Travel briefs: New York, South Africa

NEW YORK -- The three Cunard Queen ships -- the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth 2 and the new Queen Victoria -- are expected to meet in the waters off Lower Manhattan on the evening of Jan. 13, with the Statue of Liberty as a backdrop and fireworks celebrating the once-in-a-lifetime event.

The Queen Victoria embarks Jan. 6 on a three-month around-the-world cruise, including a trans-Atlantic crossing with the QE2. After Victoria and the QE2 arrive in New York, they will rendezvous with the QM2, which homeports in Brooklyn.

The public will be able to view the spectacle from open spaces ringing Lower Manhattan.

If you're willing to pay for your viewing privileges, there are a couple of options. A four-hour cruise scheduled for Jan. 13 departs South Street Seaport's Pier 16 at 4 p.m., aboard the Zephyr. Tickets are $125, including cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Call (212) 748-8786. The Ritz-Carlton New York in Battery Park is offering an ''Anchors Aweigh'' package starting at $585 a couple. The price includes breakfast in bed and a seafood tasting for two; all rooms have telescopes and harbor views, (800) 241-3333. AP

South African Airways has launched a "Buy-One-Get-One-Free" program for its flights from New York or Washington, D.C., to Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban, South Africa, for travel from Jan. 15 through March 1, 2008. The fare, available for purchase now through Jan. 22, 2008, is $1,350 -- not including taxes and fuel surcharges -- for the first passenger and free for the second passenger.

Travel must be completed by March 14, 2008, and seats are limited and may not be available on all flights.

Visit www.flysaa.com or call (800) 722-9675.