Luxury Cruise Review: Cunard's Queen Elizabeth

(42 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Ted Blank

Woodbury, MN
Tailor-Made Journeys

You understand that extraordinary vacations aren’t simply a function of dollars and cents, and you know that they certainly aren’t just pulled off the shelf. 

Journeys of a lifetime are carefully designed with imagination, creativity, atten...

Cunard's Queen Elizabeth

I recently returned from a two week European cruise on Cunard's luxury liner Queen Elizabeth.  In this blog post, I'll cover a few of the highlights that made this cruise one of my top travel experiences.


First, the Queen Elizabeth far exceeded my expectations when it came to food.  The world gourmet is often overused in describing cruise ship cuisine, but Cunard truly delivered. The food - ranging from five star dining in the Britannia Dining Room to the traditional English pub lunch of Fish and Chips served in the Golden Lion Pub - was uniformly excellent, well prepared, well presented, and worthy of the magnificent onboard setting.  Not only was there variety, but there was quality, somewhat of a rarity onboard larger cruise ships.


Some menu highlights:  Soused Mackerel with Fennel Bavarois and Sauce Vierge.  Steak Diane with Pont Neuf Potato, Grilled Pesto Crusted Tomato and Vegetable Bundle.  Roast Loin of Pork with Chive Mash, Ratatouille, Courgettes and a Cider and Apple Chutney - served with Lavender Jus.  Pan Seared Peppered Tuna with Carrot Stir-fry and Rice. 


Secondly, the Queen Elizabeth herself is stunning.  Her interiors are a tribute to the Art Deco decor of the original Queen Elizabeth ocean liner of the 1940's, done with taste, care, and attention to detail.  From the hand laid marquetry mural in the main lobby - designed by David Linley, Queen Elizabeth II's nephew - to the quiet elegance of the Commodore Club, to the comfortable and well-designed staterooms, everything on the ship worked together to enhance the onboard experience.


Finally, Cunard's entertainment and onboard enrichment program were highlights.  Ballroom dancing, with a live big band?  Check.  Informative lectures by experts, including former diplomats and Queen Elizabeth II's former press secretary?  Check.  Engaging wine tastings and cooking demonstrations?  Check.  The onboard options were varied, interesting, and added to the voyage enjoyment.  There's even an 8,000 book onboard library catering to every literary taste, for those who enjoy relaxing with a good read.


Cunard cruises aren't for everyone.  But, for those who enjoy luxury delivered on a grand scale, enrichment, and a true gourmet experience, I highly recommend it!


As a graduate of the Cunard Academy with the rank of Commodore, I am one of a small handful of travel agents across the country who specialize in this unique cruise product.  Contact me to learn more and help decide if this experience is right for you!


 

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