Queen Victoria Review

Queen Victoria: a classical masterpiece of modern cruising.

Review for the Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Queen Victoria
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RobertGraves
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

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Value for Money
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Sail Date: Jun 2015
Cabin: Oceanview, obstructed view

One more cruise on the Queen Victoria, and we were delighted to find the ship as usual, in excellent condition. This classical masterpiece of modern cruising, if we may call her so, looks every time the same as some years ago, when we embarked on her for the first time.

As to the particular cruise, it was special, as it combined two anniversaries simultaneously: the 100 years of the Gallipoli campaign in WWI, and the 175 years of Cunard line.

Embarkation in the port of Piraeus (Athens, Greece) was smooth. We were soon on board ('always nice to be back'), straight to our cabin, where our suitcase already waited for us. The same did a bottle of complimentary sparkling wine (which I think applies even to those traveling to Cunard for the first time). The cabin was spacious and tastefully decorated, with a nice sofa/sitting area. Storage space was ample, and there was one additional large drawer under every bed.

Cabin Review

Oceanview, obstructed view

Cabin FC

It was the first time that we traveled on an obstructed view cabin and found it was a nice value for money. The obstruction of cabin 4119 is significant, but you can see a little at the back of the boat in front of the cabin. The cabin itself is spacious and, bearing in mind the obstruction, bright. A comfortable two-seat sofa with a little table make a cozy sitting room. Storage is ample, with two additional large drawers under the beds. Interestingly, there remains space under the beds to store one's suitcases (bed frame height is 15.5" off floor, approx 38.5 cm). Bathroom is, like in all inside, outside and balcony cabins, rather small but adequate, with fixed water stall in the shower, and limited storage space above the sink. Cabin is tastefully decorated.

Port Reviews

Istanbul

Fascinating. Shopping in so many places, especially in the Grand Bazaar or the Spices Bazaar, or visiting the monuments of two great Empires (the Byzantine and the Ottoman) can keep one continuously occupied and delighted. Just be prepared for extended, Oriental bargaining. We had, for example, a taxi ride from port to the Sultanahmet historic centre for 5 euros, when the driver was initially asking 15.

Volos

Meteora is a must. These are huge, high rocks, crowned at their top by monasteries built since the Middle Ages.

Differently, go to mount Pelion, place of the mythical centaurs, swim in Makrynitsa and certainly eat in a Greek taverna.

Mykonos

For something special, we would suggest going to 'Little Venice' and having a drink in 'Katrina's', sitting in a balcony just above the sea and over-viewing the mills, with ancient Delos island afar. We had a wonderful time. Unique place and friendly people.

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