cunard-lines-queen-elizabeth

Photos - click to enlarge.

Wow! That’s the only way to describe the newest ship of Carnival Corporations’ Cunard Line, The Queen Elizabeth.

We joined in Civitavecchia on Alitalia flights via Milan to Rome. It was a very early start but it worked smoothly. We were met by Cunard’s Ground Handlers in Rome and with a bit of messing about, boarded the coaches provided and headed to the Port of Civitavecchia.

As we circumnavigated the town, you could see that famous funnel sitting proudly atop the beautiful Queen Elizabeth. Once we had collected our baggage at Rome Airport and supervised its loading on to the coach that was it. Hopefully, it would be next seen in our cabin. The check-in procedure was very smooth as many desks staffed with smiling and helpful people awaited us and once completed, we took our first steps on to this magnificent vessel.

There are at least 12 passenger lifts taking you to your requested deck so there’s not too much waiting. We had the pleasure of a balcony cabin on Deck 6 which was a good size with twin beds, writing table, flat screen TV, settee, bedside tables and lights, plenty of hanging space and a nice size bathroom (shower). The balcony, as expected, had two comfortable seats and a table. Sadly, due to the time of year, we only used this facility to check the outside temperature and weather at the start of each day.

We were waitlisted for the first sitting in the Britannia Restaurant and after the ship departed Civitavecchia, we headed down to see the Maitre’D to try and change sittings. Unfortunately, this first night it was not possible but the next day everything was arranged and we had first sitting.

Deciding not to wait as we had left home at 02.45 that morning, we headed up to Deck 9 to sample the Self-service buffet delights of the Lido Restaurant. There was an excellent selection of food and as it turned out, we breakfasted there every morning during the cruise.

The beds were comfortable and the pillows large and soft – good job I brought my own one. Exhausted, it didn’t take us long to fall asleep soothed by the very gentle movement of this ocean giant.

Next morning – not up at the crack of dawn – more a relaxed recovery from the travel. It was time to explore everything that this super size floating hotel has to offer. We were already familiar with the Britannia and Lido restaurants so we started our exploring in the lobby. Not just any lobby, this atrium is spectacular with ascending staircase dominated by a fabulous marquetry masterpiece of the original Queen Elizabeth by David Snowden. This is where we found the Reception Desk, Tour Office and Internet Room. The size of this ship precludes me getting everything in its proper order, plus the amount of walking involved on a daily basis saved us the customary striding out round and round the open deck for exercise.

There are five restaurants onboard, two of which I’ve mentioned and two others that are exclusive to those passengers who have paid more for their cabin to be in the Queen’s Grill or the Princess Grill. The fifth restaurant is a gourmet affair for which you pay an additional supplement and have to reserve your table in advance.

The Royal Court Theatre would not be out of place in London’s West End or on New York’s Broadway. It seats 800 people, with a sloping auditorium, balcony and even private boxes. These cost extra and need to be reserved. The stage is huge with two lifts to add to the enjoyment when seeing groups of dancers disappear and rise from the stage area. The entertainment was very good and achieved a good audience every night. The music was provided by 8 fine musicians.

Apart from The Golden Lion pub, there were lots of other watering holes to choose from. There is a reasonable size Gaming Area just outside the pub which attracted a few gamblers and fruit machine specialists. Leading up from there is another dramatic staircase with a very stylish clock as its centrepiece.
Apart from The Lido Restaurant, Deck 9 also houses the open air swimming pool, two Jacuzzis, beauty salon and the Garden Room – the location for some delightful concerts by the string Quartet and the Harpist. Further investigation involving a climb (up stairs) to the next deck revealed a Croquet Lawn, Bowls Green and a Paddle Tennis Court.

The elegant Queens Room, with small stage, was the focus for those who enjoy dancing. An excellent 8 piece band with singer played there most nights.
The Commodore Club at the ‘pointy end’ of the ship was a sophisticated rendezvous for an after theatre drink while listening to the gentle melodies of a piano.

The weather during our cruise was ‘so so’, with 5 port calls in the rain and 3 in sunshine, but what do you expect in the Mediterranean in late November?
The overall impression was that of quality furnishings, very tasteful décor and an amazing attention to the detailing. There were plenty of girls and boys around the ship to look after us and the Britannia dining room service was first class even if the menu selection was a little bland. I think the only down side to this cruise was the price of the wine. Although the ship is completely U.S.Dollar, even when the conversion was done into GB Pounds, the prices were high for the quality supplied. To add insult to injury, all drinks ordered from bars and in the restaurants, including the wine, carried a 15% service charge. This is in addition to the compulsory gratuity charge of $138 for the 12 night cruise.

Our return flights were direct Rome – London and the disembarkation process was very well organised and we arrived at the airport in good time for the flight.

There was a slight problem at the airport, the fault of Alitalia’s check-in procedure. We checked in at Terminal One, our departure Gate was in Terminal Three and then we were bused from Terminal 3 back past Terminal 1 to board our aircraft. Despite this and some seating mix ups, the flight itself was fine and on time.

This pre-Christmas cruise was a super experience and a delight to travel onboard such a splendid ship. If you get an opportunity to cruise or travel transatlantic on any of the Cunard Fleet, don’t hesitate, it will be well worth it.