Before joining the ship, I spent time in Venice, which remains one of Europe’s most memorable cities. I visited the glassmaking island of Murano and the colourful streets of Burano, then enjoyed a gondola ride through the canals and past the city’s beautiful bridges. As large cruise ships no longer depart from central Venice, we transferred to Trieste the following morning, a journey of around one hour.
Queen Victoria feels special from the moment you step aboard. She has the classic elegance Cunard is known for, with grand staircases, polished interiors and a calm atmosphere that makes you feel as though you are travelling in style. Although the ship is luxurious, it never feels intimidating or overly formal. Instead, it is warm, welcoming and easy to settle into.
My stateroom was comfortable and well designed, with generous storage, a comfortable bed and an impressive number of pillows. The balcony was a lovely place to sit and watch the sea roll by. The room was serviced twice daily and two Cunard chocolates were left on the pillows each evening, which was a thoughtful touch. The bathroom was functional, although the shower curtain felt dated and could benefit from an upgrade.
One of the things I enjoyed most was the variety and character of the public spaces. Whether I was having a quiet drink in one of the lounges, reading in the library or admiring the artwork around the ship, each area had its own personality.
The Queens Room was a particular highlight, especially during afternoon tea on sea days. The traditional white-glove service created a real sense of occasion. I also tried the paid Champagne Afternoon Tea, which added bubbles and a more formal high tea experience.
There was plenty to do without ever feeling rushed. Daytime options included guest lectures, quizzes, dance classes, cooking demonstrations and time by the pool or in the spa. In the evenings, the Royal Court Theatre presented polished productions, while live music filled the lounges. Cunard focuses more on enrichment and relaxation than thrill attractions, which made the voyage feel like a genuine holiday.
I also had the opportunity to explore the Princess Grill and Queens Grill suites. These premium categories offer larger accommodation, private restaurants and exclusive areas, while still giving guests access to the facilities of a larger ship. They are ideal for travellers seeking a more elevated experience.
The cruise fare included accommodation, meals in the main dining venues, traditional afternoon tea, theatre entertainment and a broad range of activities. Drinks, Wi-Fi, shore excursions and specialty dining were additional, although there was already plenty included to enjoy.
Dining was one of the highlights. Meals in the Britannia Restaurant were beautifully presented, with excellent service and plenty of choice. Staff quickly learned guests’ preferences, making each meal feel personal. The Lido buffet also impressed me, offering a good variety of fresh food without the hectic atmosphere sometimes found on larger ships.
Alternative dining was available in a section of the Lido each evening, with rotating concepts including Coriander for Thai-inspired cuisine, La Piazza for Italian and Bamboo for Japanese. I dined at Bamboo, where the wagyu was outstanding and clearly a favourite with our group.
The Verandah steakhouse was another memorable experience. The menu featured 180-day aged steaks, tender ribs that fell from the bone and indulgent desserts. At USD 50 per person, I felt it offered good value for the quality.
Cunard has a reputation for formal dress, but the onboard atmosphere was more relaxed than I expected. A button-up shirt and slacks were acceptable for dinner, although guests could certainly dress more formally. We enjoyed two gala evenings, one with a red and gold theme and another inspired by the roaring twenties. After dinner, entertainment included karaoke, silent discos and dancing at the Yacht Club, where I found myself most nights.
The crew were exceptional throughout the voyage. Cunard’s White Star Service was evident in the way staff remembered guests’ names, anticipated preferences and consistently made everyone feel welcome.
Queen Victoria is not designed for travellers looking for waterslides, constant activity or a large number of children’s attractions. She is best suited to those who appreciate a beautiful classic ship, excellent food, thoughtful entertainment and polished service. For that style of traveller, I would happily recommend Queen Victoria.
