AD/INVITE
Day 1 – Embarking on Cunard Queen Elizabeth
The excitement was palpable as I embarked on my Cunard Queen Elizabeth cruise. The day began bright and early with a 6.30 am flight to Rome. The ride from the Thistle Hotel to Heathrow Terminal 5 was an adventure in itself, thanks to the self-driving Pod. Two Starbucks coffees later, I was ready to conquer the day.
Upon landing at Rome Airport, I collected my luggage and was warmly welcomed by Cunard representatives holding the iconic Cunard sign. Once everyone was accounted for, we boarded the bus. An hour later, we arrived at Civitavecchia Port, ready to board the beautiful Queen Elizabeth.
Walking around the ship, I was instantly transported back to fond memories of previous Cunard cruises. The sophistication and elegance that Cunard is known for enveloped me, reminding me of why I love cruising with Cunard.
My balcony stateroom was a sight to behold. It came equipped with all the amenities one could wish for, including tea and coffee facilities, bathrobes, slippers, and even a bottle of sparkling wine. These thoughtful touches made me feel truly special. I had almost forgotten the joy of returning to a beautifully prepared stateroom with nightly turn-down service.
After a quick unpacking session, I made my way to the buffet for lunch. While not extensive, the buffet offered a variety of delicious options that met the high standards Cunard is known for.
Following lunch, I explored the ship, admiring the inviting pools and hot tubs. The weather was warm and lovely, and many passengers were taking full advantage of it.
One remarkable feature of the Queen Elizabeth was its spaciousness. Despite being at full capacity, the ship never felt overcrowded, thanks to an excellent space-to-passenger ratio and a staff-to-passenger ratio of 1:2, ensuring top-notch service.
My evening commenced at 5 pm in the Queens Room, where I had the pleasure of watching the graceful art of afternoon ballroom dancing. It was so inspiring that it tempted me to consider taking lessons. Afterward, I headed to the Yacht Club for pre-dinner drinks, followed by a delightful meal at The Veranda Restaurant. This specialty restaurant specialises in steaks and seafood, and the option to select your steak knife was a unique touch. The impeccable service ensured that each guest received their food simultaneously, and the cheese cart was a lovely addition to the meal.
Post-dinner, I made my way to the theatre to enjoy the comedian, Allan Stewart. Having seen him perform on other cruise lines, I can confidently recommend his hilarious jokes accompanied by catchy songs.
The ship truly came alive in the evening. Various musicians performed in bars and lounges, and there were two lively dance floors for guests to enjoy. The Queens Room hosted a ’70s theme night, while The Yacht Club had a DJ playing popular songs. Even the casino was bustling. I noted that the ship was more smart casual than formal, a change from my pre-COVID Cunard cruises when guests often wore ballgowns. I wondered what the upcoming formal night would be like.
Unfortunately, unfavourable weather conditions led to the cancellation of our port visit to Corsica the next day, turning it into an unexpected sea day. But I’ve always loved sea days, and I’m already feeling the relaxation setting in.
Day 2 – Day at Sea on Queen Elizabeth
Our planned visit to Corsica had to be cancelled due to rough seas and strong winds, but safety always takes precedence on a cruise ship.
I had a wonderful night’s sleep, gently rocked by the ship’s motion. Personally, I find rough seas exciting, as long as I’ve taken my seasickness tablets.
In the morning, I immersed myself in learning more about the beautiful Cunard ships. The Queen Anne, in particular, has captured my imagination, and I’m already considering booking a sailing on her for next year. The prospect of experiencing a new ship combined with the timeless sophistication that Cunard is known for fills me with excitement.
After exploring the ship, it was time for lunch before my cocktail tasting experience. I enjoyed lunch in the buffet, which maintained a peaceful ambiance despite its bustling activity.
The cocktail tasting experience was exceptional. I had the opportunity to sample seven expertly crafted cocktails and learn about their fascinating histories. If you’re a fan of cocktails, I highly recommend this tasting experience.
For dinner, I dined in the Golden Lion, an onboard pub with live musicians. Starting with a Yorkshire pudding starter and following it with a lamb shank Tandoori, I was thoroughly impressed by both dishes.
After dinner, I attended a game show hosted by the entertainment team in the pub. I watched a bit of it before heading to the Garden Lounge to catch a rugby match on the many screens. Following some relaxation in my cabin, I joined others for the ABBA night in the Yacht Club, a fabulous lounge that transforms into a live music venue and nightclub.
The night was fantastic, filled with great company and fun, lasting until the early hours of the morning. With another day at sea ahead, there was no need to rush to bed.
Day 3 on Cunard Queen Elizabeth
It was a perfect sea day filled with relaxation and exciting activities. I started the day with a leisurely lie-in and then sought out a quiet spot for a delicious cappuccinos. One of the ship’s highlights is the abundance of quiet areas, even during peak morning hours on a sea day, which adds to the enjoyment of cruising on Cunard.
Next, I attended a Q&A session with Sir Steven Redgrave, an Olympic legend who shared fascinating insights into his experiences and life journey. His story was truly inspiring, and hearing from such an incredible athlete was a privilege.
After the Q&A, I made my way to the lido at the back of the ship to try the outdoor dining area by the pool. The tacos I ordered exceeded my expectations, and all the food on the menu was tempting.
As I moved from one activity to the next, I had the chance to witness various dancing lessons, chair aerobics, card games in the card room, and passengers enjoying books in the library and working on jigsaw puzzles. The atmosphere was busy yet calming, offering a wide range of activities.
I decided to try my hand at shuffleboard for the first time, and I had a great time with an amazing Australian couple who joined in the fun. Although I didn’t win, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of learning how to play this popular cruise deck game.
The evening’s theme was a Masquerade Ball, with passengers dressing up and wearing masks throughout the night. It added a touch of elegance and fun to the atmosphere.
For dinner, I dined in the Main Dining Room, Britannia, which was a formal affair with a delicious five-course meal. I savoured four of these courses, and the food was absolutely delicious, complemented by the beautiful setting.
The evening’s entertainment in the theatre was incredible, featuring singing and dancing, my favourite type of cruise entertainment. I was captivated by the performances.
To end the night on a high note, I headed to the Commodore Club, a favourite spot of mine on the ship. It’s a relaxing place to listen to a pianist while sipping on a delicious cocktail and engaging in wonderful conversations with fellow passengers.
I had such a fantastic time on this cruise that I’m already looking forward to my next one. The things I enjoyed the most were the sense of space, exceptional service, excellent food, and the overall feeling of relaxation when leaving the ship. I hope that the new Cunard ship, Queen Anne, will maintain these qualities that I love about Cunard.
Day 4 – Cunard Queen Elizabeth
On my last day, I ordered room service breakfast for 7 am as I had an 8.15 am excursion planned. I usually skip breakfast, but since we would be away until the afternoon, I wanted to ensure I had enough energy.
Going on a cruise ship-organised excursion is stress-free. You simply show up, and someone else takes care of the details. The drive to the Drach Caves was a fascinating experience, with the guide providing interesting commentary along the way. The caves themselves were breathtaking, and the boat ride through the illuminated blue waters was an unforgettable experience. We also visited a small seaside village and a Pearl factory before returning to the ship.
Back on the ship, I indulged in afternoon tea at the Queens Room, a special experience featuring delicious sandwiches, scones, and desserts. It even sparked a friendly debate about the proper way to serve cream with scones.
Afterward, it was time to pack my bags and prepare for my last evening on the ship. On cruise ships, you leave your suitcases outside your cabin the night before, and they magically appear in the terminal the next morning upon disembarkation. I prefer this method, as it allows for a more relaxed evening. I watched the sailaway from my balcony, soaking in a beautiful sunset, and then met up with the friends I had made on this sailing for pre-dinner drinks.
Dinner in the Main Dining Room was a formal affair, with a five-course meal that I surprisingly managed to enjoy in its entirety.
The evening’s entertainment in the theatre was impressive, featuring singing and dancing. I absolutely loved it.
To end my journey, I made my way to the Commodore Club, my favourite spot on the ship at night. It’s a perfect place to unwind with a cocktail, enjoy the live piano music, and engage in wonderful conversations.
This cruise was a fantastic experience, filled with relaxation, entertainment, and memorable moments. I’m already looking forward to my next Cunard adventure, eager to relive the elegance and sophistication that make Cunard cruises truly special.
