey and even a boa constrictor have traveled Cunard.

Widely considered the line-of-choice by generations of celebrities, Cunard has also transported a surprising number of notable pets. Mr. Ramshaw, the world’s only trained golden eagle, made at least 21 transatlantic crossings on mid 20th-century liners; Rin-Tin-Tin, star of 36 silent films, traveled on the Berengaria; and Tom Mix and Tony, stars of the 1930’s western series “Miracle Rider,” regularly trotted up the gangway. (Tony’s hooves were even fitted with special rubber shoes to prevent the horse from slipping.) In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor brought her pampered puppies on board the original Queen Mary and exercised them regularly on the ship’s sports deck. She even ordered special meals for them from the fish chef. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor also traveled with a beloved pup and, at the Duke’s behest, Cunard installed a lamp post beside the kennels.

Queen Mary 2 is the grandest ocean liner ever built. There are 1,310 suites and cabins available in degrees of style and comfort ranging from pampered elegance to almost unimaginable luxury in the ship’s famed Grill-level accommodations. Queen Mary 2 brings together like-minded travellers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service, fine dining, sophisticated adventure and legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel.




(c) Cruise Travel 2008