This year Cunard is celebrating the 175th anniversary since its first ship, Britannia, set sail on July 4, 1840, from Liverpool to Canada and the USA. Samuel Cunard, accompanied by his daughter, 115 passengers and 89 crew members, embarked on a transatlantic voyage that his company would continue to the present day.
The Queen Victoria, launched in December 2007 and, officially named by Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cornwall, accommodates 2,014 passengers served by 900 diligent crew members.
Accommodations include the lavishly furnished Queens Grill Suites, measuring 506 to 2,249sq ft. Each suite features a sumptuous living area, a luxurious bedroom and a spacious balcony, which affords the ideal setting for evening cocktails and tasty canapés while you admire the ocean view.
Queens Grill guests receive priority embarkation, disembarkation and luggage delivery and are provided with a butler, concierge assistance and 24-hour room service. Dining options include in suite dining from the Queens Grill menu or a reserved table in the Queens Grill Restaurant.
The Princess Grill suites measure from 335 to 513sq ft and guests also receive priority luggage delivery, embarkation and disembarkation, and are provided with a concierge service and 24-hour room service. Dining options include in suite dining from the Princess Grill menu or a reserved table in the Princess Grill Restaurant.
All Grill guests are welcome to take advantage of exclusive access to the opulent Grills Lounge and the Grills Terrace; a private deck area furnished with ultra comfortable sun loungers.
Other dining venues include the Verandah, which serves a wide range of French dishes. For a more casual affair, the self service Lido displays a selection of elaborate buffets.
Cunard’s traditional afternoon tea is served daily in the Grills Lounge and in the Queens Room, a magnificent ballroom. Flurries of white-gloved waiters serve a choice of teas, selections of dainty sandwiches and delicious fresh scones with clotted cream and fruity jam, while the delightful strains of the orchestra entice couples onto the dance floor.
Guests are spoilt for choice when considering entertainment. The Royal Court Theatre presents an extensive repertoire of extravagant musical shows performed by the Royal Cunard Singers and Dancers, plus an assortment of guest entertainers and musicians. After the show, head for the Queens Room where the sophisticated gala balls are held.
For those giving in to the temptations of the sweet trolleys and keen to work off those calories, take a dip in one of two swimming pools, then plunge into one of the four whirlpools or join the joggers on the Promenade Deck. For a more sedate affair, consider a yoga or pilates class, or visit the Royal Spa and indulge in an aromatherapy massage.
And when the sun sets over the glittering waters of the ocean, you’ll reflect on another perfect day on board Cunard’s Queen Victoria. n
