IN THE KNOW
From left : Chef Michel Roux Jr at The Wigmore in London , where Cunard announced their partnership ; the Northern Lights , Lofoten Islands , Norway
FOODIE SAILING : CUNARD INTRODUCES QUEEN ANNE
For the first time in 13 years , Cunard is expanding its historic fleet . Its hyperluxury offering now spans four ships , with new vessel Queen Anne being introduced with foodies in mind .
In August 2023 , Cunard announced a partnership with renowned chef Michel Roux Jr , who ’ ll be using his expertise to help create a gala menu for Queen Anne ’ s Queen ’ s Grill restaurant , and a new menu for onboard pub , the Golden Lion .
Other dining options include the Britannia Restaurant , where white-gloved waiters descend the grand staircase carrying British dishes . There ’ s also the Commodore Club , where guests can relax in a luxurious lounge and sip martinis as a live band plays . On top of that , there ’ s also a pan-Asian restaurant , a Mediterranean spot , a steakhouse , a tapas joint and an Indian restaurant . images : CHRISTOPHER ISON ; ALAMY
EXPANDED ITINERARIES : HURTIGRUTEN ADDS ROUTES
The Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten has added two new itineraries to its offering in 2024 to mark the company ’ s 130-year anniversary and its history of ferrying Norwegians between remote northern territories . The first is the Svalbard Express , which will transport passengers and cargo to the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard — where polar bears outnumber people — via the Lofoten islands ,
Vesterålen and the North Cape . The second is the North Cape Express , carrying guests to Oslo as well as to Norway ’ s most southernly and northernly points , including a scenic cruise through the mighty Hardangerfjord , and the possibility of seeing the majestic Northern Lights .
The cruise line ’ s offering now spans as far as the Arctic tundra to the west coast of Africa , and from the ice fields of Antarctica to the isolated isles of the Galápagos . spring 2024 • 13