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Cunard Queen Elizabeth Review: What I Loved, What Surprised Me & What I’d Do Differently
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I recently sailed aboard Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth on a 7-night Alaska cruise round trip from Seattle, and as a travel advisor, I was excited to experience the ship for myself.
There is only so much I can learn from deck plans, brochures and training. Sailing on a ship gives me a much better understanding of the experience—and, most importantly, who will love it and who might be happier on another cruise line.
My biggest takeaway? Queen Elizabeth feels different from many of today’s cruise ships. She’s classic and elegant without feeling stuffy. Our sailing was at 100% guest capacity with approximately 2,000 guests onboard, yet the ship rarely felt crowded.
Here’s what stood out to me—the good, the not-so-good, and a few things I think are helpful to know before sailing.
First Impressions of Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth is beautiful, classic and elegant. Rather than filling every available space with another attraction or venue, the ship has plenty of comfortable areas to sit, read, talk, listen to music or simply watch the ocean or the people.
Even at full capacity, the ship rarely felt crowded. For me, that was one of Queen Elizabeth’s biggest pluses. Luxury isn’t always about marble, champagne and butlers. Sometimes it’s simply having room to breathe.
The ship was also remarkably easy to navigate, which matters to me because my internal sense of direction is not exactly one of my strengths. I only got lost trying to find our stateroom once all week!
One of My Favorite Spaces: The Library
The library staircase
It spans two levels, connected by a beautiful spiral staircase, and contains more than 6,000 books guests can check out during the cruise.
This is one of those signature Cunard touches that doesn’t necessarily make the list of flashy cruise-ship amenities, but I think it’s part of what makes the experience so special.
Another favorite was the card room. Throughout the week, we saw people working on puzzles, playing Mahjong and enjoying card games. On Gala Night, we were dressed for the evening and had some time before the show, so we joined other guests working on a puzzle. Elegant, but comfortable—a little moment sums up much of the Cunard experience.
What Is Cunard’s White Star Service?
You hear the term White Star Service frequently when researching Cunard, but what does that mean when you’re onboard?
Cunard trains its crew through its White Star Academy, with an emphasis on thoughtful, attentive service and anticipating guests’ needs.
For me, White Star Service wasn’t about someone hovering over us or making the experience overly formal. It was the little things. Our dining team remembered our preferences after just a couple of evenings. Crew members were available when we needed something without constantly inserting themselves into our experience. The service felt polished and professional, but genuinely friendly.
The service was present without being intrusive. We felt taken care of while still being left alone to enjoy our vacation.
Our Britannia Balcony Stateroom
We stayed in a Britannia Balcony stateroom on Deck 5.
Brittania Balcony Stateroom
For an Alaska cruise, I highly recommend having a balcony—but I’ll share much more about why in my separate Alaska cruise review.
My assessment of the room itself is that there was “enough” space for two adults for a week. It wasn’t huge, but we were comfortable.
Closet space was plentiful, and we stored our empty luggage in the closet and under the bed. Drawer space, however, was fairly limited.
One pleasant surprise was the hair dryer. Anyone who has used some of the older cruise-ship hair dryers knows what I'm talking about! The one Cunard provided worked really well, and I was happy I hadn’t packed my own.
The One Area That Needs an Update: The Bathroom
Brittania Stateroom Bath
The biggest downside of our stateroom was definitely the bathroom.
Unlike newer ships, the shower still has a shower curtain rather than a solid door. Counter space is very limited, and the sink is quite small. Would I have preferred an updated bathroom? Absolutely. Did it detract from our overall experience? No. We made it work, and it certainly wouldn’t prevent me from sailing Queen Elizabeth again.
Dining in the Britannia Restaurant
Brittania Dining Room Dinner Service
We had early seating in the Britannia Restaurant, and I really enjoyed traditional assigned dining.
Having the same waiter, assistant waiter and bar attendant each evening was a highlight. They quickly learned our preferences, and we enjoyed getting to know them throughout the week.
Overall, I thought the food was better than what I experienced on my most recent Princess cruise, with one notable exception: seafood. We didn’t have great luck with the seafood dishes onboard, so after a couple of tries, we learned to choose something else. If fresh seafood is important to you, I’d save that experience for a meal in port—or even better, a food-focused shore excursion.
The desserts surprised me in the opposite direction. Cruise desserts often look much better than they taste. Not this week! The desserts on Queen Elizabeth were consistently very good.
Cunard’s Alternative Dining: Here’s How It Actually Works
Cunard refers to its additional-fee dining options as “alternative dining.” If you’re familiar with specialty dining on other cruise lines, this is essentially Cunard’s term for the same concept: restaurants and dining experiences that are not included in your standard cruise fare and come with an additional charge.
I’ll admit, Cunard’s setup can be a little confusing when you’re researching it online. Not all of its alternative dining restaurants have their own dedicated venue, and not all are open every evening.
Veranda Steakhouse
Steakhouse at The Verandah is the ship’s only dedicated alternative dining restaurant with its own permanent location.
The other alternative dining experiences work more like “pop-up” restaurants, which is the easiest way to think about them. On select evenings, Cunard transforms part of the Lido—the ship’s buffet restaurant—into a sit-down alternative dining venue while the other portion continues operating as the buffet. Different concepts rotate throughout the voyage, including cuisines such as Italian, Indian and seafood. These experiences also carry an additional charge.
This is a perfect example of how working with a travel advisor who has personally experienced the ship can make a difference. Once I experienced the setup firsthand, it made perfect sense. Now I can explain it and help my clients know what to expect before they board.
Would I Pay for the specialty dining steakhouse Again?
Probably not. We tried The Veranda one evening. It comes with the largest per person upcharge of all of the Alternative Dining options. My husband ordered the filet and enjoyed it. I ordered the strip steak, which unfortunately was tough and didn’t have much flavor. I did really enjoy the bone marrow appetizer, though!
On my next Cunard cruise, I will skip the steakhouse. If I’m craving a really good filet, I’d rather pay for the steak upgrade offered in the main dining room.
One thing that surprised me was how easy it was to dine where we wanted. Even though our sailing was at 100% guest capacity, we never had trouble getting a dining reservation when we wanted one.
Don’t Overlook the Golden Lion Pub. We had dinner there one evening and thought the fish and chips and the Golden Lion Burger were excellent. There are a few options on the menu that have an additional charge, the burger being one. In our opinion, it was definitely it. The Golden Lion is going on my list for my next Cunard sailing. I definitely need to try the Michel Roux Signature Three Cheese Toastie!
What About the Buffet?
Lido Restaurant
We tried The Lido Restaurant (Cunard's buffet) for breakfast, lunch and dinner at least once during the week. This was the only place on Queen Elizabeth that consistently felt crowded, although it was still nowhere near as hectic as buffets I’ve experienced on some larger ships.
The selection was adequate, but the biggest weakness was variety. We didn’t see much change from one day to the next. If you prefer eating most of your cruise meals at the buffet, that’s something I’d keep in mind. For us, it wasn’t a major issue because we preferred dining elsewhere.
Let’s Talk About the Cunard Dress Code
One of the biggest myths about sailing Cunard is that the dress code is stuffy and formal all day, every day.
That couldn’t have been farther from our experience.
During the day, dress is appropriate to the destination. Sailing the Caribbean? Shorts and warm-weather clothes are perfectly normal. Sailing Alaska like we were? Comfortable layers, jeans and warmer casual clothing fit right in.
In other words, you do not need to walk around Queen Elizabeth dressed for Afternoon Tea all day.
What Do You Wear to Dinner on Cunard?
On regular evenings, I would compare dressing for dinner on Queen Elizabeth to going out to a nice restaurant at home.
We saw slacks, chinos, dresses and skirts, with shirts ranging from button-downs and collared shirts to nicer, plain smart-casual T-shirts.
You look put together. You don’t need to look like you’re attending a wedding.
Gala Evenings Are a Little Different
Gala Evening with the Ships Captain
Gala Evenings are where Cunard’s reputation for dressing up comes from—and yes, they are dressier. After 6 p.m., guests in many of the main public areas, including the dining rooms, Queens Room and theater, are encouraged to embrace the evening’s more formal atmosphere.
I use the word “formal-ish” because there is still room for personal interpretation. You’ll see guests in tuxedos and evening gowns, while plenty of others interpret formal in a more understated way.
In our increasingly casual world, I found myself looking forward to dressing up a couple of times during the week. It made the evening feel special.
There are some expectations in the dining rooms. Jackets and collared shirts for gentlemen are required. But Cunard really does try to make it easy. If a gentleman arrives without an appropriate jacket, Cunard keeps some available to loan right at the dining room entrance. Quite literally, Cunard has your back.
What If You Don’t Want to Dress Up?
This is probably the part I most want my clients considering Cunard to know: You don’t have to participate.
If you don’t want to pack dressier clothing or simply don’t feel comfortable in that environment, there are areas of the ship where casual clothing remains perfectly acceptable—even on Gala Evenings. You can still have dinner and enjoy your evening without putting on formalwear.
I know the dress code can make some travelers hesitant to try Cunard because they worry the experience will feel too restrictive. That simply wasn’t my experience. Cunard gives you the opportunity to embrace the elegance and tradition when you want to, while still providing options when you don’t.
Cunard is classy and sometimes wonderfully elegant, but never felt stuffy or judgmental.
Entertainment on Cunard Is Different—and I Loved That
If your favorite cruise-night activity is watching a movie on a giant screen by the pool, you won’t find that experience here. But there is plenty to do in the evenings, and I really enjoyed Cunard’s approach to entertainment.
Cunard is the Official Cruise Partner of the Tony Awards, which makes sense when you see the emphasis the cruise line places on theater and live performance. During our sailing, we saw Come From Away.
The Royal Court Theater
Seeing a Broadway production with that level of talent at sea was an enjoyable experience. The cast was so talented, and other than an occasional sway of the ship, you would think we were in a NYC Broadway theater.
What I enjoyed just as much was the overall style of entertainment. The entertainment team was talented, knowledgeable and friendly without being “in your face.” There wasn’t a constant push to create bigger, louder, more energetic activities.
No belly-flop contests. No awkward dating shows. No uncomfortable dance competitions. For me, that was refreshing.
Cunard also has professional ballroom dancers onboard, and watching them became one of my favorite things to do. It took me right back to my own theater and dancing days. They offer dance lessons during the day as well. We didn’t participate this time, but it's already on my list for our next Cunard cruise.
Who Will Love Queen Elizabeth?
After spending a week onboard, I don’t think Cunard is trying to be the cruise line for everyone—and that’s one of its strengths.
I think Queen Elizabeth is particularly well suited for travelers who appreciate:
A smaller, less crowded ship experience
Classic elegance rather than flashy attractions
Attentive service and getting to know the same dining team
Live music, theater, ballroom dancing and enrichment
Quiet spaces to read, relax or have a conversation
Traditional cruise experiences such as Gala Evenings
Entertainment without constant hype or pressure to participate
Having time to actually enjoy the ship
If your ideal cruise revolves around water slides, giant pool-deck parties and high-energy activities from morning until midnight, Cunard may not be your best match.
If you’d rather spend an evening with the ballroom dancers, enjoying a show, having a drink at the pub or—in our case—working on a puzzle in gala attire before heading to the theater, Queen Elizabeth might be exactly your kind of ship.
Would I Sail Cunard Queen Elizabeth Again?
Absolutely.
Was everything perfect? No. I’d love to see the bathrooms updated. I’ll skip The Verandah next time. And I’d save my seafood appetite for a great meal in port.
But those are relatively small criticisms compared with everything Queen Elizabeth did well.
What stayed with me most was the space, elegance and pace of the ship. We could find a quiet place when we wanted one, enjoy excellent entertainment when we wanted something to do, and simply settle into the rhythm of being at sea.
Most importantly for me as a travel advisor, I came home with a much clearer understanding of who I would—and wouldn’t—recommend Cunard to. That’s something I simply can’t learn from a brochure.
Thinking about sailing Cunard and wondering whether Queen Elizabeth is the right ship for you? I’d love to help you decide. I can help match you not only with the right itinerary, but with the cruise line, ship and stateroom that fit the way you like to travel.
Lia Vincent is the founder and owner of Vincent Vacations, All Inclusive Weddings, Magical Vacations, TravelAgentPro, Vincent Cruises and Vincent Events.
Vincent Vacations is an award-winning travel agency established in 2013 that is based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. All Inclusive Weddings is an affiliate of Vincent Vacations and was established in 2019.
Lia has been recognized for her own work as a travel advisor since 2002 but has transitioned her focus to managing the brick and mortar location as well as a team of over 250 independent advisors across the country. She is passionate about marketing and enjoys planning incentive travel and events for her team. She hosts an annual awards gala for the top in sales as well as recognition travel for agents with over 1 million in annual sales on her independent team. While being a sales powerhouse is of course a motivation, the culture of her agency is one of the things she is most proud of. The team loves to travel together, attend events and be in each other’s corner.
Lia was recognized as a Trendsetter with TravelAge West in 2021 for her agency growth during the pandemic offering training classes to dive into the travel industry. She took it as a positive and let’s get ready for when travel is back. Lia is a regular guest travel speaker on Oklahoma NBC news, member of American Airlines Vacations Advisory Council, Delta Vacations Emerging Leaders, Hilton Advisory, Marival Advisory and La Coleccion’s Think Tank.
Lia Vincent
Cunard Queen Elizabeth Review: What I LovedWhat Surprised Me & What I’d Do Differently
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Lia Vincent is the founder and owner of Vincent Vacations, All Inclusive Weddings, Magical Vacations, TravelAgentPro, Vincent Cruises and Vincent Events. Vincent Vacations is an award-winning travel agency established in 2013 that is based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. All Inclusive Weddings is an affiliate of Vincent Vacations and was established in 2019. Lia has been recognized for her own work as a travel advisor since 2002 but has transitioned her focus to managing the brick and mortar location as well as a team of over 250 independent advisors across the country. She is passionate about... Read More >>>
An expert destination wedding travel agent near me with five star luxury travel packages with a luxury travel company, Vincent Vacations.
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After years of helping clients plan unforgettable cruises, I finally experienced Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, and stayed in The Haven—specifically, cabin 14822. As a travel agent and a frequent cruiser, I had high expectations. I’m thrilled to say The Haven exceeded every one of them. Here’s my honest, positive review for anyone considering this exclusive “ship within a ship” experience.
First Impressions: Effortless Luxury from the Start
From the moment I arrived at the port, The Haven experience was apparent. Priority embarkation whisked me past the crowds, and I was personally escorted onboard. The dedicated concierge and butler team greeted me with genuine warmth, setting the tone for a week of personalized service and relaxation.
The Suite: Spacious, Modern, and Thoughtfully Designed
Cabin 14822 is a true sanctuary. The modern design balances comfort with style—plush bedding, a pillow menu, L’Occitane bath products, and a tranquil color palette. The suite’s layout maximized space, with a king-sized bed, a spacious living area, and a bathroom that rivaled luxury hotels. Storage was ample, with plenty of room for luggage under the bed and in the closets.
The balcony was a highlight—furnished with comfortable wicker chairs and a table, perfect for morning coffee or sunset cocktails. Every evening, my butler delivered treats and replenished the fruit bowl, and I loved the Nespresso machine for a quick pick-me-up.
Exclusive Haven Spaces: Your Private Oasis
The Haven’s private areas are truly what set it apart:
The Haven Lounge: A serene spot to relax, read, or enjoy a cocktail. The atmosphere was peaceful, and the staff quickly learned my preferences, making every visit feel personal.
The Haven Restaurant: Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant offered a consistently excellent menu. The French press coffee at breakfast and the surf-and-turf at dinner were standouts. While the menu doesn’t change daily, the quality and service made every meal a pleasure.
The Sundeck & Infinity Pool: Two levels of exclusive outdoor space, with plush loungers, day beds, a stunning infinity pool overlooking the aft, and hot tubs. It was never crowded, always tranquil, and the servers were attentive without being intrusive.
Private Bar: Expertly crafted cocktails and a friendly, social atmosphere—perfect for meeting fellow Haven guests or unwinding after a day ashore.
Service: Above and Beyond
The Haven’s staff are the true stars. The butler and concierge made every request effortless, from securing prime dining reservations to arranging in-suite specialty dining. Snacks and drinks appeared just when I wanted them, and the team handled every detail—from laundry to shore excursion advice—with professionalism and a smile.
Perks & Amenities: Small Touches, Big Impact
Priority embarkation, disembarkation, and tendering
Complimentary in-suite movies and room service
Welcome bottle of bubbly and daily treats
Plush bathrobes and slippers
Mobile phone for onboard use
Priority seating at entertainment venues
Who Should Book The Haven?
The Haven is ideal for anyone seeking a more private, pampered cruise experience—families, couples, or solo travelers who want the amenities of a large ship with the intimacy and service of a boutique hotel. Whether you want to relax in exclusive spaces, enjoy gourmet dining, or have every detail handled by attentive staff, The Haven delivers.
Final Thoughts: Worth Every Penny
Staying in The Haven on Norwegian Aqua was a game-changer. The combination of luxury, privacy, and personalized service made my cruise unforgettable. If you’re considering The Haven, I can confidently say it’s worth the investment for a truly elevated vacation at sea.
If you have questions or want to book your own Haven experience, reach out—I’d love to help you plan a cruise you’ll never forget!
Ready to experience The Haven for yourself? Contact me today for exclusive offers and expert advice!
Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of the Riviera Maya, Dreams Natura Resort offers couples a magical setting for their once-in-a-lifetime celebration. This extraordinary resort transforms wedding dreams into unforgettable memories, blending natural beauty with luxurious amenities.
Unparalleled Wedding Packages
Dreams Natura Resort provides comprehensive wedding packages designed to make your special day absolutely perfect. From intimate beach ceremonies to grand ballroom receptions, every detail is meticulously crafted to reflect your unique love story.
Wedding Package Highlights:
Complimentary Wedding Coordinator: A dedicated professional ensures every aspect of your wedding runs smoothly.
Stunning Venues: Choose from pristine beaches, lush tropical gardens, or elegant indoor spaces.
Gourmet Catering: World-class chefs create custom menus tailored to your preferences.
Professional Photography: Capture every magical moment with expert photographers.
All-Inclusive Luxury
Your wedding at Dreams Natura Resort isn't just an event—it's a comprehensive luxury experience. Enjoy all-inclusive amenities that cover everything from accommodations to entertainment, allowing you and your guests to relax and celebrate without worry.
Romantic Accommodations
After your ceremony, retreat to elegantly appointed suites with stunning views of the surrounding tropical landscape. Each room is designed to provide comfort, privacy, and a touch of romance.
Activities for Wedding Guests
Dreams Natura Resort offers an array of activities to keep your wedding guests entertained. From spa treatments and water sports to live entertainment and cultural experiences, there's something for everyone.
Start Your Forever at Dreams Natura
Your wedding day is more than an event—it's the beginning of your greatest adventure. Let Dreams Natura Resort be the canvas for your love story.
Dreams Resorts Brings MasterChef Junior to Kids: A Culinary Adventure Awaits!
Dreams Resorts has launched an exciting new program inspired by the hit TV show, MasterChef Junior. This culinary initiative, tailored for children aged 8 to 13, promises an unforgettable vacation experience filled with creativity, learning, and delicious fun. Here's what families can look forward to:
The Culinary Highlights
Mystery Box Challenges: Kids get to test their cooking skills by creating themed dishes using a surprise selection of ingredients—just like on the show. These challenges foster creativity, quick thinking, and teamwork in a supportive environment.
For-Kids-by-Kids Menu: Designed by MasterChef Junior stars Bryson McGlynn and Ivy Childs, this menu showcases kid-approved recipes that are both fun and delicious.
Interactive Workshops: Experienced chefs guide young participants through hands-on cooking sessions, teaching techniques, safety, and the joy of experimenting in the kitchen.
Family Fun and Bonding
While children engage in culinary adventures, parents can enjoy the luxury amenities Dreams Resorts are known for, including world-class spas and gourmet dining. Families can also bond over shared meals, with kids proudly presenting their culinary creations.
Safety and Supervision
The Explorer’s Club, where the program takes place, ensures a safe and enriching environment. Certified staff oversee activities, giving parents peace of mind as their children explore their culinary talents.
Why It Matters
Dreams Resorts’ collaboration with MasterChef Junior emphasizes the importance of creativity and learning through fun. Children gain confidence, problem-solving skills, and a deeper appreciation for food while making lifelong memories.
Limited-Time Opportunity
This unique culinary experience is available for a limited time at select Dreams Resorts in Latin America and the Caribbean. Don’t miss out on the chance to let your child live out their MasterChef dreams in a tropical paradise!
Ready to plan your family’s next adventure? Visit Dreams Resorts to learn more and check availability today!
You hear the term White Star Service frequently when researching Cunard, but what does that mean when you’re onboard?
What stayed with me most was the space, elegance and pace of the ship. We could find a quiet place when we wanted one, enjoy excellent entertainment when we wanted something to do, and simply settle into the rhythm of being at sea.
