My friend and I booked this cruise as she wanted to go the Christmas market in Bruges, Cunards dates Friday to Monday worked best for us and I live in Dorset so Southampton is an ideal port for me and a free day at sea to make use of the onboard facilities. We got a great price online and parking cost was reasonable. Car drop off with CPS and check-in were so easy and fast I was anxious as this was my first cruise and I'm used to airport parking, airport check in, 2/3 hours at the airport then boarding a transatlantic flight for 10 hours of movies. My anxiety was gone as soon as we stepped aboard, barely any time from arrival at the dock.

We had a twin obstructed sea view on deck 4 which was perfect for us, slight view but we weren't planning on sitting by the window much and we were amazed how large the cabin was and how gorgeous with sofa, fridge, comfy bedding and our welcome wine. Reggie serviced our cabin multiple times a day, always had ice, our bedtime chocolates and all the information we needed for the next day.

The Queen Victoria was stunning, so beautifully decorated, we went prepared for seasickness and didnt need our Kwells or Seabands. We were in the Britannia restaurant and the food was to die for. Never went hungry or ate too much, portion sizes were just right to enjoy the delicious food, with great service and menu choices at breakfast lunch and dinner and a fantastic sommelier who remembered we were diet coke drinkers. We used the Lido restaurant for buffet breakfast twice - once after a late night and the second time on disembarkation day. There was plenty on offer and our choice of cereals fruit and pastries with juice and coffee was just what we needed on those days. Read more