Former Ketchum resident Maria Viglietti (previously known as Connie Pennay—she reacquired her birth name upon her divorce this year) has grown wings. She may add that fins have sprouted as well. A Queen Mary 2 voyage in June 2005 to celebrate an anniversary turned into a solo excursion that changed the course of her life.
"It awakened desires in me about what I wanted to do (in my life) that I didn't realize I'd shelved," she said. The turning point for her came not upon debarkation on the largest, tallest and widest luxury liner in the world, but upon discovering what was offered once on board.
Oxford University's Discovery Programme holds seminars, classes and workshops all day, every day on every cruise that are taught by renowned historians, scientists, scholars and authors.
Because of her introduction to Oxford, she is now enrolled in a two-year program in the Continuing Education program to earn her Masters in creative writing. She is already the author of one book, "Octavia's Family," published in 2002.
"The whole bent is encouraging people like me who didn't finish their education or want to start over," Viglietti said. "Doors are opening."
Viglietti's first voyage was a transatlantic run from New York to Southampton, England. She headed to South Africa where most of her Italian family lives. Upon her return to England, three weeks later she embarked on a 12-day QM2 voyage through the Norwegian fjords. Enticed again, she was invited to join a friend on yet another transatlantic trip from which she returned in mid-September.
"It was an experience of a lifetime," she said. "One thing the Brits know how to do is luxury. It's class all the way. I was raised in British East Africa and I always had an affinity for the English. Going to university in England—that was a dream back then."
Naturally, she's developed lasting friendships with fellow passengers and musicians (she was married for nearly 25 years to a jazz pianist). And she delighted in the luxury of the trips ("You need a gown for every night!"), but mainly was sold by the options on board that cover more than just sunbathing.
Launched in 2004, there are 14 bars and 10 restaurants on board the 150,000-ton ship. It carries approximately 2,600 passengers. Various live music options are featured in different areas of the ship. Oh, and there's the Canyon Ranch Spa Club, which is "to die for," Viglietti said.
Also, the ship has a library of more than 8,000 volumes, a gymnasium, a casino, a spectacular planetarium and the Royal Court Theatre, with performances by members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, whose actors also offer classes.
While not inexpensive—the lowest price is somewhere around $2,000 per passenger per crossing for an inside cabin—the trip is fairly cost worthy. It takes six days to cross the Atlantic.
Viglietti pointed out that the fare is equal to or less to take the Queen Mary 2, than Business Class on most airlines and includes all (and far better) meals, entertainment, cabins, lectures and many, many other extras.
Bon voyage and here's to retro-travel.
Maria Vigiletti rides a tender to shore. In the background is the Queen Mary 2.
