cunard cruises reviews queen elizabeth

What is it like to cruise on the Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship - Here is our Review!

We cruised on the Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship in September 2021 on one of the first cruises from the UK. Here we describe our experience on board which will give you an insight into what cruising with Cunard is really like.

We booked our cruise on the Queen Elizabeth using my Blue Light Card which gave us a discount and a fantastic price of £369 for the 4 nights cruise. In this post we describe our experiences on board this ship so you can decide if a Cunard cruise on the Queen Elizabeth is for you.

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Cruising at Christmas with Cunard – What do the ships look like?

Embarkation and our first day on board - Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship Review

Grand lobby Queen Elizabeth Cruise ship Cunard

After a very slick testing experience and embarkation process at Southampton, we were on board by 1530.

As we walked on to the ship we were welcomed by staff in traditional Cunard Uniform and a stunning peacock floral display. Looking around the beautiful wooden interior of the ship it certainly felt like we had been taken back to a different era of cruising.

We had booked a guaranteed standard balcony cabin and had been allocated a cabin on deck 8 towards the aft of the ship. To comply with the safety regulations we headed to our cabin to watch the safety video and report to our muster station which was really easy to do. First impressions of the cabin are really good, spacious with a sofa and decent sized balcony and lots of storage. We filmed a cabin tour which can be found at the end of this post.

After a walk around the top deck we met our friends at the Commodore Club situated right at the front of the ship on deck 10. A stunning lounge full of Cunard pictures and nostalgia.

As we hadn’t eaten since breakfast we decided to go and find a snack. We headed to the Golden Lion Pub which serves food but it was fully booked. So we went to the buffet to be told it had just shut at 4pm. We headed to the restaurant to also be told that food had finished there too and there are no other options for dining on the ship until 6pm. This was disappointing and a first for us as food on all our other cruises has never been hard to find!

While we were in the Britannia restaurant we decided to see where our table was for dinner and found that even though we had linked our bookings with our friends we were not sat on a table for 4 but 2 tables for 2 which were only inches away from another table. There were no closing of tables to promote social distancing that we had experienced on our previous cruises post pandemic.

We decided to try to speak to the Maitre’d to see if we could change to a table of 4 but unfortunately this proved impossible. We asked the staff in the restaurant if we could speak to someone and we were told in a very rude and dismissive manner that we couldn’t be helped and that we had to come back at 6om. After such a frosty response we decided to find someone else to speak to and was met with not only another rude response but also a shrug of the shoulders, and told to come back at 6. In all the 25 cruises (with the exception of MSC Opera in 2018!) we have been on we have never been spoken too like this. Appalled and pretty angry we decided to head to a bar!

At the aft of the ship on deck 9 is the Lido Pool. Here there was a celtic duo Shane Moran and Cameron Ross performing who were very good and we enjoyed a drink in the sunshine. Unfortunately the wind picked up and we were getting cold so we heading inside and found the Gin and Fizz bar. Must say after our dealings with the disappointing dining staff the bar service we recieved at both these venues was exceptional which was a relief.

6pm arrived and we returned to the Brittania restaurant and spoke to a lady at the entrance. We explained our concerns regarding our allocated table but were told that she couldn’t change it maybe we could sort it out tomorrow….a little exasperated we asked were there any other tables available at all in the whole restaurant that we could be moved too and after a few minutes she did reluctantly come up with a solution and we were allocated an empty table for the 4 of us. That was hard work but we got there in the end!

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View from dining room Queen Elizabeth Cunard

Our table 515 was next to the window over looking the promenade and our waiter Dave was a delight. We enjoyed a fabulous meal, starters of Rissoto of Wild Mushroons, Crab and Shrimp Skagen, Roasted Cauliflower Soup. Mains of Medallions of Pork and Palliard of Beef went down a treat. For dessert we had Sticky Mango Rice and Chocolate Marquise. We must say our actual dining experience as we sailed away from Southampton in the Britannia was superb and we left there very contented and full.

After dinner we found the Queens Room where house band Alchemy were playing. What a fabulous venue this is. We had a lovely time, listening to the band and watching some fabulous dancers too. So good to see dancing is back!

Excellent service in the Queens Room too and we had our first Perfect Serve Gins – Queen Victoria – which were delicious! The Bloody Mary’s were good too.

Then we went to the Golden Lion Pub to watch the live music and the Royal Court Theatre Orchestra were playing. Well we thought Cunard would be a quiet, stuffy affair but how wrong were we, the pub was rocking! Singing and playing a selection modern and old hits they had the majority of people in their feet. It was such a fun end to a fabulous night.

Believe it or not it was now nearly 0100 and Paul sniffed out some food. The Lido Buffet has snacks which are available until 0100 and Paul enjoyed a Cheese, Tomato, and Pesto panini and Chocolate pudding. Thankfully I spotted some cookies which I took back to the cabin ready for day 2!

After a disappointing start to the day, we have had the best evening and laughed so much with our friends Deb and Steve. Service has been exceptional and our first day definitely ended on a high.

Entertainment on board Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship Review

I woke up at 0700 just in time to see the end of a lovely sunrise and managed to drag Paul out of bed 2 hours later in time to make it to the Lido for the buffet breakfast before it closed at 10:30. The choice and standard of food available was excellent, we both had a cooked breakfast with Paul finishing with what he described as the the most chocolaty chocolate muffin he’d ever had.

We then headed to reception to change some reservations as the app was being a tad unresponsive. This was quickly resolved so we then went to find the garden lounge which was showing the football. This was a decision that Paul would later regret as his beloved spurs sank to a miserable 3-0 defeat.

However, on a positive note the Garden Lounge is a lovely venue on deck 9, mid ship, just between the Lido Buffet Restaurant and the Pavillion Pool. We received fabulous service by Gary and Bogden with the added bonus of bowls of crisps and nuts provided with drinks.

Bingo was next, and our investment of $30 won us nothing! So we decided to try our luck at the quiz. Unfortunately another poor result with a dismal 11/20.

It was now time to get ready for the Black and White Gala Night. We put on our finery and went to the Britannia Restaurant for dinner. Starters of Madeira Duck Parfait and Golden Beetroot were delicious. I went for Beef Wellington which was cooked perfectly and Paul had venison with roast vegetables and creamy cabbage which he throughly enjoyed. The meal was finished with an excellent lemon soufflé with lemoncello sauce, and a chocolate brownie and service was excellent throughout.

With dinner done it was time for the Top Hat show at the Royal theatre. It was an enjoyable show but we were eager to get to the Queens Room as soon as it finished to watch the Big Band.

Big Band Night in the magnificent ballroom was such a wonderful experience. A 12 piece orchestra played Big Band Tunes from a bygone era and it was just magical. The dance floor filled up with excellent dancers and the professional dancers on the ship put on spectacular performance too. This was a very special moment!

Up next was Shaun and Cameron the Celtic Duo who were not only fabulous musicians but very funny too! It was their last night on the ship as they were getting off in Liverpool tomorrow, which was a shame as we would of loved to see them again.

After a late night wander around the lit up Lido and Upper Deck we decided to have one for the road at the Commodore Club. A very stylish and comfortable area, with the added bonus of bring entertained by Clarolyn Maier, a very talented pianist and singer who covered Hits of Broadway to the Great American Songbook.

After such a fantastic night, we couldn’t resist a little visit to the late night snacks at the Lido, where again the little pies and paninis went down well.

We are loving our time on the Queen Elizabeth and can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship Beef Wellington

Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship Review - Liverpool and our third day on board.

I woke at 0530 to find we had already arrived in Liverpool. Unfortunately the sky was drab and grey, so no sunrise photos to be had. However it was great to look just to the right and see the iconic Liver Building!

On the Queen Elizabeth you can have breakfast delivered to your cabin free of charge. You just need to tick the items on the menu card and indicate the time you want it and hang it on the door by 0100. Our breakfast arrived as requested at 0930 and was thoroughly enjoyed.

We are planning on uploading a full tour of this beautiful ship to our You Tube Channel so after our leisurely breakfast we started filming some footage. We got as far as deck 2 and spotted Deb and Steve in the Golden Lion Pub. Feeling it would be rude not to say hi, we popped in. Steve pointed out that there were 6 types of Bloody Mary’s on the menu. Not needing a lot of arm twisting we sampled one each and they were superb.

We dragged ourselves away from the pub and filmed some more for our ship tour and headed off to afternoon tea, we had booked this at reception the previous day as our app was not playing ball.

We had heard such good things about the afternoon tea on Cunard but have to say we were fairly underwhelmed by what was on offer. No afternoon tea stand just a menu with a choice of sandwiches and cakes that came on small plates. The service was quite cold too. There wasn’t anything particularly wrong with anything but it was just not what we expected, we could have gone to the buffet and got exactly what we had been served. Talking to friends there are occasions where afternoon tea is served in the Queens Room with Silver Service but unfortunately that didn’t happen on our cruise.

The other frustrating thing was the dining room was virtually empty but they still sat two other couples about two feet away from our table. We understand it is more convenient for staff but with post covid social distancing being encouraged elsewhere, we thought this was a bit odd.

It was nearly time for sail away so we headed back to our cabin. We had a small bottle of bubbly as a welcome gift, every cabin receives one on Cunard. Deb and Steve bought their bottle up too and we enjoyed a sail away with bubbles from Liverpool on our balcony.

Docked in Liverpool Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship

As we were sailing out to sea we went to the Lido deck as a Saxophonist and DJ were playing a set. It was great music to listen too but a little bit nippy. We were all given blankets and had a fab time!

For dinner we headed to our usual table 515 and again recieved fabulous service from Dave and Michael. We started with Salt Beef Hash and Horseradish, followed by White Radish and Asian Slaw Salad. Then mains of Lemon Sole and Spinach, Feta and Mushroom Strudel. All just simply delicious. The sun was starting to set so I went for a walk around the decks to capture some photo’s while Paul enjoyed a warm Bakewell Tart and Vanilla Custard.

I met Paul, Deb and Steve in the Garden Lounge so we could watch the Dixieland Band. Great tunes from the deep south kept us entertained. Next stop was the Yacht Club on deck 10 where Amethyst Duo were playing. This is another a beautiful venue with a huge chandelier in the centre that changes colour.

On the daily programme we noticed there was a quiz due to start in the Golden Lion Pub so decided to head to deck 2 to join in but unfortunately the pub was packed and there were no seats available.

We walked next door to the Queens Room where the Orchestra where joined by the vocalists Jack and Ester. In hindsight we were so glad we couldn’t get in the pub as we had a wonderful end to the evening. There was a table for 4 free just to the side of the orchestra which gave us a fabulous view of the dance floor and of the band.

Playing popular songs in the style of the different genres of dances, they even inspired us to get up and Waltz! We had been practising in our small kitchen at home, we didn’t disgrace ourselves but we definitely need more practice!

The orchestra are just superb, they play such diverse music and are such fun to watch. We just loved the trombone version of Macerana! Tonight was such a fabulous night.

By the time the entertainment finished it was the early hours again and guess what the boys were peckish! So up to the late night buffet which we just managed to catch before it closed where they enjoyed pannini tuna melts and a cheese platter.

Cruising with Cunard has surprised us in so many ways and unfortunately this cruise is going way to fast.

Lido Deck Blankets Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship

Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship Review - Our last day on board.

We put the alarm on for 8 so we could get up for breakfast but quickly turned it off and woke up at 10! Still the Coffee and Godiva chocolates which are left on our bed each evening started the day well.

John Peters was doing a talk this morning called ‘Tornado Down’. For those that don’t know of John he came to the worlds attention in January 1991 during the first Gulf War when his bruised and battered face flashed onto television screens around the world. His description of his experience was horrific, how he managed to keep mentally positive and how we can overcome even our worst fears and nightmares, is a true lesson to us all in what is important in life. It was an emotional and thought provoking presentation and I am glad I had some tissues in my hand bag! Cunard have enrichment talks every day and we are so glad we got the chance to see this. He was actually in the Theatre but the talk was televised throughout the ships bars and lounges which was great.

Lunch today was in the Golden Lion Pub. Paul and I both had Ploughman’s lunch and Deb and Steve both had Fish and Chips, which we all agreed was really tasty, The food in the pub is all included at no extra charge, it does get very busy so we recommend getting in early.

As it was our last day on board it was sadly time to pack. Suitcases that you want to be taken off the ship have to be outside your Cabin between 5pm and 11pm.

Packing done the boys decided that we should have another go at the bingo, as today was Snowball Jackpot Bingo Finale. So we headed to the Garden Lounge on deck 9. After a very tense time, we had 1 number on two tickets to win the jackpot of $760…..alas a lady on the next table got her number before us and won!

Next up was the quiz where we scored a respectable 15, but sadly missed out on winning a Cunard pen! Feeling a bit peckish the boys popped to the Lido restaurant and came back with a pepperoni pizza and some cakes and scones from the Lido Buffet Restaurant next door. It all went down very well.

Golden Lion Pub Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship review

After the fabulous evening we had last night we all decided we wanted to get to the Queens Room early to get our front row seats by the band for Dancing in the Streets.While we were waiting we decided to play Crib, after a tense time the score was 1:1 then the band started!

The Band with Jack and Ester played and sang hits of Motown, Soul and just really great party music. The dance floor was packed with everyone strutting their stuff, and the four of us happily joined them. The band did 4 sets over 3 1/2 hours and even after all that the whole of the Queens Room, including us were shouting for more. It was such a fun night that had sadly come to an end.

Hungry again we paid our last visit to the late night snack buffet. More pies and cheese plates were consumed, as we all discussed what a fabulous time we had all had!

Our Verdict of our Cruise on the Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship - Will we cruise with Cunard again?

Our cruise on the Queen Elizabeth has been full of surprises. After a frosty start we all agreed that we had had a very enjoyable time on board. The ship is elegant and sophisticated and takes you back to a bygone era which we loved. We knew that the standard of food and service was going to be excellent but what surprised us the most was the variety of entertainment on board and how much fun it was. We also filmed a vlog series on board which you can watch below.

We also were very impressed with the cabins that we booked. We stayed in a standard balcony cabin and our friends booked a deluxe inside cabin and you can have a look around both of these cabins in the videos below.

We had such a great time on the Queen Elizabeth that we have booked another cruise on this ship for December, we are also planning a transatlantic cruise on the Queen Mary 2 too! We are looking forward to seeing what this ship will look like at Christmas and we can’t wait to be back on board!

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Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship Review - Cabins

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Queen Elizabeth

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Find a Cruise on Queen Elizabeth

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Launched in 2010, Queen Elizabeth can carry up to 2,081 passengers. With 911 crew members on board, the ship puts an emphasis on personalized attention. Past cruisers said everyone from the wait staff to the room stewards provides five-star service.

Guests can choose from a number of lodging options, including unique single staterooms for solo travelers, special Queens and Princess Grill suites, Britannia Club and Britannia cabins. Some room categories offer extra space and access to exclusive dining venues. All cabins are outfitted with standard amenities such as room service, flat-screen TVs and minifridges.

Daytime activities include watercolor painting classes, dance lessons, fencing classes, afternoon tea and outdoor garden parties. While children's programming is provided, recent cruisers note that entertainment is decidedly adult, with evening galas and chic lounges.

Queen Elizabeth offers four main dining rooms that vary by cabin type, as well as a specialty restaurant and alternative dining at the Lido buffet. In the evenings, passengers can grab a nightcap at one of multiple lounges, including the stylish Gin & Fizz bar.

Queen Elizabeth makes a variety of sailings throughout the U.S., Canada, the Mediterranean, Central America, Australia and Asia from ports in Vancouver , Sydney , Tokyo , Fort Lauderdale and more.

Pros & Cons

Unique single rooms for solo travelers

Guests may only dine in assigned restaurants based on cabin category

Expert Rating » 4.0
Traveler Rating » 3.9
Health Rating » 4.5

Queen Elizabeth ranks # 2 out of 3 Cunard Line Cruise Ships based on an analysis of expert and user ratings, as well as health ratings.

# 2 in Best Cunard Line
# 16 in Best Cruises to the Pacific
# 24 in Best Cruises to Alaska
# 48 in Best Cruises for Couples
# 61 in Best Affordable Cruises

Queen Elizabeth offers a wide range of accomodation options. Browse cabins to find the stateroom that suits your needs.

Queen Elizabeth contains 12 decks. Find out which features are available on each Queen Elizabeth deck.

Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 126 guests have reviewed Queen Elizabeth , giving it a rating of 3.9 on a scale of 1-5.

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Reviews by traveler type.

Ship Photos

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Cunard Line Queen Elizabeth Review

The newest member of the three-ship cunard fleet, the queen elizabeth aims for a distinguished cruise experience..

Updated October 2, 2014

The newest member of the three-ship Cunard fleet, the Queen Elizabeth aims for a distinguished cruise experience glimmering with a touch of English royalty. Elegance is promised in Cunard literature, along with “spacious luxury and excellent service that attracts discerning travelers.” That kind of hyperbole is rampant in the travel industry, of course, but marketing push aside, the Cunard Line does indeed have a storied legacy to live up to.

Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.

Club Balcony

Princess grill suites, queens grill suites, cabin amenities overview, in-room dining overview, presentation, drinks overview, beer & wine, mixed drinks, drink packages, non-alcoholic options, café carinthia, grand lobby, purser’s office, tour office, royal spa and fitness centre, royal arcade, images photo gallery, art gallery, internet centre and connexions 1, the zone and the play zone, royal court theatre, pavilion pool and bar, lido pool and bar, the grills lounge, outdoor promenade, dress codes and alcohol policy, loyalty programs, laundry facilities, general health and safety, smoking regulations, other activities, additional details, the yacht club, shows & performances, sports & fitness, sports and fitness.

Starting in 1840, Cunard was the first company to schedule regular trans-Atlantic crossings between Southampton, England and New York. Over the years the line established other seagoing firsts—the first ship to be lighted by electricity, the first “wireless” (radio) at sea, the first gym and health center, the first swimming pool, and more. In 1936 Cunard’s ocean liner the Queen Mary famously launched a new era in sea travel, and in 1940 the original Queen Elizabeth debuted as the largest passenger ship ever built (although this 83,650-ton Queen Elizabeth was destroyed by fire in 1972, it retained its title as the largest until 1996). At the end of WWII, Winston Churchill claimed the two ships—requisitioned by the British government to ferry 1.5 million troops around the world—had shortened the war in Europe by at least a year. There was also the legendary ocean liner QE2 launched in 1969—after 6 million miles the QE2 left the Cunard fleet in 2008; its ultimate fate is undecided.

Acquired by Miami-based Carnival Corporation in 1998, the Cunard Line got a new lease on life with the arrival of the one-of-a-kind Queen Mary 2, in 2004—at the time the largest, tallest and most expensive ever built. This was followed in 2007 by Queen Victoria, and in 2010 a new incarnation of Queen Elizabeth went to sea, a 90,400-ton, 2068-passenger vessel that is virtually identical in size and layout to Queen Victoria—both considerably smaller than Queen Mary 2. The main differences between the younger “siblings” are in décor, a few venue name changes, and Lizzie boasts an additional 39 cabins. The Queen Mary 2, on the other hand, remains an outlier—not only for Cunard but for the industry as a whole; it’s a true ocean liner designed for speedy trans-Atlantic crossings, much like her predecessors in the Cunard Line.

The new Queen Elizabeth gets around: In her first year alone, the vessel visited 108 different destinations. Upcoming sailings navigate Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia and the South Pacific, many of them starting or ending at Cunard’s home port, Southampton (70 miles southwest of London’s Heathrow Airport); itineraries primarily encompasses cruises longer than a week.

With expectations high and our finest duds carefully packed, we boarded Queen Elizabeth with heightened anticipation. There was the traditional array of cabins, plus upgraded “Grill” accommodations.

More than any other mainstream cruise line, a “class system” is still in effect aboard Cunard’s vessels. This anachronism dates to the early days of steamship travel, when guests of different cabin classes did not mingle together; the upper classes had their own dining rooms and entire decks of older ships might be off-limits to those in lower class, “steerage” cabins. On today’s Queen Elizabeth there are four “classes” of passengers, yet the vast majority of the ship is open to all.

Britannia Class represents the standard accommodations for Queen Elizabeth, in the usual assortment of Inside, Oceanview and Balcony cabins—in total they represent 84 percent of the ship’s 1034 cabins. We were comfortably lodged in a Balcony Cabin for our journey.

One step up is the Britannia Club level, 38 balcony cabins on Deck 8 that are essentially identical to balcony cabins on lower decks, but guests at the club level have a separate room adjoining the main dining room without set seating times (though sharing the same menu). Fares for Britannia Club cabins average about 40 percent higher than those for the least expensive balcony cabins—a steep up-charge for what is essentially just a more private and quiet main dining room.

Next level up is the Princess Grill category, which represent the entry-level suites. These start at 335 square feet (including balcony), and add in such extras as marble bathrooms with both tub and shower; guests here dine in a private restaurant on Deck 11 with an elevated menu. Top category is the Queens Grill suites, larger still, adding in butler service, nightly canapés and another private dining room on Deck 11. Both Princess Grill and Queens Grill share a lounge as well as a sun terrace on Deck 12 (where meals can be enjoyed when the weather suits).

Our cabin was attractively appointed with plush bedding and great lighting, but it was not what we would call “luxury” in most other respects.

Non-suite Balcony Cabins represent slightly more than half the accommodations on Queen Elizabeth, so this is the yardstick by which we’ll judge the ship. Our cabin measured 192 square feet inside (Cunard says Balcony Cabins start at 228 square feet, but this figure includes the balcony). While we’ve definitely stayed in smaller cabins on mainstream cruise lines, the cabins of true luxury lines are larger: The smallest cabins on the ships of Silversea are 240 square feet (not including balcony); the smallest of Seabourn Cruises’ cabins are 277 square feet (admittedly, their cruises are also quite a bit more expensive than those of Cunard Line). But size aside, we were generally happy with our quarters.

Tastefully appointed, the bedroom area of our cabin yielded no surprises, but the linens wrapping our mattress were upgraded, with a plush pillowtop concealing most of the seam between the two single mattresses, and a cushy duvet on top. The sleeping arrangements were very comfortable. We loved having ample light for reading in bed. Daylight from the balcony opening was well concealed behind a sheer, a blackout liner, and a decorative fabric curtain.

The compact bathroom for our cabin was interchangeable with bathrooms for most other mainstream cruise lines—that is, there was nothing special about it. The small shower (only) measured 30 inches wide and 27 inches deep, at its maximum, with a thin synthetic curtain that could be pulled around—not exactly a generous cubicle for showering. Towels were inconsistently replaced by our cabin steward, even when they were hung up to dry; two pools towels were left for us under the sink. The inclusion of Gilchrist & Soames amenities—shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion—and a jar of cotton swabs were the only “extras” beyond what we usually find in typical cruise ship bathrooms. In all, we were disappointed that the bathroom was no better than ordinary.

One of the best features of our cabin was abundant lighting. There were two main systems: One covered three ceiling lights in the entry hallway, a light on the wall opposite the bed and a light at the balcony door; the second illuminated two ceiling lights above the bed pillows. Both of these could be turned on at the cabin entry as well as switches on both sides of the bed. There were also three reading lights—two at the bed on nightstands and one next to the couch—plus an additional pair of lights over the desk.

The TV in our room was a 22-inch Sharp monitor that pivoted, allowing decent viewing from the couch or bed pillows. The selection of entertainment was diverse. There were three channels dedicated to English-language movies—about 40 in all, each played on one or two days of the cruise, several times in a row (most of the films were from the previous year, with a few older classics thrown in the mix). There were also German-, Spanish- and French-language movies on other channels. One channel each was dedicated to reruns of popular UK and US television programs, along with the major news and sports networks, plus 10 music channels.

At the desk were several outlets for different plugs, including two US. An additional plug in the bathroom, for “shavers only,” could be switched for either 120 or 230 volt.

Under each bed was an under-dresser for storing clothes. There were three individual closets at the cabin entry—two measured slightly over 22 inches, the third was 25 inches wide. In the closets was a pair of bathrobes, slippers, a safe

The cabin minibar fridge was stocked with Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and ginger ale ($2.65 each), Cunard-brand water, still or sparkling at $3.95 per 1.5 liter. The latter could be purchased in bulk—six for the price of five. Spirits and other drinks could be supplied through our cabin steward.

The balcony measured about 54 square feet, which was sufficient for two chairs and a small table that we could use—just barely—for a simple meal. The front of our balcony was glass with a railing; some cabins had balconies with metal rather than glass fronting the space. We did not stay in the rest of these cabins, but we have summaries here provided by Cunard Line. Note that any photos on this page may be provided directly by the cruise line and not our reviewer.

Our Standard staterooms are anything but ordinary. The smallest is more like a “deluxe” guestroom on other cruise ships. And they’re beautifully decorated with fine prints on the walls, soft colours on the sofas and coverlets and turndown service when it’s time to retire. Guests dine in the Britannia Restaurant with a choice of an early or late sitting.

At any time of the day your luxury stateroom provides a welcome enclave of comfort and good taste. Wrap yourself in the soft bathrobe, ease into your slippers, then settle down to a film on your TV. Our turndown service sets the tone for a comfortable night’s sleep. Guests dine at a reserved table for either early or late dining in the Britannia Restaurant

Cherish the relaxing lounge area of your private balcony stateroom with direct access to the ocean breeze. Comfortable and stylish, your luxury Britannia Club Balcony stateroom shall be your inviting home from home throughout your memorable voyage. Guests in Britannia Club Balcony staterooms dine in the intimate Britannia Club restaurant.

For guests in our luxurious Princess Grill Suites, the delights of our Grills Experience are more pronounced than ever before. Your lavish suite occupies up to 513 square feet, with flourishes that include personalised stationery, a Bon Voyage bottle of wine, fresh fruit and concierge service. Guests dine at a reserved table in the single seating Princess Grill Restaurant.

Queens Grill takes everything that is so wonderfully indulgent about our Grills Experience and raises it to exalted new heights. Luxuriate in your own secluded haven of up to approximately 2,131 square feet featuring marble bathrooms and whirlpool baths. Guests dine at a reserved table in the single seating Queens Grill Restaurant.

{{photo_gallery "Other Cabin 5 Photos"}} A bottle of bon voyage bubbly greeted us, but otherwise amenities were fairly standard.

Waiting for us in our cabin when we checked in was a bottle of Pol Acker sparkling wine, a French blanc de blanc we’d never heard of. While the wine is standard for all guests, there was also a plate of chocolate covered strawberries, gifted by our travel agent.

There was a well-rounded menu for breakfast and throughout the day.

There were two room service menus available on Queen Elizabeth. The first, for breakfasts, was on a door hanger to be placed outside the room the night before; delivery times were in 15-minute increments between 7 and 10 a.m. The selection included a good array of cereals (popular American brands plus Birchermüsli and hot oatmeal), toast, pastries and muffins served with a variety of preserves, yogurt (plain or fruit), fresh fruit plates and a selection of juices. Hot options included eggs (scrambled, sunny side up, over easy) accompanied by bacon, Cumberland sausage, baked beans, hash brown potatoes or grilled tomato. Coffee, tea, milk and hot chocolate were offered to drink.

A second menu was available 24 hours. This included salad (Caesar or Caprese), cold and hot sandwiches (club sandwich, tuna melt, etc.), fajitas (chicken or beef), a Mediterranean quesadilla, penne Bolognese, grilled sirloin steak, and various burgers, including turkey. Dessert options included warm apple pie with custard sauce, vanilla cheesecake with cherries, a frozen chocolate bombe and crème caramel. There was no surcharge mentioned for late-night orders.

When we called to order lunch one afternoon we were on hold for 1 minute and then placed our order; no estimated delivery time was provided, but the order arrived 27 minutes later. Our breakfast one morning was ordered for the 8 to 8:15 a.m. slot; the knock on the door came at 7:54 a.m.

For breakfast, food was brought on large tray with plastic lids on each plate. There was (unordered) ketchup brought for hash browns, and a slice of lemon came (perhaps for the fruit plate?). Toast was wrapped in a linen napkin, but was barely lukewarm on arrival. Delivery at lunch was the same. Salt and pepper was in paper packets along with plastic packets of ketchup, mustard and mayo—we found this tacky (glass jars or ramekins would have been more appropriate). Linen napkins wrapped an adequate amount of silverware.

Our breakfast was pretty much as expected. Eggs over easy and eggs sunny side up arrived as ordered, with the yolks just runny enough. We ordered toast, and just one small slice came—we would have liked more. The fruit plate had one item that we didn’t spot elsewhere on the ship—a half of a passionfruit—but otherwise the fruit was comparable to what was on the buffet (a bit flavorless). Juices were fine, the coffee was watery.

At lunch we ordered the Caprese salad, which was nicely presented with a mound of arugula and dressed with basil infused olive oil; the menu called it a balsalmic dressing, but we couldn’t taste much vinegar. The mozzarella was good—not the rubbery American kind—but the tomatoes were bland. A toasted York ham and English cheddar cheese panini was a okay—it sounded better than it tasted; the sandwich was warm but the fries were barely lukewarm; a limp spinach salad came alongside. But the chicken Thai curry (also available with shrimp) was great—a mound of jasmine rice surrounded with a flavorful green curry; the dish packed a lot of heat (more than some might like) but it hit the spot for us. For dessert we had the chocolate fudge cake and it was about as expected, satisfying if unexceptional.

In-Room Dining Food

In addition to the soft drinks and water in our minibar, the in-room beverage menu had a good selection of hard liquors. The 1.5-ounce “nip” bottles started at $5.95 for Myer’s rum, Canadian Club or Teachers whiskey, and G&J Greenall gin; 1-liter bottles of these were priced $55 (bottle orders were accompanied by six sodas of our choice). Other liquors included Johnnie Walker Black Label, Glenkinchie (12-year) Scotch whiskey, Courvoisier VS cognac and Grey Goose vodka, at prices ranging up to $7.95 for a nip bottle and $75 for a 1-liter bottle.

The short list of beers included Budweiser, Corona, Heineken, Guinness Draught and Spitfire Real Ale for $5.50-$5.95. Only two wineries were represented on the room service list: Cunard Private Label and Wente Vineyards—$5.95 for 150ml, $9.95 for 250ml and $29.75 for a full bottle—but other labels were said to be available on request. Champagnes and sparkling wines included prosecco from Valdobbiadenne ($7.25 for 150ml and $35 for a full bottle), Delamotte brut NV ($12.75 and $59.50) and Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label and rosé ($17.50-$19 and $82-$95).

As with the ship’s bars, a 15 percent service charge was added to drinks ordered through in-room dining.

Several of the restaurants were grand, and in one instance the food and service lived up to the settings.

For those of us not parked in suites, there were four main dining options nightly. Although Queen Elizabeth does not have a large variety of dining venues, the diversity of food on offer was impressive. The lovely main dining room, Britannia Restaurant, had a menu with an ambitiously French bent, and though the food—from frogs legs to venison to fish curry—didn’t always live up to expectations, the variety on offer was surprising, with good options for vegetarians. Although the buffet Lido Restaurant was just average, each evening one corner of the venue was converted into one of four different ethnic menus, where we enjoyed pleasing food at a modest surcharge.

Queen Elizabeth’s alternative dining option, The Verandah, was excellent—a refined showcase for French cuisine with fine service and quiet surrounds. Our lunch and dinner here were among the best we’ve experienced at sea, well worth the a la carte surcharge.

But all was not perfect. The Britannia Restaurant suffered from a cacophony of noise and hustle-bustle, with uneven service from an under-trained wait staff. And the Lido Grill, an outdoor extension of the Lido buffet, was understaffed at peak hours. While these problems would not be unusual on a lower priced cruise ship, with Cunard positioning itself as a luxury cruise experience the line should deliver a higher, more consistent level of service.

The cocktail list was long and enticing, with an English twist.

Cunard has been serving bubbly and brew, libations and tipples for decades, and we welcomed the long cocktail list, which availed both classics as well as popular English variants. Pours were proper US sizes, rather than the skimpy portions we find on most other cruise lines—a standard wine pour was 150ml (one-fifth of a bottle) and shots were 1.5 ounces.

Premium liquors were available throughout the ship. Gin choices ranged from G&J Greenall to Hendrick’s ($5.95-$7.50), vodka from Eristoff to Stolichnaya Elit ($5.95-$7.95), and rum from Myer’s and Mount Gay to El Dorado 15-year ($5.95-$9.95). A solid list of whiskies, port and liqueurs was available.

Unfortunately, a continuing problem we had aboard Queen Elizabeth was bars (as well as other venues) not being adequately staffed. Service was slow at times, especially at non-peak hours.

A 15-percent service charge was added to all drink orders.

The beer menu included such standards as Budweiser, Heineken, Corona, Amstel Light, Carlsberg and Beck’s ($4.95-$5.50), but also ventured into welcome English territory with such favorites as Old Speckled Hen, Boddington’s Bitter, John Smith’s Bitter, Guinness and Spitfire Real Ale ($5.50-$5.95). At several bars there was a selection on draught, with the largest at the Golden Lion pub, where we found Stella Artois, Beck’s, Old Speckled Hen, Boddingtons and Guinness (all of which were available in both pints and half-pints). Also available: Strongbow and Magner’s Irish ciders ($5.50-$6.25).

A short menu of wines was available ship-wide, including Cunard’s private label—chardonnay, pinot grigio, merlot, syrah and cabernet sauvignon ($5.95 for a “standard” 150ml pour, $9.95 for 250ml, or $29.75 for a bottle). Other options included Bourgogne Aligoté Domaine Pere èt Fils, Vincent Dampt Chablis, Vignobles Gonnet Côte du Rhône and Hunter’s Pinot Noir (ranging $6.75-$10.50 for a standard 150ml pour). An expanded wine list was available at both the Britannia and Verandah restaurants.

This is where the fun began. Queen Elizabeth’s standard cocktail list had a great variety of libations, ranging from traditionals to more offbeat concoctions. Martinis were assembled with gin (Greenall’s, Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray, etc., ranging $8.50 to $9.95) or vodka (Eristoff, Stolichnaya, Grey Goose, etc., $7.75 to $9.95), and “new age” martinis were also available (Citrus Sunset, Cosmo, etc.) for $7.75 to $9.95. We also found a variety of Caipirinhas, Mojitos, Daiquirís, Margaritas, Collins and “long” cocktails, all in the same price range. An expanded drink list was available at the Commodore Club.

An unlimited soft drinks package was available, though only on the first and second day of the cruise, and for the entirety of the journey. The price was $6.50 per day (plus 15 percent service charge) and covered all fountain sodas and selected juices, but not mocktails, bottled water or in-cabin beverage service.

A coffee card was also available—10 regular coffees for $33.50, plus 15 percent service charge. Signage stated that the card availed a 10 percent savings, but that savings applied only to drinks priced $3.75; most of the coffee options were priced less, making the card of negligible value.

Bars had a selection of libations sans alcohol, ranging from a Tropicana (pineapple juice, coconut cream, mango nectar and banana blended with ice) and a rum-less Mojito (mint and brown sugar, lime and apple juices, soda water), priced $4.25. Sodas (from the Coke family) ginger beer and canned juices were $2.65. Although a number of the recreational pursuits were light, there was a great selection of activities.

There was a coffee shop, but a good selection of teas was also available—plus nibbles through the day.

Named for the RMS Carinthia, a beloved Cunard liner launched in 1925, this was the ship’s tea and coffee emporium, a classy space with overstuffed couches, potted orchids and art deco embellishments. In this age of java joints on every street corner we were a little surprised that Café Carinthia didn’t open until 7 a.m., when we found it struggling to wipe the sleep from its eyes (on many cruise ships the coffee venue is open 24 hours).

A light menu was available through the day. In the mornings, this included some of the ship’s pastries, while from 12 noon till 2:30 p.m. there was a quiche Lorraine tartlet with mesclun salad, shrimp salad served on rye with roasted peppers and olives, smoked salmon in a lemon pepper bap, etc. At teatime (3 to 5 p.m.), a strawberry tartlet, black and white profiteroles, and Alsacian apple tart were offered. There was no additional charge for these items.

The tea selection was from Jacksons of Piccadilly, tea emporium started in 1815 and now focused on Fairtrade registered growers around the world. Eleven options were availed, including Ceylon Earl Grey, Kenyan, Assam, Chinese white tea silver tips, and Sencha green tea, available infused with, mint, lemon, lime or elderflower. Prices were $2.50-$2.75, served with proper china and a teapot, with a biscuit (no tea bags!).

The coffee selection included Americano, espresso, cappuccino, mocha, and latte (available with various syrups). Prices ranged $2.75-$4.25 for the regular size to $3.75-$5.25 for large. Iced iterations were available ($3-$4.50), along with hot chocolate, which could be spiked with Amaretto, Frangelico, Bailey’s or Grand Marnier ($7.25).

{{ gallery "Venue 6 Drink Photos" }} Several of the classy lounges showed off the ship’s art deco design handsomely.

Managed by Steiner Leisure, the major player in cruise ship spas, the Royal Spa was properly elegant and subdued and featured a full-service salon. The ship’s gym was accessed through the spa, as was the Royal Bath House, a surcharge facility within the spa.

Massages ranged from a back, neck and shoulder ($69 for 25 minutes, $109 for 50 minutes) to Swedish massage ($119 for 50 minutes) to sports or bamboo massage ($129 for 50 minutes, $179 for 75 minutes); the Royal Spa massage for two was $259 for 50 minutes, $355 for 75 minutes. Several Ayurvedic treatments were available, including Shirodhara ($99 for 25 minutes), Shirobhyanga massage ($130 for 50 minutes) or Chakra Rasul ($175 for 50 minutes).

Fifty-minute facials included Elemis Skin Specific, Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing, Oxydermal, and Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift ($109 to $145). Men’s facials, barbering and grooming were available, along with hair, nail and waxing services for women.

A 12.5 percent gratuity was added to the price of all treatments.

While there may not have been a rock-climbing wall or surfing lessons, the gym was well equipped and we enjoyed croquet tournaments and ballroom dance lessons.

The gym was stocked with the latest equipment, with treadmills, bikes, bench presses, cross-trainers by TechnoGym, along with rowing machines, weights, and more. In the aerobics room there were stretching and legs, bums and tums sessions at no charge, and available for $12 were Fab Abs and Pilates classes (there were also bikes for spinning, but no sessions scheduled on our cruise).

On Deck 11 forward, we found a nifty collection of outdoor activities with an English bent.

There was Short Mat Bowling (like lawn bowling), Croquet and Paddle Tennis. There were instructions for each, and tournaments were announced in the Daily Programme.

The shopping wasn’t extensive but the variety of items sold was much more diverse than we usually see.

A gallery of interconnected stores on Deck 3 offered good shopping opportunities—in fact, we found a somewhat broader selection of merchandize than is availed on most mainstream cruise lines. Products from Chopard, Fabergé, Anya Hindmarch, Zandra Rhodes, Emporio Armani, Molton Brown and Gina Bacconi were among the more unique finds showcased at the Royal Arcade, in addition to the usual suspects for watches, jewelry, clothing and duty-free cigarettes and alcohol. Merchandize was priced in U.S. dollars throughout.

Near the shopping arcade, but easy to overlook was this cubbyhole boutique with a few specialty items. This included Cunard-brand chocolates and Queen Elizabeth-logo products, Fortnum and Mason teas, as well as sundries such as deodorant, toothpaste, insect repellant, shaving products, sun block and over-the-counter remedies.

A gallery of photos taken by the ship’s photographers was available for purchase. Individual prints were $24.95 each. Photos could be ordered as prints or on CDs—a package of 10 was $149.95, 15 was $199.95 or an unlimited number was $299.95.

Ship photographers were not overly aggressive, which was refreshing. A video of the voyage was also available for purchase at the end of the trip. We reviewed one but we were pretty unimpressed with the quality—it made our overall journey look like a bore.

Managed by Clarendon Fine Art, we found a lot of nice artwork hanging in this gallery, with a good deal more subtlety and nuance than is common in the art showcased on mass-market ships. Though most of it was not pieces that we’d jump to buy, we enjoyed perusing the canvases.

Another thing we liked: There were no hard-sell art auctions on our voyage.

While most cruise ships have just a small collection of paperbacks for sale, Queen Elizabeth’s had a genuine Book Shop with a selection of several hundred titles for purchase. This included fiction and nonfiction (mostly paperbacks), a few travel guides, a particularly good selection of children’s books, plus lots of books about the ship and the Cunard Line. Also offered were diaries, pens and notecards.

Just outside the Book Shop, don’t miss the display cases with royal memorabilia—Christmas cards from Charles and Diana, photos and newspaper clips about Queen Elizabeth and Cunard Line through the years.

There was an excellent range of activities onboard Queen Elizabeth, many of them not found on mainstream cruise lines.

This excellent library is among the finest at sea, with more than 6000 books covering a range of stories, styles and subjects, including a large collection of travel guides for the areas Queen Elizabeth commonly sails. The latter were not available for check-out (they could be read in the comfy chairs here), but other titles could be borrowed.

There was also a small collection of jigsaw puzzles, plus Chess, Checkers and Yahtzee sets.

Queen Elizabeth’s internet center was located on Deck 1 and offered 21 Mac computers for checking email. While the equipment was good, we found access to be very clunky, with service not available for multi-hour periods. We didn’t find the attendant particularly knowledgeable about the service or the problems we had connecting; the venue was staffed two hours in the morning and 2½ hours in the afternoon on sea days, and 2 hours in the evening on port days.

The pay-as-you-go rate for internet use (using the ship’s computer or our won laptop) was .75 cents per minute. Packages brought prices down: 120 minutes was a more-reasonable $47.95 (.40 cents per minute), for instance. Printing was charged at .50 cents per page.

Other Activites

Connexions 1 was a learning facility with 19 Mac computers used for hands-on classes. Among the free options were 30-minute classes on iPads, iPods and iPhones and Tablets. “Next Step” worshops were $30 and included 60-minute sessions on Apple’s iPhoto (managing and editing images, creating books, calendars and slideshows), Adobe Photoshop Elements (basic repairs, effects, using layers), Apple’s iMovie. There was an advanced seminar called Using your iPad Efficiently, priced $10. All but one of the classes was offered only once, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule at the start of your cruise.

Connexions 2 and 3 were meeting facilities on Deck 3 (and not internet related).

This was the ship’s dedicated children’s facility. Play Zone was designed for kids aged up to 6 years old, supervised by British registered nursery nurses and youth coordinators. There were Play Station 3 games, arts and crafts stations, toys, games and a private outdoor play area. Next door, the Zone was for older children and teens.

This informal and inviting card room. Beginning and intermediate Bridge lessons were offered on the first full day of the cruise, and unhosted Social Bridge sessions were scheduled on remaining days. There were also several Scrabble box sets available for play (along with an Oxford English dictionary).

The intimate yet stunning lobby atrium occupied three levels starting from Deck 1, accented by a striking wood mural of the Queen Elizabeth as a backdrop to the curved staircase.

At the lowest level was the Purser’s Office, the Shore Excursion desk and the future cruise sales desk. Wrapping around the upper decks of the lobby were The Verandah restaurant, Café Corinthia and the Midships Bar. A couple events took place here during the cruise, such as a pastry demo one day, but otherwise this beautiful space was under-utilized.

The ship’s main theatre was a classy environment with box seats.

Queen Elizabeth’s handsome theatre was modeled after the Gaiety Theatre on Isle of Man, a classic opera house still in operation. With seating for 800-plus, sightlines were excellent owing to the Royal Court’s steep rake and minimum of obstructions (we loved the box seats flanking the main seating area); portable headsets were provided for hearing-impaired guests.

Shows and Performances

The theatre was used for several different types of performances, best of which was La Danza, a dance review that showcased various styles from around the world. It wasn’t the type of show we’d normally jump for but we were impressed. The 55-minute performance utilized both backing tracks and a live band—there were great costumes and fine choreography to showcase the energetic 12-member team of hoofers. Also worth seeing was Vanity Fair, an English-style review, with songs from Mad Dogs and Englishman and Crazy for You. Again, the costumes were snazzy, though no real sets were involved (for this or any of the shows we saw). Other live shows included a comedian, a pickpocket act, and a classical vocalist.

The Royal Court Theatre was also used for a murder mystery performance, lectures and a recent movie on port days, all to good effect.

The entertainers aboard were excellent, and the main theatre was a classy venue for shows.

Compared to the big-name brands catering to the U.S. market, Queen Elizabeth had a smallish casino, with 54 slot machines. But this appeared to be sufficient on our cruise—we never observed the facility heavily used. Table games included Blackjack, Face Up Blackjack, Roulette, Three Card Poker, Caribbean Poker and Three Stud Poker.

The casino was the only place on the ship where cash was accepted, and U.S. dollars only.

There was a full bar at the casino, serving the ship’s standard cocktail menu. When the weather cooperated, there was a good variety to do outdoors.

There were two pools available to guests, plus one in the Royal Bath House for guests who paid a surcharge.

The main pool on Queen Elizabeth was protected from the wind but still fairly open for sunning. There were two small Jacuzzi tubs and a pair of shower stalls for rinsing off, and in addition to sun loungers, sheltered outdoor furniture was available.

Queen Elizabeth’s second pool area was a popular spot, for eating, sunning and swimming. There were two Jacuzzi tubs, a couple shower stalls and a good quantity of loungers. The pool depth was 4-feet, 9-inches at one end, 6-feet, 8-inches at the other.

We found ample sunning areas, and crowding was not generally a problem except on one particularly scenic day.

Guests staying in Princess Grill or Queens Grill suites had exclusive access to this area of Queen Elizabeth, located at midship on Deck 11. It included a cushy private lounge, a private dining room for Princess Grill guests as well as separate room for Queens Grill guests (with additional menu items available), and a private sun terrace on Deck 12, the highest public area of the ship.

As we were housed in a more humble cabin, maybe next time we’ll gain entry.

Deck 3 was the one deck that circuited the entire ship. Jogging and power walks were permitted only from 8 a.m, to 8 p.m. (three laps equaled 0.9 mile). There were a deck chairs lining the corridor at midship.

This was the uppermost deck straddling the ship’s mid-section. There were plentiful loungers, four shuffleboard courts, and the Ping Pong tables were much in use. There was also a netted area for golf practice.

Smiles were sometimes slow to blossom—perhaps a stiff demeanor was part of the Cunard culture?

The Daily Programme, the ship’s newsletter, was brimming with information about the many events planned through the day. With a greater-than-usual number of sea days scheduled for Queen Elizabeth’s voyages, it made sense that there were plenty of diversions offered, and the newsletter was the easiest way to keep up. Queen Elizabeth had 11 public decks, plus one for the medical centre and a top sun deck available to Grill guests only.

Ship Tour Overview

The dress code sounded intimidating, but formal nights were a sight to be seen.

This was an area of shortfall for us. We encountered multiple instances when Queen Elizabeth was either understaffed, the staff was clunky or poorly trained, or—on a couple occasions—cold to the point of condescending. Meal service in the main dining room was loud, distracted, and the sound of breaking dishes was a repeated refrain. Our waiter strived to keep us happy but seemed to have missed out on some training—he reached across table in front of us to access water glasses, plates, etc. (the assistant waiter was charming and attentive). At several of the bars and lounges (especially the Commodore Club) we were surprised how long drink orders took.

Also, though not unfriendly, smiles and greetings were often slow to come on staff—we’re accustomed to a more interactive crew. The vast majority of crewmembers were Asian or Eastern European—nationalities we find warm and engaging on other cruise lines. Sometimes it felt like Cunard’s training program encouraged prim, stiff-upper-lip formality at the expense of genuine warmth.

There were exceptions to middling service. In the Verandah the waitstaff was charming, engaging and knowledgeable. At the Lido’s alternative restaurants, waiters were on their game.

Cunard White Star Luggage Service was available to transport luggage directly from our home to the ship. The shipping service must be arranged 35 days prior to the sailing date; shipping home can be arranged while onboard.

A hotel and dining service charge is added to the checkout bill for all guests, divided between waitstaff, cabin stewards, buffet stewards and others. The amount is $11 per day, per guest (including children); for those staying in Grill accommodations the service charge is $13 per day, per guest.

Additionally, a 15-percent gratuity is automatically added to every drink order, including minibar purchases.

More than perhaps any other cruise line we’ve traveled with, Cunard believes in a dress code, and Queen Elizabeth is a dressy ship. While it’s not necessary to invest in a wardrobe overhaul to embark, many passengers use a Cunard cruise as an opportunity to show off their fanciest finery. The rules sound imposing, but after a day or two we felt very much at home.

During the day, casual dress was encouraged, but bathrobes and bathing suits were “not suitable” for indoor public areas. After 6 p.m., evening attire fell into one of three categories, carefully detailed in ship literature before and during the voyage. On our seven-night cruise, two nights were designated as Elegant Casual: Jacket, no tie required for gentlemen; dress, skirt or trousers for ladies; no shorts or jeans. Two nights were Semi-Formal: Jacket and tie for gentlemen; cocktail dress or trouser suit for ladies. On the three Formal nights, black tie or formal dark suit was required for gentlemen, evening dress or other formal attire for ladies (gentlemen’s formal wear was available for hire or purchase onboard the ship). Note that the dress code for the Lido Restaurant at dinner was Elegant Casual nightly, for those who didn’t care to put on the dog on Semi-Formal or Formal nights.

Additionally, on each Formal Night a themed ball was scheduled, and themed attire was encouraged (though not required). The first of these was the Cunard Ball, with black and white dress and featuring the “Officer’s Gavotte” dance in the ballroom; the second was the London Ball, when appropriately decorated hats (with feathers for ladies) were suggested. Other themed nights on Queen Elizabeth included the Buccaneer Ball, the Elizabethan Ball, the Venetian Masked Ball, and the Starlight Ball. These sounded intimidating before we boarded, but the festivities were easy to enjoy from the sidelines (only a small percentage of the attendees wore themed attire).

On most other cruise lines dress codes aren’t strictly enforced—not so on Queen Elizabeth. One gloriously sunny afternoon we were milling about the Lido Restaurant as it was opening for the evening; a few minutes after 6:00, managers gently reminded three separate men that shorts were not permitted after 6 p.m. Our advice: Don’t get stressed out with the dress code, but pack accordingly and then focus on enjoying the overall experience.

The ship’s alcohol policies are somewhat vague, and leeway seems to be granted to individual embarkation ports. Cunard states: “There is no restriction to the amount of that can be carried onboard.” But the line also warns that Cunard “reserves the right to remove alcohol at the gangway should the need arise. It is not our intention to invoke this policy as a matter of course and we will only implement on occasions where we consider it likely that the health, comfort, safety and enjoyment of guests may otherwise be compromised. Should you wish to take wine or champagne onboard to celebrate an event, the number of bottles you take on will be at the port authorities discretion.”

For wine consumed in restaurants the corkage fee was $20.

We did not find Cunard’s frequent sailor program, Cunard World Club, to be exactly flush with benefits. Cruisers are automatically enrolled after their first voyage. At the entry level, the Silver tier, starting with their second cruise members receive up to 5 percent off early bookings on select voyages and other perks. After a second cruise (or 20 nights), members attain Gold status, availing two hours of complimentary internet access, a cocktail party, and “preferred” reservations in the specialty restaurants.

After 7 cruises (or 70 nights) members are elevated to Platinum status, which adds an additional two hours of complimentary internet, a 20 percent discount on laundry and dry cleaning, and a complimentary wine tasting and Senior Officers’ Party. With 15 voyages (or 150 nights) comes Diamond status, with further benefits.

Complimentary washers and dryers were available on all of the decks with cabins, except Deck 1. Each had an ironing board and iron, and laundry detergent packets were provided. The machines got a real workout during our cruise, and in the laundry room on our deck two of the three dryers and one of the three washers were out of order. (Perhaps Cunard might investigate laundry machine reviews before the Queen’s next dry dock?)

Full laundry and dry cleaning services were also available. We felt safe and secure aboard the Queen Elizabeth, and sanitation practices seemed well in order.

The Muster Drill was conducted in an orderly, efficient manner. We were required to bring life vests from our cabin, for instructions in wearing them. Our room keys were not scanned, and names were not taken during a roll call.

The Medical Centre was located on Deck A (forward) and a doctor was available for routine, non-emergency consultations. Hours were generally 8 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. daily.

Seasickness tablets were available at the Purser’s Desk.

But soon after embarkation, a nagging thought emerged: Was this Queen Elizabeth providing a luxury cruise experience, as Cunard advertises, or was that level of service and amenities limited only to those who signed up for the pricey Princess Grill or Queens Grill suites? While those guests had their private dining room and private sun deck, suites represent just 12 percent of the ship’s accommodations. Most of us were lodged in simpler digs and, from our perspective, we disembarked feeling that Cunard’s luxury angle was oversold, particularly when it came to service, which was sometimes clunky or nonexistent. Some crewmembers went overboard adopting a stiff-upper-lip attitude and, frankly, overly prim formalities aren’t a turn-on for us (except from a bemused distance). Fortunately, our fellow cruisers—who were primarily British—were easy-going and not condescending at all; we felt quite at home.

With itineraries that reach for the four corners of the globe, Queen Elizabeth is a ship we look forward to boarding on a future cruise—but we’ll hope that the service issues we encountered on this voyage will have been smoothed out.

Queen Elizabeth’s main dining room is one classy-looking venue, a two-story affair that straddles decks 2 and 3 aft. Awash in polished woods, swooping curves and art deco angles, the restaurant should be a showcase for upscale cuisine in a soothing environment. Alas, that was not what we found. The food, somewhat ambitious and with a French accent, was okay, but it could have been better. But the real problem was the service and ambience.

The first night of our cruise, meal service was disorganized, our waiter inattentive to detail, and the noisy bustle of diners and wait staff settling into their routines was clamorous; buckets of cleaning products sat a few feet from our table. On our second night here, our waiter was less distracted, but the noise level was still loud, capped off by a collision at the kitchen entrance that sent plates and food flying (at least once per meal there was the sound of crashing plates from somewhere). At breakfast, which was slow to arrive, we were asked if we wanted toast and, since we’d ordered French toast, we passed. When our French toast was delivered, we were asked again—white or wheat? Inattention to details like these was a recurring issue.

There were two seatings nightly in the Britannia Restaurant, while next door open seating was provided in the Brittania Club, but only for those in that cabin category. A sign said there were no tables for two available in the main dining room, but we spotted several (no doubt in high demand).

Each evening our first course was hit-and-miss. A bowl of beef consommé with barley and vegetables was delivered lukewarm. A salad of spinach, citrus, pecans and red onion had spry greens (a strong point throughout), but was delivered undressed. When we asked for dressing only one option was brought over—the menu had offered a choice—and then ladled on in excess (a recurring problem). Roasted butternut squash topped with apple and pecan salad and micro greens was beautifully presented, but the dish was bland—it needed spark. But avocado soup with salmon was silky and rich—a satisfying cold starter. Classic escargots à la Bourguignonne were properly redolent with garlic and butter. Other items on the appetizer menu included crispy Thai vegetable spring roll, shrimp and salmon cakes, frogs’ legs Provençale, wild mushroom and goat cheese risotto, and cheddar cheese soup.

Entrées were a little more consistent, including a grilled sirloin, cooked right to order and served with hunky fried potatoes. On formal night a smallish broiled lobster tail was served with sesame-crusted fried shrimp and rich Newburg sauce, a tasty treat. There was a light Mediterranean vegetable tarte tatin, topped with a goat cheese bavarois—a nice find for vegetarians. But a fettucini with salmon was disappointing: Some of the pasta was dried out, as though the noodles had been sitting under a heat lamp. And chicken Kiev was distinctly unambitious, and we weren’t much impressed by the duck à l’orange. Other entrées included a free-range, mushroom-stuffed guinea fowl, braised venison, lamb shanks with root vegetables, and a baked salmon fillet and wild mushroom Wellington.

Each night there were at least two appetizers and two entrées suited for vegetarians, and “spa” selections were available nightly.

Desserts were generally decadent and fairly varied. We enjoyed the Barcardi Limon crème brûlée, a chocolate marquise, and a pavlova topped with fresh strawberries. And when our sweet tooth was sated the cheese plate was worth trying, with three selections that changed nightly, served with a few walnuts, dried apricots and a roll.

Breakfasts were solid, with a range of cold and hot items. This included juices, a fruit smoothie of the day, sliced melon, a mixed fruit salad and compote of stewed fruits; regular and low-fat yogurts were offered, along with assorted cold cuts and cheeses. Cereals included packaged options, Swiss muesli, hot oatmeal and Cream of Wheat; baked goods were tasty (Danish, croissants, banana bread) and there were pancakes (blueberry or banana available), waffles and French toast. Eggs could be prepared to order (with low cholesterol available), along with omelets to order, eggs benedict, grilled Scottish kippers and poached haddock, with side orders of bacon (English or “streaky”), chicken sausages, Cumberland sausage, mushrooms, baked beans and grilled tomatoes. One complaint: The first morning our coffee was both weak and lukewarm, but on request it was quickly replaced with a hotter, slightly stronger batch.

The mood at lunch was more relaxed and quiet, and service was much better (the room was less than half full). A salad of garden greens was pleasing, perky with horseradish and dill flavors. Cold cranberry soup was rich with yogurt, not too sweet (or sour). For entrées we tried the barramundi and found it to be tough and fishy-tasting; a dish of beef and wine ravioli was pretty boring. A broccoli quiche was just okay. Other entrées included gnocchi with confit of duck and shitake mushrooms, a fish curry and vegetable moussaka. Dessert of crème caramel was fine, while mud pie—made with chocolate mousse—was only fair; a more bittersweet flavor and a silkier texture would have been welcome.

The ship’s standard cocktail list is available at Britannia Restaurant, along with an expanded wine list.

Those staying in Britannia Club cabins were invited to dine in the Britannia Club dining room, at their leisure between 6:30 and 9 p.m. The menus appeared to be identical to that of the Britannia Restaurant, but the 84-seat Club dining room—located immediately next to the main dining room on Deck 2—was a quieter, more subdued space, and guests appeared to receive more personalized service. The Club was also open for breakfast and lunch daily.

{{photo_gallery "Venue 1 Other Activities Photos"}} Queen Elizabeth’s buffet was perfunctory, while the grill was understaffed.

The buffet restaurant took up most of the aft portion of Deck 9, and it was a busy spot, especially at breakfast. Fortunately we didn’t have too much trouble finding a table in the morning. Although the buffet offered a relatively good spread we found variety somewhat lacking from one day to the next—the four or five choices of prepared salads, for instance, did not change during our entire cruise.

Just outside the main seating area on the outdoor aft deck was the Lido Grill, open for lunch daily. But the two times we visited we found just one person staffing the grill, and a line for burgers. The cook was doing his best to keep up, but a second person should have been assigned, particularly since the vats of condiments (lettuce, tomato, onion, etc.) were often virtually empty. Another frustration, back inside: Almost daily, the stack of plates marked “cold plates” was filled with plates that were warm or hot—yep, just what we like to load our salad greens onto!

At breakfast we found a fairly predictable selection, with a few items added that catered to the English crowd. Cereals included Kellogg’s brand boxes and a few healthy choices, along with hot oatmeal. There was a good range of whole fruits—apples, pears, plums, peaches, oranges, kiwi, grapes and banana, along with sliced pineapple, grapefruit, melons, and strawberries. There were yogurts—flavored or plain—and we looked forward to fruit smoothies, freshly prepared each morning (a different flavor daily, such as watermelon, strawberry and banana). There was lox with bagels, onions, tomato, capers, plus various cold cuts and cheeses with crackers and walnuts. Various breads and pastries were available, along with small jars of Wilkin & Sons preserve—raspberry, strawberry, apricot, orange marmalade. Hot items included a pancake and waffle station (in addition to maple syrup there was chocolate and banana-butterscotch topping) and an omelet station. Sides included bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, hash browns, baked beans—all the makings for a traditional English breakfast.

At lunch there was a modest salad bar including an unchanging array of five or six prepared salads, and we found a soup of the day—roasted shallot and butternut squash soup, cream of broccoli, stilton and spring onions, tomato soup. There was a pizza station, but the pies lacked spark and flavor. The carvery had a different selection daily, such as lemon and garlic chicken, prime rib and beef top round. Entrées included veal scaloppini with wild mushroom sauce, chicken schnitzel, vegetable moussaka, fillet of haddock, Somerset pork cider pot and a mixed vegetable quiche. Among the side dishes were steamed pesto new potatoes, cauliflower polonaise, steamed vegetables, creamed spinach with pine nuts, and pulao rice. The daily selection of desserts features puddings, cakes and cookies, and there was an ice cream station with vanilla and chocolate soft serve ice cream and cones.

At dinner each night there was a theme buffet. This included nights dedicated to Italian, Scandinavian, American, English Carvery and Oriental. On the final night of the cruise there was a beautifully presented spread of seafood that came out, including prawns, mussels, salmon, tuna, fresh mahi mahi and cod, offered with various sauces. Also of note each evening was that one corner of the seating area each night was transformed into a specialty restaurant with a modest cover charge.

The ship’s standard beer and wine list was available, along with cocktails from the Garden Lounge and Lido Bar, on either end of the restaurant. A station was set up for drinks on both sides of the buffet, with coffee, decaf, and about a dozen teas from Twinings available. Iced tea, cranberry juice cocktail and, in the morning, orange drink were available; we also noted Horlicks powder for malted milk.

The Lido Restaurant was open for breakfast from 6:30 to 11 or 11:30 a.m. daily. Lunch was served between 11 or 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., with snacks available from 3 to 6 p.m. Dinner was available from 6 to 11 p.m. with a late snack served until 4 a.m. nightly. Each evening, a corner of the Lido Restaurant converted to a satisfying ethnic option.

We were pleasantly surprised by this “alternative dining” venue on Queen Elizabeth. These days, it’s not usual for cruise ships to devote a section of their buffet restaurant to a surcharge restaurant at night. But often these options seem like little more than the buffet venue with window dressing, with minimal improvement on food or ambience over the regular buffet option. But Queen Elizabeth got it right, with not one but four alternating restaurants serving distinctive ethnic meals for two or three nights in a row.

There’s Asado, with grilled meats and side dishes served South American style. Jasmine offered a Pan Asian menu and Indian Bistro availed a panoply of curries. The fourth option, Aztec, with Mexican fare, was not provided on our cruise (but usually is on cruises longer than a week). Menus were short, but portions were copious, and with a modest cover charge of $10 per person we found all of these meals to be a good value, the setting relaxed and not crowded.

For Asado, an appetizer combo plate delivered a spicy beef empanada, coriander and coconut crab cake, and ceviche of lobster and halibut. For main course we were invited to order two items from the rotisserie—pulled pork marinated in chili paste and Argentinean spices or chimichurri chicken marinated in olive oil and garlic—or the grill. The latter option included rump of lamb in oregano, garlic and ancho chillies, beef short rib marinated in beer and lemon, a chicken skewer, grilled barbecue chorizo sausage seasoned in garlic and paprika, or prawns marinated in Serrano pepper and citrus zest. There wasn’t one of the four dishes we tried that we didn’t enjoy. Accompanied by several side dishes (avocado and sweet potato fritters were fabulous), and dessert (chocolate banana cheesecake, caramel flan or a donut with lime-pineapple-coconut ice cream), we were stuffed when we left and still had food on our plates.

We came back the following night to try Jasmine, and again the food was plentiful. The meal started with a pot of Twinings Jasmine Pearl tea, with an hourglass-style timer. There was a tasting platter we shared with Korean barbecue pork spare ribs, shrimp toast, a chicken lollipop coated in sesame seeds and line, California style maki rolls and wakame, pickled ginger and sour cucumber. There was a choice of two soups including Pho Bo, a Vietnamese beef noodle or Thai-style tom kha kai with crab, chicken and coconut milk—we found both to be quite flavorful and spicy, but saltiness overwhelmed the tom kha kai (we each reached for gulps of water). Two dim sum were delivered—fried siew mai and seafood Rangoon—and then it was off to our choice of one of three entrées. There was crispy duck served with pancake, Mandarin style crispy chili beef and kropeck crusted jumbo shrimp with sweet and sour sauce. Again, there wasn’t one we didn’t like, but the shrimp was most tantalizing. Dessert was another combo plate—a glass of mango lassi, coconut-caramel cheesecake and a dish new to us called Wattalapam, a cinnamon and cashew caramel custard which seemed like a variation on Mexican flan.

On a roll, we signed up for Indian Bistro on one of its two nights, and again it was a meal that reached well beyond the typical cruise line menu. We caution that we found the spices weren’t particularly watered down for non-Indian palates (the English have reveled in Indian curries for more than a century). Starters to share included tandoori chicken, lasoon wali macchli (garlic fried sole in yogurt and ginger), onion bhajis (fritters), sheikh kebab (minced lamb skewers) and aloo chana chaat. The latter was the winner here—a salad of greens, potatoes and chick peas joined with tamarind, dates and pomegranate seeds. The quantity of entrées and side dishes that then emerged was truly overwhelming—well more than we could finish. Dahl with yellow lentils, aloo gobi (potatoes and cauliflower) and makai saagwalla (corn and spinach) were among the sides, while mains included Malabar fish and shrimp curry, lamb Jalfrezi and chicken tikka in tomato curry, accompanied by naan bread and basmati rice. The desserts were equally memorable: fried bread pudding with cardamom, pistachio, and saffron-spiked condensed milk; rice and coconut pudding served atop pineapple carpaccio; and a cappuccino crème brûlée.

There’s also Aztec, which wasn’t offered on our cruise, but we hope to try in the future. The Mexican menu featured starters of guacamole and chips, tamales, chile relleno and tacquitos, with entrées ranging from chicken with pecan-prune mole, a port and chorizo skewer, crepes with shrimp, and beef tenderloin.

Vegetarians should note that, at all four of the options, entrées were strictly meat, chicken or seafood based. But there were plenty of starters that were vegetarian, and we suspect a fairly diverse meat-free dinner could be composed on request.

In addition to the ship’s standard wine and cocktail list, there were themed drinks and wine to accompany each of the menus. And instead of an amuse-bouche a small cocktail sample was offered at the start of the meal. At Asado it was a mini caiprinha—cachousa rum, lime and passion fruit puree. With Jasmine, we enjoyed an Akashi-Tai sake taster.

Each venue was open for only two or three nights of the cruise—the schedule was posted in the Lido Restaurant. While the space seated only a few dozen, it was not full on any night we ate here, though reservations are still advised. Dinner was served from 6:30 to 9 p.m. nightly. Not just Queen Elizabeth’s best dining option, but one of the best on any cruise ship.

Styled after the original Queen Elizabeth’s Verandah Grill, a favorite of the cruising elite back in the 1930s, this is the modern-day vessel’s top dining room. Seating only about 60 and with a surcharge for dinner and (on sea days) lunch, the menu focuses on French gastronomic cuisine. We found not only was the food exceptional, but the service was right on—proper and deferential without being stuffy or condescending. The room is plush and inviting, with lots of space between tables, allowing for quiet, intimate meals. The wine list is heady, but the venue’s sommelier was knowledgeable and didn’t push us into the pricier wines (of which there were many).

This is truly Queen Elizabeth’s special occasion spot, but—relative to specialty dining on other ships—we found the up charge fair. Instead of a set price for the entire meal, items are priced a la carte. For dinner appetizers were $6-$7, entrées $17-$18, desserts were $6-$7—so budget about $30 for dinner, not including drinks or tip. At lunch, appetizers were $5-$7, entrées $11-$12.

Only quibble: We experienced a fair amount of engine vibration here at lunch.

For dinner there was a choice of cold and hot appetizers, every one of them mouth-watering. There was a lobster and shellfish salad, nuzzled against avocado and tomato jelly. For another, a lump of crabmeat bathed in chilled asparagus and feta cream and was then lathered in crustacean foam. We loved the beautiful presentation of the home made raviolis plumped with fresh peas and parmigiano reggiano set against a pair of fried quail eggs encrusted with Guérande salt and floating in watercress jus—the dish packed with flavor and not overly rich.

Hearty entrées included a rack of lamb for two, roasted in a salt crust dough and served with shallot potato cake and a “stuffed” courgette. Beef fillet was accompanied by morels, baby vegetables and black truffle. The filet of sea bass was baked with a wild mushroom crust, topped with a dollop of onion-fennel marmalade, and floating on a ying-and-yang sea of sorrel sauce and chicken jus.

Perkiest dessert, in taste and presentation, was the lemon tart, topped with peaks of braised meringue; the winged creature to its side was an almond wafer with a raspberry sorbet torso. Also liked the dark chocolate parfait filled with caramelized praline and topped with a scoop of espresso semi-freddo. A vanilla soufflé was infused with Edmond Briotte peach liqueur, and the cheese trolley was laden with fine options from England and France, followed close behind by another trolley with after-dinner drinks—aged rums and cognacs.

Again at lunch the appetizers sparkled, including a chilled green apple and cucumber soup with lobster salpicon and blackberry sorbet. Also lovely to look at (and eat) was the scallop mousse framed with chunks of langoustine and served atop of a green bean risotto. For mains, the supreme of guinea fowl was accompanied by a potato parcel, the fillet of beef was served with an orange-cognac sauce and parmesan bistro fries, and the roast rack of pork—Noir de Bigorre—perched atop puy lentils and Morteau sausage.

In addition to the ship’s standard cocktail selection, the Verandah had the ship’s most extensive wine list, a collection notable for its breadth of both Old World and newer wineries from more than 15 countries, with an emphasis on France. Despite some headier selections (Château Lafite-Rothschild First Growth—$895 for 1981, $1650 for 1999), the bulk of the list was priced below $100. The menu also feature the “Collection de Rothschild,” the ship’s selection of wines from the Bordeaux and New World vineyards of the storied winemaking family, including Opus One from Napa, Caro in Argentina, plus Cunard-label wines produced by Rothschild and available by the glass. Five different wine flights—three glasses each and perfect to accompany a number of the dishes—were available for $25-$45.

The Verandah was open nightly from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and, on sea days for lunch, from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. Reservations were essential, but we found plenty of openings available on the first day of our cruise. In addition to serving as the ship’s traditional pub, simple food emerged at lunch.

Queen Elizabeth’s pub doesn’t quite feature the creaky, lived-in ambience of our favorite watering holes in England (that’s an American’s opinion), but it kept the British cruisers happy. International sporting events were played on the telly, while karaoke, a pianist for sing-along sessions, trivia contests, and board games were also available.

A short list of food items were available for lunch, with no surcharge added, such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash and cottage pie. While the food was nothing special, and we didn’t much care for the presentation of plastic packets of ketchup and malt vinegar on the side, it was sufficient for a change of pace.

In addition to the ship’s standard cocktail list, several draft ales were available, including Boddingtons, Guinness, Old Speckled Hen, Stella Artois and Becks; there was also Aspall cider on tap.

The Golden Lion was open from 10 a.m. till late in the evening. The odd nibble at a slow pace

{{photo_gallery "Venue 6 Drinks Photos"}} Quite a small spot for a drink, and perpetually understaffed.

This was our go-to spot for pre-prandial imbibing. The Commodore Club sprawled across the bow of the ship at Deck 11, creating an observation lounge that was ideal for watching the world go by, or the sun settling in for the night. It also had the most extensive cocktail list on board.

However, at most hours Commodore Club suffered from very slow service. Over the course of multiple visits we found the venue either understaffed or the staff present to be poorly utilized staff. On one visit we waited more than 15 minutes for the cocktail waitress to get to our table—does Cunard realize they’re leaving money on table with all the drink orders not taken? Fortunately, when they eventually arrive, the drinks are very good.

The Admiral’s Lounge is a small area off to the starboard side of Commodore Club. While typically seating only 10, it was used primarily for lectures and private cocktail parties (and as overflow one evening when all the tables were taken at Commodore Club). In the hallways outside the lounge were handsome models of the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria.

Immediately next to the Admiral’s Lounge is Churchill’s Cigar Lounge, a small room dedicated to cigar and pipe smokers, with black and white photos of Sir Winston Churchill disembarking the Queen Mary in 1943. The humidor offered a selection of cigars including Hoyo de Monterrey, Montecristo (and Montecristo 1 and 2), Ednundo and Petit Ednundo, Davidoff Soecial T and Short Perfecto, and the Cuban Hopmann Coronas Major. There was a small selection of port, as well.

Hot canapés were served at cocktail hour. There wasn’t a lot of heart to them, but the odd good nibble was proffered.

The ship’s disco, with different themes nightly.

Set on Deck 10, this was effectively the ship’s disco. On some evenings there was recorded ballroom music for dancing early, then the DJ would emerge at 9:30 p.m. or after to shake our grove things, usually with a different theme nightly (50s and 60s Night, 80s Night, etc.). On our voyage we didn’t see many guests using the disco most nights.

Named after the QE2’s original Yacht Club, note the silver Asprey’s yacht from the QE2 as well.

{{photo_gallery "Venue 8 Overview Photos"}} A two-story ballroom served as a dance hall at some times, a spot for afternoon tea at other times.

This splendid, two-story ballroom served a number of purposes during our cruise. Chief among them was dancing, of course—nightly and with a live orchestra. Other entertainments were scheduled here, along with afternoon tea.

Afternoon tea was served here from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., daily except embarkation day. The sandwiches were unexceptional, but the scones, warm from the oven and topped with strawberry jam and clotted cream, were terrific. The event was very popular—rather than wait in line we found it best to arrive towards the end of the hour as tables started to open up. (Afternoon tea was also offered at the Lido Restaurant, though we much preferred the ambience at the Queens Room.)

Nightly music offerings included Big Band Concerts, with a smooth, polished 13-piece band, along with Ballroom and Latin dancing. There was dozens of couples on board with all the right moves, including a few that were knocks-outs. Tip: If you’re not fleet on your feet (as we aren’t) don’t miss the ballroom dance lessons offered early in the cruise itinerary. Wish we’d attended.

On Formal Nights a themed ball was scheduled for the Queens Room, and themed attire was encouraged (though not required). The first of these was the Cunard Ball, with black and white dress; the second was the London Ball, when appropriately decorated hats (with feathers for ladies) were suggested. Other themed nights on Queen Elizabeth included the Buccaneer Ball, the Elizabethan Ball, the Venetian Masked Ball, and the Starlight Ball.

On one sea day, a classical piano concert was held here—Rachmaninoff, Chopin and the like were featured.

{{photo_gallery "Venue 9 Shows and Performance Photos"}} Cocktails and fresh juices with a view when the weather is less than ideal.

Styled after London’s Kew Gardens, this Deck 9 lounge had a conservatory-style glass half-domed roof, making it an appealing hangout when the weather was chilly. It was a good place to stock up on drinks when the nearby Pavilion Bar was not staffed.

A pianist played here after 9 p.m. each evening.

The ship’s standard bar menu was available at the Garden Lounge, as well as a selection of fresh squeezed juices and smoothies. Fresh juices and presses included orange, grapefruit, apple, pineapple, celery and carrot ($4.25 each) with non-alcoholic cocktails also offered, such as watermelon and ginger cooler, and the apple and mint Collins ($4.75), also available with mineral boosters like gingko biloba. We ordered a smoothie one morning ($5.50) and were disappointed to see that the principal ingredient was ice, something we don’t bother with at home; among the flavors were mixed fruit, Berry Bliss, Tropical Paradise, Pineapple Blast and Pommeberry.

{{photo_gallery "Venue 10 Drink Photos"}} The Champagne bar, complete with pianist and harpist.

This swell-looking bar served as the ship’s Champagne bar, with various Veueve Clicquot on offer, by the glass $17.50 for yellow label, $19 for rosé), by the half-bottle ($46), or full bottle ($82, or $96 for 2004 Reserve). It’s one of the areas of Queen Elizabeth we wished we had utilized more during our journey.

The ship’s resident pianist and (separately) harpist played recitals here at various occasions during our cruise.

{{photo_gallery "Venue 11 Overview Photos"}} For the exclusive use of guests in higher-end cabins.

The Royal Bath House was an extra-charge facility located within the spa, which could be accessed by the day or with a pass for the full voyage. The bathhouse included a thermal suite with heated ceramic loungers, sauna and steam grottos, a relaxation area, and an indoor hydrotherapy pool.

Although the Pavilion Bar was here, offering the ship’s standard cocktail menu, we were surprised to find it wasn’t always open on sunny sea days when every available lounger was occupied.

In addition to food options from the Lido Grill, the Lido Bar offered the ship’s standard cocktail list, with Boddingtons and Stella Artois available on draft.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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Review: Cunard Queen Elizabeth cruise ship

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Queen Elizabeth cruise ship facts

2,081 guests
2010 launched
2018 refurbished

The MS Queen Elizabeth is a large cruise ship that embraces Cunard's British heritage. This Queen Elizabeth review explains what makes it unique.

In this review

Our review ratings
Queen Elizabeth deck plan
About Queen Elizabeth
Food on Queen Elizabeth
Accommodation onboard
Queen Elizabeth nightlife
Fitness on board
Onboard activities
What’s included on Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth dress code
Fellow guests
Review conclusion

This review of the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship explains the pros and cons of a cruise vacation on board. It rates the restaurants and bars, as well as the nightlife. There are also video tours and insiders tips to help make the most of your time on board.

British traditions like champagne afternoon tea.
Ballroom dancing and fencing
Great art deco vibe.
No beverages included.
Service can be patchy.

The Queen Elizabeth deck plan is mostly easy to get around. There are a total of 12 passenger decks, the highest of which is deck 12.

Reception : Deck 1
Accommodation : Decks 1 to 8
Main dining room : Deck 2
Theatre : Deck 2
Observation lounge : Deck 10

It is worth noting the lowest deck is -3 (a crew deck).

Queen Elizabeth is a Vista-class cruise ship in the Cunard fleet. She was built in Italy and debuted in October 2010. Queen Elizabeth is 289 m. / 964 ft. long with room for 2,081 guests. That’s almost the same as her sister-cruise ship Queen Victoria, but somewhat less than the famous ocean liner Queen Mary 2. Interestingly, because Queen Elizabeth is not a true ocean liner the bow has extra steel plating so it can cope with rough ocean crossings.

The Steakhouse at The Verandah on Queen Elizabeth.

The Queen Elizabeth cruise ship had a major refurbishment in November 2018. During that time the Royal Spa got an extensive renovation. Also the Royal Arcade and Golden Lion Pub had a spruce up, while elsewhere on the vessel the decor was updated to make it “more British”.

On Queen Elizabeth there are four different classes of service:

Britannia Club.
Princess Grill.
Queens Grill.

These can be likened to economy, premium economy, business and first class. It’s worth noting that Princess and Queens Grill guests have exclusive access to certain areas of the cruise ship.

The food on Queen Elizabeth can be outstanding, but that depends on where you choose to eat. There is a buffet and a pub, as well as cafes and fine dining restaurants. My Queen Elizabeth review rates them all. Most guests choose one of the restaurants for dinner, however some of these are reserved for Club or Grills guests only.

The Britannia Restuarant on Queen Elizabeth.

The Britannia Restaurant is the biggest dining venue and is where Britannia-class guests eat. It is a multi-level restaurant serving tempting dishes like Alpine Pepper-crusted Goose Breast, Rack of Lamb and Pan Fried Sea Trout. It has a busy atmosphere and sometimes the service can be patchy.

Britannia Club guests can eat in a more intimate venue called the Britannia Club Restaurant . The service is better, but the menu is almost identical.

Princess Grill guests dine in their own elegant restaurant which has a more de luxe menu. While Queens Grill guests dine in the most exclusive venue, the Queen’s Grill Restaurant . As a matter of fact it serves some of the best food at sea, like White Sturgeon Caviar and Duck L Orange. Queens Grill guests can even order off-menu.

The Steakhouse At The Verandah is a specialty restaurant on Queen Elizabeth. It’s a glamorous, upmarket venue with a fascinating heritage, but the menu is a bit unadventurous with options that include a burger and seafood platter. That said, it’s a great dining alternative and is open to everyone, but it costs extra:

Lunch: US$25 per person.
Dinner: US$39 per person.

The Lido Restaurant on deck 9 is a sprawling buffet venue which is especially popular at lunch time (the self service buffet my be subject to COVID-restrictions when cruising resumes in 2021). In the evenings part of it becomes an alternative dining venue with waiter-service and a theme which rotates between pan-Asian (Bamboo), Indian (Coriander), Mexican (Aztec) and pizza (La Piazza). Check the Daily Programme newsletter for details. It’s worth noting that dining at Bamboo, Coriander, Aztec or La Piazza cost extra:

Dinner: US$19.50 per person.

There is also the poolside Lido Grill which serves burgers and hotdogs. Cafe Carinthia has a tempting array of sweet treats and the conservatory-styled Garden Lounge offers drinks and snacks.

In addition there is the Golden Lion Pub which is a relaxed, English-style venue where you can enjoy a quiet ale, or authentic pub food like fish & chips. In the evening there is an entertaining band.

The guest rooms on Queen Elizabeth are comfortable and practical. They range from Inside and Balcony Staterooms to spacious Grills suites , some of which have separate bedrooms. The guest rooms are spread across the entire length of the cruise ship.

A Britannia Balcony Stateroom on Queen Elizabeth.

When it comes to nightlife Queen Elizabeth has something for everyone. There is the Yacht Club disco, or the more intimate Commodore Club. A string quartet play in the Midships Bar and there is dancing in the Queens Room.

The Royal Court theatre has spectacular shows as well as entertainment by guest artists. Indeed, the standard of the performances is generally very good.

Queen Elizabeth has a great range of wellness options. There are two pools and a gym as well as Zumba, yoga and pilates classes. There is also bowls and golf on the open air decks. The onboard spa offers a range of relaxing treatments, as well as an Aqua Therapy Centre which has a hydrotherapy pool, aromatic steam room and sauna.

All the usual shipboard activities are available on Queen Elizabeth including bridge, trivia, shuffleboard and lectures from expert speakers. However, as my Queen Elizabeth review explains there are some more unusual activities too, like fencing and ballroom dancing classes.

The spectacular Queens Room on Queen Elizabeth.

There are also Watercolour Art Classes (US$35) and galley tours (usually once per voyage), as well as get-togethers for solo cruisers and friends of Dorothy.

In addition, Queen Elizabeth has a library and a shopping arcade, as well as dedicated spaces for kids and teens.

Your cruise fare on Queen Elizabeth generally only includes accommodation, meals and entertainment. Almost everything else comes at an additional cost.

Beverages are not included in your cruise fare – not even water. So I recommend purchasing a Stateroom Water Package. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage packages are also available.

Brochure for Cunard's Premium Non-Alcoholic Option.

Cunard cruise fares do not include gratuities. So a service charge of 15% will be added to the cost of individual beverage purchases, while a 12.5% gratuity will be added to the cost of spa and salon treatments.

It’s also worth noting that there is a daily “Hotel and Dining” charge of US$11.50 per person per day for Britannia Staterooms and US$13.50 per person per day for Grill Suites. This charge will be added to your account at the end of the cruise.

Dining in specialty restaurants also comes at an additional cost.

On the up-side, free self service laundry facilities are available. Also, in some ports there are transfers to and from downtown.

During the day you can dress as you please, but in the evening the Queen Elizabeth dress code is more traditional. Indeed, from 5:45pm the dress code will be either Smart Attire or Formal in bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. This will be advertised in the Daily Programme newsletter.

Smart Attire

For women this includes casual dresses, jumpsuits and informal evening-wear.
Men should wear slacks. Jackets are optional.

On Gala Evenings the Queen Elizabeth dress code is formal.

Women should wear a cocktail dress, smart trouser suit or formal separates.
Men should wear a dinner jacket, tuxedo or dark suit with either a tie or bow tie.

There are usually two or three Gala Evenings for every seven days on board.

The Queen Elizabeth attracts a loyal following of return passengers as well as first time cruisers.

There is usually a mix of family groups and older couples on board. Indeed, during my Queen Elizabeth review sailing the guests ranged in age from teenagers to those over 80-years old.

Most guests generally come from the U.S.A, U.K, Australia and Canada.

It’s also worth noting that like all the Cunard cruise ships, Queen Elizabeth gay-friendly.

The Queen Elizabeth cruise ship embraces its British heritage. Indeed, traditions like afternoon tea and gin & tonic are a real treat. The West End-style shows are a great drawcard too.

The restaurants on Queen Elizabeth are generally good and it’s worth noting that the first class Queen’s Grill Restaurant is outstanding. Indeed, I rate it as one of the best restaurants at sea.

During my voyage some areas on the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship felt crowded on sea days – in particular the pools and Cafe Carinthia. Also, during my review voyage I noted that service can be patchy, particularly in the busy dining venues.

Cruisers should also remember that Queen Elizabeth does not have the inclusions of some other premium cruise lines.

Read the accommodation section of my Queen Elizabeth review by clicking the button below.

The author sailed as a guest of Cunard .

About the Author: Jason Kerr

Queen Elizabeth Rooms

Queen elizabeth dining, queen elizabeth nightlife, queen elizabeth wellness.

We have been on all the Cunard ships and we find little to fault. My only objection is that Cunard is now American owned and sees itself as serving the USA and Far East markets before the UK. That is globalisation and it’s the same with major companies and football teams but things might change !! We like the crew, the organisation abd the people on board and the whole ship experience and as such, are frightening to try any other cruise line and can’t see ourselves going elsewhere.

I have sailed on QE four times now and find there it to be a most pleasant ship. Those who do not enjoy dressing and a relaxed environment should perhaps look outside Cunard.

I have cruised several times before but our first Cunard cruise is in January. I find that the Cunard website is not especially informative and thank you for such comprehensive information as to what we can expect, what is an additional cost etc :)

Dear Leanne

Thank you for your kind words and I hope you enjoy your cruise.

Regards Jason Kerr Managing Editor

I will be cruising with the Queen Elizabeth later in the year. This will be my first cruise with Cunard. I’m just wondering, does everyone dress up for the gala nights?

Dear Therese

On my various Cunard sailings the gala nights were always very popular. And yes, most guests did dress up for the occasion.

I hope you enjoy your cruise.

Kind regards Jason Kerr Managing Editor

I better get some frocks then :-)

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What it’s like to sail on Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne

If finger sandwiches and scones delivered directly to your sun lounger sounds like your kind of cruise, Cunard’s newest, most luxurious ship , Queen Anne, is the epitome of refinement, writes Jo Kessel

Not many cruise ships sell jewellery worn by royalty, but it is on the world’s most elegant British cruise line, Cunard. I’m sailing on their new Queen Anne, the fourth to join its fleet, when I spot a ring similar to Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring. It’s designed by royal jeweller Garrard and the sales assistant slips it on my finger. It looks fabulous.

“Just give me your room key and it’s yours!” she smiles.

Unfortunately, the ring’s a whopping $34k and I reluctantly remove it - though not before I’ve tried on its matching necklace and tiara.

When shipping magnate Sir Samuel Cunard operated his first transatlantic voyage from the UK to the US in 1839 he couldn’t have imagined that 185 years and 249 ships later, his cruise line would still be sailing. Famed for their elegant, sophisticated vessels, all Cunard’s ships are named after British monarchs, including Queen Anne’s three elder sisters: Elizabeth, Victoria and Queen Mary 2.

It’s not just Cunard’s ship names thatare regal; so too is the on-board experience. The bars sparkle, the wood gleams and the 3000-passenger, 14-deck Queen Anne has an atrium so grand that its sweeping staircases hark back to the golden age of cruising. As for the ship’s drawing room, library and ballroom, they’re all fit for a palace, ditto my cabin. It’s called a Princess Suite and its red and gold décor, marble bathroom and luxuriously soft bath robes lend it a royal feel.

Guests staying in Princess and Queens’ suites have access to their own exclusive restaurants called ‘Grills’ as well as their own sun terrace. And it’s here they’re privy to a special teatime treat. Cunard’s famed for its traditional afternoon tea served in the ballroom by white-gloved waiters, but if you’re on that sun terrace and don’t want to budge, they’ll deliver sandwiches and scones direct to your lounger.

Mine is a historic British Isles voyage during which Queen Anne has an official naming ceremony in Liverpool. Afterwards, we set sail for Ireland and the ship is abuzz with activity. You can take lessons in fencing and archery, learn to waltz or cha-cha and there’s lots of live music and dancing. There’s even a Masquerade Ball, though be careful coming down those grandiose stairs in a mask. I tripped, unable to see my feet.

Guests are an international bunch– including many antipodeans – who enjoy dressing up. But it’s not all about fancy balls. There are also discos, DJs and an exciting new, immersive cabaret venue called Bright Lights Society. Its burlesque shows are brilliant fun.

The $1 billion Queen Anne is a destination in itself and some guests never leave the ship, but I’m keen to explore southern Ireland. A ship excursion takes me to Blarney Castle, set in glorious grounds and home to the infamous Stone, said to grant the gift of eloquence if you kiss it. You have to queue a while for that smooch – holidaymakers line up in their hundreds – but it’s hard to resist. A long stroll and Irish coffee later I return to the colourful port of Cobh where Queen Anne is docked. The final 123 passengers to board the Titanic alighted here and at the end of the town is a moving Memorial Garden which tells the story of the 49 who perished.

Back on board it’s time for some R&R. The ship has three pools (one’s thermal) as well as a Himalayan salt sauna, which relaxes limbs to a whole new level. For some proper royal pampering, however, the hot salt stone massage is a must. It’s so unbelievably healing that I go in with backache and leave pain-free.

There’s just one problem … I overeat. Some of it is healthy (like salads from the new Wellness Café ) and some of it is naughty: think sponge puddings from the ship’s Golden Lion pub. And some of it is downright decadent. If you pre-order from the a la carte menu in the Princess Grill they’ll even cook your meal tableside. The roast duck à l’orange is sensational, with lashings of Cointreau.

I try burning calories by doing Zumba classes, but alas it’s my credit card which gets the bigger workout, with lots of upmarket British brands in the boutiques. There’s Atkinsons perfume (they’ve been creating fragrances since 1799), Launer handbags (favoured by the late Queen Elizabeth) as well as Chapel Down sparkling wine. Who knew Brits made bubbles? It’s actually pretty good; light with hints of apple. Top tip: check the Daily Planner’s shopping section for scheduled free tastings.

On the last night, a piece of costume jewellery catches my eye. It’s more diamante than diamonds, but once on it gives the impression of being the real deal and I buy it. No matter that it’s not quite Princess Di’s engagement ring, it still looks and feels fit for a Princess … just like Cunard’s Queen Anne.

Queen Anne is currently sailing round-trip Southampton, UK cruises to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Canary Islands and Norwegian Fjords from $1,154.59pp. Visit: cunard.com

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Cunard has been operating since 1839 and has built 249 ships over 185 years. Photo / Cunard

COMMENTS

Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship Review
Check out Cruise Critic's expert review of Cunard's Queen Elizabeth cruise ship from a member of our editorial staff while on-board. ... Cruises on Cunard Queen Elizabeth start from $249 per person.
Cunard Queen Elizabeth
Availability of prices is subject to the supplier's pricing availability. Find details and photos of Cunard Queen Elizabeth cruise ship on Tripadvisor. Learn more about Cunard Queen Elizabeth deck plans and cabins, ship activities including dining and entertainment, and sailing itineraries to help you plan your next cruise vacation.
Queen Elizabeth Passenger Reviews
Sep 21st, 2023. First and last time on a Cunard ship. They are worn and a bit shabby. The food was boring and bland. Curse of going British even though Cunard is owned by carnival cruise lines ...
Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Reviews
1 - 10 of 639 Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Reviews. Nice Overall- Not Luxury. Review for a Asia Cruise on Queen Elizabeth. NJBeaglemom. 6-10 Cruises • Age 60s. Read More. Sail Date: May 2024. Helpful. Dreams do come true.
What is it like to cruise on the Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship
Embarkation and our first day on board - Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship Review After a very slick testing experience and embarkation process at Southampton, we were on board by 1530. As we walked on to the ship we were welcomed by staff in traditional Cunard Uniform and a stunning peacock floral display.
Queen Elizabeth Review
Queen Elizabeth ranks # 2 out of 3 Cunard Line Cruise Ships based on an analysis of expert and user ratings, as well as health ratings. #2. in Best Cunard Line. #16. in Best Cruises to the Pacific ...
Review: Cunard Queen Elizabeth cruise ship
Queen Elizabeth is at full capacity of some 2,080 guests at present, yet it doesn't feel overly crowded. I'd attribute this to venues and activities being spaced throughout the ship, rather than concentrated to only a few areas, like on some rivals. The ship has two swimming and two whirl pools.
Cunard Line Queen Elizabeth Cruise Review
In 1936 Cunard's ocean liner the Queen Mary famously launched a new era in sea travel, and in 1940 the original Queen Elizabeth debuted as the largest passenger ship ever built (although this 83,650-ton Queen Elizabeth was destroyed by fire in 1972, it retained its title as the largest until 1996).
Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship Review
Read a review from a Cruise Critic member and what they thought of their cruise on Cunard's Queen Elizabeth. Verified cruise reviews from all types of cruisers! ... Queen Elizabeth Review. 4.0 / 5 ...
Queen Elizabeth Reviews from Travelers
Ship: Queen Elizabeth. First and last time on a Cunard ship. They are worn and a bit shabby. The food was boring and bland. Curse of going British even though Cunard is owned by carnival cruise lines. The crowd is ancient and slow moving. With so many 90+ year old passengers at least the ship was quiet.
Cunard Line Queen Elizabeth Review
The newest member of the three-ship Cunard fleet, the Queen Elizabeth aims for a distinguished cruise experience glimmering with a touch of English royalty. Elegance is promised in Cunard literature, along with "spacious luxury and excellent service that attracts discerning travelers.". That kind of hyperbole is rampant in the travel ...
Queen Elizabeth cruise: Review, ship tour & deck plans
Queen Elizabeth is a Vista-class cruise ship in the Cunard fleet. She was built in Italy and debuted in October 2010. Queen Elizabeth is 289 m. / 964 ft. long with room for 2,081 guests. That's almost the same as her sister-cruise ship Queen Victoria, but somewhat less than the famous ocean liner Queen Mary 2.
Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise And Ship Review
Cunard WiFi plans have two tiers. The essential or basic is USD 15 per day for the entire cruise or USD 20 for 24-hour usage. The faster package costs USD 5 more per day or USD 30 for 24 hrs. Since we heard Cunard internet was slow and spotty, we opted to upgrade our smartphone package for days in port.
Cunard's Queen Elizabeth Ship Review
Cunard's Queen Elizabeth - Elegant, Relaxed and Stylish. Having previously toured Cunard's beautiful Queen Victoria, I was excited to have the opportunity to visit her sister ship, Queen Elizabeth, in Vancouver, British Columbia, where the ship departs for its Alaska itineraries.From the stunning Art Deco interiors, to the spacious staterooms and exceptional service, Queen Elizabeth ...
Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship Review
The Queen Elizabeth is a lovely ship We were actually on her for 19 nights, as we did the following segment as well. This was our first cruise with Cunard. Cabin- Britannia Balcony, Deck 5 mid ships.
Queen Elizabeth Luxury Cruise Ship
Guests2,081. Crew911. Length964.5ft. Join us on Queen Elizabeth and immerse yourself in her evocative art deco elegance. This stunning Queen exudes style and has an especially refined feel. Prepare yourself for a truly remarkable voyage. Queen Elizabeth invites you to an uncrowded world where spacious decks set the perfect backdrop for you to ...
Queen Elizabeth
A short but very relaxing and pleasant cruising 🛳. Queen Elizabeth March 23 10 Elaine , WA, Australia, Mar 2023. The ship and its crew were both very good. The ship has high standard of cleanliness. The cabins were a good size. The crew friendly going out of their way to assist passengers.
Cunard Queen Elizabeth Deck Plans & Reviews
Availability of prices is subject to the supplier's pricing availability. Find details and photos of Cunard Queen Elizabeth cruise ship on Tripadvisor. Learn more about Cunard Queen Elizabeth deck plans and cabins, ship activities including dining and entertainment, and sailing itineraries to help you plan your next cruise vacation.
Queen Elizabeth Luxury Cruise Ship
Length964.5ft. Join us on Queen Elizabeth and immerse yourself in her evocative art deco elegance. This stunning Queen exudes style and has an especially refined feel. Prepare yourself for a truly remarkable voyage. Queen Elizabeth invites you to an uncrowded world where spacious decks set the perfect backdrop for you to savour a flawless ...
Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship Review
We decided to book a cruise with Cunard again after a wonderful past experience in 2017 on the Queen Mary 2. Although our recent trip had a great itinerary, unfortunately the ship, food, beverages ...
Reviews
Reviews from guests. Find out how our ratings work. 0 Review Results. Sort By . Sort By Close. Newest ; Oldest; Filter By. Filter By. Ship. Queen Mary 2 Queen Elizabeth Queen Victoria Queen Anne. ... We are looking forward to our next cruises with Cunard! Mr Meacher, 20 June 2024. New Queen Anne not as good as Queens Victoria/Elizabeth.
What it's like to sail on Cunard's newest ship, Queen Anne
It's not just Cunard's ship names thatare regal; so too is the on-board experience. The bars sparkle, the wood gleams and the 3000-passenger, 14-deck Queen Anne has an atrium so grand that its ...
Queen Elizabeth Luxury Cruise Ship
Length964.5ft. Join us on Queen Elizabeth and immerse yourself in her evocative art deco elegance. This stunning Queen exudes style and has an especially refined feel. Prepare yourself for a truly remarkable voyage. Queen Elizabeth invites you to an uncrowded world where spacious decks set the perfect backdrop for you to savour a flawless ...
Find Cunard Queen Elizabeth December 2024 Cruises
Find Cunard Queen Elizabeth December 2024 Cruises: Find and plan your next Cunard Queen Elizabeth December 2024 cruise with Cruise Critic's Cruise Finder Tool ... 639 reviews. Dec 11, 2024. Cunard ...