Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth – Elegant, Relaxed and Stylish
Having previously toured Cunard’s beautiful Queen Victoria, I was excited to have the opportunity to visit her sister ship, Queen Elizabeth, in Vancouver, British Columbia, where the ship departs for its Alaska itineraries. From the stunning Art Deco interiors, to the spacious staterooms and exceptional service, Queen Elizabeth offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking an elegant, relaxed and stylish cruise experience.
Public Spaces: The Queen Elizabeth‘s public spaces are some of the most beautiful and welcoming areas on the ship. From the double staircase in the multi-level Grand Lobby to the Royal Court Theatre, with its private box seating areas (where champagne and treats are served to those who book for a nominal extra charge), to the stunning Queens Room with glittering chandeliers and large dance floor, every corner of the ship is designed to delight the senses. The architecture and design are a tribute to the golden age of ocean liners, with a rich blend of Art Deco and modern elements. Guests can relax and unwind in the many lounges and bars, browse the shops, or enjoy a book in the two-story library that is very well-stocked with around 6,000 items! If you’re seeking more activity, take a dip in one of the pools on deck, join others for some fun on the Games Deck, or visit the well-equipped Fitness Centre for a workout with a view. Entertainment options include lectures, cooking demonstrations, live music and dancing in the Queens Room or Yacht Club, performances in the Royal Court Theatre, or trying your luck in the Casino.
Service: With 2,081 guests and 980 crewmembers, Queen Elizabeth prides itself on delivering Cunard’s White Star ServiceTM. These are the standards of service that go “above and beyond, exceeding the expectations” of their guests. Each stateroom category receives an embarkation welcome of sparkling wine or Champagne. The staff is friendly, professional, and attentive, ensuring that every guest’s needs are met promptly and efficiently with personalized attention. As our group walked throughout the ship, we were continuously met with warm smiles and “welcome on board” greetings.
Staterooms: We were able to view a variety of stateroom categories. The staterooms are spacious and well-appointed, offering the perfect balance of comfort and luxury. Every detail has been carefully considered to ensure that guests feel pampered and relaxed throughout their stay. From the comfortable bedding and plush furnishings to the state-of-the-art technology and amenities, the staterooms are an oasis of tranquility. Guests can choose from Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, Club Balcony and Grill Suites, each offering its unique features and amenities. All staterooms include a refrigerator, tea and coffee-making facilities, 24-hour room service, and nightly turndown service with chocolate. The suites are especially luxurious and offer exclusive access to the Princess Grill or Queens Grill Restaurant (depending on category reserved) and the Grills Lounge and outside Grills Terrace.
Dining: There are 10 restaurants and cafes on Queen Elizabeth. The Britannia Restaurant is a unique dining experience that combines the elegance of the Queen Elizabeth with culinary excellence. This upscale restaurant offers an extensive menu of contemporary dishes that are exquisitely prepared by world-renowned chefs. Guests can enjoy a tantalizing selection of appetizers, entrées, desserts, and wine, all served in a luxurious setting that is perfect for any occasion. Our group enjoyed lunch in this restaurant. The servers were knowledgeable and attentive and the meal was delicious.
In addition to the restaurants for each stateroom category, all guests have the option to select one of Cunard’s alternative dining experiences. Steakhouse at the Verandah has fine quality steak and seafood on the menu. Café Carinthia is open for pastries, snacks and coffee throughout the day. The Golden Lion is open for British gastropub fare at lunch and dinner time. And, the Lido Restaurant presents a variety of buffet-style menu selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner at the Lido is an additional alternative dining option with British and European favorites and the Lido Grill offers casual al fresco dining.
Dress Code: Our host for the tour, Business Development Manager Mark Costa, brought to our attention that many people have an outdated impression of the dress requirements on board a Cunard ship. A majority of the guests will choose to trade their casual outfits for something dressier at night, but this is not required. Those who prefer to stick with casual dress will find many areas on board where they are welcome. Many guests enjoy the chance to put on their fanciest dress or themed outfits for the Gala Evenings (these take place usually twice on a seven-night voyage), but again, this is an optional choice.
The Cunard Queen Elizabeth is a true masterpiece of engineering, design, and luxury. In service since 2010, this ship is in great condition. From the exquisite dining to the elegant staterooms, guests are treated to an exceptional experience that is second to none. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the Queen Elizabeth is an excellent choice. Book your cruise today and see for yourself why Cunard has been delighting guests for over 180 years.
