Queen Victoria Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We have done this trip before and wanted to go back at a different time of year.
We always sail with Cunard having experienced the cattle market of other lines sailing from Southampton.
As always the service was impeccable and crew are always happy to have a chat, they smile and are sincere.
Cabin Review
Oceanview, obstructed view
Chosen as bigger than an inside and there is some natural light despite the orange glow from the tender outside. Much cheaper than a balcony, which can can be noisy in high winds. A balcony is a must for some trips but not necessary for this one.
The cabin steward was excellent. Attentive but discreet. Thank you August for being patient with us late risers!
There was a loud banging noise in this cabin when it was windy one night. The night manager came and said it was ‘contracting noise’ and we were offered a cabin move. The wind dropped, the noise stopped and we stayed put.
For the first time on any cruise (over 25), we could hear our next door neighbours who deemed it necessary to speak at the same time and very loudly. Fellow cruisers, please respect your neighbours.
Port Reviews
Southampton
Embarkation easy and efficient.
Stavanger
We have been here before. A lovely town to walk around. Very easy as you dock by the town. A good selection of shops and eateries.
Urban in comparison to other Norwegian ports.
Prices are high
Flam
On our last trip here we took the Flåm railway excursion, Norway in a nutshell. We highly recommend it.
This time, we walked around the area on our own, and enjoyed lunch at a restaurant at the waterside a little way from the main hustle and bustle.
Again, you dock conveniently and are close to the railway station.
Sail away takes you back through the fjord with spectacular views. Don’t worry if you don’t get up to see the views when you sail in as you see them all again on the way out!
Olden
Another repeat port for us.
We took the excursion to Briksdal glacier which is an arm of a much bigger glacier.
There are several versions on offer. We opted for the ‘troll car’ ascent rather than walking as it is, after all a holiday. We soon realised that we had made the right decision. After a scenic and informative coach trip of about 30 minutes, you reach a sort of base camp where there is a gift shop and the Briksdal Inn. If walking, you start the ascent here, if you have opted for the easier option, you board your troll car here. It takes the tractor about 15-20 minutes to make the steep ascent winding through perfect scenery with waterfalls and rock faces. At points, there are markers showing where the glacier used to extend to before receding. You do have an uphill walk when you get off the troll car of about 500m. The lake and glacier are stunning and well worth seeing. The lake was only revealed in 1920 when the glacier receded. Please do take this excursion before the glacier disappears
Bergen
We actually went to to Haugesund which is between Stavanger and Bergen, but cruisecritic don’t have it on their list.
This was a brilliant experience. It was Norwegian national day. The entire population was out in the streets and squares in their national dress. They were friendly and very keen to explain all about their national day, their customs and traditions.
The school children all meet in the town square and free parading they go to school to play Norwegian games and eat ‘sausages and bacon’ a lady told me.
There are numerous bars, restaurants and cafes along the waterside, but be aware, some only take card payment and are cash free.
We really enjoyed walking around this town with the buzzing atmosphere of the festival - not sure what it would be like on a normal day.
Although you dock quite close to town and there is a shuttle bus, it stops at the start of a bridge that you have to walk over to get into town. It is quite steep.