This was our first time on Cunard. We had been wanting to try them for a while and the dates, itinerary and cost for a balcony cabin seemed just right. We were a little apprehensive about it, given some recent negative reviews. However, we were pleasantly surprised. Visually, the main public areas look elegant and stylish and we rather enjoyed the formality.

We were in a balcony cabin on deck 5. The lifeboats are situated on the deck below and so, when seated on the balcony, we could see the roof of the lifeboat below. On other lines, this cabin would have been described as partially obstructed, but that was not the case with Cunard. That said, it didn't really bother us but I do think that Cunard should more accurately describe the cabin. In addition, the cabin seemed smaller than ones we've experienced on other cruise ships and the bathroom was especially tight. Wardrobe space was plentiful though, with much more hanging space than we've been used to.

Food, on the whole, was good although lunch options in the buffet were disappointingly limited. Nonetheless, there was always something to eat and it's impossible to go hungry. Afternoon tea was especially impressive and beautifully served. Read more