Just returned from a 7 night cruise from Athens calling at Istanbul, Volos and Mykonos. Usually sail with Seabourn, friends suggested Queens Grill as a comparison. Big mistake. Cabin nice (Queens suite at back of vessel) but suffered from vibration, very surprising. Our butler multi tasked, yellow gloves for the toilet cleaning one minute, white gloves to deliver the caviar next minute - overworked.
Restaurant disappointing, Queens Grill. On youtube the MD boasts 'you can have whatever you desire', well Turbot, Brill, and a prawn cocktail with American Relish is a NO for a start!... gave up asking in the end. Lunch was particularly disappointing, with cottage pie and veg & coronation chicken baguettes offered one day- this is not fine dining. Dinner was slightly better, and the service was good, but a certain 'aloofness' was apparent. Once again though, you can't really go off menu unless you give them plenty of notice, and then you are made to feel it is a major problem - the Maitre d virtually gave us a dressing down one day when we asked for a tuna nicoise for lunch, explaining the fish had to be taken from the freezer, then defrosted, then brought in the lift, then put in the kitchen, then the chef would have to prepare..it was pathetic and embarrasing. He was going on holiday the next day so probably worn out, but still. The nicoise arrived though - tinned tuna - fine dining?
The Queens terrace is a waste of time (private sunbathing area), very poor bar service the guy walked past once or twice a day, and then offered a plate of rolls very close to lunchtime when you don't want them. Water and orange juice available just inside the door (not fresh juice, but watered down concentrate). Princess Grill use the deck too, so all beds taken under the shade on sea days. If you want a swim you have to galavant down 3 large flights of stairs and walk around the top deck to get to the pool, and only a shower on Queens terrace. Tried the Verandah restaurant one night, excellent food and service, this is how Queens Grill should be, begrudged having to pay a high supplement though when we had already paid for the best supposedly.
Back of ship, lovely cabin with whirlpool tub, but vibration. Had to get up in the night numerous times as all the glasses on the bar were clinking together!