Gigantic Queen Mary 2 a trend

Representing a larger-than-life trend, the Queen Mary 2 departs 28 January from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades on a two-day cruise to nowhere for the media and travel agents. The 151,000-ton ship — the largest, longest, tallest and widest passenger ship ever conceived – leaves 31 January for an 11-day Caribbean roundtrip. The ship is as tall as a 21-story building. It’s over 100 feet longer than the top of the Eiffel Tower. The Queen is part of a trend noted recently by the Associated Press in a story that was headlined: “Cruise industry gets bigger, busier.” “A slew of mammoth vessels — including the largest ocean liner in history, the Queen Mary 2 – are due to be launched this year,” wrote the AP. “Improve your golf swing. Take a yoga class. Bring grandma and the kids. Marvel at a mega ship. And start your trip at a home port near you,” said the AP. “There are theme trips, activities for all ages, and classes in everything from cooking to financial management,” the story went on to say. The trend reflects a cultural swing with travelers wanting more options, more time with loved ones and fewer hassles in getting to destinations, according to the AP.