Great experience. Our fellow cruisers all said that Cunard were the best but most expensive. Would certainly try again and much recommended was the Baltic 14 night cruise. We were the novices and chatting with people who had mostly done 15 + cruises was most interesting and we have learnt a lot. We found the whole experience most relaxing being able to pick and choose which events to attend and where and when to eat. Unfortunately - I have just noticed that you say that our cruise was to San Francisco. We in fact went to Sydney and therefore have not been able to comment on the other destinations. Also there aren't any boxes to comment on Ocho Rios, Aruba, Puerto Quetzal or Cabo San Lucas !
Embarkation
5 out of 5
No problems. Very organised in Southampton. Suitcases were outside our cabin when we boarded. We turned up at the appointed time and it took about an hour to get through the check in process.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We thought that the food in Britannia was very good as was the service. We decided to eat in the Britannia on alternate evenings, using the Lido buffet in between, in an effort to avoid weight gain ! We had one enjoyable evening in the Verandah restaurant. The menu on Formal nights was always a step up from the norm with lobster, chateaubriand etc
Britannia Restaurant
5 out of 5
Excellent. We were lucky to have two young waiters who had a sense of humour - not all were the same and quite morose at breakfast. Wines were expensive but we were warned that they were London restaurant prices + the inevitable 15% gratuities !
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Used the Lido pool. Never more than 4 or 5 people in and quite often no-one. Clearly the deck is used for serious sunbathers who don't like getting wet.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We enjoyed the 2.00 pm concert/recitals in the Queens room. In particular the Japanese concert pianist Junko Ichikawa. Also very good were the jazz band, string quartet, Campbell Simpson and the Poznansky Tanner duo. Campbell Simpson's efforts with the guest's choir produced and enjoyable 30 minutes in the Grand Lobby.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
We thought that the staff were excellent and only let down by the Purser's office. There were few competent English speakers and generally their response was unhelpful or non existent.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
We thought that the ship was wonderful, clean and well maintained. I gather that QE is due for a refit later this year, so inevitably there are signs of wear after 8 years service - for instance where suitcases/trolleys etc have banged corners in corridors. Overall though we were unaware of any major issues.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We were quite prepared to face difficulties with wardrobe/drawer/suitcase space. But were pleasantly surprised to find that we had no problems. There was room under the bed for 2 large suitcases + 2 large drawers in addition to the bedside and desk drawers. There was a clothes line in the shower for drying items. One thing we noticed was the very strong door closer on the balcony door. We took care when using the balcony to always close the door gently. Unfortunately our fellow guests in the adjoining cabins didn't follow the same procedure, which unfortunately resulted in constant door slamming
Ship tip
Get a midships cabin to minimise the effects of pitch and roll. Don't believe anyone who tells you that you won't feel a thing ! Try a Force 12 hurricane off the Mexican coast in a forward or aft cabin and you will see what I mean. Take extra wire coathangers. Take USA/UK plug adapters.
OK went every where in a minibus in -3degrees + snow. Drove past all the famous sights but didn't really see much. Just ticked the boxes as we went by.
Guide was poor. Only got about half of the time advertised on the airboat - but did see alligators, iguanas black vultures etc. Cunard refunded 50% of the fee to all on this excursion.
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