Cunard Line Celebrates 200th Anniversary of “Pride and Prejudice”

Chawton House Library

As fans of Jane Austen’s novels are aware, the 200th anniversary of her classic “Pride and Prejudice” has arrived.

To celebrate, and offer cruise travelers a unique opportunity, Cunard Line has planned a special site tour highlighting the famed author’s regional ties to Southampton, England, Cunard’s home port. Four-day, three-night tours are available pre- and post-sailing for select Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossings and Europe voyages between April and December of this year, and include lodging and select meals.

Site visits include:

-- Jane Austen’s House Museum: Tour the 17th century Chawton village home where Austen wrote many of her major works
-- Winchester Cathedral: Pay respects at Austen’s burial site and view an exhibition of her life and work
-- Chawton House Library: Visit this historic manor, which Austen frequented, featuring a robust collection of 18th century women’s literary works (historic Chawton House Library is pictured above)
-- Salisbury Cathedral: While viewing the original Magna Carta, tour the location for the 1995 award-winning film, “Sense and Sensibility,” which was based on the eponymous Austen novel

"Jane Austen resided in Southampton for some time, and so we are delighted to provide our guests a glimpse into this beloved writer's life," said Peter Shanks, president, Cunard Line. "The Austen tours are the perfect complement to enjoying the British heritage of a Cunard voyage, either before or after sailing."

Sample 2013 voyages featuring these pre- and post-voyage tours include, but are not limited to, the following:

-- July 17 for the seven-day July 20 westbound Transatlantic Crossing from Southampton to New York
-- Aug 5 for the seven-day Aug 8 westbound Transatlantic Crossing from Southampton to New York
-- Sept 29 for the seven-day Sept 22 eastbound Transatlantic Crossing from New York to Southampton
-- Dec 11 for the 11-day Nov 30 Iberian Serenade roundtrip from Southampton

Grab your favorite Jane Austen novel and plan to join Queen Mary 2 on a cruise vacation rich in classic British traditions. For more information about the special “Pride and Prejudice” 200th Anniversary site tours, visit cunard.com/janeausten.

Image Courtesy of Cunard Line