Reviewed by: Richard Boyce

Date: 23 February 2018 – Auckland | Bay of Islands | Sydney (overnight)

Cruise line and ship: Cunard Line – Queen Elizabeth

Size of ship: 294 metres in length – 90,901 grt

Passenger capacity: 2,092

Year built: 2010

Where the ship cruises: Baltic, UK, World Cruises, Australia, New Zealand, Asia

Currency onboard: USD

Main features / highlights: This ship provides a classy experience filled with elegant rooms and spaces designed to evoke the art deco stylings of the previous Queen Elizabeth (1940 to 1967).

Most suited to: While the vast majority of passengers on a world cruise tend to be 60 plus, the ship does actually cater for children with an excellent children / teen facility, so families are welcome. The ship will suit anyone who has an appreciation for heritage, tradition, style and luxurious surroundings who wants an upmarket experience and a huge choice in destinations.

Atmosphere: Queen Elizabeth has the overall feeling of a rather luxurious country hotel. Colours and furnishings are a mixture of browns and creams. Fresh flowers feature everywhere which is a nice touch. Extraordinary hand-made deep pile carpets feature in many of the lift vestibules and a mixture of original paintings, photographs and ephemera from past Cunard ships feature everywhere.

Staterooms: Staterooms and Suites range from inside cabins to huge suites in Princess and Queens Grill. The overall style and fit out of each is consistent with light colours and colourful accents particularly in the furniture. Inside and Oceanview cabins are in fact slightly larger than the lead in balcony cabins as the balcony takes away some of the interior space. Each balcony has a small table and two chairs. In Princess Grill Suites the extra space is given to a large lounge area with adjacent bar. Queen Grill rooms are even more spacious and once you get to the largest also include their own dining area. Each room has quality toiletries, exceptional linens and coffee / tea making facilities (note you need to ask for milk to be provided). There is also a well stocked mini bar.

Dining rooms: Where you dine is dependant on which grade of stateroom you book. Inside, Oceanview and most balcony staterooms will dine at one of two fixed times in the main Britannia dining room which is located at the stern. The central part of the dining room is two-decks high with an elegant staircase between decks 3 and 2. Located adjacent to this dining room is Britannia Club. This dining room offers passengers in upper grade balcony staterooms an open seating concept in a more private space. Princess and Queens Grill restaurants are located high in the ship on deck 11, with their own lounge / bar and a concierge who will take care of anything required removing the need for passengers to go to the main information desk on deck 1. Guests seated here have the finest menus available to them with open seating. There is also a small terrace where you may dine al fresco if the weather is fine. Grill passengers also have their own decks with what must be the most comfortable sun beds at sea.

For alternative dining there is The Veranda – a french inspired restaurant located just off the foyer, this glamorous venue features reproductions of the Doria Zinkeisen mural that was in the Verandah Grill on the original Queen Mary. The food here is of a very high standard and naturally has the finest wines to match. There is a charge of US$50 pp to eat here plus wines. For something a little more relaxed the Lido (the buffet) hosts Asian and Indian nights for a small extra surcharge.

Entertainment: Ballroom dancing is hugely popular and is held most afternoons and evenings in the Queens Room. There is both recorded music and the ships orchestra. In the evenings gentlemen hosts are available as dancing partners, and on my voyage – one female host which makes a welcome change for male solo travellers. In the evenings there are shows by the ships’ singers / dancers covering the usual broadway and popular hits, as well as solo artists such as opera singers, comedians and well known personalities. Of particular note are lectures provided by Australian Chris Frame, who on several voyages each year provides illuminating talks about previous Cunard ships.

Activities: Activities throughout the day range from the usual deck games and card tournaments to excellent lectures provided by experts and well known identities. There are also activities such as mixology classes, ballroom dancing lessons (which were very well attended) and galley tours. While this should come under dining, one of the most popular activities is high-tea, served in the Queens Room. White gloved waiters serve scones, little sandwiches (yes there is cucumber), pastries and other little delicacies.

Family facilities: Located on deck 10 under the Grill areas, kids have excellent facilities available to them. Little ones will love the ‘outdoor’ play area which is under cover and cleverly escape proof. Teens have computers and electronic games available as well as table games. Children are permitted to swim in the mid-ship pool only. It should be noted that after 5pm the ship is somewhat formal with at least a jacket required by gentlemen so those travelling with children should plan ahead with at least a collared shirt or dress for the little ones.

Inclusions: Onboard meals and entertainment. Drinks are not included though in some Queens Grill suites a complimentary mini-bar set up is included on a one off basis. Princess and Queens Grill suites also receive complimentary canapés each evening in the cabin or suite.

Exclusions: Beverages outside those provided in the lido self service section, dry cleaning / laundry (done by the ship), shore excursions and anything else of a personal nature.

Self service laundry: Yes – one large one on each deck.

Electric plugs: American style two-pin plugs with 110v, and UK style plugs with 220v. Australian passengers should take an adaptor but also be aware the ship does not accept personal appliances. Each cabin is supplied with a hair dryer. Also – each TV has a USB port (behind it) so you can plug in your phone to recharge.

Insider tips: You are permitted to bring one bottle of wine each onboard, which you may want to consider as bare prices for a decent glass of wine start at around USD$16 each. Also – bring Vegemite if you like it, though this may be supplied in the future when the ship is based out of Australia.