Had my first ever cruise aboard Queen Victoria in August and loved every second. Ate at Verandah one night and was astounded that is was as good as the best steak houses I've ever eaten in on land! Enjoyed the entertainment better than the reviewer but I'm probably much older at 63. Can't wait to go back again soon.
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Absolutely Fantastic Video!! Incredibly Gorgeous Photography and Color !!! The Queen Victoria is wonderful. So beautiful and classy. Love the elegant wood paneling and Art Deco styling !!! The Cunard Line is the Ultimate cruise line. And all four of their ships are the tops!! Thank You Guys for all your wonderful videos and all the hard work !! MikeW
Thanks for watching Michael! Queen Victoria is one of our favourite ships. Yes, we've been on ship's which have excelled further with dining and service etc, but as a ship she is stunning - and Cunard are certainly looking after her. Been on QV 3 times already, but the next time we would like to be on her for a lot longer than a week. Maybe a leg of her world cruise would be nice :)
Thank you for this excellent review, we’ve done 20+ cruises - mainly Celebrity & RCI. Kids are now no longer ‘kids’ so we have definitely been persuaded to give Cunard a go ( despite the awful shower curtains!)
Two points I have to raise: shower curtains. To my amazement I have paid a lot for hotel rooms that still have shower curtains. so I agree, not desireable, but disagree as to their rarity. Second "class" system. I would suggest that outside the cheapest cruises nearly ALL cruise lines have a "class" system. They may not be labelled 1,2 3 etc, but "The Haven" on Norweigan , and "Yacht Club" on MSC to name two are definitely "classes". In fact I would go as far as saying that Cunard is less class based than others. Apart from Princess/Queens Grills and a small lounge and a small deck area the rest of the ship is open to all.
Excellent presentation on the ship, looks like a ship that we would probably go on, The drinks packages look rather expensive but apart from that looks very nice
We have sailed on Victoria twice, and will again in two weeks time. Wonderful ship, with plenty of space to relax and unwind. We love the sea days, and can just relax and enjoy the ocean views.
This review is absolutely spot on have been sailing with Cunard for 15 years. Just completed Southampton to Dubai on QM and agree with everything you say. Result is a cruise booked with Saga and Celebrity- Cunard need to up their game in many areas - perhaps we need to try Holland America
Hey thanks for watching and commenting! We couldn’t recommend Holland America more highly, they are by far our favourite cruise line to date, offering such good value for money and benefits! ☺️
I was on the maiden "round the world" voyage of Queen Victoria in early 2008. Captain Christopher Rynd (a Kiwi) was officer-in-command. I enjoyed his hospitality at the Captain's Reception. He subsequently went on to the captaincy of QM2. Voyage was fine but could have done with longer stopovers in some ports (one always finds some small thing to complain about). After that voyage, I went on the Amsterdam to Budapest via Rhine-Main-Danube long-boat trip and absolutely loved it (Scenic Tours).
Great review . My only quibble is your adulation of HAL . Holland is good but not very different then Princess or the other slightly elevated mass market cruise lines .Very much looking forward to our first Cunard cruise this summer in Alaska aboard the QE .
Good review and agree on all points. Seeing this review after recently completing the Southampton to Singapore leg of the QM2 2023 World Voyage shows how much QM2 is falling behind, especially on interior/exterior fit and finish. Victoria looks sharp!
Seeing how much other cruise lines offer it’s a shame they can’t change their packages, however still a great cruise ship, will defiantly try Anne when she’s here. Good video guys thanks!
What a lovely review of a fine cruise line! We chuckled at the WIFI on the moon, Cunard is known for poor WIFI so were not shocked. Fantastic quality and extremely well put together as always Dan and Jay .
I think you have given a very fair review. I have a few comments. Firstly I wouldn't call it a class ship because that sends a message of people different to other passengers. That is not the case the different options available for accommodation and dining are purely down to price. . We are Diamond passengers having sailed on Cunard for many years and travel in Grills. Everything about Grills is first class. Your comments about the price of drinks is spot on. The prices are outrageous.
Hello Barry, thanks for watching! In our opinion it is a class system. If there are passengers that can access terraces, restaurants and lounges which others can, then it’s a class system. We don’t say this in a negative way though - if people like yourselves are spending 4 or 5 times the price of what others are, you should get these privileges. We’re trying Queen’s Grill for the first time in November on QM2, we’re very excited! All the best to you Barry!
@@sailawaymag Hi Dan and Jay. Perhaps here in the UK class has a slightly different meaning to that elsewhere.. I will be interested to see your review of the Queens Grill. We have travelled twice in the Queens Grill but we mainly travel Princess Grill. There is not a huge amount of difference for the price in my view. Best wishes
I just have to say the food has improved so much more this year as to last year, we were on the Queen Elizabeth last summer for a week the food was ok but not great. Did a similar cruise this year on the Elizabeth and the food was brilliant. I like Cunard ships because you know you’re on a ship, not a mall or teenager paradise. I think the Covid situation had a huge affect not just on Cunard but all cruise ships, hopefully they all get back to how they were.
Thanks for the great video. The Easy Drink Package at MSC is 17 Euro per person per day if you book it now in advance for the 2024 season. Everything included up to 9 Euro per drink. No comparison. I think it's better to pay the drinks directly at Cunard. How should I drink for 70 Euro a day? 🤷♂️
Hey Gents. Excellent review, nothing was not covered! I love the look of two up charge restaurants verandah looks amazing. I love the fact the pub does food!! Wish others would do that! 💯 agree there should always be a place for Cunard ships, a place for relaxation and more traditional cruising. We shall see if small bs agree in September! Although as I say I am big fan of traditional cruising I will give the engineering talk a miss 😁
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I`ve got a cruise booked on QV, so thankyou lads, your video was great to watch. My research indicates that there are NO on-board lounges where you can sit quietly, protected from wind or rain, watching the day go by, or reading a book. Everywhere there are waiters wanting you to buy a drink ! Am I wrong ??
Hello, thanks for your comment! If I was to relax and chill with a book on any of the ship's we have been on it would be Queen Victoria. The Admirals Lounge is a quiet, secluded lounge that's perfect for reading a book - as is the Yacht Club until mid afternoon when bar service starts. Otherwise, you have the library which features very comfortable chairs looking out onto the promenade deck. You'll have no trouble relaxing on this ship, hope you have a great time :)
@@sailawaymag Thanks for your advice. 2024 journey is 109 days long and I`ve pledged to ignore Ballroom Dancing lessons, as well as Line Dancing !!!!! Sussex Peter
Britannia Club restaurant food is not exactly the same as Britannia restaurant. Yes - the club restaurant offers the regular Britannia restaurant menu but it also offers an A La Carte menu, giving a much wider choice of food than Britannia. You also keep your table for the duration of the cruise regardless what time you choose to eat each day.
We were onboard the QM2 in October and we got the drinks package. We thought it was well worth the money when you compare it to the price of the drinks. But it all depends on how much you drink.
Am sailing on QV In late June, after hearing you speak of verandah so highly, I’m interested to give it a try (if only to escape the MDR) my experience if QV in January has left me dreading getting back on that ship. It’s certainly a very nice ship, but the service is in. I way comparable to MSC whose staff are friendly, personable and professional. That’s not to say the crew aboard QV are none of those things they are just so read too thin and totally over worked. You’re correct about the dining* experience. Food quality is very good but choice limited and the service is painful.
This ship looks like a bit of me, not very impressed with the drinks packages or Wi-Fi but I’m sure we could overlook that due to everything else looking good keep up the good work guys
Each to their own. They're ridden with germs, and aren't as easy to clean as glass. We have seen plenty of stained shower curtains in our time, but never a stained glass door.
I just came back from this 14 days cruise from London to Northern Europe. I read some comments below, getting confused and dis-agreed. This ship is outdated, the crew are not as friendly as other cruises (I have been on cruise 5+ times in the U.S.). First of all, 90+% of passengers average age is 70+ (don't get me wrong, I love hang out with elderly with respect) which I did not know, and most of activities are designed for this age group, the whole ship was SO Quiet in all activities (actually not much activities), I heard couple British ladies said "here is so boring" in the elevator on the 3rd day. (I thought only we felt that way). I think 90+% are British, I am not sure this is how they like it? The 4th day, ocean was pretty rocking, the whole ship Lost Electricity and the ship stopped in the middle of Ocean, I was told some people stuck in the elevators (Lift), I witnessed the reception area had water "Dripping" from the ceiling light fixture which could cause fire from deck one and extend upward. Furthermore, we paid $45 PP for steakhouse, we were so surprised the seafood tower was So Bad - Rancid, can tell from its color, too (the manager asked me do we want to fry it? What!! LOL), the steak was not even close to ordinary steakhouse. I also paid two more specialty restaurants and later found out those two specialty restaurants are hosted in Buffet area, I ended up canceled them. The atmosphere of this cruise is completely different from any American cruise I experienced. It had no music or excitement at all on the ship. I watched many youtube videos before onboard, I did not see any info from any RUclipsrs about my experience. At the end, we decided to Disembark the ship much earlier than its 14 days trip. I personally don't like to spend time to write something negative, but the experience is too far apart from our expectation and other cruise ships !! So I want to address it !!
I just love this video. The quality of your filming is wonderful as is the narration. The aerial scenes are flowing smoothly, a delight to watch. As you are, I am also fond of Holland America Line. However I must specify that their evening entertainment is not satisfying to me. I like classical music, vocalists. Holland America Line has none of that. Lincoln Centre Stage is history. And when they had it, it was solely in late afternoon. For the rest, It is just far too loud everywhere with speakers the size of the Eiffel tower. Everything is blasting, cacophony. B.B. King Blues venue clashing with the Rolling Stones one, and so on. ... However I love their ships, service, culinary offerings. Everything is pristine. And just as Cunard Line I cherish their heritage. ... Thank you, I truly enjoyed watching this video.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We absolutely love Holland America and Cunard! Some areas aren’t for every as it’s always down to personal taste, but your right, they offer great service and food! Have you got any more cruises planned?! ☺️
Thank you for the review. We haven’t sailed on QV before but are booked for part of the World cruise 2024. We have sailed quite a few times on both QE and QM2. We have done 2 on QE in the last 5 months. I totally agree with you on the standard of High tea is not the same as pre Covid, on QE anyway. We have never had a problem with the waitstaff in Britannia Restaurant until our first QE trip post Covid. It was 35 nights and halfway through the waitstaff from Deck 3 swapped over with the waitstaff on Deck 2. We were allocated late dining on Deck 3 and our first lot of waitstaff were excellent. Sometimes it was slow but that was because we were on a table of 8 and they waited for all guests to finish the meal before they removed the plates (which I prefer) but the next course was delivered promptly. The trouble on our table was one particular person who was very nice but he was a very slow eater and engaged in a lot of conversation which slowed down his eating. Sometimes at the end of the meal we had to dash to get to the Royal Court Theatre on time for the 10 pm show. When the changeover happened the waitstaff were totally different. They took orders when you arrived and served your meal and removed plates even when others were still eating. At this stage we were a table of 6. There was a night that we weren’t there for dinner and when one of the couples went to their table at the given time the other couple had already finished their first course. I thought that was strange. The 2nd couple plus the waitstaff knew we wouldn’t be there that night so no need to wait for us. Also, on that same cruise with the 2nd lot of waitstaff my drink was Lemon, lime and bitters with no ice made with 7up. The remaining can of 7up would come to the table. One evening I had my drink there in a tall glass and I also had a glass of water. Next thing before I could say anything the waiter had topped up my glass of water with my remaining 7up. I was shocked. The next cruise on QE was an 8 day one. Once again I ordered Lemon, lime and bitters with no ice and made with 7Up. 7 of those 8 nights I had ice in my drink. I didn’t order a drink one night which is why it was only 7 out of 8. This is after letting the drinks waiter know that I had requested no ice and also repeating it to him when giving the order. First time EVER having that sort of service in the restaurant and we are now Diamond. I thoroughly agree with you about the Verandah Steakhouse restaurant. I went one evening on the first of our recent cruises and went for lunch on the 2nd cruise. It was $49 in the evening and $25 for lunch. I couldn’t finish my meal both times. The steak I had in the evening was so thick and delicious and I had to leave half of it. The 2nd meal I wasn’t going to have dessert because once again I had been well fed. However, the lure of the Sundae got me and boy oh boy! That Sundae was worth the $25 on its own. It was soooo nice. I’m hoping when we get back onboard in Feb next year that a lot of the post Covid things have gone back to pre Covid quality. I’m really looking forward to being on QV. We had a previous booking on her but it was cancelled as part of the shutdown. Those hiccups on QE haven’t put me off cruising with Cunard because I know that overall we have always had excellent service.
Hello, thanks for sharing you experience. It seems as though Cunard are slowly getting back to what they were if we compared our trip on QV to our sailings aboard QE and QM2. Each sailing has been an improvement on the previous, so fingers crossed. Sounds like an incredible itinerary, which leg of the world cruise are you doing?
I find it rude to see people leaving during the performance. I know some performances are really bad but we do also have to respect the performers by not leaving in the middle of the show.
Queen Victoria has very nice Aesthetic and it ends there. Food was of a dismay and salty. We took QV from Barcelona to Trieste a 14 days cruise last month. We found the food very mediocre and Lido window was such a disgrace. They did not bother cleaning the windows the whole time we were there. The ice maker has been broken the whole time and people were using an ice scoop to get ice from a plastic bucket(very unsanitary). Plastic shower curtain that keeps sticking to your skin while showering(GROSS). Soft ice cream machine broken most of the time. Juices in one of the station seems to be watered down. We were planning of doing the transatlantic voyage but we change our mind. Food is for British palate and not for American Palate but of course it is a British Cruise Line after all. Cruise is for people who loves Ballroom dancing and who loves to dress up for there Gala nights. Service was good but can be better improve especially in the burger stand near the pool and the Pizza station. Could not understand why only one person is assigned in the egg omelet station during breakfast. You have to wait for 10 minutes in line to get your Omelette. We saw a woman standing for 45 minutes to get her Hamburger in the Hamburger stand because of long line. No interest of taking another Cunard in the future even if it is cheaper compared to some other cruise line.
The queen Victoria was my final cruise I boarded before the pandemic. I was 15 years old and the queen Victoria is ranked first out of the 14 cruises I’ve been on from personal experience. Also, I sailed during start of September so I was one of about 5 under 18s, very unique😂😂
@@sailawaymag I absolutely would be open to sail with Cunard again, last week a 7 night Queen Mary 2 sailing did catch my eye for 2025, so there’s always a possibility :)) and I have 3 cruises booked, Iona in June which was my replacement cruise booked with the 50% off compensation with ambassador last year, I also rebooked with ambassador for Christmas 2023 (second time lucky), then I have Caribbean princess for June 30th 2024 to visit the baltics. Probably most looking forward to the Caribbean Princess as she’s a sister ship to the grand Princess which was my first ever ship when I was 6 :DD
like a moving 4 or 5 star hotel ---------- but at a fraction of the price ///// less party party more to relax chill read drink eat -- doesnt suit everyone my grandad went many times said it was like going back in time to an oasis of calm, service and ballroom dancing --- which he had won competitions when young .... ...... then back to work in london .......
Had my first ever cruise aboard Queen Victoria in August and loved every second. Ate at Verandah one night and was astounded that is was as good as the best steak houses I've ever eaten in on land! Enjoyed the entertainment better than the reviewer but I'm probably much older at 63. Can't wait to go back again soon.
This was the most honest and real review I have seen. thank you for that! It’s so helpful!
Thank you so much!! ☺️
@@sailawaymag Totally agree! I was on the Queen Victoria in August - 1st cruise ever and loved it so much am afraid to try anything else.
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You really, really need to try the Grill’s. Been on two (QM2 & Elizabeth) as a Queens Grill guest and it is nothing less than magnificent!
Absolutely Fantastic Video!! Incredibly Gorgeous Photography and Color !!! The Queen Victoria is wonderful. So beautiful and classy. Love the elegant wood paneling and Art Deco styling !!! The Cunard Line is the Ultimate cruise line. And all four of their ships are the tops!! Thank You Guys for all your wonderful videos and all the hard work !!
MikeW
Thanks for watching Michael! Queen Victoria is one of our favourite ships. Yes, we've been on ship's which have excelled further with dining and service etc, but as a ship she is stunning - and Cunard are certainly looking after her. Been on QV 3 times already, but the next time we would like to be on her for a lot longer than a week. Maybe a leg of her world cruise would be nice :)
Did… you call cunard a cruise line!
Cunard white star is an ocean liner corporation
Queen Victoria is an amazing ship, just beautiful service was fabulous x
She's one of our favourites too!
Love Queen Victoria. Been on her twice. Beautiful ship ❤
Thanks for your comment Beverley! Glad you share our views about QV!
Thank you for this excellent review, we’ve done 20+ cruises - mainly Celebrity & RCI. Kids are now no longer ‘kids’ so we have definitely been persuaded to give Cunard a go ( despite the awful shower curtains!)
Two points I have to raise: shower curtains. To my amazement I have paid a lot for hotel rooms that still have shower curtains. so I agree, not desireable, but disagree as to their rarity. Second "class" system. I would suggest that outside the cheapest cruises nearly ALL cruise lines have a "class" system. They may not be labelled 1,2 3 etc, but "The Haven" on Norweigan , and "Yacht Club" on MSC to name two are definitely "classes". In fact I would go as far as saying that Cunard is less class based than others. Apart from Princess/Queens Grills and a small lounge and a small deck area the rest of the ship is open to all.
Thanks for watching!
Some staff dreat apart from looking down they're noses at you,
This ship very much a luxurious oasis for the more sedate audience and I love it for that.
Thanks for your comment, we share your view!
Have you sailed aboard Queen Victoria? Let us know your experience by dropping us a comment below!
Excellent presentation on the ship, looks like a ship that we would probably go on, The drinks packages look rather expensive but apart from that looks very nice
Thanks for watching Julie, and for your kind comment! Yes, she is a great ship - but don't bother with the package; it's way overpriced!
We have sailed on Victoria twice, and will again in two weeks time. Wonderful ship, with plenty of space to relax and unwind. We love the sea days, and can just relax and enjoy the ocean views.
Great video! I’m not yet cruised on her but I will soon - in July to Norwegian Fjords. Can’t wait!
Thank you so much! That’s going to be so exciting, let us know how you get on and your thoughts we’d love to know! 🤩
Cunard is a classic!
Going on QV in October the shower curtains are the last thing on my mind thinking about the beautiful ship and food 😍
The Cunard Packages for Soft drinks is $30pp per day, and $70pp per day for the alcohol package. Sorry for using a £ sign in the video ☺️
This review is absolutely spot on have been sailing with Cunard for 15 years. Just completed Southampton to Dubai on QM and agree with everything you say. Result is a cruise booked with Saga and Celebrity- Cunard need to up their game in many areas - perhaps we need to try Holland America
Hey thanks for watching and commenting! We couldn’t recommend Holland America more highly, they are by far our favourite cruise line to date, offering such good value for money and benefits! ☺️
Excellent video ! Think we’ll put it on the list of “ships to try”😁
Thanks Martin! You defiantly should she’s an absolute beauty of a ship! 🤩
Another great video guys!
Thanks for watching!
I was on the maiden "round the world" voyage of Queen Victoria in early 2008. Captain Christopher Rynd (a Kiwi) was officer-in-command. I enjoyed his hospitality at the Captain's Reception. He subsequently went on to the captaincy of QM2. Voyage was fine but could have done with longer stopovers in some ports (one always finds some small thing to complain about). After that voyage, I went on the Amsterdam to Budapest via Rhine-Main-Danube long-boat trip and absolutely loved it (Scenic Tours).
Great review . My only quibble is your adulation of HAL . Holland is good but not very different then Princess or the other slightly elevated mass market cruise lines .Very much looking forward to our first Cunard cruise this summer in Alaska aboard the QE .
Thanks for watching and commenting! We’re sure you’ll have an amazing time onboard QE! ☺️
Good review and agree on all points. Seeing this review after recently completing the Southampton to Singapore leg of the QM2 2023 World Voyage shows how much QM2 is falling behind, especially on interior/exterior fit and finish. Victoria looks sharp!
Thanks for watching and commenting Sam, it’s a shame to hear and see QM2 falling behind, hope you have a fantastic time onboard though! 😃
Seeing how much other cruise lines offer it’s a shame they can’t change their packages, however still a great cruise ship, will defiantly try Anne when she’s here. Good video guys thanks!
Hello, thanks for your comment! If you like Cunard, we certainly recommend trying Holland America!
What a lovely review of a fine cruise line! We chuckled at the WIFI on the moon, Cunard is known for poor WIFI so were not shocked. Fantastic quality and extremely well put together as always Dan and Jay .
We’re glad you enjoyed the video! WiFi is known for being quite bad on Cunard!
I think you have given a very fair review. I have a few comments. Firstly I wouldn't call it a class ship because that sends a message of people different to other passengers. That is not the case the different options available for accommodation and dining are purely down to price. . We are Diamond passengers having sailed on Cunard for many years and travel in Grills. Everything about Grills is first class. Your comments about the price of drinks is spot on. The prices are outrageous.
Hello Barry, thanks for watching! In our opinion it is a class system. If there are passengers that can access terraces, restaurants and lounges which others can, then it’s a class system. We don’t say this in a negative way though - if people like yourselves are spending 4 or 5 times the price of what others are, you should get these privileges. We’re trying Queen’s Grill for the first time in November on QM2, we’re very excited! All the best to you Barry!
@@sailawaymag Hi Dan and Jay. Perhaps here in the UK class has a slightly different meaning to that elsewhere.. I will be interested to see your review of the Queens Grill. We have travelled twice in the Queens Grill but we mainly travel Princess Grill. There is not a huge amount of difference for the price in my view. Best wishes
I just have to say the food has improved so much more this year as to last year, we were on the Queen Elizabeth last summer for a week the food was ok but not great. Did a similar cruise this year on the Elizabeth and the food was brilliant. I like Cunard ships because you know you’re on a ship, not a mall or teenager paradise. I think the Covid situation had a huge affect not just on Cunard but all cruise ships, hopefully they all get back to how they were.
I’ve just booked for Queen Victoria next May 2024. Istanbul to Rome…..!
Sounds like a FAB itinerary - hope you have a great time!
Great video. Am thinking of cruising on this ship. Is there a TV in the cabin?
Thanks for the great video. The Easy Drink Package at MSC is 17 Euro per person per day if you book it now in advance for the 2024 season. Everything included up to 9 Euro per drink. No comparison. I think it's better to pay the drinks directly at Cunard. How should I drink for 70 Euro a day? 🤷♂️
Hey Gents. Excellent review, nothing was not covered! I love the look of two up charge restaurants verandah looks amazing. I love the fact the pub does food!! Wish others would do that!
💯 agree there should always be a place for Cunard ships, a place for relaxation and more traditional cruising. We shall see if small bs agree in September!
Although as I say I am big fan of traditional cruising I will give the engineering talk a miss 😁
Thanks for watching as always B's! Look forward to seeing what you guys think of Cunard :)
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I`ve got a cruise booked on QV, so thankyou lads, your video was great to watch. My research indicates that there are NO on-board lounges where you can sit quietly, protected from wind or rain, watching the day go by, or reading a book. Everywhere there are waiters wanting you to buy a drink ! Am I wrong ??
Hello, thanks for your comment! If I was to relax and chill with a book on any of the ship's we have been on it would be Queen Victoria. The Admirals Lounge is a quiet, secluded lounge that's perfect for reading a book - as is the Yacht Club until mid afternoon when bar service starts. Otherwise, you have the library which features very comfortable chairs looking out onto the promenade deck. You'll have no trouble relaxing on this ship, hope you have a great time :)
@@sailawaymag Thanks for your advice. 2024 journey is 109 days long and I`ve pledged to ignore Ballroom Dancing lessons, as well as Line Dancing !!!!! Sussex Peter
Britannia Club restaurant food is not exactly the same as Britannia restaurant. Yes - the club restaurant offers the regular Britannia restaurant menu but it also offers an A La Carte menu, giving a much wider choice of food than Britannia. You also keep your table for the duration of the cruise regardless what time you choose to eat each day.
Queen Victoria Cunard. If I didn't pay for the wi-fi package, what percentage of the time do you have cel reception ? Greece, Italy and Egypt
We were onboard the QM2 in October and we got the drinks package. We thought it was well worth the money when you compare it to the price of the drinks. But it all depends on how much you drink.
Hey John, your right it depends on what someone thinks is good value for money, and if you drink lots you’ll defiantly get your moneys worth! 😄
Am sailing on QV In late June, after hearing you speak of verandah so highly, I’m interested to give it a try (if only to escape the MDR) my experience if QV in January has left me dreading getting back on that ship. It’s certainly a very nice ship, but the service is in. I way comparable to MSC whose staff are friendly, personable and professional. That’s not to say the crew aboard QV are none of those things they are just so read too thin and totally over worked.
You’re correct about the dining* experience. Food quality is very good but choice limited and the service is painful.
Thank you for the video!
Thanks for watching and commenting Daniel! 😊
This ship looks like a bit of me, not very impressed with the drinks packages or Wi-Fi but I’m sure we could overlook that due to everything else looking good keep up the good work guys
Thanks for watching Cliff!
Sailing on her next year.
Thanks for watching! Hope you enjoy her as much as we did, we're sailing on her again in November this year :)
maybe shower curtains are used more than glass doors because the sea gets rough and less risk of severe injury if someone falls in the shower........
Cunard are still a class act as it were. If they weren’t nobody would use them.
I don't get the big problem with shower curtains. They don't bother me at all. I'm just very happy to be on board.
Each to their own. They're ridden with germs, and aren't as easy to clean as glass. We have seen plenty of stained shower curtains in our time, but never a stained glass door.
I just came back from this 14 days cruise from London to Northern Europe. I read some comments below, getting confused and dis-agreed. This ship is outdated, the crew are not as friendly as other cruises (I have been on cruise 5+ times in the U.S.). First of all, 90+% of passengers average age is 70+ (don't get me wrong, I love hang out with elderly with respect) which I did not know, and most of activities are designed for this age group, the whole ship was SO Quiet in all activities (actually not much activities), I heard couple British ladies said "here is so boring" in the elevator on the 3rd day. (I thought only we felt that way). I think 90+% are British, I am not sure this is how they like it? The 4th day, ocean was pretty rocking, the whole ship Lost Electricity and the ship stopped in the middle of Ocean, I was told some people stuck in the elevators (Lift), I witnessed the reception area had water "Dripping" from the ceiling light fixture which could cause fire from deck one and extend upward.
Furthermore, we paid $45 PP for steakhouse, we were so surprised the seafood tower was So Bad - Rancid, can tell from its color, too (the manager asked me do we want to fry it? What!! LOL), the steak was not even close to ordinary steakhouse. I also paid two more specialty restaurants and later found out those two specialty restaurants are hosted in Buffet area, I ended up canceled them.
The atmosphere of this cruise is completely different from any American cruise I experienced. It had no music or excitement at all on the ship. I watched many youtube videos before onboard, I did not see any info from any RUclipsrs about my experience. At the end, we decided to Disembark the ship much earlier than its 14 days trip. I personally don't like to spend time to write something negative, but the experience is too far apart from our expectation and other cruise ships !! So I want to address it !!
Think you’re wrong about the drinks package? I’ve just booked for next year and she told it was $77/day - I thought that was pp?
Hey Cath! That price would be per person. These prices do vary by cruise, but on our cruise it was charged at the prices shown.
I just love this video. The quality of your filming is wonderful as is the narration. The aerial scenes are flowing smoothly, a delight to watch. As you are, I am also fond of Holland America Line. However I must specify that their evening entertainment is not satisfying to me. I like classical music, vocalists. Holland America Line has none of that. Lincoln Centre Stage is history. And when they had it, it was solely in late afternoon. For the rest, It is just far too loud everywhere with speakers the size of the Eiffel tower. Everything is blasting, cacophony. B.B. King Blues venue clashing with the Rolling Stones one, and so on. ... However I love their ships, service, culinary offerings. Everything is pristine. And just as Cunard Line I cherish their heritage. ... Thank you, I truly enjoyed watching this video.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We absolutely love Holland America and Cunard! Some areas aren’t for every as it’s always down to personal taste, but your right, they offer great service and food!
Have you got any more cruises planned?! ☺️
@@sailawaymag Always! Solely with Cunard and Holland America Line. Cheers!
Have the best time ever!! ☺️
@@sailawaymag Thank you kindly 😊
I am doing a Transatlantic Crossing on QM2 in 2025.
Hope you have a fantastic time :)
Thank you for the review. We haven’t sailed on QV before but are booked for part of the World cruise 2024. We have sailed quite a few times on both QE and QM2.
We have done 2 on QE in the last 5 months.
I totally agree with you on the standard of High tea is not the same as pre Covid, on QE anyway.
We have never had a problem with the waitstaff in Britannia Restaurant until our first QE trip post Covid. It was 35 nights and halfway through the waitstaff from Deck 3 swapped over with the waitstaff on Deck 2. We were allocated late dining on Deck 3 and our first lot of waitstaff were excellent. Sometimes it was slow but that was because we were on a table of 8 and they waited for all guests to finish the meal before they removed the plates (which I prefer) but the next course was delivered promptly. The trouble on our table was one particular person who was very nice but he was a very slow eater and engaged in a lot of conversation which slowed down his eating. Sometimes at the end of the meal we had to dash to get to the Royal Court Theatre on time for the 10 pm show. When the changeover happened the waitstaff were totally different. They took orders when you arrived and served your meal and removed plates even when others were still eating. At this stage we were a table of 6. There was a night that we weren’t there for dinner and when one of the couples went to their table at the given time the other couple had already finished their first course. I thought that was strange. The 2nd couple plus the waitstaff knew we wouldn’t be there that night so no need to wait for us.
Also, on that same cruise with the 2nd lot of waitstaff my drink was Lemon, lime and bitters with no ice made with 7up. The remaining can of 7up would come to the table. One evening I had my drink there in a tall glass and I also had a glass of water. Next thing before I could say anything the waiter had topped up my glass of water with my remaining 7up. I was shocked.
The next cruise on QE was an 8 day one. Once again I ordered Lemon, lime and bitters with no ice and made with 7Up. 7 of those 8 nights I had ice in my drink. I didn’t order a drink one night which is why it was only 7 out of 8. This is after letting the drinks waiter know that I had requested no ice and also repeating it to him when giving the order. First time EVER having that sort of service in the restaurant and we are now Diamond.
I thoroughly agree with you about the Verandah Steakhouse restaurant. I went one evening on the first of our recent cruises and went for lunch on the 2nd cruise. It was $49 in the evening and $25 for lunch. I couldn’t finish my meal both times. The steak I had in the evening was so thick and delicious and I had to leave half of it. The 2nd meal I wasn’t going to have dessert because once again I had been well fed. However, the lure of the Sundae got me and boy oh boy! That Sundae was worth the $25 on its own. It was soooo nice.
I’m hoping when we get back onboard in Feb next year that a lot of the post Covid things have gone back to pre Covid quality. I’m really looking forward to being on QV. We had a previous booking on her but it was cancelled as part of the shutdown.
Those hiccups on QE haven’t put me off cruising with Cunard because I know that overall we have always had excellent service.
Hello, thanks for sharing you experience. It seems as though Cunard are slowly getting back to what they were if we compared our trip on QV to our sailings aboard QE and QM2. Each sailing has been an improvement on the previous, so fingers crossed. Sounds like an incredible itinerary, which leg of the world cruise are you doing?
@@sailawaymag We are doing San Fransisco to Sydney 🇦🇺. I’d like to say that I’m already packed, but that is only half true 😀
I find it rude to see people leaving during the performance. I know some performances are really bad but we do also have to respect the performers by not leaving in the middle of the show.
We always sit at the back, so that if we do want to leave we don’t cause any disruptions :)
Queen Victoria has very nice Aesthetic and it ends there. Food was of a dismay and salty. We took QV from Barcelona to Trieste a 14 days cruise last month. We found the food very mediocre and Lido window was such a disgrace. They did not bother cleaning the windows the whole time we were there. The ice maker has been broken the whole time and people were using an ice scoop to get ice from a plastic bucket(very unsanitary). Plastic shower curtain that keeps sticking to your skin while showering(GROSS). Soft ice cream machine broken most of the time. Juices in one of the station seems to be watered down. We were planning of doing the transatlantic voyage but we change our mind. Food is for British palate and not for American Palate but of course it is a British Cruise Line after all. Cruise is for people who loves Ballroom dancing and who loves to dress up for there Gala nights. Service was good but can be better improve especially in the burger stand near the pool and the Pizza station. Could not understand why only one person is assigned in the egg omelet station during breakfast. You have to wait for 10 minutes in line to get your Omelette. We saw a woman standing for 45 minutes to get her Hamburger in the Hamburger stand because of long line. No interest of taking another Cunard in the future even if it is cheaper compared to some other cruise line.
The queen Victoria was my final cruise I boarded before the pandemic. I was 15 years old and the queen Victoria is ranked first out of the 14 cruises I’ve been on from personal experience. Also, I sailed during start of September so I was one of about 5 under 18s, very unique😂😂
Oh wow that‘s amazing! Would you sail with Cunard again, have you got any cruises coming up your looking forward to?! 🤩
@@sailawaymag I absolutely would be open to sail with Cunard again, last week a 7 night Queen Mary 2 sailing did catch my eye for 2025, so there’s always a possibility :)) and I have 3 cruises booked, Iona in June which was my replacement cruise booked with the 50% off compensation with ambassador last year, I also rebooked with ambassador for Christmas 2023 (second time lucky), then I have Caribbean princess for June 30th 2024 to visit the baltics. Probably most looking forward to the Caribbean Princess as she’s a sister ship to the grand Princess which was my first ever ship when I was 6 :DD
Oh wow lots to look forward to then! Let us know how you get on with them all, we’d love to know your thoughts when you get back! 😄
like a moving 4 or 5 star hotel ---------- but at a fraction of the price ///// less party party more to relax chill read drink eat -- doesnt suit everyone my grandad went many times said it was like going back in time to an oasis of calm, service and ballroom dancing --- which he had won competitions when young .... ...... then back to work in london .......
Good review but clearly bias towards Holland America
Where is the bias?
Showing clips and making comparisons with HA ships throughout. Why not other cruise lines as well?
Not 4 US . Just TUI 4 US
Harping on the old days.
Depend where your cabin is "price" tells you where you dine.
Snobbery.
In English?
Shower curtains smell - the polyester rots after a while and smells awful.