Until a few decades ago, one of the world’s great travel.experiences was the voyage by luxury liner to Hawaii from California with the thrill of sailing past Diamond Head, a magical journey enjoyed by millions until 1979. With relaxing days at sea, the historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel and elegant travel not hampered by cramped airline seating, meal-less flights and ‘red-eye’schedules, Hawaii by great ocean liner from California was a memorable way to arrive in the Islands. In 2011, it will be again since we have constructed two special holidays that offer the best of the Islands, all with the sublime treat of unpacking once.
The new Cunard liner ‘Queen Victoria’, heir to a proud tradition established by the original Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth and later by the Queen Elizabeth 2, sailing right from Los Angeles is our civilized conveyance to the Islands. We begin with free or low-cost train travel to Los Angeles from any US point along with a luxury hotel stay to avoid any concern about tight same-day connections. Aboard Queen Victoria,we enjoy the classic ocean liner crossing to Hawaii and once there, explore this lovely state in great comfort, without having to hop on and off inter-island flights, change hotels every few days or deal with any of the hassle of connections. Instead you will see Hawaii as it should be seen, by sea, visiting Hilo, Maui, Kauai and Honolulu, all in one leisurely voyage. Nicer still, we have included shore excursions in every port as well as a special luncheon at the storied Royal Hawaiian Hotel, an elegant and nostalgic coda evoking the great days of luxury liners to Honolulu.
Best of all, despite Hawaii’s great beauty, guests enjoy another ‘island’ on this holiday, the superb Queen Victoria with her lavish public rooms including the grand two-deck high Queen’s Room, complete with chandeliers, for traditional Afternoon Tea daily and big band music every evening. There is also a two-story library, the swank Royal Court Theatre, the Golden Lion Pub, a complete spa/health centre and more amenities, including acres of open deck space, than most small cities. In an age of countless characterless jumbo cruise ships, there are only three great ‘Queen’ liners and we invite you to join us.
JESS Kalinowsky Professional Travel Consultant
CRUISE@FriendsTravel.com
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