Our Independent Opinion

Queen Elizabeth 2

The basics
Queen Elizabeth II was built in 1969 and is the most famous ocean liner in the world. She has had an illustrious career, and even served in the Falklands conflict. She can carry 1728 guests with a crew of 1,015. Once the only regular way of reaching New York, she switched to cruising when transatlantic air travel became more affordable, and now operates year round from Southampton, visiting the Mediterranean and Canary Islands, as well as undertaking her world-famous 4-month long World Cruise starting in December. In November 2008 she will be retired as a cruise liner and will become a floating hotel in Dubai (like Queen Mary in Long Beach, California). Queen Elizabeth II is still the fastest liner in the world, and can go faster backwards than some of today’s cruise ships can go forwards.

We like
We love the classic look of this liner, and the traditional very British service. When you step onboard QEII, you really feel like you are boarding one of the great liners of yesteryear – her interiors are reminiscent of a bygone era, with wood panelling and crystal chandeliers.

What you should know
Some of the cabins on the lower deck can be a bit small, especially by today’s modern standards. There are three grades of accommodation, Mauretania, Princess and Queens Grill, and which restaurant you dine in depends on what grade of cabin you book.

May we suggest
Ensure you experience a traditional afternoon tea, and shop at Harrods too.

Recommended for
We would recommend Queen Elizabeth II for older couples and singles who appreciate traditional service and who enjoy a very British style of cruising in elegant surroundings. As mentioned, Queen Elizabeth II will be retried at the end of 2008, so do try to experience her before she moves to Palm Island in Dubai.

Queen Mary 2

The basics
Queen Mary 2 was launched in 2004 and is the largest liner in the world, at 148,528 grt. She can carry 3,090 guests and 1,254 crew. Once you board, you are greeted by white-gloved stewards who show you to your cabin – very traditional and in keeping with Cunard heritage. Cabin sizes are good and like her two sisters, Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria, there are three grades of accommodation you can select – Britannia, Princess and Queens Grill. The grade of cabin you book determines where you dine, with Britannia guests dining in the two-sitting Britannia restaurant. Food in the Britannia is excellent, and very charming waiters and waitresses serve it promptly and with smiles. The two-tiered dining room is very grand with a mural dominating one wall, however it does not seem so large once you are seated, thanks to clever design and tiered seating levels. Princess and Queens Grill guests dine in their respective restaurants too. Queens Grill dining is an event all to itself, with Waterford crystal, Wedgwood china and silver service.

We like
We would recommend you make a reservation at the Todd English restaurant on deck 8 – well worth the cover charge (book early as it is very popular). Also a must-see is the Planetarium, and the expansive Canyon Ranch Spa Club.  Also enjoy the Vueve Clicquot Champagne bar and people watching in the grand lobby.

What you should know
It takes a day or two to relax into the voyage – QM2 is a big ship and it takes a while to find your way around. By day three you are seduced by her charm, sophistication and excellent service – despite her size, she does have a sense of warmth and familiarity.

May we suggest
For a relaxing evening aperitif or post dinner drink, we suggest the Commodore Club bar up on deck nine – it’s a bit out of the way and not many guests go there, but it has a great atmosphere and a large model of the ship behind the bar.

Recommended for
We would recommend Queen Mary 2 for people and families looking for a traditional transatlantic crossing but on a ship with modern facilities and plenty of amenities. In the winter she cruises from New York to the Caribbean – we would recommend this for honeymooners, and younger (or young at heart) cruisers as well as sun-seeking families.

Queen Victoria

The basics
Queen Victoria was launched in December 2007 and can carry 2000 guests with 1003 crew. At 90,000 GRT, she is smaller than Queen Mary 2. Taking the best of Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria is well designed and laid out.

We like
The interior design and public room layout has been very well thought through. A particular favourite of ours is the Royal Arcade and the Queens Room – easily the grandest room at sea today – ensure you have afternoon tea here served by white-gloved stewards. The Royal Court Theatre is the only theatre at sea with Royal boxes and is beautifully designed.

What you should know
Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants are much better on Queen Victoria in terms of placement and design than on Queen Mary 2 – we like the private courtyard area too, as well as the private Grills Lounge and Upper Grills Terrace. Todd English is also in a better position on Queen Victoria – so do ensure you book in for a lunch or dinner.

May we suggest
A visit to the Cunarder Museum is very interesting, and a maritime first. Join in with the Cunard faithful and take a stroll around the Promenade deck, and do have a glass or two of champagne at the champagne bar on Deck 2 – a great place for people watching.

Recommended for
We would recommend Queen Victoria for people who want to try a Cunard cruise, but are perhaps intimidated by the size of Queen Mary 2. This ship is beautifully designed and decorated, and would suit families, honeymooners and people who want a sophisticated, traditional British style of ship, heralding back to the golden age of cruising.