Cunard Queen Victoria Review - Greek Isles July 2017

[exlondoner]

While so many things are subjective, and enjoyment is a matter of opinion, I felt I had to comment on the worrying number of minor factual innacuracies I picked up in a pretty cursory reading. It makes me rather doubt the evidence for many of your views.

 

1. Air conditioning is not either hot or cold. I grant you can't turn it off, but you do have a choice of graduated temperatures.

 

2. The gin fizz bar? Why not give the name of it? As several bars on QV were moved in her refit, this would actually be helpful information.

 

3. You mention arbitrary food. As arbitrariness is a quality of behaviour I can't imagine what this means.

 

4. A large glass is 250, a small 150, so one is not twice the size of another. In an entire Cunard career of ordering small glasses on all three ships, I have never once beeen looked at askance. I wonder if you could have misinterpreted.

 

5. Tastes in music and lectures vary, and those on a cruise with only two sea days would be limited. It it seems odd to expect people not to enjoy piano recitals.

 

6. Riparian means beside a river bank. I don't see what this has to do with forms of music. I guess this could be a misprint not an inaccuracy. If so, I am still mystified.

 

7. You mention 3,000 other people. The passenger load of QV is about 2,000. To get up to your figure you must be including the crew, who hardly seem relevant to a discussion of passenger recreation.

 

8. You mention sitting in the theatre for two hours of a show, but these (rarely to my taste either) last 45 minutes.

 

Just a sample selection, but it did make me wonder.

[ToadOfToadHall]

I'm talking QM2 July 2004

 

Ours was 2010 or 2011, I can't remember exactly.

[ToadOfToadHall]

2. The gin fizz bar? Why not give the name of it? As several bars on QV were moved in her refit, this would actually be helpful information.

 

 

 

That's what it's called : It's called The Gin & Fizz Bar.

[SonofTertius]

While so many things are subjective, and enjoyment is a matter of opinion, I felt I had to comment on the worrying number of minor factual innacuracies I picked up in a pretty cursory reading. It makes me rather doubt the evidence for many of your views.

 

1. Air conditioning is not either hot or cold. I grant you can't turn it off, but you do have a choice of graduated temperatures.

 

Ours was perhaps not functional then. I had an obstructed view cabin.

 

2. The gin fizz bar? Why not give the name of it? As several bars on QV were moved in her refit, this would actually be helpful information.

 

I honestly can't be bothered to remember the name and really don't want to waste the energy to google it.

 

3. You mention arbitrary food. As arbitrariness is a quality of behaviour I can't imagine what this means.

 

Neither do I.

 

4. A large glass is 250, a small 150, so one is not twice the size of another. In an entire Cunard career of ordering small glasses on all three ships, I have never once beeen looked at askance. I wonder if you could have misinterpreted.

 

Perhaps.

 

5. Tastes in music and lectures vary, and those on a cruise with only two sea days would be limited. It it seems odd to expect people not to enjoy piano recitals.

 

Personal preference. Not mine.

 

6. Riparian means beside a river bank. I don't see what this has to do with forms of music. I guess this could be a misprint not an inaccuracy. If so, I am still mystified.

 

See below*.

 

7. You mention 3,000 other people. The passenger load of QV is about 2,000. To get up to your figure you must be including the crew, who hardly seem relevant to a discussion of passenger recreation.

 

Easy mistake to make. I'm not really interested in the amount of passengers in the ship. Couldn't be bothered to google it.

 

8. You mention sitting in the theatre for two hours of a show, but these (rarely to my taste either) last 45 minutes.

 

It certainly felt like 2 hours. What's the saying? Time flies when you're having fun?

 

Just a sample selection, but it did make me wonder.

 

 

 

Thank you for your comments. May you always keep enjoying Cunard as you have been doing [emoji16] I have tried to respond to your investigation in your quotes, above [emoji6][emoji16]

 

As mentioned on various posts in this thread - the review have added jest, jokes and anecdotes for dramatic effect however, the essence of the information should relay that I was unhappy with the overall product.

 

*You might want to google "riparian entertainments" + "Hyacinth". I'm sure you'll be able to make the connection [emoji6] Again, meant to be in jest.

 

Please feel free to dissect the whole review. Your points made interesting reading [emoji4][emoji4][emoji4]

 

Part 5 of 5 is due out tomorrow - happy reading [emoji16][emoji16][emoji16]

[exlondoner]

Thanks. I read it as a description not a name, very stupid of me. I still don't really see why it's pretentious.

[SonofTertius]

Thanks. I read it as a description not a name, very stupid of me. I still don't really see why it's pretentious.

 

 

 

Apologies if it was unclear. Apologies if you took offence [emoji16]. Happy cruising.

[Host Hattie]

Here you go -

 

"The Midships Lounge has also received some special attention with the introduction of a gin and fizz themed menu, including gin served from an old-fashioned spirit tap – to infuse a more distinctive character. This brings to life wines, Prosecco, Cava and Champagne alongside premium gin and spirits, all blended to create fresh and inspiring cocktails."

[SonofTertius]

Indeed it is. I, too, was less than happy with our last cruise on Cunard.

 

When is episode 5 airing ? I might download them all and keep them as a box set !!!

 

 

 

Hi Mr Toad. Enjoying your Sunday afternoon? Episode 5's due hopefully tomorrow - I haven't even started writing yet.

 

I'm in 2 minds over the tone of the contents. I might perhaps just do it straight faced and factual - no jokes in sight. It seems that lightheartedness is being frowned upon when it comes to Cunard reviews.

 

I'll keep the final instalment as dull and pompous as my time on board the QV; in honour of never sailing with Cunard again.

[exlondoner]

Thanks. This sounds like a, possibly misguided, effort on the part of Cunard to keep up with the times, now gin and Prosecco are suddenly fashionable. Still doesn't seem particularly pretentious, though I'm sure they hope it will make them money.

[ToadOfToadHall]

So it's actually called The Midship's Lounge. But the drinks list is called "Gin & Fizz at the Midship's Lounge". So I suppose you could call it either.

[ToadOfToadHall]

Hi Mr Toad. Enjoying your Sunday afternoon? Episode 5's due hopefully tomorrow - I haven't even started writing yet.

 

I'm in 2 minds over the tone of the contents. I might perhaps just do it straight faced and factual - no jokes in sight. It seems that lightheartedness is being frowned upon when it comes to Cunard reviews.

 

I'll keep the final instalment as dull and pompous as my time on board the QV; in honour of never sailing with Cunard again.

 

I am, thank you. I'm flipping being here and playing Get Even (I doubt many on here will have a clue what I'm on about with that !).

 

Keep with the same style would be my advice. Don't bow to pressure and end up with a female Doctor Who !

Edited July 30, 2017 by ToadOfToadHall

[ToadOfToadHall]

Thanks. This sounds like a, possibly misguided, effort on the part of Cunard to keep up with the times, now gin and Prosecco are suddenly fashionable. Still doesn't seem particularly pretentious, though I'm sure they hope it will make them money.

 

Indeed, both are now v fashionable. But I wonder just how on trend they are with the Cunard demographic ? Judging by the number of people I saw in the bar (whatever it's called !), not that on trend it appeared.

[nellydean]

So it's actually called The Midship's Lounge. But the drinks list is called "Gin & Fizz at the Midship's Lounge". So I suppose you could call it either.

 

This is another place we had no luck with. I tried ordering an ordinary gin and tonic and was told by the waiter that they had 40 gin concoctions to choose from and, surely, I would prefer one of them? No, I said, just a gin and tonic, please. I got nowhere, so we left. We spent a lot of money on drinks while onboard (not that we boozed a lot, but that the drinks we had were expensive and the alternative was not to drink, which was not an option, as we were on holiday).

 

The bar was nearly always empty, and I used to sit in there to check my messages, because it was so quiet and I could always get a seat.

[SonofTertius]

I am, thank you. I'm flipping being here and playing Get Even (I doubt many on here will have a clue what I'm on about with that !).

 

Keep with the same style would be my advice. Don't bow to pressure and end up with a female Doctor Who !

 

 

 

Enjoy your game [emoji379][emoji16] Thank you for the advice. I imagine they'll change the name to Dr Why soon.

[h3rjp]

To the OP; I really enjoyed reading your review. Like many people reading on this board, they'll have been on this ship and have their own opinions. And can decide whether or not they agree with your descriptions or opinions.

 

Personally I really enjoyed reading it and I'm looking forward to the last part [emoji3]

 

 

Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando Forums

[SonofTertius]

To the OP; I really enjoyed reading your review. Like many people reading on this board, they'll have been on this ship and have their own opinions. And can decide whether or not they agree with your descriptions or opinions.

 

Personally I really enjoyed reading it and I'm looking forward to the last part [emoji3]

 

 

Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando Forums

 

 

 

¡Muchas gracias H3! It's all about sharing information. What they do with it is up to them. Buenas noches [emoji16]

[ToadOfToadHall]

The bar was nearly always empty, and I used to sit in there to check my messages, because it was so quiet and I could always get a seat.

 

That was our observation as well. I'm not a lover of gin or fizzy stuff (apart from Martini Asti !) so it's not a place we tried.

[ToadOfToadHall]

Enjoy your game [emoji379][emoji16] Thank you for the advice. I imagine they'll change the name to Dr Why soon.

 

It's going to be renamed Nurse Who :eek:

[deck chair]

Hello one and all whether you are on sea or land!

 

I have very much enjoyed the OP's review and comments. I don't agree with all his comments but very much appreciate the fact that he took the time to write and share his views. We should all applaud that! I Love the OP!!!

 

As one who has sailed with Cunard on 43 occasions these are my thoughts:

 

1. I have ALWAYS without fail found the service on Cunard ships to be first rate. Of course, it helps that you show respect and treat the crew well because and it will be returned to you in spades. I have lost count of the number of times passengers treat crew members poorly, Never bothering to say PLEASE and THANK YOU. treating crew members as second rate citizens. You treat the crew well they will treat you well. Of course, I do understand that there is one crew ember here or there who has no business being in the service industry..

 

2. One reason I love sailing on Cunard is the number of musicians on board that many cruise companies have CUT. In the evening live music in everywhere no matter where you turn especially on the QM2. Try that on HAL, NCL or Celebrity.

 

3. I have recently found the food disappointing on Cunard ships and for sure going down hill. Sometimes you don't know what the menu item is. A lot of it is mush. To get around that I order off the menu or book one of the specialty dining spots. But this is the thing: You shouldn't have to do that!! If you compare the menus from 10 years ago to todays menus you will seen a huge difference. Cunard better pay attention to this issue!!! Aside from the Transatlantic service there are too may other cruise lines out there especially Viking.

 

4. The wine prices are ridiculous! The mark-ups are theft! For a wine you can get here in America for $10 to $15 Cunard charges $60 if not more plus service fee! There is no doubt in my mind that if the prices came down Cunard would sell more wine and make more money. Why they don't do that is beyond my pay grade. I do know this: For my upcoming crossings I'm going to bring my own wine and even with the corkage fees I will still save a lot. Cunard needs to get it together on this. I do love all the wine stewards on Cunard!

 

5. I Love the dress codes on Cunard ships. I love the ambiance and elegance their ships have. If you don't want to dress up go on another cruise line and stop trying to dumb down the experience for Cunard passengers.

 

6. I don't approve of what Cunard did to the Queen Victoria. Taking away the Chart Room and its great comfortable furniture and live music was a big mistake.

 

Well, that's it for now. I wish everyone a wonderful sea filled week ahead! Thanks again to the OP!!

 

DECK CHAIR

[roscoe39]

Unless Cunard makes some long overdue changes, you'd probably have to take that cellar of salt with you for the next journey.

 

 

lol......

[nellydean]

Hello one and all whether you are on sea or land!

 

I have very much enjoyed the OP's review and comments. I don't agree with all his comments but very much appreciate the fact that he took the time to write and share his views. We should all applaud that! I Love the OP!!!

 

As one who has sailed with Cunard on 43 occasions these are my thoughts:

 

1. I have ALWAYS without fail found the service on Cunard ships to be first rate. Of course, it helps that you show respect and treat the crew well because and it will be returned to you in spades. I have lost count of the number of times passengers treat crew members poorly, Never bothering to say PLEASE and THANK YOU. treating crew members as second rate citizens. You treat the crew well they will treat you well. Of course, I do understand that there is one crew ember here or there who has no business being in the service industry..

 

DECK CHAIR

 

Seeing as I commented on the dining room experience/service in general, I will address this: We are exceptionally easy-going people, who go out of our way to be friendly to anyone who serves us, be it in a restaurant or bar at home or on a cruise ship. We do not have a them and us attitude, in fact, growing up in a Northern city as a working-class lass, I find it difficult to accept people being so servile towards me, as it makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. That said, it is what it is on a cruise ship - any cruise ship - and we join in.

 

At no time on this cruise did we never say please or thank you, and all enquiries/requests were proffered with civility and politeness. We were both brought up with good manners and treat people as we would like to be treated ourselves. We have often seen people behaving badly towards cruise staff on other cruise lines and been angered by it. This is not us.

 

I do not know why we had the misfortune to cop for such an unfriendly head waiter, but we did, and no attempts on our behalf to engender a good relationship with him during our fortnight met with any success. We had every right to make an enquiry about our starter after waiting 45 minutes, to request that we be served first the second night (having arrived first at the dining room again) to allow us to see the show, and for me to send back a dish that was off. Each time done with politeness and respect.

 

So, I guess that this particular crew member was among the one or you you alluded to, who should not be in the cruise industry.

 

The very fact we had cruised with Cunard before, on QM2 (albeit, a long time ago) gave me something to compare with, and the service we received this cruise was nothing like that.

[buchhalm]

Here you go -

 

"The Midships Lounge has also received some special attention with the introduction of a gin and fizz themed menu, including gin served from an old-fashioned spirit tap – to infuse a more distinctive character. This brings to life wines, Prosecco, Cava and Champagne alongside premium gin and spirits, all blended to create fresh and inspiring cocktails."

 

We just returned from 2 weeks cruising ex Venice. Must hsve been yhd same voyage the OP was on in parts.

We had an excellent time at the gin&fizz bar. The name in the wall panel still calls it Midship Bar, by the way.

Bar man Gordon (How apt for him bar) did a sterling job. We were at his bar every might for a few bevies as were a bunch of other "regulars".

Every night the poor guy had to turn away customers who wanted something other than Gin based drinks. He was not even allowed / able to serve a simple whisky.

Cunard is taking that whole THEME thing too far, I think.

Also, there were some seriously weird concoctions on the menu. Not only at this bar, but also at the one below (forgot the name). Squid ink infused tequila anybody? Pooo-lease!!! It's not a night club on Ibiza...

With such bizarre cocktails to deal with, I believe we can cut the bar staff some slack until they get used to the nonsense recipes or Cunard HQ come to their senses and cut the overly weird. Oh, and get back to standard booze measures as they had until recently.

[SonofTertius]

Part 5 of 6 (I've added an additional instalment)

 

Shops

The fact that the shops on the Queen Victoria are directly above the ship's casino should set alarm bells ringing - perhaps it is located there for a reason; you win money in the Casino and then you'll have the opportunity to lose it all again in the shops. The notion of having it 'resemble' the Burlington arcade in London should send you running. This is a sickening extract of Cunard's description of their Royal Arcade on the website;

 

"One stroll along London’s exclusive High Street is all one needs to appreciate the quality and exclusivity of the Royal Arcade aboard Queen Victoria. Moving seamlessly from one fashionable space to another, the Royal Arcade unfolds as a series of seven luxurious shopping boutiques, each showcasing the most celebrated names in British luxury, including Harrods, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton. Tax and duty free, the shopping aboard Queen Victoria includes high-end fashion jewelry, fine watches, fragrances and cosmetics. Within the shops, guests also find Queen Victoria branded formal and everyday wear and a range of sundries." (Cunard Website, July 2017).

 

It is literally dripping with gold-plated garishness. They claim do be duty and tax free however, they are certainly not markup free. Cunard promises that if you find a cheaper item on land, they'd happily match the price but, it comes at a cost of your precious time and having the investigative skills of Sherlock Holmes. Have a look at this clause;

 

"*Price Guarantee on branded products - If you find an identical product cheaper on-shore during your cruise we will match it. *You will need to be able to provide proof of the cheaper price from recognised retailers, simply obtain written proof from the authorised retailer and we will gladly match it. Please indicate the stores telephone number with advertisement or written information. Online price comparisons are not included. If you have already purchased on board the shop will refund you the difference back onto your on board account." (Cunard Website, July 2017).

 

Here's the gripe; unless your ship is sailing up and down High Street Kensington you will NOT find the brands they sell on board in any other part of the world. I highly doubt that anyone on the island of Mykonos would be selling branded Harrods items from England. Plus, Cunard needs to identify the shop as a "recognised retailer" and, you need written proof from the retailer - which retailer (if you haven't purchased from them and want a letter from them to buy a product from a different store), pray tell, will do this? Like so many other things with Cunard, using their shops is cleverly designed to squeeze the maximum out of your bank account by inviting the consumer to believe that by purchasing from them you'll 'become better', more exclusive, luxurious and classy. Could someone please pass me a bucket.

 

Their "luxurious shopping boutiques" are a far cry from Woolworths but no better than any Debenhams you'd be able to find on any well respected high street, at a much more economical spree for your pockets. Apart from the glitz and greed, much of what you are able to find in these cubicles of capitalism, looks the same throughout these "luxurious shopping boutiques" - navy or white polo shirts and skirts, $2000.00 handbags (in all its naval themed glory), shiny-shiny trinkets (bling) and brown leather deck shoes. Perhaps all hand selected by Cunard at massive discounts from Philips Green's BHS during its golden era.

 

Cunard again completely exceeds itself by ensuring that you have a home away from home experience - they bring you homegrown products, designed by homegrown producers, sold in homegrown surroundings. Much like the Golden Dragon Pub - 100% authentic, if not resting on the off chance of looking like a post ride memorabilia shop at Chessington World of Adventure. It all looks a bit xenophobic and utterly fake from up close. Nevertheless, we are not forced to shop there, but it's probably worth a visit when you're bored (you'll have plenty of opportunity) - just imagine you're in a museum - you can look but do not touch.

 

 

Pool Decks aka 'The Jungle'

Why 'The Jungle'? It is every person for himself here. There are creatures lurking in the corners; creatures ready to jump out at your deck-chair/faux-rattan indoor/outdoor sofa. Creatures who are enchanted by the light - the sun bathers. The pool decks are the areas on the ship where every inch of real estate is eyed up and rapidly occupied. And people bring their weapons; in the form of flip-flops, Cunard's library books, sun hats and my all time favourite - the dreaded towel clips; all tools to mark your territory with. It is ALL about territory on the pool decks, and the early bird catches the worm. The QV has two pool decks. They are significantly different in design, ambiance and in terms of the type of creature who resides there. They'll get separate paragraphs, but the behaviour in both of these areas comes with a level of greed and opportunism which would put Bernie Madoff to shame.

 

The Stern (back of the ship) Pool Deck

This apparently is where all the cool people hang. Cunard have extended the back of the deck during the refit but according to my sources who have sailed in her before, pretty much else have stayed the same. So there is more space for more deck chairs. More chairs, more opportunists. There are 2 whirlpool jacuzzi things which extends out of the pool. During our 7 day cruise, they didn't work once. Yes the jacuzzis on the stern pool deck we're broken. Apart from this, the pool had to close twice during the cruise due to someone throwing a glass-glass into the pool. That's why they only serve you in plastic on the pool decks. A good plastic by the way. I was impressed with how much the plastic glasses looked liked glass-glass. Kudos to the person who sourced it. Apart from the 5 extra rows of deckchairs added to this deck, someone had the brilliant idea to put 6 pool cabanas in the middle of it all. If the real estate on the deck could be called Knightsbridge, these cabanas would have been called Buckingham Palace. Everyone wanted to occupy them. And I'm sure some people did. During the 7 days onboard, there was a person (strangest thing; she had a portable fan coming out the the top of her bikini which was blowing in her face, all day every day) who had squatted on the left side, middle cabana. Literately squatted. If not that she must have woken up at 5am every morning to claim the spot. This space had live music in the afternoons. A band singing tribute songs. I know right?! Not harp or piano. This was refreshing. A nice change from the general Victorian era themed entertainment in other parts of the ship. I assume that because this area was different, it was full most of the time. Make sure you arrive before 9am if you ever want a chair by a table. All the deckchairs are gone by this time in any case. This was during the sea days though. Apart from the cabanas being occupied, it could have been different during the port days. I don't know. We made sure we escaped the dread when it was possible. This is also the area used by the non-permanent staff on the ship. The 'entertainers' - dancers and prancers. So, a good number of the space is therefore occupied by younger 'employees'. On the plus side it was a good distraction away from the general views of thick leathered skin and sun-bleached beehives which are slowly deteriorating after many, many years of baking away on various Cunard Lido decks. Oh before I forget; no kids allowed in this area. I think they mean under 16 - bliss. Service and attitude from crew in this area were always above average than in the rest of the ship.

 

The Midship Pool Deck

Perhaps a tamer jungle yet still feral in its own way. This is the kids pool. Well not officially, but since they are barred from the Pool Deck at the back, this is where they come to spread their noise and disruption. It's fine, they are probably public school kids so, less disruptive than most (this is a private joke for Nelly). It is in this area where you are able to experience the ultimate example in greed. They travel in packs, and they arrive early. There was a family of 4 who occupied a whole alcove with 6 seats (small seating areas like private conservatories next to the pool) plus 5 deckchairs just in front of their alcove - that's 11 spaces for 4 pax. What a liberty. Most of the time was of course spent in the alcove or away from the deck, and the deckchairs stood empty apart from the books, towel clips and hats conveniently placed so that you should see that the territory is full and well occupied - some occupiers might have gone for a 2 hour lunch and a 3 hour post lunch nap. Yes I was people watching (all the time), I have made a career out of it, and since harps and pianos aren't my things, I had nothing better to do. Service from the crew in this area was poor and below average, well on par with the rest of the ship. (Part 5 of 6)

[caztaylor]

Maybe a sequel is in the pipeline....[emoji6]. Whilst a lot of what you have raised would be applicable to the majority of cruise lines and their ships (and I also note that you booked this as at last minute deal which might explain some of your IMHO misguided observations aka harp and piano music and the general ambience around the ship)the one repeating theme across most replies is the 1. higher drink prices and 2. the lower quality of the dishes served. On 1. I agree that Cunard have made a mistake here....post Brexit with a weaker Pound we Brits have seen a hike in prices in real terms so this change in the measures plus extra for mixers is the equivalent of being punched in the faced then kneed in the nether region! 2. Food - I will post my own thoughts are our cruise in a fortnight to see if things have improved or if my own experiences differ markedly. Have enjoyed your posts OP as this thread as it has had so many differing opinions which surely what democracy is all about.

 

 

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[SonofTertius]

Maybe a sequel is in the pipeline....[emoji6]. Whilst a lot of what you have raised would be applicable to the majority of cruise lines and their ships (and I also note that you booked this as at last minute deal which might explain some of your IMHO misguided observations aka harp and piano music and the general ambience around the ship)the one repeating theme across most replies is the 1. higher drink prices and 2. the lower quality of the dishes served. On 1. I agree that Cunard have made a mistake here....post Brexit with a weaker Pound we Brits have seen a hike in prices in real terms so this change in the measures plus extra for mixers is the equivalent of being punched in the faced then kneed in the nether region! 2. Food - I will post my own thoughts are our cruise in a fortnight to see if things have improved or if my own experiences differ markedly. Have enjoyed your posts OP as this thread as it has had so many differing opinions which surely what democracy is all about.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

 

 

Thanks for your comments Caz. Enjoy your cruise and let us know how it went.

 

PS: if in doubt about the food; try the Lido Restaurant or canteen as someone called it earlier in this thread. They really didn't disappoint as you go in with quite a low expectation [emoji6]