FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Cunard Line's present-day Caronia arrived
in the U.S. this spring, introducing Americans to a ship whose name
has been revered in Europe since Cunard, which maintains vessel
names through several generations, launched its first Caronia
almost 100 years ago.
The ship (formerly the Vistafjord) was recently refurbished and
reflagged to sail under the registry of Great Britain, where it was
built 27 years ago.
Caronia is nearly unknown here, but the sharp-prowed, 24,492-ton
ship is a versatile vessel, designed to sail smoothly through rough
transatlantic crossings as well as calm Caribbean waters with
speed, style and elegance for 665 guests.
Now sporting the liner's traditional black hull and a Cunard-red
funnel, Caronia is one of the few remaining ships that evoke the
splendor of a bygone era.
Larry Pimentel, Cunard's chief executive officer, called Caronia
"perfect for those who want more than the glitz and nonstop clamor
of a huge floating resort."
The ship, he said, "is for travelers who prefer graciousness and
a level of unobtrusive service in the British tradition."
Inside, nostalgic atmosphere combines with modern
conveniences.
Of the ship's 379 staterooms, 86% are ocean-view, 11 are suites,
71 are single occupancy and two are double-deck Penthouse
apartments. Stateroom sizes range from 68 to 872 square feet.
Double occupancy cabins have duvet-covered twin beds convertible
to queens plus minibars; TVs and VCRs; direct dial phones; safes;
terry robes, and marble-tiled bathrooms with tubs and/or
showers.
Inside cabins have a nice cozy feel; outside cabins have an
efficient arrangement, but, despite recent soft goods
refurbishment, lack the charm of the larger suites.
The Penthouse apartments have floor-to-ceiling windows, stocked
bars, huge living areas with over-stuffed furniture, walk-in
closets and two marble bathrooms plus private gyms and verandas
with whirlpools.
The two adjacent apartments are separated by a retractable
soundproof wall, which, when open, creates a living area suitable
for large families or small-group events.
Major public room changes include the creation of a new shopping
area, a book store, a bar and a 10-station computer center.
The public rooms feature a remarkable collection of artwork that
pays tribute to the era when transatlantic crossings were the
epitome of sophisticated travel.
Caronia's new retail area, Regency Shops, re-creates the
atmosphere of a fashionable London shopping district.
The Book Store offers logo items, memorabilia and, of course,
books, and complements the clubby library next door.
A new pub, the White Star Bar, named for Cunard's former partner
line, features a sweeping wall of windows and a collection of White
Star Line memorabilia.
Dining has been enhanced by the addition of outdoor seating to
the Tivoli restaurant, an "alternative" northern Italian venue for
40 guests.
Caronia's Franconia dining room accommodates all passengers in a
single sitting amid elegant ivory and pale sea-green furnishings
grouped into intimate areas.
Near the outdoor pool, the Lido Cafe serves breakfast and
luncheon buffets amidst Provence yellows and blues.
The indoor pool is the focal point for Caronia's spa, which
includes a whirlpool; a sauna; a weight room; fitness and aerobics
centers, and private rooms for spa treatments.
For evening entertainment and dancing (and a very British
afternoon tea), the 700-seat ballroom's major face-lift in deep
reds and ochre yellows creates a richly refined ambience.
Aft is the Piccadilly Club, an indoor-outdoor disco that
accommodates 140 and now sports a charming British personality and
decor.
The Garden Lounge, with floor-to-ceiling windows curving around
the forward end of the deck, radiates glamour and airiness. It's
easily among Caronia's most popular spaces.
Pimentel admitted Caronia is "a bit of a secret" in the U.S. The
ship's passenger contingent (mostly older empty-nesters) are 60%
English and continental, with about 40% split among the rest of the
world.
To boost North American bookings, Cunard is offering discounts
up to 38% plus free air from 117 gateways. Travel agents are
eligible for a free cruise for every three they book.
Caronia's 2000 schedule features cruises of 12 to 21 days in the
Caribbean, South America, Scandinavia/Russia, Europe and the
Mediterranean, brochure-priced from $3,380 to $24,220 per person,
double, excluding air.
Caronia will start 2001 with an 83-day circle of South America
from Fort Lauderdale, with shorter segments available.