Tamsin's Queen Victoria adventure

In November, Tamsin Gladwell, the Senior Customer Communications Executive here at Iglu Cruise, was fortunate enough to board Cunard's Queen Victoria for a 4-night trip. Sailing from Southampton, this trip was filled with fantastic food, comfortable accommodation and plenty of memories.

Keep reading to find out more about Tamsin's Queen Victoria adventure!

Day One

I arrived at the port in Southampton at midday, and met with my colleague Kira (who was cruising for the first time!). Embarkation was very smooth and very quick. One thing I noticed on this occasion was that there was a large number of staff to guide us through the check-in process. 

And before we knew it were onboard the beautiful Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria is a beautiful ship, and our first impression is one of pure decadence, with beautiful bouquets of fresh flowers, friendly smiling faces, and, of course, the iconic bellboys and girls in their bright red uniforms.

We made our way to the muster station to register that we were onboard, and then we went to find our cabin. Kira and I were sharing a Britannia balcony cabin on deck 4.

The cabin was light, airy, and felt spacious. And whilst we were only on the ship for a few days, there was plenty of storage space, making it ideal for longer voyages. The ensuite is small, but has everything that we needed, including the beautiful ‘Penhaligons’ toiletries. 

Cunard does offer three different types of plug sockets, including EU, US, and UK. However, there is only one of each in the cabin! Kira and I shared the one UK plug socket, which was a bit of a challenge at times. Queen Victoria has a capacity of 2,061 passengers and features a classic feel, complemented by a warm and homely atmosphere.

Our bags were delivered while we were checking out our cabin, so we freshened up and decided to explore the ship. We ventured to deck 9, known as ‘the Lido deck’, where you will find two pools and 5 whirlpools. You also have the Lido Buffet restaurant, which offers a fantastic variety of dishes, ranging from hot meals to snacks, including sushi.

The Mareel Spa is also located on deck 9 and features an Aqua Therapy Centre, complete with saunas, steam rooms, and a relaxation room, all of which are equipped with heated beds. Guests can purchase a day pass to access this area, and there are many treatments available (at an additional cost).

We then explored other areas on the ship, including one of my favourite places - The Winter Garden, situated on deck 9. This is a light and airy conservatory, overlooking the Pavilion Pool. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass roof, with a pretty tree in the centre, really give a Mediterranean feel. Comfy cane furniture makes this a fabulous place to sit with a coffee or a glass of something lovely. The menu offers drinks and snacks.

Other places we spotted whilst exploring this beautiful ship were the fantastic Grand Lobby. This area spans three decks (from deck one to deck three) and is in the centre of the ship. It has an impressive staircase with a large bronze mural of the ship.

Once we had finished wandering around the ship, we grabbed some lunch and one of the delicious cakes in the Lido buffet restaurant and then popped into the Golden Lion pub to meet up with the rest of our party.

Evenings on board the Queen Victoria can be relaxing, or they can be full of entertainment. The choice is yours.

On our first evening, we had a meal in the Britannia restaurant. This is the main dining room onboard Queen Victoria and is included in the cruise fare. The menu in the evening offers a 5-course meal and features a mix of British and international cuisine. The food was lovely, and the service was attentive.

Day Two

The following morning, we departed from Southampton and began our journey to Amsterdam. This meant a day at sea - the perfect chance to make the most of the ship.

We headed to the Lido restaurant for breakfast. The choice of food in the buffet is excellent. From continental options to a full cooked English breakfast and everything in between. And tea and coffee on tap as well. The seating is comfortable, and there are plenty of tables for everyone. We didn't have to queue at all when in the buffet restaurant. And the views are just stunning.

After breakfast, Kira and I joined our group for some training. And then our Cunard hosts set us a task! We were asked to do a ‘Scavenger Hunt’ around the ship! So with a list of clues in our hand, we had to search around the ship looking for certain items and places. This was a really great way to get to know the ship even better.

One of our favourite spots that we discovered was the amazing library. It covers two levels, with a beautiful spiral staircase in the centre. There are floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and comfy chairs next to windows that overlook the sea. The perfect place to sit with a coffee and your favourite novel.

We then headed to Deck 11, which offered a sports area with games such as quoits and shuffleboard.

Further back down in the ship, we found ourselves on deck 2 and in the Grand Arcade, where you will find a fantastic staircase featuring a beautiful Victorian-style pillar clock. Here you will also find the ship's casino and the Golden Lion pub. The Golden Lion pub is a great place to grab a drink, and at lunchtime, they also offer classic British meals such as pie and mash, fish and chips, and even a ploughman's. These meals are also included in your cruise fare.

In the afternoon, we had the chance to spend time at our leisure. Kira decided she would like to have some quiet time with a coffee and her book, so she headed off to the library. I decided to go to a talk by one of the three guest speakers on board. The talk I attended was given by a fantastic man named Malcolm Nelson, who had spent his life as a Customs Officer at London Heathrow Airport. His talk recounted tales of the people he met throughout his career and what to look for when keeping an eye on potential drug smugglers.

Other guest speakers included Olympic ice skating champion Robin Cousins.

In the evening, we enjoyed a pre-dinner drink at one of my favourite bars on the ship, ‘Gin and Fizz,’ before heading to the Britannia restaurant,  where we enjoyed another wonderful meal.

Day Three

We woke up in Amsterdam!

One of my favourite things about cruising is waking up in a new place! We were so fortunate with the weather, given the time of year. We woke up to a dry, crisp Autumn day in Amsterdam.  We decided to have breakfast in our cabin to give us a more relaxed start to the day. And it was really good and very prompt!

We met the rest of our group and headed off for an exclusive tour around the Queens Grill bar and restaurant. This was a real treat and one of the highlights of the trip for me. This area is exclusive to Cunard's Queens Grill or Princess Grill Suite guests, located via a private staircase on deck 10.

The Grill Lounge is a beautiful bar area with an airy feel, comfy velvet chairs. It's peaceful and homely. And a lovely place to sit and enjoy the complimentary tea and coffee. Other drinks will have an additional charge.

There are two restaurants adjacent to the Grill Lounge. You have the Princess Grill restaurant, exclusively for guests staying in a Princess Grill Suite, and the Queens Grill restaurant for guests staying in a Queens Grill Suite. Both restaurants are beautifully decorated and offer guests a truly unique dining experience. Guests will have a table exclusively reserved for them whenever they wish to dine. Both restaurants offer an à la carte menu.

Once we had seen the lounge and restaurants, we were given the chance to explore the exclusive outside area as well. A private deck area with sun beds and a quiet courtyard area awaits, where guests can enjoy a drink in the sunshine.

Once we had finished exploring the exclusive Grill Suite area, it was time to disembark and enjoy our time in Amsterdam.

Disembarkation was very straightforward, and the ship is docked in the centre of the city, so everything is within walking distance or a very short taxi ride away. Our Cunard hosts had arranged for us to experience one of the shore excursions that they offer to their guests - a Canal boat ride through the city.

We walked a short 10-minute (flat) walk from the dock to meet our Canal boat. We boarded the boat and met our skipper and guide. The city can get very busy, particularly on days when there is a ship in port. And with an estimated 800,000 cyclists, you do need to keep your eyes peeled when walking around.

The canal trip was a wonderfully relaxed way to see the city, hear about its history and see some of its famous sights, such as Anne Frank's House and the NEMO Science Museum (one of the many museums in the city!). I would recommend doing a canal boat trip when visiting Amsterdam, as it really is a very relaxing way to see the beautiful city.

The Canal Boat trip took around an hour. Afterwards, we were able to go around the city at our leisure.  Kira and I decided to explore and find somewhere to grab a drink before heading back to the ship for the evening. Amsterdam has so much to offer, from amazing shopping, fantastic museums and wonderful places to eat and drink.

Day Four

On our last day, we got up early to see the ship leaving Amsterdam. It's worth going up on deck and watching the ships navigate their way through the Ljmuiden locks - these locks manage the water level between the North Sea and the North Sea canals. And they are amongst the largest locks in the world. Queen Victoria only just fitted through the lock!

Once we waved goodbye to Amsterdam, we grabbed some breakfast and then met our group for our last training session, where we all shared our thoughts on Cunard and looked back over some fantastic group photos.

It was soon lunchtime, and our Cunard hosts had kindly arranged for us to have lunch at The Verandah Steakhouse. One of the speciality restaurants onboard Queen Victoria. I was really excited about this restaurant, as I had heard great things about the food - especially their Rum Baba pudding - and The Verandah did not disappoint.  The restaurant feels special the moment you walk in, with its beautifully laid tables.

 It's airy, and the staff are very welcoming. The restaurant is open both at lunchtime and in the evening. And if you decide to go for lunch, the dress code is relaxed.  The menu offers both steaks and seafood cooked to the highest standard. Think Aberdeen Angus steaks, Irish short ribs or lobster and Alaskan crab. Or if you cannot decide, perhaps you might wish to try the surf and turf! 

The staff are on hand to offer recommendations and assist you in choosing from our amazing menu. And it all feels very relaxed.

The food was fantastic! The warm, shared bread in particular was amazing, and I had to remind myself not to eat too much and save room for the rest of the meal.

I had a Caesar salad to start, and it really was beautifully refreshing. I then had steak and triple-cooked chips and seasonal vegetables for my main course, and it was incredible. 

And although I had little room for pudding, I decided I could not pass up the opportunity to try their infamous Rum Baba! The pudding was like nothing I have ever had before. And it is definitely not for the faint-hearted!

Our experience in The Verandah was fantastic and was the highlight of the trip for me. It feels very decadent but relaxed. And I would recommend anyone cruising with Cunard to book a table there.

After our indulgent meal, Kira and I took the opportunity to go and relax in the spa. The spa is a wonderful, quiet area to sit and chill out. And it was just what we needed after a big lunch. 

In the evening, it was the Gala Night, and a chance for everyone to really dress up. I love the Gala Nights and seeing everyone looking fabulous in dresses and suits.  It was a chance for our group to get together on our last night. We dined in the Britannia restaurant and then enjoyed live music in the Queens Room, where we danced the night away!

Day Five

We disembarked the beautiful Queen Victoria at 7 am. Both Kira and I had small cases, so we decided to carry our own luggage off. Rather than leaving the cases outside of our cabin the night before, so the ship's crew can take them off. As we didn't have to wait for our cases, we were able to leave the ship as soon as we were ready in the morning. It was a very smooth disembarkation, and a wonderful end to a fantastic mini cruise with Cunard.

So, how was my first cruise with Cunard?

Overall, I had such an enjoyable time with Cunard. Queen Victoria has a real classic feel, and is exactly how I imagined a Cunard ship to be. However, although it feels luxurious, it doesn't feel pompous - it has a lovely, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

The food was fantastic, and although it was wonderful eating in the main dining room in the evening, and having table service, I also enjoyed eating in the buffet restaurant one evening.

Before I experienced Cunard for myself, I would have recommended their cruises to solos and professional or retired couples. However, I would certainly consider Cunard when looking for a cruise with my family. I have two teenage children, and I think they would enjoy the activities on board and trying new things with Cunard. 

The mini cruises are a great way to try a different cruise line. I would certainly recommend Cunard's mini cruises to anyone wanting to try Cunard for the first time.

Tamsin’s top tips!

1. As soon as you board the ship, take the opportunity to have a look around. Especially if you have an earlier embarkation time (around midday), as the ship will still be relatively quiet. It's also a good chance to book any last-minute spa treatments, etc.

2. Keep an eye on your cabin newsletter, which is delivered to your stateroom every evening, ahead of the following day. This is an easy way to refer to the things that are going on around the ship. It will also provide you with additional information, such as the weather forecast and port details.

3. Try something different! Cunard offers its guests some fantastic opportunities to try something a little different, such as archery, fencing, dance classes, and various aerobic and exercise classes. There are also guest speakers on board, giving you the chance to hear stories from experts and influential speakers.

4. Visit the library - it really is beautiful. 

5. The Golden Lion pub gets very busy. Head there early in the afternoon or evening to avoid disappointment.

Book your Cunard cruise with us today!

Cunard offers a range of cruises, from mini-cruises to world voyages. Sailing to a variety of international destinations across their fleet, you'll be able to choose your dream getaway sailing with this iconic line. Book your Cunard voyage with us today and look forward to a holiday you'll never forget.