Post Queen Anne Maiden Voyage Thoughts

[MylesS]

Hi all,

 

Well we're back from Queen Anne after disembarking from her maiden voyage at 9:30am this morning. Some of you may know I've been updating the live thread, however I've wanted to type a seperate post combining all my thoughts and opinions, and expand on some I left on that thread.

Queen Anne vs The "Vistas" and QM2

Before I start, I'd like to note that I've now done all four currently in service Cunard ships. That being said, I primarily sail on QM2, having done 16 trips on her. I've done the Elizabeth twice and Victoria once. So I don't have too much experience to compare Queen Anne to her Vista-class sisters, so my apologies if some things I point out are the same on those vessels.

Embarkation

As has been mentioned, priority embarkation for Platinum and Diamond members was revoked this cruise due to the influx of loyalty members with these tiers. However, this was no problem for us. Thankfully we were given a 13:30 embarkation time.

We had timed our train journey and short walk to the Mayflower Cruise Terminal perfectly, and arrived at around 13:35 - we were whisked through check-in and security, and were on the ship around 20 minutes later. I've heard some complains in other areas online about embarkation being bad, but I'd bet my two cents on these people arriving before their embarkation time and expecting to be let on. There were lots of people waiting who I think tried this.

The terminal was nicely decorated in what I'll call the "Queen Anne branding" - colorful backgrounds with the new font used for the ship's name.

We boarded deck 2 mid ships into stairway B, and were instructed to go to our muster station before exploring. We did so, and dropped off our carry ons in the cabin.

The Cabin
On this trip we had an inside cabin, which was actually very nice. We had a lengthways cabin, which meant we opened the door right next to the bed. This was great as it meant the TV was in front of the bed, and close enough where you didn't have to have it too loud when watching movies or shows.

There was enough storage for us, though we do pack lightly. We did our 7 week summer cruise with two and a half suitcases after all. Though, I will say, the fridge was tiny. It won't fit anything, including the Pol Aker that was left for us on the desk, now warm.

The bathroom was fantastic, and if having that style & size of bathroom means a little less storage space, I'm all for it. We did have some issues with flushing, but again, brand new ship and to be expected. There is a small bed-side controlled light by the bathroom floor for finding it at night. Along with this button, a lot of modern ports & plugs.

A great improvement was the TV system, on-demand movies, TV shows, and more. We think the interface was easy to understand as well. The talks are being recorded and you can now pick and select which one you'd like to watch, rather than having to keep on the ever-repeating channel hoping the one you want is next. You can view your onboard account now too.

We'd happily stay in this cabin again, especially the lengthways configuration. It's very reminiscent of the single oceanviews on Deck 3 of QM2. Just with no windows.

Britannia Restaurant

Our first evening was met with a slow service in Britannia, so we had decided to book a specialty instead. We had returned for the final two nights (as we had pre-booked the other speciality restaurants for the rest of the cruise) and everything was as expected. Very well done to the members of staff for adapting so quickly, under what I'm sure were very stressful conditions.

The space is lovely. Though it has a lot of movement, something we've not been used to so much on QM2 (for the weather we were having, anyway).

We had our wine tasting on Deck 3 of the restaurant a few days into the voyage, which was lovely and also a nice surprise, as I wasn't expecting it on this trip. Cunard seemed to have upped the cheese quality there to clear your palate.

Speciality Dining

I don't know how I can describe this or convey how good these were. They were all absolutely fantastic, and so much better than expected. Great views from all four venues, especially Aji Wa & Sir Samuel's. The service was even better than the food. I really do think the level of service we had was the closest you could get to a Grills' service without paying the premium.

I see the appeal to the Grills', more specifically Queens Grill due to the impressive suites and butler, but in the case of Princess Grill, on Queen Anne I'd opt to do a balcony cabin and pay extra to eat in the speciality restaurants each night.

I'd 100% recommend the speciality, especially Aji Wa to anyone in any grade of cabin. Compared to QM2, I wouldn't bother with the extra dining if in the Grills.

The Pavilion
A great space that even when busy still felt relaxed, at least to me. Modern music being played, but not too loud - a good balance I'd say. The Wellness Cáfe was great for lunches, and while the queue for the burger bar was long, that too was worth the wait given its at no extra charge.

The screen didn't serve much purpose on our voyage, the most I saw it used was to show random people at the World Club Parties. I did however see a popcorn machine, so I'm hoping they'll have movies there in the future with popcorn being handed out. Other than the stateroom TV, there is nowhere to watch movies on the ship.

Deck Space

There is a lot of talk about the promenade deck on Queen Anne, and while yes, what there is isn't much, especially compared to QM2 - no one is talking about how much deck space there is on the top decks. There is SO much, with SO many deck chairs, some private, some more public. Up on those decks I'm sure there is something for everyone.

Entertainment

The entertainers who were onboard did not disappoint, and all seemed very excited to be on Queen Anne for her maiden voyage, maybe even more excited than some passengers.

We also tried Archery! Wow, what great fun. It took around an hour, but it flew by. We can't wait to try this again on our next voyages. You do have to sign away some rights, and acknowledge your travel insurance covers archery, as well as some other things, but its quick. For a complimentary experience, it was very good.

Bright Lights is hands down the best entertainment I've ever had on a Cunard or any other ship. I won't spoil too much as I think that ruins it, but I am looking forward to the other shows. Great cast & crew, all full of energy.

Food

I won't list all food items as the post is getting a bit long, I may update if requested. But the food was the best I've had for a while on a Cunard ship. Some similar items, but better ingredients used I think. Perhaps during the maiden season there is a larger budget for this.

Crew
All things considered, the crew were great on this trip. Some new faces, some old. Old faces had a mixture of time on the ship, some leaving next month for their original, some on until September. The new crew are doing well, but some still need that little extra touch that a lot of the classic Cunard crew can do by default now. I'm sure they'll learn it soon!

Conclusion

We had a fantastic time, and I couldn't be happier. We were sad to leave. We're really fortunate to return in four weeks, and I think by then any issues we did have will have been resolved. But even then, they won't ruin the trip if they're not. All things take time.

I'd recommend people to try Queen Anne. New things are scary, but at the same time, that's half the fun of it. As long as people are constructive with their feedback, I'm sure Cunard will listen if enough people raise it.

Thanks for reading! I'll update anything if needed, but am happy to discuss further as well.

[JimDee363636]

@MylesS

Thank you for an informative and well-written review. My wife and I will be on the QA for 14 nights beginning June 30, and you have whetted our already-keen appetites for sailing on this beautiful-looking ship. We'll be in Britannia Club for the first time, which will make the experience even more special for us.

 

Thanks again for taking the time on a busy disembarkation day to post this.

 

Jim

[GeorgianGal100]

Thanks so much for all your updates and this latest one, I've read them all with interest.  I think you have quite a point about going for the standard balcony and just eating in the speciality restaurants.  We're in Queens Grill for a short trip soon to try her out but we won't be trying out the restaurants as it seems a waste (unless we are given a really terrible table!) 

So glad you had a great time and you managed to make it onto the longer trip in the Summer after being on the waitlist.

 

[MylesS]

Already been sent a survey to complete by Cunard - different to previous ones as this focuses more on Queen Anne + the service we recieved.

[Kynance]

Thanks for your review and all your live posts. I must admit, I am less of a sceptic having read everyone’s comments - in fact, I am looking at itineraries at the moment.  It sounds like there are some things I will think are better and some I will prefer on the other ships. The issue I will have is convincing Mr K who I know won’t like the promenade deck - however, I hope some of the positive changes you have identified might persuade him. I just need my list to be ready. Or I do what I’ve done the last couple of times and just book a cruise and wait until he is in the right mood to tell him!

[DukeBeetle24]

Great review, thanks for sharing. I like the look of the cabin layout you stayed in and am busy planning a few more trips!

[buchanan101]

Excellent review - and very useful (44 days to go now).

About restaurant movement, Stephen Payne is on record (on Youtube somewhere talking to Chris Frame) that QM2 Britannia was deliberately placed at the pivot point - 2/3rds of the way back - to minimise motion. So as well as QA being smaller, only having 2 stablisers, not QM2's 4, the restaurant is also not quite in the right place for least movement being fully aft

 

I assume that the ship was full - 3000 passengers - was it busy (sounds like top decks weren't it seems) but the theatre barely takes 25% of passengers for example

[MylesS]

1 minute ago, buchanan101 said:

I assume that the ship was full - 3000 passengers - was it busy (sounds like top decks weren't it seems) but the theatre barely takes 25% of passengers for example

I'm not sure the exact number of passengers, but we never struggled to find seating in venues we wanted to sit at.

Goldon Lion and Queens Room you'd need to go a bit before any event, but that is the case on the other ships too.

The Theatre we actually never had a problem finding a spot, even when arriving a few minutes before events. They were well populated, too. Maybe this is because there is 3 entrances. (One either side of deck 2, and the main ones on deck 3)

[buchanan101]

1 hour ago, GeorgianGal100 said:

Thanks so much for all your updates and this latest one, I've read them all with interest.  I think you have quite a point about going for the standard balcony and just eating in the speciality restaurants.  We're in Queens Grill for a short trip soon to try her out but we won't be trying out the restaurants as it seems a waste (unless we are given a really terrible table!) 

So glad you had a great time and you managed to make it onto the longer trip in the Summer after being on the waitlist.

 

Agree - we are in PG for 7 days; I bought a luxury gift package* which includes Sir Sams or Aji Wa, but maybe will only try one other speciality given we've paid for PG food... But the point about paying for a balcony and using the money saved to eat at specialities is an excellent one. It'll be cheaper!

 

(*on sale  20% off ...last October before prices went up. Pretty good for about GBP350 - champagne, champagne (1/2 bottle) breakfast in bed, Sir Sams or Aji Wa, chocs, flowers, robes and champagne flutes to keep, +photo - for Cunard very good value...)

[Pear Carr]

Thank you for taking the time to post during and after your cruise! We are on in July and like you think we will like some things more/less than the other Queens but excited to try.

[3rdGenCunarder]

58 minutes ago, buchanan101 said:

Excellent review - and very useful (44 days to go now).

About restaurant movement, Stephen Payne is on record (on Youtube somewhere talking to Chris Frame) that QM2 Britannia was deliberately placed at the pivot point - 2/3rds of the way back - to minimise motion. So as well as QA being smaller, only having 2 stablisers, not QM2's 4, the restaurant is also not quite in the right place for least movement being fully aft

 

I assume that the ship was full - 3000 passengers - was it busy (sounds like top decks weren't it seems) but the theatre barely takes 25% of passengers for example

 

HAL's pinnacles have more movement in the back than their Vistas or Cunard's Vistas in comparable conditions. 

[buchanan101]

11 minutes ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

HAL's pinnacles have more movement in the back than their Vistas or Cunard's Vistas in comparable conditions. 

Interesting. I guess they are longer and QA is longer again so further from the pivot. But a bigger ship should move a bit less in the first place. 

[foodsvcmgr]

Thanks for your excellent review.

We are booked on other cruises and tours through 2026 including the other three Queens but very interested to try QA in the (somewhat) near future.