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Cunard’s Queen Victoria

Rebecca Underwood gets used to the sea life on board Cunard’s sumptuous Queen Victoria

The Credentials:

This year Cunard is celebrating the 175th anniversary since its first ship Britannia set sail on 4 July 1840 from Liverpool to Canada and the USA. Samuel Cunard, accompanied by his daughter, 115 passengers and 89 crew members, embarked on a transatlantic voyage that his company would continue to the present day. The small paddle steamer’s cargo included 600 tons of coal, the Atlantic mail, one cow for the provision of fresh milk, a brood of chickens and three feisty cats to deal with any stowaway rats.

Today, Cunard’s three vessels, the Queen Mary 2, the Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Victoria are renowned for providing the highest level of comfort and service, which is reflected in the company’s success in achieving the Daily Telegraph Ultra Travel Awards favourite cruise line for seven successive years.

Launched in December 2007 and officially named by Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Queen Victoria accommodates 2,014 passengers, served by 900 crew members.

My mother and I and our bulging suitcases embarked on the Queen Victoria, sailing from Istanbul to Rome for a 14-night voyage visiting the ports of Marmaris, Athens, Heraklion, Kusadasi, Santorini, Katakolon and Salerno and we were more than keen to indulge in the ultimate cruise experience.

Dine & Sleep:

Our Princess Grill suite, which measured 335 to 513 ft2, included a comfortable seating area with a plump sofa and a tub chair, twin beds with crisp white linens, a double open wardrobe to house our extensive collection of gowns, a spacious bathroom with a bath tub and shower and a generous collection of complimentary Penhaligon toiletries. On arrival, and flagging a little, due to the hair-raising Istanbul traffic, we were delighted to discover a chilled bottle of champagne and a tempting selection of fresh strawberries dipped in delicious chocolate placed in our suite. We sat on our balcony, admired the views across the Bosphorus and savoured the moment.

Princess Grill guests receive priority luggage delivery, embarkation and disembarkation, and are provided with a concierge service and 24-hour room service. Dining options include in-suite dining from the Princess Grill menu or a reserved table in the Princess Grill Restaurant, which is first class.

Other accommodations include the lavishly furnished Queens Grill Suites, measuring 506 to 2,249 ft2. Each suite features a sumptuous living area, a luxurious bedroom and a balcony.

Benefits for Queens Grill guests include priority embarkation, disembarkation and luggage delivery, a butler, concierge assistance and 24-hour room service. Dining options include in-suite dining from the Queens Grill menu or a reserved table in the Queens Grill Restaurant.

Other dining venues include the Verandah, which presents a wide range of French dishes. For a more casual affair, the self service Lido displays a selection of elaborate buffets.

All Grill guests are welcome to take advantage of exclusive access to the opulent Grills Lounge and the Grills Terrace; a private deck area furnished with ultra comfortable sun loungers, which was the ideal spot for my afternoon snooze prior to sampling the scrumptious mango and pistachio ice creams and tropical fruit selections, which are served on deck.

Cunard’s traditional afternoon tea is a highlight and is served daily in the Grills Lounge and in the Queens Room, a magnificent ballroom. Flurries of white-gloved waiters serve a choice of teas, selections of dainty sandwiches and delicious fresh scones with clotted cream and fruity jam, whilst the delightful strains of the orchestra entices couples onto the dance floor.

Entertainment and activities:

We were spoilt for choice when considering entertainment. The Royal Court Theatre presents an extensive repertoire of extravagant musical shows performed by the Royal Cunard Singers and Dancers, and an assortment of guest entertainers and musicians.

After the show, we headed for the Queens Room where the sophisticated gala balls are held. The ballroom was awash with glamorous ladies in fine flowing gowns and gentlemen dressed in their best attire. Couples show off their dance moves accompanied by ‘live’ bands and there is no shortage of guests eager to display their nifty footwork.

For those of us giving in to the temptations of the sweet trolleys and eager to work off those calories, a dip in one of the two swimming pools followed by a plunge into one of the four whirlpools is just the ticket, or you could join the joggers on the Promenade Deck. For a more sedate affair consider a Yoga or Pilates class or visit the Royal Spa and indulge in an aromatherapy massage.

For guests needing to keep abreast of business interests and news from home, the internet centre is a must and the library houses an impressive collection. Select a book, head for the Promenade Deck, lie back on a traditional steamer chair and relax. And when the sun sets over the glittering waters of the ocean you’ll reflect on another perfect day on board Cunard’s Queen Victoria. As Sir Francis Drake said, ‘It isn’t that life ashore is distasteful to me. But life at sea is better’.

The Worst Thing:

Not enough hiding places for stowaways!

The Best Thing:

Cunard’s White Star Service.

The Details:

Tip: visit www.goairportshuttle.com for airport and/or port transfers. Book in advance and take advantage of a reliable and punctual service with comfortable vehicles and helpful drivers.

Cruise prices vary depending on the destination; cruises are available to many locations and for a range of dates and durations. Find out more at the Cunard website (below) or by calling 0843 374 0000:

www.cunard.co.uk/cruise-ships/queen-victoria