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Cunard launches new 2-night taster sailings and fresh approach to classic voyages in 2013

Cunard is introducing a series of brand new two-night taster sailings, expanding its season of northern voyages and ringing the changes with its Transatlantic crossings in 2013.

New will be 13 two-night sampler sailings (12 between Southampton and Hamburg), aboard the iconic Queen Mary 2 and the most recent addition to the fleet, Queen Elizabeth.

Designed to capitalise on the growing popularity of short breaks, these departures aim to offer an attractive access point for new cruisers who are curious about Cunard but would like to test the water before committing to a longer period away.

New two-night taster cruises on the QM2 start at £399

Prices start at £399 including a one-way flight and can be combined with a hotel stay in Hamburg to create an innovative short break.

Says Cunard presiden Peter Shanks: “Our new series of taster voyages offer interested but perhaps hesitant first time cruisers the incentive they need to try Cunard.

“With two nights aboard, there’s time for people to get a sense of the legendary luxury that sets Cunard apart. We’re confident that we’ll be welcoming these newcomers back on board for a longer voyage once they’ve got a taste of Cunard.”

Reflecting demand, the number of Northern voyages offered increases to 27, with nine Baltic, six Fjords, four North Cape, four Low Countries, two Iceland and two Round Britain sailings.

Cunard’s signature Transatlantic programme will sail into 2013 with a dash of variety to freshen up the mix. As well as a total of 18 crossings aboard Queen Mary 2 there will be four complete round-trip voyages from Southampton, featuring a day in the Big Apple to shop or sightsee, and a return crossing back to the UK.

Brand new for 2013 will be two eight-night Transatlantic sailings with a whole extra day for passengers to make the most of Queen Mary 2’s facilities and enjoy the unique sense of timelessness that only a transatlantic voyage can give. 

Queen Elizabeth will continue to offer a fly-voyage programme to the Mediterranean with an extended series of 11 fly-voyages with flights to and from Venice, Rome and Athens.

In total, Cunard’s three ship fleet will offer 106 voyages visiting 99 ports of call in 35 countries, of which 17 ports will be maiden calls for the ship in question. Brand new destinations for Cunard include Isafjordur in Iceland, Salerno in Italy and Torshavn in the Faroe Islands. All three ships offer overnight stays in 2013, at ports including St Petersburg, Istanbul, Copenhagen, Venice, Madeira and Quebec. 

Value for money remains an integral feature of Cunard and the new 2013 programme features a 10 per cent saving on all newly announced departures.

Complimentary car parking at Southampton and UK airports is offered for round-trip voyages and fly-voyages (flying both ways) of 7 nights or more, while on board spending money in the form of a credit of between $25-$400 per person is offered is provided for guests flying one-way to or from their chosen ship and departing from or returning to Southampton.

Commenting on the 2013 programme, Peter Shanks adds: “The award-winning ships of the Cunard fleet continue to turn heads and set the standard of ocean-going luxury wherever they sail. For 2013, we have placed a particular emphasis on attracting newcomers with our new series of 2 night voyages, while our expanded Northern programme is in response to positive passenger feedback for our Scandinavian, Icelandic, Round Britain and Low Countries sailings. We expect Cunard’s reputation for unhurried relaxation on board to remain unchallenged in 2013.

“Cunard’s own research highlights a growing desire for busy people to leave behind the stresses of modern life and immerse themselves instead in an atmosphere of indulgence and calm where everyday courtesies are extended as a way of life, not an exception.”