We have just returned from a 2 week cruise on Cunard’s Queen Victoria – our first experience of cruising. We joined the ship at Southampton on 20 January for the first leg of her 2015 world cruise. The cruise included a visit to the Azores, British Virgin Islands, Antigua, Bahamas and Fort Lauderdale – flying back from Miami.
We knew the ship was beautiful, following a taster day on her in August 2014, and the trip did not disappoint. The daily programme of events was more than adequate to keep us amused – in fact we were disappointed to have missed some of the pastimes because we just couldn’t fit them into our busy days. The gym was excellent and although I used the sauna almost every day I only ever saw one other lady in the changing rooms.
As we were first time cruisers, we booked our excursions through Cunard. Most were good (apart from a very disappointing sightseeing/beach trip in the Bahamas). Swimming with Sting Rays in Antigua was an experience not to be missed. We soon realised that most passengers make their own arrangements when on shore and people were always willing to share a taxi around the island to do some sightseeing. Getting off and on the ship whilst in port was painless and queue free – a very efficient operation.
Our room was 1060 on Deck 1. We had an ocean view, the bedding was wonderfully comfortable and the shower was always hot and powerful. Throughout the cruise we were looked after by our Steward, Jun, who seemed to magically move in and out of our room, changing towels, tidying up and turning back the bed whenever we were out and about on the ship.