02 May 2008

Cunard's Queen Victoria Makes Top List

Cunard Line's new Queen Victoria has garnered top spots on CondÃƒ~© Nast Traveler's just-released "Hot List," the definitive guide to the most celebrated new hotels, restaurants, spas and nightclubs in the world.

Appearing in the May 2008 issue (on newsstands now), the Hot List reflects the magazine's rigorous, undercover evaluation of hundreds of new properties around the globe. Queen Victoria is recognised as one of the "hottest hotels in the world," and the ship's well-appointed Cunard Royal Spa is included among the "hottest spas in the world."

The US-based CondÃƒ~© Nast Traveler Hot List issue, now in its twelfth year, is a must-read compendium of new establishments and features 136 top new hotels categorised by region. Given her distinction as a luxury liner, Queen Victoria is recognised in her own regional category entitled "The World," an appropriate reference given she has just completed her maiden world cruise.

"We are truly honoured to be recognized among this elite list of new establishments," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. "To think that after nearly 170 years the Cunard brand continues to offer a luxury travel product that appeals to a contemporary audience is both inspiring and monumental.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe hope to welcome the readers of CondÃƒ~© Nast Traveler onboard Queen Victoria soon," added Marlow.

In singling out Queen Victoria, the magazine's editors noted, "she is a grand ship that harks back to the romantic era of cruising, and its sober yet elegant design...is a welcome departure from the brash interiors that blight modern fleets."

Nostalgic onboard experiences such as white-gloved afternoon tea and entertainment innovations including a two-story library, fencing lessons and private theatre boxes "straight out of London's West End" earned the ship its inclusion on the coveted list.

The Cunard Royal Spa was named among 76 of the hottest new spas in the world. The magazine noted its "impressive stats," including 13 treatment rooms on two decks, a hydrotherapy pool, three steam & sauna rooms and a wide-ranging menu of both ancient and contemporary treatments.

More details on Queen Victoria are available via travel agents, Cunard on 13 24 41 or www.cunardline.com.au

A Report by The Mole