Most Recent At Top...
Changes To The CunardConnections Site
Returning visitor's will no doubt notice that we've made some changes to the CunardConnections site; most noticable is the elimination of all PAID advertising and solicitation. We did some soul searching and came to the conclusion that the reason we started this site is because of our interest in Cunard Line...not in order to sell advertising. We will of course still promote events and items (dvds, books, etc.) relating to Cunard.
Next, we understand that there are many fine websites out there that have their own message forums; sites such as Cunard Critic, Liner's List and Cruise Talk are incredibly useful for people who like to talk about Cunard and ocean liners in general. Since many people post on more than one site's forums, we've decided to eliminate forums on CunardConnections.
9/13/09
New ‘Three Queens” DVD
For those Cunard enthusiasts who are avid fans of the contemporary Queens, the new dvd “Three Queens: An International Rendezvous” by Robert Neal Marshall is an absolute must. Having been in the cruise industry for nearly twenty years, I’ve seen my share of cruise ship and ocean liner videos and dvds…this certainly ranks up there with the best of them. While this new work is not a marketing tool or historical account, it manages to capture the incredible feeling of being in the presence of these wonderful ships.
The dvd is divided into several events and bonus features:
- QE2, QM2 and Queen Victoria’s first gathering in Southampton
- The pre-dawn arrival of all three Queens in New York
- The departure of all three Queens from New York with a fireworks display
- QE2’s final departure from New York, accompanied by QM2
- QE2’s final eastbound transatlantic crossing, sailing in tandem with QM2
- One of QE2’s final departures from Southampton
- A tour of QE2’s interiors
- The wreath laying ceremony at the spot where Titanic sank on the 96th anniversary of the disaster
- Optional director’s commentary throughout the dvd
Although the entire dvd is wonderful, QE2’s final transatlantic crossing is, for me at least, a very emotional segment. I’ve no shame in admitting that seeing the ship in the role for which she was designed, one last time, brought a few tears to my eyes. Filmed from various vantage points on QM2, inside and on deck, the images of QE2 barreling along in her element are nothing short of spectacular.
The crystal clear video, moving soundtrack, and nearly flawless editing combine to make a production that Robert Neal Marshall can be proud of; all honor to him.
The dvd can be purchased for the special introductory rate of $24.95, plus shipping and handling. Please visit http://www.3queensdvd.com for more details. 2/6/09
NEW! Mementos From QE2's Last Westbound Crossing Added
Dr. W. Brett McKenzie of Little Compton RI has graceously donated menus, daily programs, etc. from QE2's Oct. 10, 2008 sailing from Southampton to New York. We wanted everyone to have the opportunity to download copies of these wonderful items so we've added a new page to the main QE2 page. Thank you Dr. McKenzie! LINK 12/16/08
Links To Aad Hoogester's QE2 Departure Photos, Les Streater Site & New Puzzles
Check out the link on the homepage to Aad's amazing photos of QE2's last departure from Southampton. We're keeping our finger's crossed that one day Aad will publish a book of his ocean liner/cruise ship photos.
We're also happy to announce that noted maritime author Les Streater has a new website from which you can order copies of his books. There are several sample pages and an incredible links page. A link to the site is located on the CunardConnections homepage in the 'Featured Sponsor' section as well as on the 'Resources' page. Please take a few minutes to look it over.
Make sure to check out the new puzzles that have been added to the 'Funstuff' page. 12/10/08
Photo Galleries Updated
All photo galleries for the current fleet (yes, including QE2!) have been updated. CunardConnections wishes to thank Aad Hoogesteger of The Netherlands for his kindness in allowing us to include his incredible photos of the gathering of all three Queens in Southampton on April 22 of this year. They are the best shots of the event that we've seen thus far. Thank you very much Aad! 10/22/08
QE2's Final Departure From NYC!
It was, in simple terms, an awesome sight. Make sure to check out Russ Willoughby's report and photos from QE2's final NYC departure. 10/20/08
Deck Plans!
Deck plans for the current Cunard fleet have finally been added to each ship's main page. These are actually links to Cunard's site so what you're viewing should always be the most up to date plans around. The plans open in a separate window; when you're finished looking at them, just close the window and you'll return to CunardConnections. 8/19/08
New Puzzles Added To The 'Fun Stuff' Page
The response to the puzzles on the 'Fun Stuff' page has been overwhelming; it seems it's a popular thing to do while people are at work! Check out the new Queen Mary, Carpathia, Britannic, and Mauretania/Lusitania puzzles...the Britannic is especially difficult! 8/19/08
CunardQuiz - Regale Us With Your Cunard Knowledge!
Located on the homepage, under the 'Feature' section, is our newest addition, CunardQuiz. Check it out and see how much of a Cunard expert you really are! Make sure to check back often as new quizzes will be added periodically. 8/9/08
New Feature On The History Page
Make sure to check out the new 'Cunard Collectible of the Month' link on the main history page. This month we're featuring a wonderful, 23 page color interior booklet from 1926 for the Carinthia and Franconia. A link to the page has also been set up in the 'Memorabilia' section. 8/1/08
FREE Cunard DVD!
As an incentive to participate in the Cunard Connections forums, the first 100 people to register will be entered to win one of 25 Cunard dvds that we will be giving away. The winning usernames will be drawn at random by Cunard Connections. Winners will be announced on the Cunard News message board. 7/21/08
QE2 May Be Leaving The Cunard Fleet But,...
She's going to stay in the Cunard Connections fleet a little while longer! We've decided that, until the NEW Queen Elizabeth comes on line, we're going to keep QE2 on the 'Current Fleet' page. As information, renderings and photos on the new ship come in, we will be replacing the QE2 page. Until then, keep enjoying QE2 on Cunard Connections! 7/21/08
Cunard Connections Has Been Launched!
After months of development, Cunard Connections has finally hit the net! We sincerely hope you'll find our site enjoyable, informative and easy to navigate. We understand that claiming to be 'The World's Most Complete Cunard Resource' is pretty bold; but that's our goal. In an effort to achieve this, we will be constantly upgrading and adding new things to the site; so please, feel free to email us with suggestions, corrections, or to just say ‘hello’. Some things that are on the horizon are videos, deck plans, more 'fun stuff', current itineraries, sample menus, and a model gallery. 7/17/08
