Come aboard Queen Victoria
Cruise Circle
Our team have been busy visiting ships over the last month or so (it’s a hard life, eh?) This week, let’s hear from our Sarah, who recently enjoyed a 4-night sailing with Cunard.
Sarah spills the ‘afternoon tea’ on her Cunard mini cruise
A household name for cruise fans, Cunard has been sailing for over 185 years. Known for their White Star Service, classic cruise experience and rich maritime history, their 4-ship fleet includes the largest ocean liner in the world. Sarah’s voyage took place on Cunard’s most intimate ship, Queen Victoria. Here's what she had to say...
First impressions & arrival
“Queen Victoria is very refined and traditionally decorated, with so much more space than other cruise lines offer. I had a lovely warm welcome from the bellhops, who looked stunning in their formal attire".
"One of the ship's most beloved features is the Grand Lobby, a dazzling centrepiece adorned with a sweeping staircase, gleaming marble floors, and a magnificent chandelier. This is the place where guests gather to relax and enjoy a drink, soaking up the timeless romance of ocean travel".
The cabin
Cosy & comfortable with complimentary goodies
“A welcome bottle of sparkling wine was waiting for me, which was a pleasant surprise. The cabin itself was spacious, with ample storage and a comfortably sized bathroom. The balcony was about twice the size compared to the ships I’ve stayed on previously – there was even enough room for a sunbed.
As part of their luxury experience, Cunard provides complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries (which are a British perfume house founded in the late 1860s) in their suites and staterooms, including shampoo, hand wash and body wash, and they smell absolutely divine! Speaking of luxury, the bed was unbelievably cosy, with excellent soft linens, and every cabin has bathrobes and slippers, which is always a nice touch.”
A bonus for us Brits...
“I loved that there are tea and coffee-making facilities and a minibar, so you can continue your morning cuppa routine without having to leave the cabin. You can also get room service which is complimentary before 10 am in Britannia Staterooms, so many guests opt for breakfast in bed!”
Dining fit for a queen
Queen Victoria’s dining scene is considered excellent, with a wide variety of options at lunch and dinner, and many dishes specifically created to suit British tastes. During Sarah’s 4-night sailing she experienced a range of restaurants. Here’s what she thought:
The Lido
“A casual, bright and airy informal dining area with a daylong buffet selection and historic Cunard images lining the walls, which adds a sophisticated touch. Buffets can get overcrowded and feel hectic, but the Lido was always calm with plenty of available tables".
The Golden Lion
“A traditional British Pub which had a great atmosphere, especially when there were quizzes and karaoke on! The food was high-end classic ‘pub grub’ with endless options for drinks and cocktails.”
Britannia Restaurant
“This is Queen Victoria’s largest dining venue and the décor is elegant. The room's focal point, a 10-foot-tall illuminated world globe, is a beautiful reference to Cunard's history in sailing the world's oceans. Open to Britannia Stateroom guests with waiter service for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menus are changed daily".
The Verandah
“A speciality steakhouse (with pescatarian, vegetarian and vegan options) in an intimate, French restaurant setting, it requires a reservation. I had an incredible Dover Sole, and was told the steaks were spectacular. Dining comes at a supplement of roughly $35pp for lunch and $65pp for dinner, but I think it’s worth every penny.”
Any more food for thought?
“All restaurants catered magnificently for my dietary needs (there are quite a few!) and I always had many choices and felt very well looked after. It’s also criminal to sail with Cunard and not experience their afternoon tea, which is famously held in the Queen’s Room between 3:30-4:30pm, with full White Star Service".
Eclectic entertainment
“I'm well versed in the kind of entertainment you'd expect to find on a cruise ship, but for me, this is where Cunard really came into their own. Numerous activities on board offer guests the opportunity to try something new. From ballroom dancing lessons to fencing, cocktail classes, classic deck games, educational lectures, art classes and more, it’s a great way to broaden your horizons".
"A real showpiece is Queen Victoria’s library, which is a testament to Cunard’s commitment to provide an enriching experience for guests. Spanning two decks and connected by a spiral staircase, the beautiful library is decorated with rich wooden tones, golden lighting and a beautiful art deco-style ceiling, which adds to the ambience as you browse more than 8,000 books to find that perfect holiday read".
Wellness at sea
"I booked in for a 2-hour spa pass and was able to use the Aqua Therapy Centre. Featuring a large hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam rooms, the relaxation room was a real highlight, with stunning floor-to-ceiling windows for the incredible ocean views as you relaxed on heated beds. The fitness centre was also huge and had every kind of equipment you could want".
Outstanding shore excursions
"We made port in Amsterdam to enjoy a day on shore, and the excursion I chose did not disappoint. I’d never taken a canal cruise (despite visiting the city many times before) and this felt like the perfect opportunity. We were promptly greeted by our tour guide and the experience was outstanding. We explored for an hour and a half, taking in the city’s unique architecture, sailing under iconic bridges and ticking off all the top sights with plenty of photo ops. They even took us around Queen Victoria as she was docked, and she looked so impressive from below".
The final verdict
"I wouldn't hesitate for a second to sail with Cunard again! I loved the space and the tradition along with their exceptional dining and service. I felt exceptional and extremely well taken care of. From the moment I arrived at the port, until I disembarked, everything was faultless".
