Very tempted by Queen Victoria..?!

[LibraLass41]

I fancy trying Cunard and especially Queen Victoria which is the same ship as Arcadia with a black hull I believe. I know the inside is very different.

Now, tell me please, what are the basic differences between QV and Arcadia, if anyone has cruised these 2 ships. Or if not, differences between Cunard and P&O...?

[ovccruiser]

Hello local,

I have sailed many times with Cunard and twice on QV. I have only sailed once on P & O and that was on Oceana. The biggest difference from my limited encounter with P & O is space. There seems to be more on Cunard, but as said I am basing this info on very limited knowledge. I am sure someone will chime in shortly with a little more knowledge.

[Norfolk Brit]

Originally Posted by LibraLass41

Now, tell me please, what are the basic differences between QV and Arcadia, if anyone has cruised these 2 ships. Or if not, differences between Cunard and P&O...?

I shall bravely kick off, having been on both. The food in the main restaurant is considerably better on QV - it is well sourced and well cooked. Afternoon tea is delightful, again the content is superb, and it's beautifully presented. I also prefer the bars, in particular the Commodore Club (roughly the equivalent of the Crow's Nest) - on QV far more atmospheric, something that is impossible to quantify, I'm afraid. In addition, a considerably wider age range on Cunard, and a more international passenger mix.

I once priced up a couple of similar Cunard and P&O cruises, and the prices were comparable; however, for overall quality there is no comparison. IMHO.

Mary

[LibraLass41]

Thanks Mary
After trying all the fleet in the past 3 years perhaps its time to switch over to Cunard. I also found Celebrity very nice, but very American... is Cunard more British, or is there a US feel onboard especially on the US route to New York, with no doubt may Americans onboard?

[rob6852]

Originally Posted by LibraLass41

Thanks Mary
After trying all the fleet in the past 3 years perhaps its time to switch over to Cunard. I also found Celebrity very nice, but very American... is Cunard more British, or is there a US feel onboard especially on the US route to New York, with no doubt may Americans onboard?

i think you will you find this a beautiful ship, if you decide to sail on her have a wonderful time,

[Norfolk Brit]

Originally Posted by LibraLass41

Thanks Mary
After trying all the fleet in the past 3 years perhaps its time to switch over to Cunard. I also found Celebrity very nice, but very American... is Cunard more British, or is there a US feel onboard especially on the US route to New York, with no doubt may Americans onboard?

A very wise decision. Others will be able to help you far more than I on the subject of crossings, as I've never done one. I will say that most of the Americans I've met on board Cunard have greatly enhanced my holiday, and one day I may even come to love their version of bacon.

Mary

[luv2krooze1791]

Originally Posted by LibraLass41

I fancy trying Cunard and especially Queen Victoria which is the same ship as Arcadia with a black hull I believe. I know the inside is very different.

Now, tell me please, what are the basic differences between QV and Arcadia, if anyone has cruised these 2 ships. Or if not, differences between Cunard and P&O...?

Arcadia was the rejected Queen Victoria. It is shorter than QV. Same beam and draft.

Arcadia food is unspeakable. Cunard food, to date, has been good to excellent.

[Cruachan]

Originally Posted by LibraLass41

I fancy trying Cunard and especially Queen Victoria which is the same ship as Arcadia with a black hull I believe. I know the inside is very different.

Now, tell me please, what are the basic differences between QV and Arcadia, if anyone has cruised these 2 ships. Or if not, differences between Cunard and P&O...?

Go for it. You'll love QV. And, if you can persuade P&O's tame troll to go back home, you will board the ship as a heroine, having been awarded the Grand Order of Cunard with Oak Leaves

J

[luv2krooze1791]

Originally Posted by Cruachan

Go for it. You'll love QV. And, if you can persuade P&O's tame troll to go back home, you will board the ship as a heroine, having been awarded the Grand Order of Cunard with Oak Leaves

J

tame?

[Cruachan]

Originally Posted by luv2krooze1791

tame?

Meiosis.

J

[balf]

I have sailed numerous times on both lines and I think you will find Cunard just a bit more classy than P&O. Food is a personal taste, but for me Cunard is way ahead.

For crossings of course there is ony one way and that's QM2.

David.

[capnpugwash]

Sue
Cunard is better than P & O although I still sail on both. Cunard imho are better at voyages rather than cruises, the pools are not really adequate for hot weather where many people wish to use the facility. The transatlantic on QM2 is perfect for me with 6 or hopefully 12 seadays cutting through the North Atlantic. I am just back from QV and enjoyed it. It is a very difficult call to make. I would try the QM2 if I were you.
Penny Attwell did a lovely report on her first time on the ship and if you can read that and book it I will be surprised. Find it here http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=471053
Jim

[luv2krooze1791]

Originally Posted by capnpugwash

Penny Attwell did a lovely report on her first time on the ship and if you can read that and NOT book it I will be surprised.

Jim

Is that more what you meant?

[capnpugwash]

Originally Posted by luv2krooze1791

Is that more what you meant?

OK You spotted the deliberate mistake. Well done oops

[patwell]

Originally Posted by capnpugwash

OK You spotted the deliberate mistake. Well done oops

HeHe....thanks for the kind words Jim...welcome back. Such a bummer to get off!!

Cheers, Penny

Penny’s Affair to Remember QM2 Review
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=471053

November 10,2007...the “Affair” continued...did it ever!

October 16,2008...the “Affair” goes transatlantic as we sail in tandem with the grand QE2 on her final transatlantic voyage...what a thrill!

December 9, 2008....the “Affair” resumes again....Life is good!

July 30, 2009....transatlantic again...some “Affairs” just get better

August 7, 2009....the “Affair” goes on...this time “home” to Norway

2010....the “Affair” is indecisive, but booked for at least 10 days somewhere

[thranite]

Originally Posted by capnpugwash

Sue
Cunard is better than P & O although I still sail on both. Cunard imho are better at voyages rather than cruises, the pools are not really adequate for hot weather where many people wish to use the facility. The transatlantic on QM2 is perfect for me with 6 or hopefully 12 seadays cutting through the North Atlantic. I am just back from QV and enjoyed it. It is a very difficult call to make. I would try the QM2 if I were you.
Penny Attwell did a lovely report on her first time on the ship and if you can read that and book it I will be surprised. Find it here http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=471053
Jim

I would agree with Jim to a certain extent, but I do think that the gap between Cunard and P&O is becoming a gulf. IMHO, in the current fleet, Oriana and Aurora used to be just below the Cunard standard and the rest worked downward from there. P&O seems to be lowering standards to become the "Carnival UK mid-range and below offering". I have no further P&O cruises booked beyond Aurora in March 2010. That cruise will determine my future strategy.
It is a shame but, when you have known the previous standard, it is difficult to swallow the slip in standards.

If you want to go transatlantic, sail on QM2 - there really is no other way!