The only thing better than boarding one of Cunard’s Queens is boarding and finding yourself in one of the luxurious Grill suites and for my 3-night cruise I found myself in a Princess Grill Suite on Deck 4.
There’s something incredibly special about cruising with Cunard, after all, not many cruise lines in the world have the rich history that Cunard does and they certainly don’t have a fleet of vessels that are such a wonderful reminder of the golden age of cruising. Cunard is truly one-of-a-kind and my recent mini-cruise aboard Queen Victoria has left me with fond memories and an eagerness to countdown to my transatlantic crossings aboard Queen Mary 2 in the summer of 2016.
This is my review of Cunard’s Queen Victoria…
Queen Victoria Princess Grill
I had a Princess Grill Suite on Deck 4 and it was superb. There were 2 beds, a spacious sitting area, large balcony, ample storage space, 2 flat-screen TV’s and a bathroom with a shower over the bath. It was a very comfortable suite and the little extras that came along with it just added to the overall Princess Grill Experience. They included: slippers, a bottle of wine, fresh fruit, heavy dressing gown and access to the Grills Lounge, Princess Grill Restaurant and the Courtyard.
Guests in the Princess Grill and Queens Grill have the added benefit of their own set tables in the Princess Grill Restaurant or Queens Grill Restaurant, although they are free to enjoy the Britannia Restaurant too if they’d prefer. I must admit that having a set table in the restaurant was one of the things I liked most about being in the Princess Grill, it meant that no matter what time you wished to have breakfast, lunch or dinner, your table would always be there waiting for you. It was freedom dining with a delicious menu and no hassle.
Grills guests also have the advantage of their own lounge, the Grills Lounge. It was a small, intimate space but if offered just enough for those of us that wanted to socialise for an hour before dinner. The bar staff were very attentive and each evening a waiter would appear and offer a selection of warm canapés to every table. It’s the little things like this that always make the biggest difference.
The Princess Grill Restaurant was beautiful (I could see right through into the Courtyard from my table, another area reserved exclusively for Grills guests but it was a little on the chilly side to use in the channel, in November) and the menu was extensive. During my cruise I enjoyed pumpkin soup, broccoli soup, seared beef tenderloin Rossini and shrimp Provençal, all of which were absolutely delicious.
Of course, my time aboard Queen Victoria was not just about the Princess Grill, I also became very fond of the Golden Lion Pub, Hemispheres, Queens Lounge, the atrium and the Royal Spa.
Queen Victoria Royal Spa
I’m not what you would call a “spa person”, but I purchased a day pass for the Royal Bath House on our sea day and I was quite glad that I did. It allowed use of the Hydro Pool, relaxing loungers, steam rooms and sauna, and the Thermal Suite. The pass was $35, which I thought was very reasonable and I simply spent a few hours relaxing. I was quite content sitting and listening to the soothing music that was being played, it was very pleasant and once a few people left the Hydro Pool and freed up some space, I took a dip. The water was 36 degrees Celsius and ideal for those looking to ease some tension and aching muscles.
I didn’t explore any other areas of the Spa, but there were many different treatments available, including Aromasoul Signature Body Rituals, age-defying facials, mud wraps and scrubs. There is also a selection of treatments on offer exclusively for Gentleman, including tailored skin programmes, revitalising massages and a traditional shave and barber experience.
Queen Victoria also offers a salon, fitness centre and a wide selection of workout programmes.
Queen Victoria Cruises
Queen Victoria really does offer the very best of the heritage and traditions of Cunard Line, along with all modern day luxuries. She also boasts the first traditional West End-style private boxes at sea in the Royal Court Theatre, the first Cunardia museum exhibit at sea, housing Cunard artifacts and memorabilia along with the first two-storey library at sea featuring an elegant spiral staircase. She is also home to a rather fine atrium.
As well as being the second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Victoria’s arrival in 2007 was particularly noteworthy as it marked the first time that three Cunard Queens were in service together in the company’s 168-year history (she joined the world’s grandest ocean liner, Queen Mary 2 and the world’s most famous and best-loved liner, QE2, retired in 2008 after more than 40 years of service).
I enjoyed every moment of my time aboard Queen Victoria and I would highly recommend the Princess Grill or Queens Grill to those thinking about booking a Cunard voyage. All of our Cunard sailings can be found on our website by clicking here.
Let Cunard’s Queen Victoria be your next choice of ship….
Book Your Queen Victoria Cruise with The Cruise Line
Founded in 1993, The Cruise Line has established a reputation for offering clients outstanding customer service alongside highly competitive pricing and special offers, and we have some wonderful deals available on 2016 and 2017 Cunard world-wide sailings. For further details, please call one of our Cruise Experts on 0800 008 6677.
You can also view our Cunard transatlantic voyages on our website and Cunard’s 2017 World Cruises aboard Queen Victoria, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth are all detailed here.
