Onboard Queen Anne, Cunard

Cunard is the most classic of cruise lines, perfectly embodying the heritage and romance of the Golden Age of ocean travel. Sail with Cunard and enter another world, one of daily afternoon teas served by white-gloved waiters to the delicate sounds of a string quartet and gala black tie dinners that are a study in formality and finery. Fiona, one of our marketing team members who regularly cruises for her own holidays, describes her recent trip onboard Queen Anne.

Can you describe your overall experience with Cunard onboard Queen Anne?

Overall, I’d say it was a really amazing luxury cruise. Queen Anne is the first Cunard ship to launch in 14 years, so I was excited to go aboard and see what it was like. She’s very much following the usual Cunard trends of amazing art deco style décor, and when you’re onboard it feels like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s very traditional mahogany, Gatsby-style surroundings. They’ve really made it feel contemporary, though, so it doesn’t feel outdated. I wouldn’t be surprised if some people go home after their cruises and redecorate their houses to match.

The actual experience onboard was incredible. There’s so much more included than you’d think, like room service breakfast in bed, the Wellness Café food and drink, Blinding Lights Society evening shows, really gorgeous pastries at Carinthia Lodge, and you even get the famous white glove service Afternoon Tea.

It really was extremely luxurious, and all the inclusions just made it so much better. The service is outstanding, too.

What did you enjoy most onboard Queen Anne?

I had a lot of misconceptions before I stepped aboard, and I have to say, I loved having them absolutely obliterated. This isn’t the stuffy, pretentious style of cruise that I’d heard of. From doing some fencing or listening to insight speakers instructing you how to get away with murder, to comedians like Kev Orkian (who recently toured with Jimmy Carr, to give you an idea of his humour), there’s a lot going on. You can even do a spot of late night karaoke with some choice chants back. A cruise here can really be as exciting or as relaxed as you want to make it.

Who would you recommend Cunard to?

Honestly, I think everyone would find something they would enjoy on a Cunard cruise. There’s a dedicated kids club, a multitude of dining options, and so many interesting onboard activities that you can’t help but give a go. It may not be for you if you want to wear especially casual clothing to all the restaurants – ripped jeans and trainers aren’t allowed in most of the venues – but even then, you can still dine in the Artisan Food Hall. But let’s be honest, who doesn’t love dressing up a little when on holiday?

What was the highlight of your trip

Aji Wa, meaning ‘harmony of flavours’ – one of Cunard’s speciality restaurants. As someone who booked without first looking at the menu, I was expecting sushi or a Teppanyaki-style show, but this was so much more. We were treated to a 7-course chef’s choice menu, and it was all amazing. The first 3 courses and last 2 courses were set by the menu, which was a bit of a relief for me, as I was a first-timer to Japanese cuisine I didn’t fancy the guesswork of figuring out what everything was. For the middle two courses you were given a choice of dishes, where I opted for Grilled Wagyu Beef. It was one of the best steaks I’ve ever had; truly melt-in-the-mouth perfection.

For $65 (approx £50) per person, it’s legitimately amazing value when you consider any quality restaurant dinner on land would cost much more, let alone an authentic signature taste of Japan with the artistry of skilled chefs – and Wagyu beef, no less.

Were there any hidden gems on your trip that you would recommend?

You absolutely have to take the chance to sink in a plush seat with a view and your favourite cocktail at the Commodore Club. Although it’s a little tricky to find at first, you just have to head to deck 12 forward (which only forward lifts can get you to), and then you can relax and enjoy the view from the massive floor to ceiling windows. It’s really a fantastic place to relax.

What are some travel tips you would give anyone taking the same cruise?

Look at the carpet in the stateroom corridors – arrows direct you to your nearest lift. Each of the 3 lifts are colour coded as well so you can always easily know where you are or where you need to go.

If you aren’t a big drinker, the soft drink package is well worth it as you only need to order 4 a day to make it value for money, then it’s as if any more than that is free. Perfect for those travelling with kids or not wanting to overindulge. Add it to your booking before you board for a discount.