Cunard's Queen Mary 2 also annouces 2011 world voyage itinerary

The Queen Mary 2 leaving New York City (Photo courtesy of Cunard Line)

As previously announced, Cunard revealed that its 2011 World Voyage schedule goes on sale on July 1, 2009. The voyages will include 57 ports of call among 34 countries and will include the long-awaited debut of the Queen Elizabeth, and will also include line's flagship Queen Mary 2. Although both ships will circle the globe in luxury style, each ship will have its own distinct unique paths across the world.

Whereas the world debut of the Queen Elizabeth will be an exciting cruise, the legendary Queen Mary 2 offers its own world voyage. The Queen Mary 2 will use an east-west passage, beginning in New York. This will be her fourth world voyage and after leaving New York, will sail to Fort Lauderdale before heading to the Caribbean and South America, with stops in Barbados, Brazil and Uruguay. After her stop in Uruguay, she will make her way to an overnight call in Cape Town, South Africa. Next, the Queen Mary 2 will sail to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean before making her way to Australia. Upon her arrival in Sydney, she will dock for an overnight stay. The cruise continues on to New Zealand and Guam before checking out China and Japan before another overnight stay in Hong Kong. The East-West passage continues from Hong Kong by visiting Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and India on her way to Dubai. Once in Dubai, the Queen Mary 2 heads to Egypt, making a transit of the Suez Canal, which will bring her to Italy, Monaco, Spain and the United Kingdom. The stop in the U.K. will mark the last stop before ending the 103-day cruise in New York.This Full World Voyage has fares that begin at $19,995 per person, which, like on the Queen Elizabeth, is quite affordable.

In addition to the complete circumnavigation of the globe, Cunard also offers segment voyages aboard the Queen Mary 2. These range from 15 to 25 days and include the following: New York to Cape Town (23 days); Cape Town to Sydney (17 days); Sydney to Hong Kong (25 days); Hong Kong to Dubai (15 days); and Dubai to New York (23 days). Not only can you enjoy these segments on their own, but you can also combine 2 or more of them to create your own Liner Voyage. These segments, also a great value, begin at $3,245 per person.

Also, Cunard also offers a World Voyage experience unlike no other: using a combination of Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2. Guests may embark in New York and complete the first half of their voyage to Sydney, then boarding the Queen Mary 2 for the second half of the cruise.

To assist you with your decision-making if you were to take a world cruise on the Queen Elizabeth, Cunard also has a special event planned for January 13, 2011. The Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria will all call on New York that day to commemorate three years of Cunard welcoming its trio of Queens to New York. The Cunard Royal Rendezvous is something you will not want to miss.

Another option to help you with your decision is Cunard's Enhanced Benefits Program gives additional benefits to those who book early. In addition to receiving a 10% discount off Early Booking Fares (EBF), Full World Voyage and Liner Voyage customers will receive an onboard credit of up to $2,000 per stateroom when they book by February 28, 2010. In addition to these benefits, Full World Voyage customers will receive complimentary Hotel and Dining charges. Also, new for 2011, cruisers who book Inside and Outside category staterooms will receive an onboard credit of up to $1,000 per stateroom if they also book by February 28, 2010. Cunard World Club members will receive an additional 5% off of Bonus Early Booking Fares.

In addition to these benefits - and not to sound like a "But wait there is more" commercial - all Full World Voyage Queens Grill and Princess Grill passengers will be given a $400 shipboard credit per person to use towards shore excursions of their choosing. All Liner Voyage Grill passengers will be given a $200 credit per person, also for use on shore excursions.

The Queen Mary 2 World Voyage will offer excitement for anyone who cruises it. For more information on the Queen Elizabeth World Voyage, please read "Cunard's 2011 world voyage debut for the Queen Elizabeth". Read more about the cruising experience in future articles, but until then, Bon Voyage!