We’ve been on more ships than we can count, sailed countless oceans, and seen cruise lines evolve in ways we never thought possible. From luxury liners to family-friendly fun zones, we’ve experienced it all, and always with an eye for what makes a cruise vacation truly special. When Cunard announced the Queen Anne, we were, admittedly, buzzing with anticipation. A new Queen! It promised a fresh take on classic Cunard elegance, and as seasoned travelers, we knew we had to be among the first to experience her. We recently completed our inaugural voyage on this much-anticipated vessel, and as always, we took copious notes. Now, we’re ready to share our candid thoughts, the good, the not-so-good, and everything in between, to help you decide if Queen Anne is the right fit for your next cruise booking.
First Impressions & Grand Designs
Stepping onto a new ship for the first time is always an exhilarating experience, and Queen Anne certainly delivered on the “grand” part of her design. From the moment we boarded, the ship felt incredibly spacious and thoughtfully laid out. There’s a certain grandeur that Cunard always manages to imbue, and Queen Anne is no exception. We found ourselves constantly discovering new nooks and crannies, each with its own distinct personality. The overall aesthetic is one of refined modernity, a tasteful blend of classic Cunard without feeling stuffy or old-fashioned.
What We Loved: The Stunning Interiors
The interiors of Queen Anne are, quite simply, breathtaking. We loved the understated elegance of the Grand Lobby, which felt both majestic and welcoming. The amount of natural light flooding the public spaces was a huge plus, creating a bright and airy atmosphere throughout the ship. We especially adored the Britannia Restaurant, which felt like dining in a grand European hotel. The attention to detail in the artwork, the comfortable furnishings, and the overall color palette truly impressed us. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The amount of art on display, both traditional and contemporary, gave the ship a real gallery feel, and we enjoyed taking leisurely strolls just to admire it all. We also appreciated the different themes subtly woven into various bars and lounges, each offering a unique ambiance. It never felt like just another bar; each space had its own story to tell. For anyone considering a Cunard cruise vacation, the Queen Anne’s design alone is a compelling reason to choose her.
What We Hated: The Occasional Over-Elegance
While we appreciated the ship’s sophisticated design, there were moments where we felt it veered a little too far into “over-elegance.” Some areas, while beautiful, felt almost too precious to fully relax in. We found ourselves occasionally tiptoeing around, worried we might smudge a pristine surface or disturb the perfectly arranged decor. For instance, some of the more intimate lounges, while stunning, felt a little too quiet and formal, even for our refined tastes. We understand that Cunard caters to a specific demographic, but a touch more warmth and approachability in certain spaces would have been welcomed. It sometimes felt like walking through a museum rather than a vibrant social hub on a cruise ship. This isn’t a deal-breaker by any means, but it’s something to consider if you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere for your cruise vacation.
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Dining Delights and Culinary Concerns
Food is always a huge part of our cruise experience, and we approach it with a keen eye (and a hungry stomach!). Cunard has a reputation for fine dining, and we were eager to see how Queen Anne upheld this legacy. We tried a variety of dining venues, from the included options to the specialty restaurants, and our opinions were, as expected, a mixed bag.
What We Loved: Specialty Dining & Britannia Excellence
The specialty dining on Queen Anne truly shines. We absolutely loved Aji Wa, the Japanese-inspired restaurant. The sushi was incredibly fresh, and the hot dishes were flavorful and expertly prepared. It was a delightful culinary journey and well worth the additional cost. The steakhouse, Sir Samuel’s, also exceeded our expectations. The cuts of meat were superb, cooked to perfection, and the service was impeccable. These venues offered an elevated dining experience that rivaled some of the best land-based restaurants we’ve visited. Beyond specialty, the Britannia Restaurant, Queen Anne’s main dining room, consistently delivered. The menu offered a good variety of choices each evening, and the quality of the food was generally very high. We particularly enjoyed the traditional Cunard afternoon tea served here – a quintessential part of any Cunard cruise and executed flawlessly. The service in Britannia was also top-notch; our assigned waiters were attentive, friendly, and remembered our preferences. This level of consistency in the main dining room is a huge plus for any cruise vacation.
What We Hated: Buffet Blues & Breakfast Bumps
While specialty dining and Britannia were largely triumphs, we did experience some significant disappointments with the self-service buffet, The Pavilion. Firstly, the layout felt a bit chaotic during peak times, leading to bottlenecks and longer queues than we’d prefer. More critically, the quality of the food at the buffet was inconsistent at best, and at times, frankly underwhelming. We found many dishes to be lukewarm, lacking flavor, and sometimes repetitive. For a new Cunard ship, we expected a higher standard. Breakfast, in particular, was a letdown. While there were plenty of options, finding truly hot and fresh food was often a challenge. The eggs often tasted mass-produced, and the pastries, while visually appealing, sometimes lacked that fresh-baked taste. We also noticed a lack of unique or exciting choices in the buffet – it felt very standard for a cruise ship, which isn’t necessarily what you look for on a Cunard cruise vacation. We ended up opting for breakfast in Britannia or a lighter bite at the coffee shop whenever possible to avoid the buffet blues. This is an area where we sincerely hope Cunard makes improvements.
Onboard Activities & Entertainment Extravaganza
A cruise ship isn’t just about getting from one cruise port to another; it’s also about the journey itself. We’re always on the lookout for engaging activities and memorable entertainment, and Queen Anne offered a diverse range of options. From quiet relaxation to lively performances, there was something for everyone, though some aspects certainly outshone others.
What We Loved: The Royal Court Theatre & The Mareel Spa
The Royal Court Theatre on Queen Anne is a truly impressive venue. The shows we saw were of a very high standard, featuring talented performers and engaging productions. The seating was comfortable, and the sightlines were excellent from most angles. It truly felt like a night out at a West End show, which is a testament to the quality of the entertainment. We also absolutely adored the Mareel Wellness & Beauty Spa. This was, without a doubt, one of the best spas we’ve encountered on a cruise ship. The thermal suite was expansive and beautifully designed, offering a tranquil escape. We indulged in a couple’s massage, and the therapists were incredibly skilled. It’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge, especially after a busy day exploring a cruise port. The gym facilities were also excellent, well-equipped, and rarely overcrowded. For those who prioritize well-being on their cruise vacation, the Mareel Spa is a major draw.
What We Hated: The Lackluster Daily Activities
While the evening entertainment in the theatre was stellar, we found the daytime activity schedule to be a bit… uninspired. Many of the activities felt generic and didn’t really capture the unique Cunard essence. There were the usual trivia quizzes and craft sessions, which are fine, but we longed for more intellectually stimulating lectures, unique workshops, or perhaps some activities tied to Cunard’s rich history. It felt like the daily program was designed to fill time rather than truly engage passengers. We also noticed that some of the advertised activities were poorly attended, perhaps due to a lack of compelling content or insufficient promotion. For those who enjoy a more active and engaging daytime schedule on their cruise ship, this might be a point of minor frustration. We often found ourselves seeking out our own entertainment, whether it was reading in a quiet lounge or simply enjoying the ocean views. It’s an area where Queen Anne could certainly elevate the overall cruise vacation experience.
Shore Excursions & Port Experiences
Exploring new destinations is, for many, the core of a cruise vacation. We made sure to sample a few of the shore excursion options offered by Cunard and also ventured out independently at several cruise ports. The convenience of organized tours versus the freedom of self-exploration is always a balancing act, and Queen Anne’s offerings provided a good example of both.
What We Loved: Independent Exploration & Well-Organized Disembarkation
We’ve always been advocates for independent exploration when possible, and Queen Anne’s ease of disembarkation at various cruise ports made this a joy. The gangways were efficiently managed, and getting off the cruise ship was a smooth process, even on busy port days. We loved the freedom of being able to wander into charming towns, discover local eateries, and simply soak up the atmosphere at our own pace. Cunard provided excellent port information sheets with maps and suggestions for self-guided tours, which was a huge help. This allowed us to tailor our shore excursions to our specific interests without feeling rushed or constrained by a group. For seasoned cruisers who prefer to forge their own path, Queen Anne makes it very easy to do so. This level of flexibility enhances the overall cruise vacation experience.
What We Hated: Overpriced & Generic Shore Excursions
While independent exploration was fantastic, we were less impressed with the official shore excursion offerings. We found many of them to be significantly overpriced for what they offered. The content of the tours often felt generic, lacking that special something that makes an experience truly memorable. We understand that convenience comes at a premium, but some of the tours felt like basic bus transfers with minimal guided information. For instance, a “panoramic city tour” would often consist of driving past major landmarks with very little opportunity to stop, explore, or truly immerse ourselves in the local culture. We also felt there was a lack of truly unique or specialized shore excursion options that would appeal to more discerning travelers. For first-time cruisers who might prefer the ease of an organized tour, these options might be acceptable, but for us, they often felt like a missed opportunity to truly showcase the best of each cruise port. It’s definitely an area where we’d recommend looking into third-party tour operators or planning your own adventures if your budget and comfort level allow.
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Final Thoughts & The Verdict
As experienced travelers, we know that no cruise ship is perfect, and every cruise vacation comes with its own set of highs and lows. Queen Anne is a magnificent vessel with undeniable charm and elegance. She offers a truly refined experience, and for many, she will be the ideal choice for their next cruise booking. However, like any new launch, there are areas where improvements can certainly be made.
What We Loved: The Crew & The Sense of Occasion
Without a doubt, the crew on Queen Anne were exceptional. From our cabin stewards to the bar staff and the officers, everyone we encountered was friendly, professional, and went above and beyond to make our cruise vacation enjoyable. Their genuine warmth and attentiveness truly elevated the experience. It’s a testament to Cunard’s training and commitment to service. We also loved the palpable sense of occasion that permeates a Cunard cruise. The formal nights, the afternoon tea, the grand public spaces – it all contributes to a feeling that you’re on a truly special journey. It’s not just a cruise ship; it’s an experience that feels a cut above. This sense of tradition and timeless elegance is something Cunard consistently delivers, and Queen Anne embodies it beautifully. This makes a Cunard cruise vacation unique.
What We Hated: Inconsistent Wi-Fi & Minor Bugs
In today’s connected world, reliable Wi-Fi is almost a necessity, even on a cruise vacation. Unfortunately, the Wi-Fi on Queen Anne was, at times, frustratingly inconsistent. There were areas of the ship where the signal was weak or non-existent, and even when connected, the speeds could be agonizingly slow. This made it difficult to keep up with work, stream content, or even just browse the web efficiently. We understand the challenges of satellite internet at sea, but for a premium cruise experience, we expected better. Additionally, as is often the case with a brand-new cruise ship, we encountered a few minor “bugs” – small operational glitches, like occasional issues with interactive screens or slight delays in service, that while not major, collectively detracted slightly from the otherwise polished experience. These are often ironed out in the first few months of operation, but they were noticeable during our inaugural sailing. It’s a small detail, but when you’re paying for a premium cruise booking, these little things can stand out.
Overall, our Queen Anne cruise was a memorable one. She’s a beautiful ship with a lot to offer, especially for those who appreciate classic elegance and attentive service. While there are areas that could use a little refinement, we left with a positive impression and a yearning for our next cruise vacation with Cunard.