Queen Mary 2 Overview and Cruise Ship Profile

The Queen Mary 2 will be the largest, longest, tallest, widest, and most expensive ocean vessel ever built until the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas launches in 2006. The Queen Mary 2 is probably the last of the classic ocean liners. Let's take a look at this marvelous cruise ship.

Overview of the Queen Mary 2 (QM2)

With a passenger capacity of 2,620, QM2's size allows a great variety of passenger amenities. Almost everything you could want on a cruise ship can be found on the QM2. For those who want to be pampered and rejuvenated, the ship features the Canyon Ranch SpaClub®. Athletes can play basketball or virtual reality golf, and a state-of-the-art gym includes a separate weight room. The Cunard ConneXions_SM is almost like a college at sea, taking into account, of course, that you're on vacation. The QM2 even has some features new to cruising such as a planetarium and a look at marine history in the Maritime Quest Exhibit. QM2 even lets you bring your dog along and board him in an onboard kennel.

Nighttime on the QM2 is elegant, and the ship plays host to formal gatherings in the evenings. After dinner entertainment includes dancing in the largest ballroom at sea, jazz in the Commodore Club, a casino, caberet singing in the Chart Room, and West End-caliber shows in the Royal Court Theatre.

Some of the traditional Cunard hallmarks are found throughout the Queen Mary 2 -- sweeping staircases, soaring public rooms, a grand ballroom, and a 360° promenade deck. A space ratio of 57.25 makes her one of the roomiest vessels anywhere, and the ship has 14 decks of sports facilities, shops, bars, lounges, 5 pools and no fewer than 10 restaurants. With one staff member per couple, a very high level of service can be expected. For those who love verandas as I do, three-quarters of the QM2 staterooms have balconies. Some of the lavish two-story duplexes even have their own private exercise equipment. Let's take a look at the details of some of the QM2 features.

First Class Stateroom on the Queen Mary



Let's take a look at the details of some of the QM2 features.

Queen Mary 2 Canyon Ranch SpaClub®

It is not surprising that one of the most luxurious ocean vessels ever built features a Canyon Ranch spa. This highly acclaimed health resort company has elevated the spa experience to an entirely new plane with life-changing programs from stress-relief classes to workshops on diet, healthy aging and disease prevention. Fifty-one Canyon Ranch health and wellness experts work in QM2's 20,000 square foot facility which includes 24 treatment rooms, a thalassotherapy pool with deluge waterfall, a whirlpool, thermal suite with both herbal and Finnish saunas, reflexology basins and an aromatic steam room.

QM2 Planetarium - Illuminations

Take a virtual ride into outer space, view the stars and other visual spectacles or take a course on celestial navigation in Illuminations, QM2's full-scale planetarium. It also functions as a grand cinema, a 500-seat lecture hall and even a broadcasting studio.

Queen Mary 2 - Cunard ConneXions

_SMQM2's cultural enrichment program includes seven classrooms and a 500-seat auditorium where you can attend workshops, seminars and lectures presenting a fusion of perspectives from the world's premier cultural hotspots: New York and London. Classes range from fashion to foreign languages, watercolor techniques to period furniture. Try film making. Join a discussion of British comedy, or compare MoMA and the Tate.

QM2 History & Art

Renowned international artists were commissioned to produce over 300 original works of art valued at over $5 million. For history buffs, the museum-quality Maritime Quest exhibit is a fascinating tour that takes you back to the golden era of transatlantic cruising.

Queen Mary 2 - Personal Butler and Concierge Service

Concierges attend to guests in all of the Grill Accommodations, while the Queens Grill categories also feature private butler service.

QM2 Interactive TV

You can receive or send e-mails, choose from dozens of movies, review a seminar you might have missed or sign up for shore excursions - right from the comfort of your stateroom.

Internet on the QM2

Guests can surf the web, check e-mail or even transmit a video postcard to friends and family back home. They can take classes in the Computer Centre, or bring their own laptop; every stateroom has direct Internet access.

QM2 Play Zone/The Zone

QM2 was designed to accommodate all the ages. For guests who wish to take their children or grandchildren along, The Play Zone is like a well-run camp for children 2 - 7 years old. A separate facility, The Zone, provides hours of supervised entertainment and activities for children 8- 12 years old. The area includes the Minnows splash pool and real English nannies for the toddlers. And it's equipped with an array of toys and activities from board games to computer terminals with all kinds of learning adventures, so that while kids are doing their thing, adults have some quality time alone







Queens Grill Restaurant



Dining has always been a memorable event on any Cunard voyage, a celebration where culinary creations are served by waiters trained in the fine art of Cunard service. Lavish dining is one of the centerpieces of the QM2 experience, as well - with vastly expanded menus and venues.

There are 10 restaurants in all and the celebrated Mediterranean and TV culinary luminary Todd English. As with the custom of ocean liners in the past, each QM2 stateroom is matched with a reserved table at a sea-view restaurant, complemented by the largest wine selection afloat. Of course, you can always make reservations at one of the many optional dining alternatives. Or don't dine out - dine in! Room service is available 24 hours a day.

Britannia Restaurant - Main Dining Room

The stunning 3-story Britannia Restaurant has a grand sweeping staircase that creates a dramatic showcase for those wishing to make the ultimate entrance. This opulent dining room fits the QM2 well.

Princess & Queens Grill Restaurant

The QM2 continues the Cunard tradition of special dining rooms for those in the higher class suites. Passengers in one of the Q categories can savor the delicious creations of the Queens Grill, and the Princess Grill is reserved for P category guests. Cunard's Grill restaurants have been long acclaimed by food critics as the finest dining experience at sea.

Other Dining Alternatives for All Passengers

Todd English

Passengers can make reservations at the Todd English restaurant and enjoy delectable Mediterranean cuisine -- al fresco if they choose. Owner of the internationally famous Olives of Boston among others, Todd English, is one of America's leading chefs. He has been named both "Rising Star Chef" and "Best Chef: Northeast" by the James Beard Foundation, received the Robert Mondavi Award for Culinary Excellence and was named one of the "Top 50 Tastemakers" by Nation's Restaurant News. Chef English has appeared in numerous television shows including his own TV series Cooking in with Todd English. And he's more than a great chef. In 2001, English was named one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People."

Kings Court

Kings Court is a good choice for a casual breakfast or lunch. At night it is transformed into four intimate dining venues: an Asian restaurant, an Italian trattoria, the Carvery, and the Chef's Galley, where guests experience one of the most unique epicurean adventures anywhere. Here in a festive atmosphere, diners enjoy an interactive experience as the chef reveals his culinary secrets before their very eyes.

Golden Lion Pub

Fine lagers, ales and pub snacks are served in this charming British pub where you can enjoy a pint and watch televised sporting events.

Boardwalk Café

This casual eatery near the pool is good for lunch, and you can eat in your swim suit!

Winter Garden

A proper British afternoon tea can be taken in the Winter Garden or Queens Grill Lounge. Naturally it's served freshly brewed (no tea bags here), complete with scones, clotted cream, fresh pastries, finger sandwiches and white glove service.

Passengers will find rich, traditional furnishings and premium amenities such as a fluffy bathrobe and slippers in their accommodations aboard QM2. They can receive and send e-mails, choose from dozens of movies, review a seminar they might have missed or sign up for shore excursions - right from the comfort of their stateroom through the interactive television. Nearly 80% of staterooms have ocean views and over 94% of these feature spacious balconies.

All staterooms include standard amenities such as interactive TV with multi-language film and music channels, data port outlet, refrigerator, hair dryer, bathrobe and slippers, a safe and 110/220-volt outlets.

Let's look at the cabins on the QM2.

Queens Grill Accommodations on the Queen Mary 2(Q Categories)

QM2's most lavish Grill accommodations are among the finest at sea. Here the concierge and a personal butler anticipate passenger needs and comply with the utmost speed and efficiency. Lavish amenities include marble baths with whirlpool tubs, walk-in closets, en-suite bars stocked with selected spirits or wine and soft drinks, fresh flowers and pre-dinner canapés.

The enormous Grand Duplexes include large living quarters and an expansive balcony downstairs, a luxurious master bedroom upstairs, two marble baths with seprate whirlpool tub and shower, a guest bathroom with shower, and private exercise equipment. The three Duplex Apartments feature the same amenities with smaller balconies. Choose the Queen Mary or Queen Elizabeth Suites located all the way forward and enjoy commanding ocean views, two full baths and even your own private elevator access. And for those in need of even more room, combine these two suites with the adjacent Royal Suites to create magnificent living quarters totaling nearly 3,800 square feet.

Queens Grill Balmoral Suite

Queens Grill Penthouse

Guests in Queens Grill accommodations dine in the renowned Queens Grill. The elegant Queens Grill Lounge and a private sun terrace are also reserved exclusively for their use. The Queen's Grill (Q Categories) include the following:

• Balmoral and Sandringham Duplex (Q1) - 2,249 sq. ft.
• Holyrood Duplex (Q2) - 1,566 sq. ft.
• Windsor and Buckingham Suite (Q2) - 1,471 sq. ft.
• Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth Suites (Q2) - 1,194 sq. ft.
• Royal Suites (Q3) - 796 sq. ft.
• Penthouse (Q4) - 758 sq. ft.
• Suites (Q5 - Q6) - 506 sq. ft.

Princess Grill Accommodations on the QM2

The QM2 Princess Grill accommodations are all located on Deck 10. These spacious Junior Suites feature a large balcony, bath with tub and shower, sitting area with a full-size sofa, interactive TV, walk-in closet and a concierge in addition to your cabin steward to help ensure flawless service.

Guests in the QM2 Junior Suites enjoy single-seating dining in the elegant Princess Grill. The Junior Suites (P1 - P2) each have 381 sq. ft.

Gracious Accommodations in the Standard Staterooms on the QM2 (B, C, and D Categories)

Standard staterooms are anything but ordinary. They're spacious and gracious. The smallest measuring almost 200 square feet is more like a "deluxe" guestroom on ordinary ships. And they're beautifully decorated with fine prints on the walls, soft colors on the sofas and coverlets and turndown service when it's time to retire.

Art Gallery

Guests in these accommodations have a reserved table in the Britannia Restaurant or they can choose one of the many alternative dining venues.

The standard staterooms include:

• Deluxe and Premium Balcony Staterooms (B1 - B7) - 248 sq. ft. with balcony
• Oceanview Staterooms (C1 - C4) - 194 sq. ft.
• Inside Staterooms with Atrium view (D1) - 194 sq. ft.
• Inside Staterooms (D2 - D6) - 194 sq. ft.

Standard amenities include interactive TV with multi-language film and music channels, data port outlet, refrigerator, hair dryer, bathrobe and slippers, a safe and 110/220-volt outlets.

Here are some facts and comparisons about the Queen Mary 2 from the Cunard Web Site.

• Length: 1,132 feet
• Beam: 135 feet
• Beam at Bridge Wings: 147.5 feet
• Draft: 32 feet 10 inches
• Height (Keel to Funnel): 236.2 feet
• Gross Tonnage: Approximately 150,000 gross tons
• Passengers: 2,620
• Crew: 1,253
• Top Speed: Approximately 30 knots (34.5 mph)
• Power: 157,000 horsepower, environmentally friendly, gas turbine/diesel electric plant
• Propulsion: Four pods of 21.5 MW each; 2 fixed and 2 azimuthing
• Strength: Extra thick steel hull for strength and stability for Atlantic crossings
• Stabilizers: Two sets
• Cost: Estimated $800 million dollars

Since it is often difficult to picture the size of such a large vessel, here are some comparisons:

• QM2 is five times longer than Cunard's first ship, Britannia (230 ft.)
• QM2 is 113 feet longer than the original Queen Mary
• QM2 is more than twice as long as the Washington Monument is tall (550 ft.)
• QM2 is 147 feet longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall (984 ft.)
• QM2 is more than 3 ½ times as long as Westminster Tower (Big Ben) is high (310 ft.)
• QM2 is only 117 feet shorter than the Empire State Building is tall (1248 ft.)
• QM2 is more than three times as long as St. Paul's Cathedral is tall (366 ft.)
• QM2 is as long as 41 double-decker London buses (31 ½ ft. each)
• QM2's whistle is audible for 10 miles

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

While America equates station wagons with conservative, almost nerdy designs (and, therefore, drivers), Cadillac is hoping the CTS Sport Wagon will catch on as a cool form of family transportation.

The wagon will be a new body style for the premium midsize CTS lineup. It will also be the first-ever Cadillac wagon, not counting SUVs. The Sport Wagon will be roughly the same size as the CTS sedan.

On Sale:
Spring 2009

Expected Pricing:
$35,000-$45,000

The CTS Sport Wagon will share the sedan's front end styling, but the roof and rear end will be completely different. The dramatic design offers a compelling alternative to SUVs. The drama of the sedan is amplified in the wagon, as the centerline cue is more prominent and plays a stronger role in defining the design at the rear of the vehicle.

The wagon's rear end features tall vertical taillights that taper to a point at the top. The roof will be available with a panoramic sunroof, as well as a subtle, integrated roof load management system. Three wheel sizes will be offered: 17s, 18s, and 19s.

The first CTS Sport Wagon off the line will come with GM's 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 engine, which will make 304 horsepower in the wagon. Starting in the summer of 2009, a 3.0-liter version of the 3.6, also with direct injection, will become the base engine. It will produce 255 horsepower, and GM says it will get up to 28 mpg on the highway. Both engines will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with manual shift capability. European and Asian markets will also get a 250-horsepower 2.9-liter turbocharged diesel V6. As is the case with the sedan, the wagon will come with rear- or all-wheel drive.

The CTS Sport Wagon's main advantage will be cargo utility. It will have 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row 60/40-split-folding seats. A power-opening liftgate will be available and drivers will be able to operate it via the key fob. The load floor will also have a cargo management system with adjustable in-floor storage. Otherwise, the CTS Sport Wagon will share the sedan's interior, including the hand-cut-and-sewn upholstery and trim, and the available 40-gigabyte hard-drive radio and pop-up navigation screen.

While pricing hasn't been announced, we expect the Sport Wagon to start in the mid $30,000s and top out in the mid $40,000s just like the sedan.

Audi TTS Car

Long anticipated by fans of Audi's S-Line performance cars and by driving enthusiasts in general, the 2009 Audi TTS will finally reach U.S. showrooms by the end of the year.

This will be the first S model for Audi's sports car since the TT was launched in 1998, and at first blush the raw horsepower numbers might disappoint some. The power increase from standard TT models is not as significant as that in other S-Line cars. Yet indicators suggest that the speed and response S buyers expect are here, and thanks to the TTS's light weight, efficient transmission and relatively small turbocharged engine, fuel mileage figures should be impressive. We might think of the TTS as a true high-performance sports car with a green conscience.

Expected Pricing:
$54,000-$58,000

This hot-rod TT will be available as a hard-top Coupe or two-seat, convertible-top Roadster, like the standard TT models. Yet the TTS, which was unveiled at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in January, sports some subtle appearance tweaks that distinguish it from other TT models.

Its standard lightweight alloy wheels are upgraded from 17 to 18 inches in diameter, and 19-inch rims are optional. The headlights are jewel-like bi-xenon projector beams, with a unique ribbon of LED bulbs running horizontally underneath; the low-energy LEDs operate as the daytime running lights. The front and center portions of the TTS body and frame are manufactured from aluminum, and curb weight for the coupe is 3075 pounds. That's a few hundred pounds lighter than most similarly sized, similarly specified sports cars, even with the TTS's standard quattro all-wheel-drive system.

The most prominent TTS distinction lies under the hood, where a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine generates the power that makes it go. This inline-4 features direct fuel injection and higher boost pressure than Audi's other turbo engines. The TTS turbo also gets a number of durability enhancements, including heavy-duty pistons and connecting rods. It delivers 272 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, or 22 horsepower and 22 pound-feet more than the most powerful engine in current TT models.

While other markets will get a conventional six-speed manual transmission, there will likely be only one choice in the United States: Audi's six-speed, dual-clutch manu-matic. This transmission works like a manual with an automatic clutch system, rather than a conventional automatic. Its paddle-shift feature delivers razor-sharp, race car-style gear changes, but it also has a fully automatic mode. The all-wheel-drive system has been beefed up for even faster response directing power between the front and rear wheels. The TTS will not be offered with front-wheel drive, as the standard TT is.

Audi claims the TTS Coupe goes from 0 to 62 mph in 5.4-seconds, with top speed governed at 155. The acceleration figures roughly match those for a Porsche 911 Carrera. Yet, thanks to the TTS's light weight and other efficiencies, Audi also promises a combined mileage rating greater than 29 mpg. That's impressive in a car of the TTS's anticipated capability.

To complete the performance package, Audi has equipped the TTS with its adaptive magnetic dampening suspension, which uses magnets to almost instantaneously adjust shock-absorber stiffness to optimize handling capability without wrecking ride quality. The electronic stability control features an aggressive track mode that will allow drivers to slide the car in turns. The brake calipers are painted gloss black and prominently visible through the spoked rims.

Inside, the TTS gets heavily bolstered sport seats upholstered with leather and Alcantara. The information display includes a timer to record lap times or acceleration figures.

The Roadster's top opens and closes with the touch of a button.

The Coupe, meanwhile, offers 24.7 cubic feet of cargo volume, which is substantially more than you'll find in the trunk of a large luxury sedan like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and should leave room for a couple of tour-sized golf bags.

2008 Lamborghini Estoque concept

2008 Lamborghini Estoque concept

The Lamborghini Estoque concept, with its four seats and ample luggage space. A concept created specifically for the 2008 Salon d’Automobiles in Paris. A car with compelling presence, both unique and unmistakable.

2008 Lamborghini Estoque concept

2008 Lamborghini Estoque concept

2008 Lamborghini Estoque concept

2008 Lamborghini Estoque concept

via desktopmachine

2009 Citroen DS Inside Concept

2009 Citroen DS Inside Concept

2009 Citroen DS Inside Concept

2009 Citroen DS Inside Concept

2009 Citroen DS Inside Concept

2009 Citroen DS Inside Concept

via getcarwallpapers

Benifits Of Hybrid Cars

There are many benefits from the use of hybrid cars. With the use of this hybrid cars we can reduce fuel consumption to a great extent and can reduce the emissions causing pollutions. But again the technology used in these new cars should be of high quality which meets the set standards. These cars can be bought cheaply in the near future with the advancement in the technology. A lot of these hybrid cars should be brought on to the roads.

Rear powered hybrid car


Honda hybrid car picture


hybrid car from toyota


hybrid electric car

Toyota Auris Hybrid (2010): new spyshot

Toyota showed off its Auris Hybrid Concept at this autumn's 2009 Frankfurt motor show – and here's the finished version testing in Europe ahead of launch in autumn 2010.

This will be Toyota's first mainstream hybrid; the Prius has pioneered the petrol-electric technology in a standalone bodystyle, but now the Japanese want to roll out the Hybrid Synergy Drive across its entire volume model range. So the Auris is first of many more Toyotas to wear the HSD hybrid badge of honour.

The 97bhp 1.8-litre petrol-electric drivetrain of the Auris Hybrid is largely shared with the Prius, giving this five-door hatch sub-100g/km CO2 emissions married to 0-62mph performance in around 10sec.
What's new on the Auris Hybrid?

Like on the Prius and Honda's Insight, there are numerous aero tweaks to make the Auris cleave the air more efficiently. Not surprising, as BMW engineers told us this week that the aero wheels on the new ActiveHybrid 7 alone save 2% off fuel consumption.

So there are changes at the front end, and the rear bumpers visible in this spy picture are flatter. They make the car look wider, but are in fact designed to optimise airflow and reduce turbulence and drag. The car sits 20mm lower, has a new rear spoiler and a drag figure of around 0.28cd.
Is the Auris Hybrid really green then?

It should be compared with conventional Auris models - and because it's a full hybrid, it can run on battery power alone in zero-emissions mode. There will be several driving modes selectable by the driver: Eco for maximum efficiency; Power for more performance; EV mode for full electric running for 2km at up to 31mph.

The Auris Hybrid production car scooped here will be built in the UK's Burnaston factory and go on sale in the second half of 2010.