Cunard coming clean…er

Maybe there aren’t strange things happening at Cunard, but what’s been happening is “unusual” for sure.

A few weeks ago, Cunard floated the idea of changing the registration for one or all of its ships. This was to allow the fancy cruise line to sell “weddings on board” — which isn’t allowed on a British ship once it leaves port. Yesterday, it was confirmed that all three Cunard ships will be re-registered in Bermuda which, coincidentally, still flies the red ensign.

One cynic (or cruise pundit) — the esteemed Captain Greybeard of UK Mirror fame, aka John Honeywell — also floated the idea that this will enable Cunard to pay cheaper wages by avoiding English and European labor laws.

Now, here’s another…unusual…happening.

Cunard has an enrichment program, in which prestigious speakers are used to attract cruise passengers. On its website, there are no speakers listed beyond Christmas, yet Cunard is using it as a selling tool for cruises in 2012. The caveat that accompanies this reads:

“Enrichment details coming soon. A full schedule will be provided on board.”

So, just wondering…if you were motivated to go on a cruise because of a speaker’s program, would you book without knowing who the speaker is?

DAILY DEAL:
Disney Wonder
7 nights
December 4, 2011
Los Angeles (return): Mexican Riviera
Inside $699
www.disneycruises.com