DAY VISIT TO THE QUEEN VICTORIA
Review of Cunard Queen Victoria by jules4 (19 Dec 07)
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Overall Rating
I have been on many cruise ships and have seen the QE2 and QM2 from a distance but never having been inside a Cunard ship, I was really excited to be invited to see the Queen Victoria.
We entered the ship via deck 3 midship and continued aft through the photo gallery where there was plenty of room to display all the formal portraits that will be taken during the cruise. Then straight up to deck 9 for a glass of champagne and canopes in the Lido Café which was decorated in blue and yellow giving a bright airy feel .A buffet is served here 24 hours a day with seating for 468 guests.
Taking the staircase (which was very narrow compared to some ships) up to deck 11 we came across the Princess Grill where guests in P1-P4 suites dine. There were plenty of tables for 2 and some tables had sofas with cushions to sit back and relax in between courses. One thing I did notice was how discreet the waitors stations were. The Queens Grill opposite is the same set up but for the Queens Suites and Penthouses. Situated between the two Grills is The Courtyard, an intimate Tuscan inspired area seating 40 where guests can dine alfresco. This will be a lovely place to eat on a summers evening.
Down to deck 9 to see the Winter Garden which is a light and airy relaxation area decorated in pastels with rattan furniture and ceiling fans creating a conservatory feel. There are also plenty of green plants and a retractable roof in the middle for very hot days. This area leads out to the Pavilion Pool with plenty of loungers and 2 jacuzzi’s to spend a lazy day at sea .Next is the entrance to the Royal Spa where you will find the hydrapool area, sauna, and steam room .There are some really unique loungers made from mosaic tiles which look uncomfortable but are actually great to lie and relax on while looking out of the windows to sea. There is also a fully equipped gym to keep the pounds off during your cruise.
Up again to deck 10 and at the front of the ship is Hemispheres which becomes a nightclub in the evening. They also have a jazz band playing there sometimes and it is a nice room to sit in during the day offering panoramic views through floor to ceiling windows. Close by is Churchill’s Cigar Lounge where you can sit in green striped arm chairs (only 12) and enjoy a cigar or cigarette surrounded by photo’s of the great man himself. Next door is the Admiral’s Lounge which is a similar non smoking lounge full of old ship paintings and even a 50” tv hidden in the wall. The Commodore Club is also here offering views over the front of the ship. The nautical atmosphere is highlighted by wood ,leather sofa’s and club chairs. Live music plays from late afternoon through to early evening .There are some very unusual tables in here where the sides fold up to create a tray effect and can easily be moved around.
The tour then took us back down to deck 7 to view the different types of cabins available onboard. The best suite we saw was the Aquitania Suite which is a Q1 grand suite (7142) situated at the back of the ship with a large decked area the size of the suite. There were even his and her basins in the bathroom which also had a jacuzzi bath .The décor was pale green, cream and gold with light wood and there was even a model of the Aquitania.
The Q2 grade Carpathia Suite (7070) was very similar but smaller and still had all the same facilities with a kitchenette and sink, dining table and 6 chairs and a balcony running the length of the suite. Here the décor was gold and cream with black marble in the bathroom. Again a jacuzzi bath and a very unique double shower with a seat for 2. I think this would be very nice for a family.
Next was the Q6 Queens Suite (7078) which had a separate curtained off area between the bedroom and lounge which offers a sofa bed. Even this suite had a separate bath and shower/wc which can be entered from either the lounge or bedroom.
The P1 Princess Suites have a glass fronted balcony but are not really worth the extra money as the A3 balcony cabins are just as nice and of a similar size. The only main difference is where you will dine onboard.
I was quite happy with the D4 inside cabin (7118) that we saw which still had a flat screen tv, bathrobes and slippers (not all cruise lines give you these in all cabins) which offer good value for money if you do not mind not having a window.
After viewing all the cabins it was back to deck 2 to see the Britannia Restaurant where the majority of guests will dine (total 878). This is split on 2 levels with plenty of tables for 2 .The main focal point is 10 feet tall illuminated world globe which slowly spins and the room is full of wood, gold leaf and mirrors with an Art Deco design.
Once you have finished dinner you can visit some of the ships public rooms. First is the Chart Room which has ship models and maps with a nautical atmosphere and seats 77. Next is the Café Carinthia which is a traditional French patisserie decorated in gold, blue and bronze again in the Art Deco style. This is the ideal place for morning coffee and croissants or an after dinner drink. Maybe you would prefer to try the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar which overlooks the Grand Lobby and sample hors d’oeuvres of smoked Barbarie duck.
The Grand Lobby is the centre of the ship and a powerful focal point .There is a bronzed effect sculpture of the Queen Victoria and sweeping staircases and balconies. As on most ships this is where you will find the Purser’s Desk.
This is certainly the deck to be as if you are looking for an alternative dining experience then why not make a reservation at the Todd English Restaurant and sample the cuisine of one of America’s leading chefs. There is a cover charge of $20 for lunch and $30 for dinner and I have been told that it is well worth it. After all this a rest in the Library which is on 2 levels is a must. There is a spiral staircase taking you up to a bookshop and the carpet is covered with signatures of literary figures. If you are interested in history then the Cunardia museum of memorabilia is worth a browse before you enter the Royal Arcade shopping area which caters for everyone selling formal/logo wear, souvenirs perfume, jewellery and watches. The centre piece here is the chiming Pillar Clock which sounds just like Big Ben and is black with gold leaf lettering.
One place not to be missed is the Queens Room which is a grand ballroom for dancing, cocktail parties and afternoon tea. Usually you will find a harpist or a string quartet playing .There are two huge crystal chandeliers hanging over the dance floor which is inlaid with wood. I am sure that this will be a popular place at anytime of the day.
If you are missing your local then pop into the Golden Lion Pub for fish and chips with a glass of ale. They have different specials on a black board daily and you can keep up with all the latest news and sports. There is also a small Casino if you are feeling lucky. .
Last but not least you can find the Royal Court Theatre decorated in red and gold with individual seats which make you feel like Royalty. I did not see any tables though to put your drink unless you take advantage of the first private boxes at sea of which there are 16. These have armchairs and a cocktail table and can seat up to eight guests .The view was slightly marred in the one I went in by the screen at the front if you were sat in the right hand seat.
All in all I really liked the ship and her facilities and would love to maybe take a cruise on her if the opportunity arises. It would be like cruising as it used to be in days gone by.
She is an excellent addition to the Cunard fleet
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