A YEAR ago this week, the Queen toured the Cunard ship that bears her name, shortly before smashing a bottle of wine against the hull to christen the vessel.
Since then, the new Queen Elizabeth – the ship, that is, not the monarch – has visited 107 ports around the world in a journey totalling 124,375 nautical miles and including transits of both the Suez and Panama canals.
Her Majesty has not, however, been among the 52,600 passengers.
Since the decommissioning of the Royal Yacht Britannia – an act former Prime Minister Tony Blair apparently now regrets – her days at sea are limited to occasional charters of the Hebridean Princess, a luxurious converted car ferry that carries 50 passengers compared with the Cunard ship’s 2,000-plus.
Meanwhile, wine, chocolate and cruising – is there a more mouth-watering combination?
Passengers on Thomson Dream travelling to the Caribbean in December can take part in an art of chocolate-making course over eight sessions during a Transatlantic crossing from Tenerife to Barbados.
The 16-night voyage departs December 2, with fares from £999 (including flights). Other ports of call on the journey include Antigua, St Maarten, Tortola, St Kitts, St Lucia and St Vincent.
Next autumn, passengers on Celebrity Constellation sailing from Southampton will visit top wine-making regions in France, Spain and Portugal, with excursions to vineyards in Bordeaux and Rioja and cellars in Oporto.
On the seven, 12-night sailings between September and November, passengers will also be offered tasting sessions in the ship’s Cellar Master’s wine bar. Fares from £899.
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