Title: Queen Mary 2 Hailed As the Grandest Ship At Sea Word Count: 747 Summary: Hailed as the grandest ship at sea, find out how the Queen Mary 2 lives up to royal standards. Keywords: Alaska cruises and Hawaii cruises Article Body: © 2006, All Rights Reserved Just as her predecessor once did, the Queen Mary 2 has taken the world by storm. Hailed as the grandest ship at sea, the Queen Mary 2 is the largest, longest, tallest, widest and most expensive ocean liner ever built to date, according to Cunard Line. Without exaggeration, the Queen Mary 2 is truly a wonder worthy of her royal heritage. Her sheer size is a marvel. As long as 41 double-decker buses and 147 feet longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall, the Queen Mary 2 boasts 157,000 horsepower and a whistle that can be heard for 10 miles. She holds 2620 passengers and 1253 crew members. Width and breadth are but measures. There are no measures for the magic she holds for those who come aboard. As you navigate through the Queen Mary 2, you'll notice exquisite touches, including high ceilings, outstanding artwork, and distinctive appointments and color schemes. The largest ballroom at sea and the largest dance floor afloat are just two of the exclusive and impressive features you'll note during your voyage. <B>Expand Your Horizons</B> Among the other amenities are a world-renowned Canyon Ranch SpaClub™ and a state-of-the-art gym outfitted with the most popular exercise equipment available. Queen Mary 2 also offers unique enrichment programs designed to allow guests to expand their horizons and reach their personal goals. Those who have always wanted to try their hands at acting can study under instructors from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts while onboard. Pursue your love of oceanography or attend seminars at the first planetarium at sea. With book signings, workshops and seminars on a wide range of topics, every passenger will find a world of interesting and imaginative activities to participate in. <B>Exceptional Accommodations for Every Budget</B> A choice of accommodations is available from the economical to the enormous. Spacious inside and outside staterooms are offered, many with balconies. Larger junior suites and full-sized suites are designed to offer more space by providing tables and chairs and additional square footage. For those who truly want to travel in style, royal suites, penthouse suites, duplexes and "Queen" suites are also available. Over three-quarters of the cabins onboard offer balconies and/or decks, along with ocean views, and each exudes a regal décor of light, airy colors. Many staterooms have a desk, a wardrobe area and a sitting area with sofa, along with a bed. Each cabin is outfitted with a refrigerator and interactive TV. <B>World-Class International Cuisine</B> Food has always been a highlight on Cunard cruise ships, and the Queen Mary 2 is no exception. Headlined by TV culinary icon Todd English, the cuisine aboard the Queen Mary 2 is simple superlative. The Mediterranean fare featured at the Todd English restaurant is fully representative of English's world-class Olives of Boston restaurant. English was named one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" and has also attained accolades as Best Chef and received the Award for Culinary Excellence. Nine other restaurants are located throughout the Queen Mary 2, including those that boast Asian, Italian and American dishes. Casual buffets are also readily available for those who prefer less elaborate dining options. Each afternoon, in typical British fashion, tea is served in an elegant manner with white-glove service. Featured are a range of freshly brewed teas, along with scones, pastries and finger sandwiches. Cruising onboard the Queen Mary 2 is no time to count calories. You'll want to relish in all the delectable meals and desserts available during your voyage. <B>Family-Friendly</B> The Play Zone is designed to offer age-appropriate activities for children and teens. Divided into two sections, children and teenagers can find a brightly colored atmosphere with activities that entertain and inspire them on their levels. Nanny-equipped, The Play Zone is always supervised to ensure a safe experience for every child and young adult who visits. <B>Party Like A Princess</B> When night falls, the G32 club or other bars and pubs are available for those who want to dance 'til dawn. If a high-tech atmosphere, bright lights and loud music aren't for you, other options are available, including a champagne bar. With outstanding ships, including the Queen Mary 2, there is little wonder that parent company Cunard (a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation) was named the 2005 winner of the “Best Luxury Cruise Line” and “Cruise Line of the Year” by the British Travel Association. If elegance and pampering are on your agenda, cruising aboard the Queen Mary 2 is simply a must. The grandest ship at sea won't let you down.