Surprisingly average

Queen Elizabeth Cruise Review

CaptJames

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 4

Helpful Votes: 54

Overall rating:

3.8 out of 5

4 Night Amsterdam (Southampton Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 30, 2022

Ship: Queen Elizabeth

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

Cunard is always special, but as first time grill passengers I would not recommend them as an upgrade from regular cabins. It may be that the queen's grill suites are more impressive with the service likewise, but for the increase in cost, the benefits are not sufficient to encourage us back to the grill. The cruise itself was a short 4 day trip to Amsterdam and apart from the slow service at the bars (I am sure cunard are still trying to recoup the lost money from covid by reducing staff which is understandable) the ship itself was impressive as always.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Quickly and efficient, friendly staff and swift luggage delivrry

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Princess Grill. The food was a very high standard, but there was little variety, and the menu items repeated. I am guessing that this is because it was only a 4 day cruise and they were more interested in the bars. Lido buffet. Great selection of food, the sushi bar is always one of my favourite places!

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Not so much onboard as it was just a short cruise and an overnight in port, but the afternoon tea was well prese ted, if extremely busy. Casino was the effective hub of the ship at sea!

Entertainment

3 out of 5

The same show that we have seen twice before over the past 2 years. Guest entertainers were good though, and the musicians and bands were all very energetic and friendly. As always with cunard the classical musicians were first rate.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

A real mixed bag. Restaurant staff were great, usually we only have a balcony cabin but decided to upgrade to the princess grill and see what the difference was like. The restaurant staff were very professional and well presented. Room steward was efficient, unobtrusive and swift. Concierge was unavailable when we tried to book a tour sos decided to just do it ourselves. Room service was terribly slow and the lady taking the order was rude and abrupt. Entertainment staff were on the whole frie dly and approachable, one however was very rude.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Perfectly clean, well maintained and nice to be on.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

For the cost of the cruise I'm surprised that the princess grill cabins aren't something a little more special. It had a bath which standard balconies do not and a larger sofar with an extra TV, but other than this and a staticly charged fluffy bath robe I would not say the princess grill is worth the extra money. Very well presented and clean however and very comfortable.