QUEEN
ELIZABETH 2: 
NEW LIFESTYLE
FOR A GRAND
OLD LADY










At a Press Conference aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 on
May 13th in New York City, Cunard announced its $45
million refurbishment plans for the 67,000 ton, 13-story-
high vessel.  QE2 is the flagship of the Cunard fleet and
provides the only regularly scheduled transatlantic
service.  Making her maiden voyage in 1969, the QE2 has
become synonymous with luxury cruising.

The changing lifestyle of her passengers is the concept
behind the massive renovation.  Much care is being
taken to assure that the ship has a comfortable feeling
and a natural flow for those on board, as well as keeping
an eye toward reflecting the rich heritage and tradition
of the Grand Old Lady.  

Included in the plans are a new entry; the Midships
Lobby will be changed into a two-story atrium with a
centralized Purser's area above.  A new Heritage Trail
will display nautical memorabilia revealing the histories
of navigation, Cunard, and the QE2 throughout the
ship.  A modern Pub will become a social gathering
point, offering libations, live entertainment, and games. 
Cunard will be doubling the size of their library, the
only library at sea staffed by a full-time librarian; and
the Midships Bar will be redecorated with a historical
nautical theme.

The Grand Lounge will be reconfigured with additional
seating and a state-of-the-art stage perfect for the big-
name entertainment scheduled for this year.  Some of
the celebrities include Dave Brubeck, Tito Puente, Bob
Hope, Hal Linden, Petula Clark, Lou Rawls, Bob
Newhart, and Walter Cronkite.  The Lido will be
transformed into an informal buffet-style restaurant
with a winter garden atmosphere, and a new first-class
lounge will be opened.  The popular Yacht Club will be
expanded, and the theater will be redesigned to
accommodate lectures and conferences.  All the cabins
will be renewed, and every bathroom will be rebuilt. 
Four additional first-class cabins will be added.   An
impressive Observation Lounge with panoramic ocean
vistas will be created.








And, as if these fantastic refinements are not enough,
Cunard will be implementing two new benefits to their
passengers.  They will be increasing and improving
their reservation automations.  They will also become the
first cruise line to offer "cruise miles" (based on the
same concept as air miles) to those who sail with them.

The refurbishment plans for the QE2 are scheduled for
November of this year when she will be in dry-dock and
will be completed in time so that her regular sailing
schedule will not be disrupted.  For more information,
contact your travel agent or call 1-800-221-4770.

-                Laurie Lawson-